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COMPLETE 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS 



FROM 



1673 TO 1873; 



EMBRAOma 



THE PHYSICAL FEATURES OF THE COUNTEY; ITS 

EARLY EXPLOEATIONS; ABORIGINAL INHABITANTS; 

FRENCH AND BRITISH OCCUPATION ; CONQUEST 

BY VIRGINIA; TERRITORIAL CONDITION AND 

THE SUBSEQUENT CIVIL, MILITARY AND 

POLITICAL EVENTS OF THE STATE. 




BY 
ALEXANDER DAVIDSON AND BERNARD STUVE. 



SPRINGFIELD : i 
ILLINOIS JOURNAL COMPANY, 
1874 

7, V 



Entered according to act of Congress, in the year 1873, by 

ALEXANDER DAVIDSON AND BERNARD STUVE, 

In tlie ofQce of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. 



Step.eotyped uy the 
Illinois State Journal Company. 



TABLE OF OOI^TEE"TS. 



CHAPTER. PAGE. 

I. GEOLOGY OF ILLINOIS 1 

II. TOPOGRAPHY, RIVERS, SOIL AND CLIMATOLOGY. 

Origin of the Prairies; Table of Temperature and Rainfall 14 

III. ILLINOIS ANTIQUITIES; THE MOUND BUILDERS 23 

IV. THE INDIANS OF ILLINOIS. 

Algonquins and Iroquois; Illinois Confederacy; Sacs and Foxes; Kickapoos; 
Mascoutins; Plankishaws: Pottowatamies; Art of Hunting; General Coun- 
cils; Constitution of the Indian Family; Methods of Sepulture; Belief 
in a Future State; Why the Red Race should give way to the White — 30 

V . OPERATIONS OF THE MISSIONARIES-EXTENT OF THEIR OPERATIONS 

UP TO 1673— The French on the St. Lawrence; LaSalle Discovers the Ohio 53 

VI. EXPLORATIONS BY JOLIET AND MARQUETTE— 1673-1675 59 

Vn. EXPLORATIONS BY LA SALLE. 

The Griffin; Fort Creve Coeur 67 

VIII. TONTFS ENCOUNTER WITH THE IROQUOIS... 79 

IX. FURTHER EXPLORATIONS BY LA SALLE. 

His Indian Colony on the Illinois; Discovers the Mouth of the Mississippi and 
takes possession of all the Country in the name of the King of France; 
Builds Fort St. Loui.s on Starved Rock; His Colony in Texas 91 

X. 1700-17I9-TLLINO1S A DEPENCY OF CANADA AND PART OF LOUISIANA. 

The Government a Theocracj-; Operations of Crozat 108 

XI. 1717-1633-ILLINOIS AND LOUISIANA UNDER THE COMPANY OF THE WEST. 

John Law— His Banking Operations; The Mississippi Scheme; Founding of 
New Orleans; Mining for the Precious Metals in Illinois; The Spaniards via 
Santa Fe seek the Conquest of Illinois; They are met and overwhelmed by 
the Missouris; Fort Chartres built; Extermination of the Natchez; Opera- 
tions of the Company of the West in Illinois 115 

XII. 1732-17.59-TLLINOIS AND LOUISIANA UNDER THE ROYAL GOVERNORS. 
War with the Chickasaws; Death of Gov. D'Artaguettc; Commerce of Illi- 
nois; Manners and customs of the French; Common Field; Common; Inter- 
course with the Indians; Avocation and Costume of the People; Mode of 
Administering the Law ; Operations of the Ohio Company ; Fort DuQucsne; 
M. DeVilliers of Fort Chartres defeats the Virginians at the Great Meadows; 
War between the French and English Colonists 12t 



rV TAELE OF CONTENTS. 



XIII. 1759-1763-THE CONSPIRACY OF PONTIAC; ATTACK UPON DETROIT. 

Destruction of the British Posts and Settlements 137 

XIV. SIEGE OF DETROIT; PONTIAC RALLIES THE WESTERN TRIBES. 

His Submission and Death 150 

XV. ILLINOIS AS A BRITISH PROVINCE. 

Partial exodus of the French ; Their dislike of English Law, and the restoration 
of their own by the Quebec Bill: Land Grants by British Commandants; 
Curious Indian Deeds; Condition of the Settlements in 1765, by Capt. Pitman; 
Brady's and Meillets's Expeditions to the St. Joseph in 1777-1778 162 

XVI. CONQUEST OF ILLINOIS BY GEORGE ROGERS CLARK 173 

XVII. CLARK OBTAINS POSSESSION OF VINCENNES. 

Treaties with the Indians; Vincennes falls into the hands of the English and 
is recaptured by Clark 184 

XVIII. 1778-1787-ILLINOIS UNDER VIRGINIA. 

The French take the Oath of Allegiance; Illniois County; American Immi- 
grants: LaBalme's Expedition; The Cession of the Country and Delays 
Incident thereto; No Regular Courts of Law; Curious Laud Speculation. 203 

XIX. ILLINOIS UNDER THE GOVERNMENT OF THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 
Ordinance of 1787; Organization of St. Clair County; Bar of Illinois in 1790; Im- 
poverished condition of the French; Indian Hostilities, 1783 to 1795; Randolph 
County; American Immigration; Sickness; Territorial Assembly at Cincin- 
nati ; Notable Women of Olden Time ; Witchcraft in Illinois 210 

XX. 1800-1809-ILLINOIS AS PART OF THE INDIANA TERRITORY. 

Its Organization; Extinguishment of Indian Titles to Lands; Gov- Harrison's 
Facility in this; Land Speculations and Frauds on Improvement Rights and 
Headrights; Meeting of the Legislature at Vincennes in 1805; Statutes of 
1807 232 

XXI. 1809-ILLINOIS TERRITORY. 

Opposition to division; Jesse B. Thomas; Gov. Edwards; Nathaniel Pope; Ter- 
ritorial Federal Judges; The Governor avoids the meshes of the Separa- 
tioqists and Anti-Seperationists; Condition and Population of the Territory. 241 

XXII. INDIAN TROUBLES IN ILLINOIS PRECEDING THE WAR OF 1813. 
The Country put in a State of Defence by the organization of Ranging Com- 
panies and the building of Block Houses and Stockade Forts; Gov. Edwards 
sends an envoy to Gomo's Village; Battle of Tippecanoe; Indian Council at 
Cohokia 247 

XXIIL THE MASSACRE AT CHICAGO; EARLY HISTORY OF THE PLACE 260 

XXIV. ILLINOIS IN THE WAR OF 1812. 

Gov. Edwards's Military Campaign to Peoria Lake; Gen. Hopkins with 2,000 
Mounted Kentucky Riflemen marches over the prairies of Illinois; His force 
Mutinies and marches back; Capt. Craig burns Peoria and takes all its inhabi- 
tants >fisoners; Second Expedition to Peoria Lake; Indian Murders; Illinois 
and Missouri send two expeditions up the Missouri in 1814: Their Battles and 
Disasters , 268 

XXV. CIVIL AFFAIRS OF THE ILLINOIS TERRITORY FROM 1812 TO 1818. 
Meeting of the Legi.slaturo; The Members; Laws: Conflicts between thcLegis- 

lature and Judiciary; Curious Acts; Territorial Banks; Commerce; First 
Steamboats; Pursuits of the People 283 



TABLE OF CONTENTS. V. 

XXVI. ORGANIZATION Of THE STATE GOVERNMENT. 

Administration of Gov- Bond; Our Northern Boundary*. First Constitutional 
Conventionandsomethingoftlie instrument framed; Gov. Bond; Lieut. -Gov. 
Menard; Meeting of tlie Legislature and election of State Officers; First 
Supreme Court ; Hard Times and First State Bank; Organization of Courts. 295 

XXVII ADMINISTRATION OF GOV COLES. 

A resume of Slavery in Illinois from its earliest date; Indentured Slaves 
Black Laws; Life and Cliaracter of Gov. Coles; The effort to make Illinois a 
Slave State in 1834 309 



XXVIII. MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS. 

Legislative— Reorganization of the Judiciary ; Chief Justice Wilson; Hubbard 
as Governor ad interim; Population of 1820; Visit of Layfayette 328 



XXJX. ADMINISTRATION OF GOV, EDWARDS. 

Campaign of 1826; The Gubernatorial Candidates; Contest between Daniel P. 
Cook and Joseph Duncan for Congress; Character of Edwards' speeches; His 
charges against the State Bank Officers and result of the inquiry into their 
conduct; Repeal of the Circuit Court System; Gov. Edwards claims for the 
State title to all public lands within her limits 335 

XXX. 1830— A RETROSPECT. 

Advance of the settlements; Note; Galena, its early history; Origin of the 
term "Sucker;" Douglas' humorous account of it; Trials and troubles of 
Pioneers in new counties; European Colonist; Financial condition of the 
State ; Trade and Commerce ; Early Mail Routes; Newspapers and Literati; 
Politics of the People; Militia System 346 

XXXI. ADMINISTRATION OF GOV. REYNOLDS. 

The Gubernatorial Candidates; Their Lives and Characters; The Campaign; 
The Wiggins' Loan; Impeachment of Supreme Judge Smith; W. L. D. Ewing 
Governor for 15 days 363 

XXXn. BLACK HAWK WAR. 

Winnebago Hostilities; Indians unable to resist the encroachments of the 
Minors; Coalition with the Sioux; Attack on a steamboat; Compelled to sue 
for Peace. 

2. Sacs and Foxes; Blackhawk; Keokuk; Sac Villages; Invasion of the State; 
Militia and Regulars brought into requisition ; March to the scene of danger; 
Black Hawk compelled to enter into a treaty of peace . . 370 

XXXIIT. 1832— SECOND CAMPAIGN OF THE WAR. 

Blackhawk induced by White Cloud to recross the Mississippi; Refuses to obey 
the order of Gen. Atkinson to return ; State forces reorganized ; March to 
Rock River and unite with the Regiilars; Army proceeds up the river in 
pursuit of the enemy; Battle of Stillman's Run; Call for frfesh troops; The 
old forces disbanded 381 



XXXIV. 1833-THIRD CAMPAIGN OF THE WAR. 

Requisition for additional troops ; Attack on Apple Creek Fort; Capt.Stephens' 
Encounter with the Indians; Organization of the New Levies; Battle of 
Kellogg's Grove; Battle of the Wisconsin 390 

XXXV— 1833— CLOSE OF THE WAR. 

Pursuit of the Indians; Battle of Bad Axe ; Arrival of Gen. Scott; Treat- 
ies with the Indians ; Eastern tour of the Prisoners; Death of Black Hawk. 401 



VI. TABLE OF CONTENTS. 

XXXVl-1834-1838- ADMINISTRATION OF GOV. DUNCAN. 

The Campaign; Life and Character of Duncan ; More State Banks and what 
became of them ; Slavery Agitation by Lovejoy; his death 416 

XXXVII-STATE INTERNAL IMPROVEMENT SYSTEM 433 

XXXIII— 1838-1842— ADMINISTRATION OF GOV. CARLIN. 

Continuance of the subject of Internal Improvement; Collapse of the grand 
system; Hard Times; Reorganization of the judiciary in 1841 441 

XXXIX— 1842-1846- ADMINISTRATION OF GOV. FORD. 

The Campaign; Life and character of Gov. Ford; Lt. Gov. Moor; Means 
of Relief from Financial embarrassments; The State at the turning point; 
Restoration of her credit 462 

XL-THE ILLINOIS AND MICHIGAN CANAL. 

Trials and troubles incident to its construction 474 

XLI-1840-4-MORMONS OR LATTER DAY SAINTS. 

Joe Smith : Prophetic mission : Followers i-emove to Missouri ; Expulsion 
from the State: Settlement in Illinois: Obnoxious Nauvoo charter and or- 
dinances; Arrest and acquittal of Smith ; His assassination 4S9 

XLII— 1844-6— MORMON WAR. 

Manner of Smith's death : Character of the Mormons ; Apostles assume the 
government of the Church ; Trial and and acquittal of the assassins : Saints 
driven from the vicinity of Lima and Green Plains ; Leading Mormons re- 
tire across the Mississippi; Battle at Nauvoo; Expulsion of the inhabitants.. 508 

XLin-ILLINOIS IN THE MEXICAN WAR 523 



XLTV-CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION OF 1847, AND SOMETHING OF THE 

ORGANIC LAW FRAMED BY IT 543 

XLV-1846-1853~ ADMINISTRATION OF GOV. FRENCH. 

Lives and character of the Gubernatorial candidates ; Funding of the State 
debt; Refusal of the people togivethe Legislature control of the 2 mill tax; 
Township organization ; Homestead Exemption ; The Bloody Island Dike 
and a speck of War ; State policy regarding railroads 551 

XLVI— THE ILLINOIS CENTRAL RAILROAD. 

Congressional grant of land ; Holdbrook Charter ; Bondholder's scheme ; The 
7 per cent, of its gross earnings; Passage of its Charter; Benefits the Com- 
pany, the State, and individuals; Note; Jealousy of politicians on accountof 
its glory; Correspondcnc of Messrs. Breese and Douglas 571 

XLVII— OUR FREE OR STOCK BANKS. 

How a bank might be started; The small note act; Panic of 1854; Revulsion 
of 1857; Winding up 585 

XLVIII— 1853-1857— ADMINISTRATION OF GOV. MATTESON. 

Democratic and Whig Conventions; Sketches of the Gubernatorial candi- 
dates; Financial condition and physical development of the State; Legisla- 
tion 1853-5; Maine Law and riot at Chicago; Our common Schools and trials 
in the establishment of the Free School system 599 

XLIX-DUELS IN ILLINOIS AND ATTEMPTS AT DUELS. 

Affairs of honor and personal diUlculties, 618 



TABLE OF CONTENTS. VH. 

L-1853-1856~ORGANIZATION OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY. 

The Illinois "Wilmot Proviso; Dissolution of the Whig party; Repeal of the 
Mo. Compromise; Intense political feeling; Douglas denied free speech in 
Chicago: Knownothingism: Democratic and Republican Conventions of 
1856; Result of the campaign; Lincoln's plea for harmony at the ChicaEfo 
banquet ^35 

LI— 1857-1861-ADMINISTRATION|)F GOV. BISSEL. 

Life and character of the Governor, Gross attack upon him in the Legisla- 
ture on account of his dueling affair, Turbulence of party strife and want 
of ofiBcial courtesy, Disgraceful action in organizing the house, Apportion- 
ment bills of 1857-9, Canal scrip fraud, The Macalister and Stebbins 
bonds , 656 

LII~OUR SENATORS IN CONGRESS. 

Their lives and characters ; Senatorial contest between Lincoln and Douglas 
in 1858 679 

LIII~186l-1865-- ADMINISTRATION OF GOV. YATES. 

Party conventions of 1850; The two great labor systems of the country in di- 
rect antagonism ; Life and character of Gov. Yates; Lieut. Gov. Hoffman; 
Condition of the State and comparative growth since 1850. 716 

LIV-ILLINOIS IN THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. 

Slavery; Sectional antagonism ; Secession; Inauguration of Lincoln; Call for 
volunteers; Proclamation of Gov. Yates; Uprising of the people 723 

LV~1861-1864--ILLINOIS IN THE REBELLION. 

Unprecedented success in furnishing men; Patriotic efforts of women; Mil- 
itary operations within the State 733 

LVI-1861-2--ILLINOIS IN MISSOURI. 

Battles of Lexington, Monroe, Charleston, Fredericktown, Belmont and Pea 
Ridge 746 

LVII~1861-3--ILLINOIS ON THE CUMBERLAND, TENNESSEE AKD MISSISSIPPI. 
Battles of Forts Henry and Donelson ; Capture of Columbus, New Madrid 
and Island No. 10 737 

LV1II--1863— ILLINOIS IN NORTHERN MISSISSIPPI AND ALABAMA. 

Battle of Pittsburg Landing ; Mitchell's campaign; Siege of Corinth 709 

LIX~1863--ILLINOIS IN KENTUCKY, NORTHERN MISSISSIPPI AND MIDDLE 
TENNESSEE. 
Battles of Perry ville, Bolivar, Britton's Lane, luka, Corinth and Stone River. 785 

LX-18G3-3--ILLINOIS IN THE VICKSBURG CAMPAIGNS. 

Movements on the Mississippi, Battles of Coffeeville, Holly Springs, Par- 
ker's Cross Roads, Chickasaw Bayou and Arkansas Post 799 

LXI-1863--ILLINOIS IN THE VICKSBURG CAMPAIGNS. 

Battles of Port Gibson, Raymond, Jackson, Champion Hills and Black River : 
Grierson's Raid , Siege and capture of Vicksburg 811 

LXII-ILLINOIS IN THE CHATTANOOGA CAMPAIGN. 

Battles of Chicamauga, Wauhatchie, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge , 
Relief of Knoxville 835 



Vni TABLE OF CONTENTS. 



LXin-1864--ILLINOIS IN THE ATLANTA AND NASHVILLE CAMPAIGNS. 

Battles of Kocky Face Mountain, Resaca, New Hope Church, Peach Tree 
Creek, Atlanta, Jonesboro, Alatoona, Spring Hill, Franklin and Nashville. . . 836 

LxrV~1864-5~ILLINOIS IN THE MERIDIAN CAMPAIGN. 

RED RIVER EXPEDITION, REDUCTION OF MOBILE; SHERMAN'S MARCH 
TO THE SEA; REDUCTION OF WILMINGTON; MARCH THROUGH THE 
CAROLINAS; CLOSE OF THE WAR j 851 

LXV~POLITICAL AND PARTY AFFAIRS DURING THE REBELLION. 

Sentiments of the Illinois Democracy in the winter of 1860-1; Patriotic feeling 
on the breaking out of hostilities irrespective of party as inspired by 
Douglas; Revival of partisan feeling; Constitutional Convention of 
1863; Its high pretensions , Conflict with the Governor, Some features of 
the instrument framed, it becomes a party measure, The vote upon it; 
Party Conventions of 1863 ; The last Democratic Legislature ; Frauds in pass- 
ing bills ; Reaction among the people against the Peace movement; Military 
arrests; Suppressing the Chicago Times; Secret Politico-Military Societies; 
Democratic mass Convention of June 17th, 1863, Republican mass Conven- 
tion, Sept., 1863; Peace meetings of 1864. Note— Chicago Conspiracy 866 

LXVI-ADMINISTRATION OF GOV. OGLESBY. 

Republican and Democratic State Conventions of 1864; Lives and character of 
Oglesby and Bross; Prosperity and condition of the State during the Rebel- 
lion; Legislation, political and special, in 1865-7; Board of Equalization 
established; Location of the Agricultural College; Illinois Capitals and 
their removal; History of the Penitentiary 907 

LXVII~1809-'73-- ADMINISTRATION OF GOV. PALMER. 

Republican and Democratic State Conventions, Life and character of Gov. 
Palmer, Legislation, the tax grabbing law, Lake Front bill, &c. The Con- 
stitution of 1870 , The great Chicago fire 929 



Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, C, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 1-3, 14, IG, 17, 32, 33, 
34, 35, 41, 42, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64; the Death of 
Lovejoy in 36, and "Note, Conspiracy of Chicago," in 65, have 
been written by Mr. Davidson. 

Chapters 15, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 
36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 05, 66 and 
67, have been written by Mr. Stuve'. 



PREFACE 



Altliougli Illinois, whose grassy plains have been styled the 
Eden of the new world, contains the oldest permanent settlements 
in the Valley of the Mississippi, and in her strides to empire is 
destined to become the first State of the Union, her history has been 
strangely neglected. Fragments have been written at different 
times but only of detached periods and embracing but a small 
part of the two centuries, which have elapsed since the first ex- 
plorations. To supply this deficiency and furnish a history com- 
mensurate with her present advancement in power and civiliza- 
tion is the object of the present work; whether it has been accom- 
plished remains to be seen. 

Not having taken any -part in the shifting and instructive drama 
enacted by those who have directed the affairs of State, no rank- 
ling jealousies have been engendered to distort conclusions ; no 
undue predelections to warp the judgement. Measures have been 
estimated by their results ; men by their j^ublic acts. While no 
disposition has existed to assail any one, it must be remembered 
that none are faultless, and to speak well of all is the worst of 
detraction, for it places the good and the bad on a common level. 

A principal aim has been to render the the work complete. A 
large amount of matter has been inserted never before published 
in connection with the history of the State; yet important facts, 
though familiar, have always been preferred to new ones of minor 
significance. The main consideration, however, has been to ren- 
der it truthful. In the wide field which has been gleaned, every 
available source of information has been carefully consulted, and 



X. PREFACE. 



it is believed a degree of accuracy lias been secured, which will 
compare favorably with that of other similar efforts. Still there 
will always be room for improvement, and any corrections which 
may be offered by i^arties who have witnessed, or been connected 
with events described, will be thankfully received and inserted in 
future editions of the work, the object being to make it a complete 
repository of reliable facts for the general reader, the politician, 
the lawyer, and all who may wish to become acquainted with the 
history of our noble State. 

To the many in different parts of the State, who have furnished 
information, or aided us by valuable suggestions, we return 
our thanks, especially to Messrs. Eummel and Harlow, Secretaries 
of State, for the use of public documents, and to the proprietors 
of the State Journal and State Register^ for access to their valua- 
ble files. 

Springfield, Dec. 19th, 1873. 



Chapter I. 
GEOLOGY OF ILLINOIS. 



On the geological structure of a country depend the pursuits of 
its inhabitants and the genius of its ci\ilization. Agriculture is the 
outgTo^Yth of a fertile soil; mining- results from mineral resources; 
and from navigable waters spring navies and commerce. Every 
gTeat branch of industry requires, for its successful development, 
the cultivation of kindred arts and sciences. Phases of life and 
modes of thought are thus induced, which give to diftereut com- 
munities and states characters as various as the diverse rocks 
that underlie them. In like manner it may be shown that their 
moral and intellectual qualities depend on material conditions. 
AMiere the soil and subjacent rocks are profuse in the bestowal of 
wealth, man is indolent and efifeminate ; where effort is required to 
live, he becomes enlightened and virtuous; and where, on the sands 
of the desert, labor is unable to procure the necessaries and com- 
forts of life, he lives a savage. The civilization of states and 
nations is, then, to a great extent, l)ut the reflection of physical 
conditions, and hence the propriety of introducing their civil, polit- 
ical and military history Anth a sketch of the geological substruc- 
ture from which they originate. 

Geology traces the history' of the earth back through successi^'e 
stages of development to its rudimental condition in a state of 
fusion. Speculative astronomy extends it beyond this to a gaseous 
state, ill which it and the other bodies of the solar system consti- 
tuted a nebulous mass, without form and motion. \Mieii, m the 
process of development, motion was communicated to the chaotic 
matter, huge fragments were detached from its circumference, 
which formed the primary i)lanets. These retaining the rotary 
motion of the sun, or central mass, in tuni threw off other and 
smaller fragments, thus forming the secondary planets, as in the 
case of the moon which attends the earth. All these bodies are 
similar in form, have a similar motion on their axes, move substan- 
tially in a common plain and in the same direction, the result of 
the projectile force which detached them from the parent mass. 
These facts are strong CAidence tliat the sun, and the planetary 
system that revolves around it, were originally a common mass, 
and liecame sejiarated in a gaseous state, as the want of cohesion 
among the particles would then favor the dissevering force. From 
the loss of heat they next passed into a fluid or plastic state, the 
point in the history of the earth where it comes within the range 
of geological investigation. 

\Miile in this condition it became flattened at the poles, a form 
due to its dim-nal rotation and the mobility of its particles. At a 



3 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



further reduction of temperature its melted disk was trausformed 
into a crust of igneous rock. A great many facts render it aluiost 
certain tlrat the vast nucleus within this envelopuig crust is still 
an incandescent mass. Compared with its enormous bulk, the 
external covering is of only filmy thickness, the ratio of the two 
being as the pulp and peel of an orange. In this world-cru<'il)le 
are held in solution the 01 elementary substances, which, ^■al•iously 
combiniug, produce the great variety of forms, energies aud modes 
of being, which diversify and eidiven terrestrial nature. From the 
same source the precious metals have been forced into the fissures 
of the superincumbent rocks, whither the miner descends and 
brings them to the surface. Volcanoes are outlets for the treuien- 
dous forces generated in these deep-seated fires. As an evidence 
of their eruptive power, Vesuvius sometimes throws jets of lava, 
resembhng columns of tiame, 10,000 feet in hight. The amount of 
lava ejected at a single eruption from one of the volcanoes of 
Iceland, has been estimated at 40,000,000,000 tons, a quantity suffi- 
cient to cover a large city with a. mouutain as high as the tallest 
Alps. By the process of congehitiou, which has never ceased, 
the rocky crust which rests on this internal sea of fire, is now 
sui)pose<l to l)e from thirty to forty miles in thickness. The outer 
or ui)per portion of it was the most universal geological fonnation, 
and constituted the floors of the primitive oceans. The rocks coui- 
posing it are designated unstratified, because they occur in irregidar 
masses, and igneous from having originally been melted by intense 
heat. The vast cycle of time extending through their forniation 
and reaching doAvn to the introduction of life on the globe, cousti- 
tutes the Azoic age. The earth's siu'fac^e, consisting of arid wastes 
and boiling waters, and its atmospheie reeking with poisonous 
gases, were wholly incompatible Avith the existence of plants and 
animals. By the continued radiation of heat the nucleus within 
the hardened crust contracted, aud the latter, to adapt itself to tlie 
diminished bulk, folded iuto huge corrugations, formhig the j)rim- 
itive mountain chains and the first land that appeared above the 
face of the waters. The upheaval of these vast plications was 
atten<led with depressions in other parts of the surface constituting 
the valleys and basins of the original rivers and oceans. Through 
the agency of water the uplifted masses were disintegrated and the 
resulting sediment swept into the extended depressions. Here it 
settled in parallel layers and constitutes the stratified rocks. In 
some ktcalities tlu'se are entirely wanting, in others many miles in 
dei)tli, while their average thickness is supposed to be from six to 
eight miles. 

The plain, separating the stratified from the unstratified rocks, 
runs parallel Avith the oldest part of the earth's crust. When 
.solidihcation commenced it was the surface, ami as induration 
ad\anced toward the centre the crust thickened by increments on 
the inside, and, therefore, the most recently formed igneous rocks 
are the farthest beloAV the surface. Stratification commenced at 
the same plain aud extended in an upward direction, and hence 
The most recent deposits are nearest the surface, Avhen not displaced 
by disturbing causes. 

In the sihMit depths of the stratified rocks are the former creations 
of plants tmd animals, which lived and died during the slow, 
dragging centuries of their ibrnmtion. These fossil remains are 



GEOLOGrT. 



fragnieiits of liistory, which enable the geologist to extend liis 
reseaicliesl'ar back into the reahns of tlie past, and not only deter- 
mine tlieir former niofles of life, but study the contemporaneous 
history of tlieir rocky beds, and group them into 8yst(:'^ms. The 
fossiliferous rocks are not only of great thickness but frequently 
their entii-e structure is an aggregation of cemente<l shells, so 
numerous that millions of them occur in a single cubic foot. Such 
has l)een the profusion of life that the great limestone formations 
of the globe consist mostly of animal remains, cemented by the 
infusion of mineral matter! A large part of the soil spread oyer 
the earth's siutace has been elaborated in animal organisms. First, 
as noui'ishment, it enters the structure of plants and forms yeget- 
able tissue. Passing thence as food into the animal, it becomes 
endowed with life, and when death occurs it returns to the soil and 
imi>a rts to it additional elements of fertility. The different systems 
of stratified roclcs, as determined l)y their organic remains, are 
usually (lenomhiated Ages or Systems. 

The Lanreniuui System or A<je is the lowest, and tlierefore 
the oldest, of the stratified series. From the effects of great 
heat it has assumed, to some extent, the character of the igneous 
rocks l)elow, but still retains its original lines of stratification. A 
})rincipal effect of the great hear to m hich its rocks were exposed 
is crystalization. Crystals are frequently formed by art, but the 
most beautiful specimens are the products of nature's laboratories, 
deep-seated in the crust of the earth. The Laurentian system 
was formerly sujiposed to be destitute of orgaiuc remains, but 
recent investigations have lead to the discovery of animals so low 
in the scale of organization as to be regarded as the first appear- 
ance of sentient existence. This discovery, as it extends the origin 
of life bae-lcward tlirough 30,(H)0 feet of strata, ]nay be regarded 
as one of the most important advances made in American geology. 
Its sup])osed beginuLiig, in a considerable degree of advancement 
in the Silurian system, was regarded ]>y geologists as too abru])t 
to correspoiulwith the gradual develoi>ment of types in subsequent 
strata. The discovery, however, of these incipient forms in the 
Laurentian beds, renders the descending scale of life comjilete, 
and \-erifies the conjectures of physicists that in its earliest dawn 
it should couuuence ^\\i\\ the nu)St simple organisms. 

Tlw Murojiiau tSi/stem., like the one that precedes it, and on 
which it rests, is highly crystalline. Although fossils have not 
been fomid in it, yet from its position the inference is they once 
existed, and if they do not now^, the great transforming power of 
heat has caused their obliteration. This, and the subjacent system, 
extend from Labrador southwesterly to the great lakes, and 
thence north^vesterly tow ard the Arctic Ocean. They derive their 
names from the St. Lawrence and Lake Huron, on the banks of 
which are found their principal outcrops. Their emergence from 
the ocean was the birth of the North American continent. One 
face of theuphft looked toward the Atlantic, and the otlier toward 
the Pacific, thus prefiguring the future shores of this great <livision 
of tlife globe, of which they are the germ. Eruptive forces have 
not oijferated with sufficient power to bring them to the surface in 
Illinois, and therefore the vast stores of mineral wealth, which they 
contain in other places, if they exist here, are too deep below the 
siu^face to be made available. 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



The Silurian Age, compared with the more stable formations of 
subsequent times, was one of commotion, in which fire and water 
played a conspicuous part. Earthquakes and volcanoes furrowed 
the yielding crust with ridges, and threw up islands whose craggj^ 
summits, here and there, stood hke sentinels above the murky 
deep which dashed against their shores. The present diversities 
of climate did not exist, as the temperature was mostly due to the 
escape of internal heat, which was the same over every part of the 
surface. As the radiation of heat in fiitm^e ages declined, the sun 
became the controlling power, and zones of climate appeared as 
the result of solar domination. Uniform thermal conditions impar- 
ted a corresponding character to vegetable and animal life, and 
one universal fauna and flora extended from the equator to the 
poles. These hardy marme types consisted of Eadiates, Mollusks 
and Articulates, three of the foiu- sub-kingdoms of animal life. 
Seaweed, which served as food for the animals, was the only plant 
of which any traces remain. During the Silurian age North 
America, like its inhabitants, was mostly submarine, as proved by 
wave-lines on the emerging lands. There lay along the eastern 
border of the continent an extended ridge, which served as a break- 
water to the waves of the Atlantic. The region of the Alleghauies 
was subject to great elevations and depressions, and the latter 
largely preponderating, caused the deposit of some twelve thousand 
feet of strata. Although mostly imder water, there was added to 
the original nucleus of the continent formations now found in New 
York, Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota. Niagara hme- 
stoue, a Silurian formation, is found over a large extent of country 
in northern Illinois, beyond the limits of the coal-fields. It is a com- 
pact grayish stone, susceptible of a high polisli, and at Athens 
and etoUet is extensiV'Cly quarried for building purposes, and 
shipped to different parts of the State. The new Capitol is being 
erected of this material. The Galena limestone, another Silurian 
deposit, is interesting, from the fact that it contains the lead and 
zinc ores of the State. St. Peters sandstone belongs also to the 
same system. Besides outcropping in a number of other localities, 
it appears in the bluffs of the Illinois, Avhere it forms the island- 
like plateau known as Starved Eock. In some locahties, being- 
composed almost entirely of silica and nearly free from coloring- 
matter, it is the best material m the West for the manufacture of 
glass. 

The Devonian Age is distinguished for the introduction of Verte- 
brates, or the fourth sub-kingdom of animal life and the beginning 
of terrestrial vegetation. The latter appeared in two classes, the 
highest of the tlowerless and the lowest of the flowering plants. 
The Lepidodendron, a noted instance of the former, was a nmjestic 
upland forest ti-ee, wliich, dimng the coal period, grew to a hight 
of 80 feet, and had a base of more than 3 feet in diameter. 
Beautiful spiral flutings, coihng in opposite directions and crossing 
eacli other at fixed angles, carved the trunks and branches into 
rlioml)oi(hd eminences, each of which was scarred with the mark 
of a falling leaf. At an altitude of 00 feet it sent off" arms, each 
separating into branchlets covered with a needle-like fohage, des- 
titute^- of flowers. It grew, not by internal or external accretions, 
as plants of the present day, but Uke the building of a monument, 
by additions to the top of its trunk. Mosses, rushes and other 



GEOLOGY. 



diiuinutive flowerless i)laiit.s are now the only survivino; represeu- 
tative of this crypto.i>aniic vej;etation, which so largely predomina- 
ted in the early botany of the globe. Floral beauty and fragrance 
were not characteristic of the old Devonian woods. No bird 
existed to enliven their silent groves with song, no scr]»ent to hiss 
in tln^ir fenny brakes, nor beast to piu'sue, with hideous yells, its 
panting prey. 

The vertebrates consisted of lishes, of which the Ganoids and 
riacoids were the i)rincipal groups. The former were tlie fore- 
runners of the re])tile, which in many resi)ects they closely resem- 
bled. They end>race(l a large number of species, many of which 
grew to a gigantic size; but Avith the exception of the gar and 
stm-geon, they have no living representatives. The Placoids, 
structm-ally formed for advancement, still remain among the 
highest types of the present seas. The shark, a noted instance, 
Judging from its fossil remains, must have attained 100 feet in 
length. Both groups lived in the sea, and if any fresh water 
animals existed their remains have either perished or not been 
found. Ho numerous were the inhabitants of the ocean, that the 
Devonian has been styled the age of fishes. In their anatomical 
.structure was foreshadowed the organization of man; reptiles, 
birds and mammals being the intermediate gradations. The con- 
tiiiental sea of the preceding age still covered the larger })art of 
aSTorth America, extending far northwest and o])ening south into 
th(^ (rulf of Mexico. In its shallow basins M'ere (U^posited sand- 
stones, shales and Hmcstones, which westerly attained a thickness 
of r>0() feet, and in the I'cgion of the Alleghani<»s 1,500 feet. The 
great thickness of t)ie latter deposits indicated oscillations, in 
which tlie downward movement exceeded the u])ward. Shallow 
waters, therefore, interspersed with reefs and islands, still occu- 
pied the sites of the Alleghanies and Kocky IMountains, whicii 
now look down from above the clouds on the finished continent. 
The St. Lawrence and the Hudson may have existed in miniature, 
but the area of land was too small for rivers and other bodies of 
fresh water of considerable extent. In the disturbances closing 
tlie Devonian age additions were made to the surface in Iowa, 
AVisconsin and Illinois. The two resulting formations hi this State 
are the Devonian limestone and the Oriskany sandstone. There 
are oiitcroj)s of the forisun' in the blutfs of the i\iississi])j>i, Kock 
and Illinois rivers. It contains a great variety of fossils, and is 
used for bmlding material and the manufacture of (piicklime. The 
latter appears in Union, Alexander and Jackson coiuities, and is 
used to some extent in the manufacture of glass. 

The Carboniferous A{/e opened Avith the deposition of widely 
extended marine formations. Added to the strata i)revi(aisly 
deposited^ the entire tluckness in the region of the Alleghanies, 
now partially elevated, amounted to 7 miles. AVide areas of i)er- 
manent elevation occurred between the 31th and 45th degrees of 
latitude, embracing most of the territory between the eastern con- 
tinenf al border and the States of Kansas and Nebraska. Farther 
westward, and resulting from the gradual emergence of the Pacific 
coast, was an interior sea Avhose shalloAV waters still tioAved OA^er 
the site of the Kocky Moiuitains. The Avinter temixn-ature near 
the poles Avas 00 degrees. A stagnant and stifiing atmosphere 
rested uijon the area now constituting the United States and 13iitish 



6 HISTORY OF IIXINOIS. 

America. The McKeiizie river, now filled with icebergs, then 
flowed through verdant banks to a coral sea, having the same tem- 
peratnre as the Gnlf of Mexico at the present day. Tlie most prom- 
inent featnre of the age was the formation of coal. Being carbon- 
ized vegetable tissue, the material furnished for this purpose was 
the vast forest accunndations pecidiar to the peiiod. Vegetation, 
commencing in the pre\ious age, had now attained an expansicm 
■which greatly exceeded the growth of prior or subsequent times. 
Invigorated by a warm, moist and winterless climate, and an 
atmosphere surciharged with carbonic acid gas, vast jmigles spread 
over the marshy plains, and impenetrable forests covered the 
upland slopes and hights. The gracefid lepidodendron, nowfidly 
developed, was one of the jirincipal coal producing- i>lants ; sub- 
serving the same purpose aiul associated with it was the gigantic 
coulter, a member of the pine famdy. The ancient fern, aiu)ther 
coal plant, grew to a hight of 80 feet. Its trunk, regularly fretted 
with scars and destitute of branches, terminated in a crown of 
foliage rivaling- that of the i)aliri in i)rofuseness and beauty. The 
sigiUarid, however, as it contributed most largely to the produc- 
tion of coal, Avas the chiiracteristic plant of the period. The 
trunk, which rose froiu 40 to (K) feet high from its alternate flntings 
and ribs, appeared like a clustered column. At an altitude of -!5 
or 30 feet it separated into branches, covered with a grass-like 
foliag'e intermingled with long catkins of obscure flowers or strings 
of seed, arranged in whorls about a common stem. The structure 
of the trunk was peculiar. One, o feet in diameter, was surrounded 
with a bark 13 inches in thickness; within this was a cyMnder of 
wood 12 inches in thickness, and at the center ii pith 10 inches in 
diameter. Such a tree would be us(dess as timber, but the bark, of 
which they largely consisted, was impervious to mineral solutions, 
and valuable for the production of coal. The calamites, growing" 
with the sigiUarids, covered with dense brakes the marsiiy flats. 
Their hollow stems, marked vcitically with flutings and horizon- 
tally with joints, grew in clumps to a hight of 20 t'aet. Some 
species were brancliless, while from the joints of other sprang- 
branches, subdividing into wliorls of branehlets. 

The vast accumulation of vegetable matter from these and other 
carboniferous plants, either imbedded in the miry soil in wiiich it 
grew, or swept from adjacent elevations into shallow lakes, became 
covered with sedinu^nt, and thus were transformed into coal. It 
has been estimated that 8 perpenriii.'ular feet of wood were re- 
<piu-ed to make 1 foot of bituminous coal, and 12 to make 1 of 
anthracite. Some beds of the latter are 30 feet in thickness, and 
hence 3(50 feet of timber must have been consunsed in their })ro- 
duction. The i)rocess of its foruiation was exactly the same as 
l)racticed in the manufacture of charcoal, by burning wood under 
a covering of earth. A'^egetable tissue consists mostly of carbon 
and oxygen, and decomposition must take place, either under 
water or some other imi)ervi(ms covering, to prevent the elements 
from fornung carbonic; acid gas, and thus escai)iiig- to the atmos- 
l)here. Conforming to these reciuiremeuts, the immense vegetable 
growths forming the (;oal-tiel<ls su])sided with the surface on wliick 
they grew, and were buried beneath th(> succeeding- deposits. 
!N()va Scotia has 70 diiferent beds, and Illinois 12 ; an<l conse- 
quently, in these localities there were as numy different lields of 



GEOLOGY. 7 

verdure overwhelmed in the dirt-beds of the sea. Tlius, h)iig' be- 
fore the starry cycles had measTired half the history of the un- 
folding' continent, and when lirst the exi)anding- stieani of life 
but dimly reflected the coming age of mind, this vast Hui)ply of 
fuel was stored away in the rocky frame-work of the globe. Here 
it sliunbered till man nuide his appearance and dragged it from 
its rocky lairs. At his biddiug' it renders the factory animate 
with humming sxnndles, driving shuttles, Avhirling lathes, and chuik- 
ing forges. IJnder his guidance tlie.iron-liorse, feeding u})on its 
l)itchy fragments, bounds with tu'cless tread over its far reaching- 
track, dragging after him the products of distant marts and climes. 
By the skill of the one and the power of the other, the ocean 
steamer plows the deep in o])positiou to Avinds and wa\es, mailing 
its watery home a highway for the commerce of the world. 

Prior to the formation of coal, so great was the volume of car- 
bonic acid gas in the atmosphere that only slow breathing and 
cold-blooded animals could exist. Consequent upon its conv(n-sion 
into coal, all the preceding si)ecies of i)lants and animals perished, 
and new forms came upon the stage of being A\'ith organizations 
adapted to the improved conditions. In the new economy, as at 
the present time, stability' is maintained in the atmos})here by the 
reciprocal relations subsisting between it and the incoming typ.es. 
The animal inspires oxygen and expires carl)onic acid gas ; the 
vegetable inspires carbonic nv'ul gas and expires oxygen, thus pre- 
serving- the equilibrium of this breathing medium. The coal-liehls 
of Em"ope are estinmted at 1S,()0{) square miles, those of tlie United 
Statt\s at 1 50,000. The Alleolumy coal-tield contains 00,000 s<iuare 
miles, with an aggTCgate thickness of 120 feet. The Illinois and 
INIissouri 00,000 s(|uare miles, and an aggregate thickness in some 
localities of 70 feet, Otlier lields occur in different localitiex, of 
various thicknesses. In Illinois, three-tV)urths of the surface are 
underlaid by beds of coal, and the State consequently has a gn^ater 
area than any other meml)cr of the Union. There are 12 different 
beds, the two most imi)ortant of which are each from to 8 feet 
in thickness. The entii'e carboniferous system, including the coal- 
beds and the intervening strata, in southern Illinois is 27,000 feet 
in thickness, and in the northern part only 500. 

IS'ext to the immense deposits of coal, the Biu'lington, Keokuk 
and St. Louis limestones are the most important formations. 
They receive their a])])ellations from the cities whose names they 
bear — where their lithological characters were lirst studied — and 
in the vicinities of which they crop out in Illinois. The ijurling- 
ton furnishes inexhaustible supplies of building stone and (jiiick- 
lime, but is mostly interesting on account of the immense lunuber 
of interesting fossils Avhich it contains. Along its northern out- 
cro]> (\'inoids are found in a profusion unequalled by tlsat of any 
locality of similar extent in the world. Though luitold ages have 
elapsed since their incarceration in the rocks, so perfect has been 
their preservation, their strnctiu'c can be determined with almost 
as nnu^h precision as if they had perished but yesterday. The 
Keokuk is extensively used for architectiu-al iiur])oses, and fur- 
nished the material for the celebrated Mormon Temi)le at Nauvoo, 
the new Post-office at Springfield, and the Custom Houses at 
Galena and Dubuque. It contains some of the most interesting- 
crystals found in the State. These consist of hollow s]3heres of 



HISTOEY OF ILLINOIS. 



quartz aud clialcedonv of various sizes, and liued ou the luside 
with crystalets of diftt^reut minerals. Tons of specimens have 
been taken from Hancock county and distributed over the United 
States and Europe, to ornament the cabinets of minerak),iiists. 
The St. Louis is abnost pure carbonet of hme, and the best ma- 
terial in the State for the manufactiu-e of quick-lime. It is largely 
quarried at Alton. 

The Age of BeptUcs is distinguished for changes m the conti- 
nental borders, which generally ran within theii- present bmits. 
The sub-marine outlines of the Bay of New York, and the course 
of the Hudson, indicate that the adjacent shores during the early 
part of this age were beyond their present limits. Southward the 
sea line ran within the present shore, the distance increasing from 
60 miles in Maryland to 1(>»> in Oeorgia, and 200 in Alabama. 
The Texan gulf-ishore, and that of the peninsula and State of 
California, were parallel, and mostly within their present positions. 
These borders were fringed with deposits, while inland the trough 
of the ohl continental sea was becoming more shallow. The alti- 
tude of the Alleghanies had nearly reached their present hight. 
The Eocky Moimtains, in the transition from the close of the 
present to the beginning of the subsequent age, began slowly to 
emerge from the Avaters under which they had hitherto slumbered. 
The Gulf of Mexico formed a deep bay extending to the mouth of 
the Ohio, and, protruding itself northwesterly, covered the region 
of the Rocky Mountains. It may have connected with the Ari^tic 
Ocean, but observations have been too limited to trace it with cer- 
tainty beyond the head waters of the Missouri and Yellow St<»ne. 
These are, therefore, among the more recently formed rivers, and 
cannot be compared with the primeAal St. Lawrence and Hudson. 
The ]\Iississii>}>i was a stream of not more than one-half its present 
length and volume, falling into the gulf not far from the vsite of 
Caii'O. The Ohio drained substantially the same region it does at 
the present time. In the earlier part of the age the geographical 
distribution of fossils indicates a common tenqierature, from Beh- 
ring Strait in the Northern to that of Mageban in the Southern 
Hemisphere. In the latter part, however, a difference is percep- 
tible, indicating also a difference of tenqierature and the com- 
mencement of climatic zones. This change, caused by the partial 
upheaval of mountain chains north of the E«iuator, and the de- 
cline of internal heat, marked a new era in the physical history 
of the globe. As the result, currents commenced flowing in the 
ocean; the constant monotony of previ(ms ages was broken by 
the lileasant diversities of changing seasons ; life was imparted to 
the atnH)spliere, and the breeze came forth laden with the bieatli 
of siu'ing; the tem])est madly burst into being and began its A\ork 
of destrnction, and the trade-winds commenced blowing, but it 
was reserved i'or a future age to make them the common carriers 
of the ocean's commerce. 

The prin(U])al formations of the age, none of Avhich exist in 
Illinois, were sandstones, chalks and limestones, interstratilled 
with dejxKsits of salt and gy])snni. Their absence can be explained 
either u]»on the sni)])osition tluit the snrfaceof the State was either 
above the Avaters in Avhich they were deposited, or, having originally 
been deposited, they Avere subse(juently swept away by denuding 
agencies. The former Avas perhaps the case, as no aqueous action 



GEOLOGY. 9 



coukl have operated Avitli sufficient iiower to remove all traces of 
their former existence. The characteristic plants of the coal age, 
now declining, were replaced by cycads and many new forms of 
conifers and ferns. The cycacl was intermediate in character, 
resembling the fern in the opening of its. foliage, and the i)alm in 
its general habits. It was now in the full zenith of its expansion, 
while the fern was dying out and the conifer was yet to be devel- 
oped. More than 100 angiosperms made their appearance, one-half 
of them closely allied to the trees of modern forests and the fruit 
trees of temperate regions. In the latter part of the age the palm, 
at present the most perfect type of the vegetable kingdom, was 
also introduced. New animal species made their appearance, 
attended by the extinction of all pre-existing forms. Eeptiles 
now reached their culmination, the earth, sea and air, each having 
its peculiar kind. Their fossil renuiins indicate a large iuind)er of 
both lierbiverous and carniverous species, which in many instan- 
ces attained a length of 00 feet. The ichthyosaurus, a prominent 
exauii>le, united in its structure parts of several related animals, 
having the head of a lizard, the snout of a pori)oise, the teeth of 
a crocodile, the spine of a tish and the paddles of a whale. Its 
eyes, enormously large, were arranged to act both like the telescoije 
and the microscope, thus enabling it to see its prey both night and 
day, and at all distances. It subsisted on tish and the young of 
its own species, some of which must have been swallowed several 
feet in length. Associated with it was the Pleiosaurus, an animal 
resembhng it in its general structure. A remarkable difference, 
however, was the great length of neck x^ossessed by the latter, 
which contained 40 vc^rtebrte, the largest number that has ever 
been found in animals living or fossil. These two reptiles for a 
long time ruled tlie seas and kei)t the increase of other animals 
within proper lunits. But the most gigantic of reptile monsters 
was the Iguanodon. Some individuals were (>0 feet long, lo feet 
round the largest part of the body, had feet 12 feet in length, and 
thighs 7 feet in diameter. The most heteroclitic creature was the 
Pterodactyl. It had the neck of a bird, the mouth of a reptile, 
the M-ings of a bat, and tlie body and tail of a mammal. Its curi- 
ous organization enabled it to walk on two feet, tly like a bat, and 
creep, clind) or dive in jtursuitof its food. The age is also remark- 
able as the era of the llrst mammels, the first birds, and the iii'st 
common fishes. 

The Mammalian Age witnessed the increase of the mass of the 
eartli above the ocean's level three-fold. The world-constiucting 
architect, the coral insect, built up Florida out of the sea, thus 
comi)letiug the southern expanse of the continent. Its eastern 
and western borders were substantially finished, and superficially 
its gTeatplateaus, mountain chains and river systems, approximated 
then- present geographical aspects. The Eocky Mountains were 
elevated to a liight of 7,000 feet, the Wind Eiver chain 0,800, the Big 
Horn i\Iountains 0,000, Pike's Peak 1,500. The upheaval of the 
Eocky Mountain region greatly enlarged the Missouri, previously 
an inconsiderable stream, adding to it the Yellowstone, I*latte, 
Kansas and other tributaries. The Lower Mississippi was formed 
and discharged its vast volume of accunnilated waters near the 
present coast line of the Gidf. The elevation of mountain masses 
to snowy altitudes cooled down the temj)erature and introduced 



10 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



sul»staiitiall.y the present climates. In Europe tlie change was 
gradual from tropical to subtropical and temperate; in North 
America abrupt. As a consequence the botany of the latter 
opened with the oak, poplar, dogwood, nmgnolia, fig, palm and 
other plants closely resembling those ol^ the present day. 

Of the animals^ the Manim<jth was remarkable. Unlike the 
elephant of the present day, they were covered with a redish wool 
intermingled vrith hah' and black bristles, tlie latter being more 
than a foot in length. Vast herds of these huge creatures, nearly 
three times as large as the present elephant, their living represen- 
tative wandered over the northern part of both hemis])heres. 
An individual in a perfect state of preservation was found in 171K), 
encased in ice, at the mouth of the river Lena. It still retained 
the wool on its hide, and otherwise was so free from decay, that 
its flesh was eaten by dogs. Their remains are abundantly distrib- 
uted over the m^rtheru part of the United States, imbedded usually 
in marshes where the animals were perhaps mked while in search 
of food or water. A large fossil specimen was recently exhumed 
in Macon county, Illinois, 2 miles southeast of Uliopolis, in the 
edge of Long Point Slough, by the side of an oozy spring. The 
fos'sils ha^e been found in other localities of the State, and the 
prairies may have been places of frequent resort. Contemporane- 
ous with them were the Dinotheriuin and Megatherium, and other 
creatures of the most gigantic proportions. The magnitude of the 
Mammoth seems almost fabulous, but that of the Dinotherium 
probably surpassed it. One of its most remarkable features was 
its enormous tusks, projecting from the anterior exti'emity of the 
lower jaw, which curved down like those of the walrus. Like the 
rhinoceros, it lived in the water, and was well adapted to the lacus- 
trine condition of the earth counnon at the time it flourished. The 
Megatherium, belonging to the sloth family, was also of colossal 
dimensions. Its body, in some instances 18 feet long, rested on 
legs resembling columns of su]»port ratlier than organs of loconu)- 
tion. Its spinal colunm contained a nerve a foot in diameter; its 
femur was three times the size of the elephant's, while its feet 
w^ere a yard in length and more than a foot in width. The tail 
near the body was two feet in diauieter, and used with its hind 
legs as a tripod on which the animal sat when it wielded its huge 
arms and hands. 

Toward the close of the age oscillations occurred in the northern 
part of the continent, greatly modifying the comlition of its sur- 
face. During the upward vibration vast glaciers spread over 
British America and the contiguous ])ortiou of the United States. 
These fields of ice, becoming filled with liard boulders, and mov- 
ing southward by expansion, ground into fragments the underlying 
rocks. Tlie sediment was gatliered up by the moving mass, and 
when a latitude sufficiently warm to melt the ice was reached, it 
was s})read OA'er the surface. Accunnilations of this kind consti- 
tute the dritt which extends from New Ihigland Avestward beyond 
the Mississippi, and from the .St>th i)arallel northward to an lui- 
known limit. In Illinois, with the exceptioji of small areas in the 
northwestern and southern i)arts of the State, it covers the entire 
surface with a varying stratum of from 10 to 200 feet in thickness. 
Here, and in other parts of the West, not only glaciers, but ice- 
bergs, were connected with its distribution. The waters of the 



GEOLOGY. 11 



Jakes tlieii extended .southward i)erliaps to the higldauds, crossing 
the State from Grand Tower east toward the Oluo. This barrier 
formed tlie soutiiern limits of this sea, and also of the drift which 
was distributed over its bottom by tloating bodies of ice iilledM'ith 
sediment previously detached from the glaciers farther north. The 
upward movement of the glacitd epo<'h was tbllowed by a de|)res- 
sion of the surface below its present level. The subsidence in 
Connecticut was 50 feet; in Massachusetts, 170; in K^ew Hamp- 
shire, I'OO; at ^Montreal, 4.")0; and several hundred in the region of 
Illinois and the I'acirtc. Previously the adjacent Atlantic seaboard 
extended into the sea beyond its present lindts ; now it receded, 
and the St. LaAvrence and Lake <_'h;!m})lain became gulfs extend- 
ing far inland. As the residt of the down-throw the temi)erature 
Wiis eh'vated, causing the glaciers to melt, and a further dissemi- 
nation of the drift. Eegular outlines, due to the dinannc forces, 
ice and water, were thus imi)arted to the surface, which a subse- 
•quent emergence l)rought to its present level. Order, beauty, and 
utility sprang into being and harmony with man, the highest tyi>e 
of terrestrial life, now in the dawn of his existence. 

The Age of Man commenced with the i)reseut geological condi- 
tions. The great mountain reliefs and diversities of (;limate at- 
tending the present and the close of the pri^ceding age, largely 
augmented the variety of physical conditions whicli modify vege- 
table and animal life. Multiplying under these diverse intiuences, 
t\w ]>resent Hora exceeds 100,000 species. The palm alone, cidmi- 
nating in the i)resent era, and standing at the head of the vegeta- 
])le kingdom, end)races 1,000. ('onnnensurate with the variety of 
]i)lants is the extent of their distribution. Tliey are found univer- 
sally, from Arctic snows to Trojtical sands, gro\\'ing in the air and 
water, covering the land Avith A'crdure, and ministering to the 
wants of their cousins, the different forms of animal life. In the 
jungle the wild beast makes his lair; the bird builds her nest in 
their sheltering leaA'es and branches, and subsists on their fruits; 
and man converts them into innumerable forms of food, ornaments 
and nuiterial for the construction of his (hvellings. In the oak 
and towering cedar their forms are venerable and nuyestic ; grace- 
ful and beautiful in the waving foliage and clinging vine, and pro- 
founilly interesting in then- groAvth and structure ; crowned with 
a tloral nuigniiicence greatly transcending their predecessors of 
previous ages, they give enchantment to the landscape, sweetness 
to the vernal breeze, and retinement and purity to all who come 
within their intluence. As in the case of plants, a diAcrsity of 
jdiysical conditions has impressed a nndtiplicity and A'ariety upon 
the animals. The approximate number of species at the i)reseut 
time is o.")0,000, each sub-kuigdom )uunl)ering as follows : Eadi- 
ates, 10,000 ; :Mollusks, L'0,on(); Articulates, 300,000; Vertebrates, 
21,000. Of the existing A^ertebrates, Fishes end)race 10,000 ; Kep- 
tiles, l>,000; Birds, 7,000, and Mannnals, 2,000. With the appear- 
ance of Man on the stage of being, in the latter part of the pre- 
ceding age, many types of the lower animals, in which magnitude 
and brute ferocity Avtu'e ]>rominent characteristics, became extinct. 
Their successors, as if harmonizing Avith the higher life deA'eloping 
in their midst, were generally reduced in size, less brutal in their 
nature, and more active, beautiful and intelligent. 

lieceut discoveries haA^e shoAvn that the appearance of man, iu- 



12 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

Stead of being conflued to tlie geological age which bears his name, 
must be extended back to an indefinite period. His remains and 
the relics of his art show that he was a contemporary of the mam- 
moth; that he witnessed the inundation that buried the northern 
Ijlains of the Old and I^ew Worlds under the sea of ice ; and that 
even before that time, when sub-tropical animals disported them- 
selves in the forests of middle Europe, have traces of his existence 
been discovered. Though the absolute time of his advent cannot 
be determined, he doubtless was an iidiabitant of the earth several 
hundred thousand years before he was sufllciently intelligent to 
preserve the records of his own history. His appearance as the 
head of the animal kingdom marks a new stage in the unfoldment 
of terrestrial life. His claim to this preeminence is based on the 
superiority of his mental, moral and si)iiitual endowments. Having 
an understanding capable of endless progression in knowledge, he 
is able to study the laws of nature and make them subser^^ent to 
his will and wants; to institute systems of government for his 
I)rotection, and to hold in subjection the lower animals, however 
greatly they may exceed him in size or physical strength. He is 
the first of teixestrial beings capable of comprehending the nature 
of moral relations ; of distinguishing right from wrong, and of deri- 
\'uig hap])ijiess from the practice of virtue and suffering in conse- 
quence of vice. In his reverence for the Deity and aspirations for 
immortality he is removed still fm-ther from the animal plain, and 
stands as a connecting link between the latter and spirit exist- 
ance. 

The present age still retains, in a diminished degree of acti\ity, 
the geological forces of previous periods. Extensive flats at many 
points along the Atlantic coast, and the deltas and other alluvial 
formations of rivers, are slowly extending the present surface. 
The latter, in many places, is becoming modified by the produc- 
tion of peat-beds ; in volcanic regions, by the ejection of lava, and 
iu paroxysmal disturbances, extensive areas are still subject to 
elevations and depressions, evidently a continuation of previous 
oscillations. As observed by Moravian settlers, the western coast 
of Greenland, for a distance of 000 miles, has been slowly sinking 
during the last four centuries. The border of the continent, from 
Labrador southward to New Jersey, is snpposed to be undergoing 
changes of level, l)ut more accurate obsei'vations will be necessary 
to determine the extent of the movement. 

Like the uninterrupted course of human history there are no 
strongly drawn lines between tlie ages and their corresponding "^ 
system of rocks and organic remains. Culminent phases occiu", 
giving distinctiveness to the center of each and distinguishing it 
from others. The germ of each was long working forward in the 
l^ast before it attained its full development and peculiar character, 
and extended far hito the future for its decline and final extinction. 
There is, hence, a blending of periods and their products, and, 
while centrally well defined, their beginnings and endings are 
without lines of demarkation. The ratios, representing the com- 
parative length of eacli age as determined by the thickness of its 
rocks and the rate of theu' formation, are as follows: Salnrian, 
including the Laurentian and Hm-onian, 49; Devonian, 15; Car- 
boniferous, 15; Keptilian, li.'i; Mammalian, 18. In consequence 
of the constantly varying conditions attending the growth of rocks, 



GEOLOGY. 13 



these results are only approximations to the trntli. They are, 
however, sufficiently correct to <ii\e the propoitionate duratiou ot 
these great geological eras, and will doubtless, by future research, 
he rendered more accurate. Could delinite intervals of time he 
suhstituted for these ratios, the most ample evidence exists to 
prove that the results would he inconceivably great. Even vnth- 
m the period of existing causes, the mind is startled at the tre- 
mendous sweep of ages required to eft'ect couiparatively small 
results. The waters of Lake Erie originally extended below the 
present Falls of Niagara, and the cataract, in subsequently pass- 
ing from the same point to its present position, excavated the 
intervening channel of the river. Allowing the rate of movement 
to be one inch per year, which is perhaps not too low an estimate, 
it would require 380,000 years to pass over the six miles of retro- 
cession. Judging from this estimate, what time would be required 
to excavate the canon of the Colorado, which is oOO uiiles long, 
and has been worn a large part of the distance through granite 
from oOOO to 0000 feet in dei)th. Captain Hunt, avIio for many 
years was stationed at Key West, and whose o])portunity for 
observations was good, estiuiates that the coral insects, which 
have built up the limestone formations of Florida, uiust have 
required more than 5,000,000 years to comj)lete their labors. 



Chapter II, 
THE TOPOGEAPHY, EIVEKS, SOIL ANT) CLIMATOLOGY. 



The Riverfi and Topography of the State are based upon and cor- 
respond AAith its geological formations. The surface, inclination 
and tlie direction of the interior drainage faces the southwest. 
Eock river, flowing southwesterly through one of the most beau- 
tiful and fertile regions, enters the Mississippi just below the 
Up]ter Iiapi<ls. The Desplaines, rising in Wisconshi west of Lake 
jMichigan, and flowing southward, and the Kankakee, rising in 
Indiana, south of the lake, and flowing Avestward, form the IlUnois. 
The latter stream, the largest in the State, courses across it in a 
southwesterly direction and falls into the ]Mississippi not far from 
the city of Alton. The Kaskaskia rises near the eastern boundary 
of the'Stateand the 40th parallel of latitude, floAvsin a southAvest 
direction, and forms a junction Avith the Mississippi not far from 
the toAvn Avhich bears its name. Tliese and other smaller streams 
floAA" through A^alleys originally excaAated in solid limestone by 
ancient rivers anterior to the formation of the drift. The latter 
material Avas subsequently deposited in these primitiA'e Avater 
courses from 10 to more than 200 feet in thickness, and iu)av forms 
the channel of the existing streams. For the formation of these 
ancient riA^er beds of such great Avidth and frequently exca\'ated 
scA^eral hundred feet in hard carl)oniferous rocks, the diminished 
Avaters now flowing Avithin their lining of drift are Avholly iiuule- 
quate. Furthermore, the alluvial Aalleys Avhich the riAcrs noAV 
occupy are far too broad to correspond Avith the i>resent A'olume 
and SAviftness of the Avaters. The alluvial bottoms of the Illinois 
are nearly equal to those of the ^Mississippi, though the latter has 
a current tAvice as rapid and a quantity of Avater (! times as large 
as the former sti-eam. The smaller streams of the State occupy 
A'alleys filled with drift, through Avhich tlie Avaters luiA'e been unable 
to cut their Avay to the ancient troughs beloAV. OAving to this, the 
stratified rocks in many localities have never become exposed, and 
it is diflicult for the geologist to detenuine the character of the 
underlyin g formations. 

Though the surface of the State is generally level or slightly 
undulating, there are some portions of it considerably eleva- 
ted. The highest summits are found along the northern border 
between Freeport and Galena, known as the mounds. The culmi- 
]iant points of altitude are 200 feet aboA^e the surrounding country, 
575 aboA^e the Avaters of Lake Michigan, i)00 aboA'e the junction 
of the Ohio and Mississii)i)i, and 1,150 above the ocean. Tlie tops 
of the mounds coincide Avitli the original ehnatiou of the surface, 
and their present condition as isolated hills is due to denuding 



TOPOGllAPHY AND RIVERS. 15 

forces wliicli have carried away the surroiiiidiTio- strata. Mounds 
occur in other phices, some of them haviuc; a higlit of 50 feet, aud 
frequently a crown of timber upon their summits, wliich jiivesthcm 
the appearance of ishmds in siuroundin,ii' seas of i)rairie venhu-e. 
Besides the mounds there are in the State 5 iu'incii)al axes of dis- 
turbance and ek'vation. The most northerly of these enters it in 
Stephenson county, crossini*" Eock river near Dixon, andtlie Illinois 
not far from LaSalle. On the former river it brinijs to the siu'face 
the St. Peters sandstone; on the latter, mag-nesian limestone, a 
Silurian formation. At LaSalle the coal strata are ui)lifted to the 
surface from a depth of -100 feet, which shoAvs that the distiu'bance 
occurred after their foi'mation. On the IMississippi, in C'alhoun 
county, there occurred an upheaval of the strata, attended witli a 
down throw of more than 1,000 feet. On the south side of the 
axis the Burlington limestone of the subcarboniferous series had 
its strata tilted u.]) almost per])eiulicular to the horizon. On the 
north side the St. Peters sandstone and magnesian limestone were 
elcA'ated, and form the bluff known as Sandstone Cape. This 
bhiff, at the time of its elevation, was doubtless a mountain mass 
of 1,500 feet in hight, and has since been reduced to its present 
altitude by the deinuliiig etfects of water. The same axes of dis- 
turbance, trending in a southeastern direction, crosses the Illinois (» 
miles above its mouth, and farther southward again strikes the 
Mississijipi and disa])pears in its channel. Farther down the ri\'er 
anotlier ui)1ift dislocates the strata near the southern lin.e of St. 
C'lair county. This disturbance extends by way of Colund>ia, in 
Monroe ('ounty, to the Mississip]>i, and brings to the surface the 
same linu'stone and the St. Peters sandstone. Agani, faifher 
southward, an uplifted mountain ridge extends from Grand Tower, 
on the Mississii>pi, to Shawneetown, on the Ohio; on the west of 
the3Iississii)i)i it brings the lower Silurian rocks to the surface; in 
Jackson county, Illinois, it tilts up the Devonian limestone at an 
angle of 25 degrees; and farther eastward the subcai-boniferous 
limestone becomes the surface rock. The last im])ortant jioint of 
disturbance occurs in Alexander county, constituting the Grand 
Chain, a. dangerous reef of rocks, extending across the Mississi|)])i 
and forming a bluff on the Illinois shore 70 feet higli. Passing 
thence in a southeastern direction, it crosses the Ohio a few miles 
above Caledonia, in Pulaslci county.* 

The FoDiKttUm of the ISdU. is due to geological and other physi- 
cal agencies. From long habit we are accustomed to look upon it 
without considering its wonderful ])roperties and great importance 
in the economy of animal life, ^^ot attractive itself, yet its ])ro- 
ductions far transcend the most elaborate Avorks of art; and hav- 
ing but little diversity of apixnirance, the endless variety which 
]iervades the vegetable and animal kingdoms si)rings from its pro- 
lific abundance. Its mysterious elements, incorporated in the struc- 
ture of plants, clothes the earth with verdure and pleasant land- 
scapes. They bloom in the flower, load the breeze with fragrant 
odors, blush in the clustering fruit, whiten the fields with harvests 
for the su]>ply of food, furnish the tissues which, Avrought into 
fabrics, decorate and protect the body, and yield the curative 
agents for healing the diseases to which it is subject. From the 
same source also proceed the elements which, entering the domain 

*Geological Survey of Illiuois, by A. H. Wortlien. 



16 HISTORY OF ILLmoiS. 

of animal life, piilsate in tlie blood, suffuse the cheek with the 
glow of health, speak in the eye, in the nerve become the recipi- 
ents of pleasure and pain, render the tongue vocal with nuisic and 
eloquence, and fill the brain, the seat of reason and throne of the 
inmiiination, with its glowing imagery and brilliant fancies. But 
while the soil is the source of sucli munificent gifts, it is also the 
insatiable bourne to which they must all return. The lofty tree, 
spreading its vast canvass of leaves to the winds, and breasting; 
the storms of a thousaml years, finally dies, and undergoing de- 
composition, enriches the earth in which it grew. The king of 
beasts, whose loud roar can be heard for miles, and whose im- 
mense power enables him to prey upon the denizens of his natiA'e 
jungles, caimot resist the late which at length consigns his sinewy 
frame to the mold. Even the lord of the lower world, notwith- 
standing his exalte<l position and grasp of intellect, must likewise 
suffer physical death and mingle with the sod that forms his 
grave. 

The soil was originally formed by the decomposition of rocks. 
These, by long exposure to the air, water and frost, became disin- 
tegrated, and the comnunuted material acted upon by vegetation, 
forms the fruitful mold of tlie surface. When of local origin, it 
varies in composition with the changing material from which it is 
derived. If sandstone prevails, it is too porous to retain fertiliz- 
ing agents ; if limestone is in excess, it is too hot and dry ; and if 
slate predominates, the resulting clay is too wet and cold. Hence 
it is only a cond>ination of these and other ingredients that can 
properly adapt the earth to the growth of vegetation. Happily 
for Illinois the origin of its surface fornmtions precludes the pos- 
sibility of sterile extremes arising from local causes. As we have 
stated before, almost the entire surface of the State is a stratum 
of drift, formed by the decomposition of every variety of rock, 
and commingled in a homogeneous mass by the agents employed 
in its distribution. This immense deposit, varying from 10 to 200 
feet in thickness, required for its x^roduction physical conditions 
which do not now exist. We must go far back in the history of 
the jilanet, when the Polar world was a desolation of icy wastes. 
From these dreary realms of enduring frosts vast glaciers, reaching 
southward, dipped into the waters of an inland sea, extending- 
over a large part of the upper Mississipi)i valley. These pqnder- 
oiis masses, moving southward witli ii^resistible power, tore im- 
mense boulders from their parent ledges and incorporated them 
in then- structure. By means of these, in their furthei' progress, 
they gTOoved and planed down the subjacent rocks, gathering up 
and carrjdng with them part of the abraded material and strew- 
ing their track for hundreds of miles ^vlth the remainder. On 
reaching the shore of the interior sea huge icebergs were projected 
from their extremities into the waters, which, melting as they 
floated into warmer latitudes, distrilmted the detrital matter they 
contained over tlie bottom. Thus, long before the plains of Illi- 
nois clanked mtli the din of railroad trains, these ice-formed navies 
plowed the seas in which they were submerged, and distributed 
over them cargoes of soil-producing sediment. No mariner walked 
their crystal decks to du-ect their course, and no pennon attached 
to their glittering masts trailed in the winds that lU'ged them for- 
ward 5 yet they might perhaps have sailed under the flags of a 



SOIL. 17 

hundred succeeding- empires, each as ohl as tlie present nationali- 
ties of the earth, during the performance of their hibors. This 
splendid soil-forming deposit is destined to make Illinois the great 
centre of American wealtli and population. Perhaps no other" 
country of the same extent on the fa(;e of the globe can boast a 
soil so ubiquitous in its distribution and so universally productive. 
I'^uriched by all the minerals in the crust of the earth, it necessa- 
rily contains a great variety of constituents. Since plants differ 
so widely in the elements of which they are composed, this nudti- 
plicitA^ of composition is the means of growhig a great diversity 
of crops, and the amount produced is corres})ondingly large. So 
great is the fertility, that years of continiu'd cultivation do jiot 
materially diininish the yield, and should sterility l)e induced by 
excessive working, the subsoil can be made available. This ex- 
tends from 2 to 10 and even 20 and 30 feet in depth, and when 
mixed with the mold of the surface, gives it a greater ]>roducing 
cai»acity than it had at tirst. Other States have limited areas as 
productive, l)ut nearly the entire surface of Illinois is arable land, 
and when l)rought luider cultivation will become one conttiuTed 
scene of verdure and agricultural profusion. With not half of its 
area improved, the State has become the granary of the continent; 
far excels any other meuiber of the Union in i)acking pcn-k; fat- 
tens more than half of all the cattle shipped to the h^astern mar- 
kets, and if prices were as remunerative, could furnish other 
products to a corres])on(ling extent. Graded to a i)roi)er level, 
and free froiu obstructions, the State has become the i>rinci]>al 
theatre for the use and invention of agricultural imi)lenients. 
Owing to the cheajmess attending the use of machinery, with a 
given amount of capital, a greater extent of lands can be culti- 
vated. The severity of the labor exi^ended is also proportionately 
diminished, and those engaged in husbandry have time to become 
accpiainted with the theoretical as well as the practical part of 
their duties. The profound philosojdiy involved in the growth of 
plants furnishes a tield for investigation aiul ex])eriment requiring 
the highest order of talent and the most varied and extensive at- 
tainments. Agriculture, aided by chemistry, vegetable physiology 
and kindred branches" of knowledge, will greatly eidiance the pro- 
<luctiveness of the land. Thus with the advantages of science, a 
sui)ei"ior soil, and the use of macliinery, agri<'ulture will always 
remain the most attractive, manly and protitable branch of indus- 
try in which the people of Illinois can engage, contributing morv" 
than any other pursuit to individual comfort, and proi)ortionally 
adding to the i)rosperity of the State. The cultivation of the soil 
in all ages has furnished employment for the largest and best por- 
tion of mankind ; yet the honor to which they are entithMl has 
never been fully acknowledged. Though their occupation is the 
basis of national prosperity, and upon its progress more than any 
other branch of industry depends the march of civilization, yet 
its history remains to a great extent unwritten. Historians duly 
chronicle the feats of the warrior who ravages the earth and beg- 
gars its inhabitants, but leaves unnoticed the labors of hiiu who 
causes the desolated country to bloom again, and heals with the 
balm of plenty the miseries of war. When true worth is duly re- 
cognized, instead of the mad ambition which subjugates nations 
to acqiiire power, tlife heroism which subdues the soil and feeds 
2 / 



18 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



the world, will be the tlieme of tlie poet's song and the orator's 
ekxiueiice. 

The Origin of the Prairies has been a source of speculation. 
One theory is that the soil resulted from the decomposition of 
vegetable matter nnder water, and that the attending conditions 
were incompatible with the grow^th of timber. According to this 
view, prairies are at present in process of formation along the 
shores of lakes and rivers. During river freshets the heaviest 
particles settle nearest the channel, and here by repeated deposits 
the l)anks first became elevated above the Hoods. These natural 
levies becoming sufficiently high, are overgrown with timber and 
inclose large areas of bottom lands back from the river, by whi(.'h 
they are frequently inuiulated. The waters on these hats, when 
the flood subsides, are cut off from the river and form sloughs, 
frequently of gi-eat extent. Their shallow and stagnant waters 
are first invaded by mosses and other aquatic ])lauts which grow 
under the smface and contain in their tissues lime, alluiuina, and 
silica, the constituents of clay. They also subsist immense imm- 
bers of small mollusks and other diminutive creatures, and the 
constant decomposition of both vegetables and animals forms a 
stratum of clay corresponding with that which imderlies the fin- 
ished prairies. As the marshy bottoms are by this means built 
up to the siu'face of the water, the mosses are then intermixed 
with coarse grasses, which become more and more abundant as the 
dei>th diminishes. These reedy jdants, now rising above the STir- 
lace, absorb and decoiupose the carbonic acid gas of the atmos- 
})here, and convert it into woody matter, which at first forms a 
clayey mold and afterwards the ])lack mold of the prairie. The 
same agencies, now operating in the ponds skirting the banks of 
rivers, originally formed all the prairies of the Mississippi Valley. 
We have already seen that the surface of the land was submerged 
during the dispersion of the drift, and in its slow emergence after- 
v\ard, it was covered by vast sheets of shallow water, which first 
formed SAvamjis and subsequently prairies. The present want of 
liorizontality hi some of them is due to the erosive action of water. 
The drainage, moving in the direction of the creeks and rivers, at 
length furrowed the surface with tortuous meanders, resulting 
finally in the ])resent undulathig prairies. The absence of trees, the 
most remarkable feature, is attributable first to the formation of 
idmic acid, which favors the growth of herbacious plants and retards 
that of forests ; secondly, trees absorb by their roots large quantities 
of air, which they cannot obtain when the surface is under water or 
covered by a compact sod; and thirdly, they require solid points 
of attachment which marshy flats are unable to furnish. When, 
however, the lands become dry and the sod is broken by the plow 
or otherwise destroyed, they produce all the varieties of arbores- 
cent v^egetation common to their latitude. Indeed, since the settle- 
ment of Illinois, the woodland area of many localities extends far 
beyond its original limits. 

The foregoing theory requires a large, unvarying quantity of 
water, while another, perhaps equally plausible, is based on aque- 
ous conditions almost the reverse. It is well known that the 
different continental masses of the globe are in general surrounded 
by zones of timber, and have within them belts of grasses, and 
centrally large areas of inhosi)itable deserts. On the Atlantic side 



PRAIRIES 19 



of ISTorth America there i>s a coutiuuoiis wooded region, extendiiig 
from Hiidsoii Bay to the Gulf of Mexico, while on the Pacific a simi- 
lar arborescent growth embraces some of the most gigantic speci- 
mens of the vegetable kingdom. Within these bands of timber, 
which approach each other in their northern and sonthern reaches, 
are the great ])rairies extending transversely across tlie Mississippi 
Valley, and having their greatest expansion in the valley of the 
]\Iissonri. Fai'ther westward, from increasing dryness, the grasses 
entirely disa])]>ear, and the great American ])esert usurps their 
place. Tliis alternation of forest, prairie, and desert, corres- 
ponds with the ])recii»itation of moisture. The ocean is the great 
source of moisture, and the clouds are the vehicles employed for 
its distribution over the land. From actual measurement it has 
been ascertained that they discharge most of their water on the 
exterior rim of the continents ; that farther toA\ard the interior 
the amount precii)itated is less, and tinally it is almost entirely 
su])planted by the aridity of the desert. In a section extending 
across the continent from New York to San Francisco, the amount 
of rain-fall strikingly coincides with the alteriuitions of woodland, 
]>rairie, and desert. The region extending from New York, which 
lias an annual rain-fall of 42 inches, to Aim Arbor, having 2*J 
inches, is heavily covered with tind)er; thence to Galesburg, 111., 
having 26 inches,* is mostly prairie interspersed with clumps of 
forest ; thence to Fort Laramie, having 20 inches, it rapidly 
changes to a contnuu)us ])rairie ; tlumce to Fort Yovuna, having 
only 3 inches, it bec'imies an inhospita])le desert ; and thence to 
San Francisco, having 22 inches, it changes to luxuriant forests. 
Illinois is thus within the region of alteinate wood and prairie, 
with the latter largely predominating. This wide belt, owing to a 
difference of (iapacity for retaining moisture, has its eastern and 
western borders thrown into irregular outlines, resembling deei>ly 
indented bays and projecting lunidlands. As the residt of decreas- 
ing moisture, only 90 arborescent species are found m the wooded 
region which on the east extends a considerable distance into 
Illinois, and all of these, except G, disappear farther westward. 
The diminished precipitation in Illinois, and the great valley east 
of the ]Mississippi, while it has an unfavorable ett'ect on the growth 
of trees, seems rather to enhance the growth of crops. In further 
confirmation of this theory, the same physicial laws which have 
diversified Noith America, with forest, prairie, and desert, have 
produced similar eifects upon other continents. Hence it is that 
Soutli America, has its Atacania, Africa its great Sahara, Euro])e 
its barren ste])pes, and Asia its rainless waste of sand and salt, 
extending thi-ough more than 100 degrees of longitude. All these 
desert places, when^ local causes do not interfere, are girt about 
by grassy plains and belts of forest. 

* The snlijoinetl table has been kindly furnished ns by Prof. Livingstone, of Lombard Uiii- 
veisity. It will be .seen that the mean annual temperature of Gale.'*burn i.s 48 degrees, and its 
mean annual prec^ijiitatioii of moi.sture 24 inches. The sonthern and western portions of the 
State slightly exceed the above figiu'es : 



Jan. 


Feb. 


Mar. Apr. 


May. 1 June. 


July. Aug. Sep. | Oct. Js'ov. Dec. 


Ann'l 


H 1 W 
B [ 5' 


1-9 W 

i 1- 


2 s^^ 01 


s. 


3 


Kaiii. 

Tem. 
Eain. 


2 2. 


260,14 '240 14 


30O 25' 490 


28 60° 


29 1 TOO 1 152 


590 1 40 710; 43 C:J« 33 '500 25 '390 ill 2Go 18 


4bo;26 



20 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



Some emiueiit i)liysicists refer the treeless character of the great 
grassy phiius to the" mechanical and chemical character of the soil. 
Perhaps, in the constantly varying physical conditions of different 
localities, the forces allnded to in these theories advanced, may all 
co-operate to produce these great grassy expanses, which consti- 
tute so large a part of the earth's surface. To Illinois they are 
inexhanstible sources of wealth, and as intimately connected with 
her destiny as the gi-eat coal fields Avhich underlie them. Both are 
the expression of luitural law, both destined to furnish the State 
with the elements of future greatness and power, and both i)ro- 
phetic of labor, intelligence and the enjoyment of a noble num- 
liood.* 

The CHmatoIogy of the State, in common with other countries of 
the same latitude, has four seasons. The melting snows of winter, 
generally attended by rains, convert the rich soil of the prairie into 
mud, and render early spring the m(»st unpleasant part of the year. 
The heat of summer," although nujre intense than in the same lati- 
tude on the Atlantic, is greatly relieved by the constant breezes 
which fan the prairies. Autumn, with slowly diminishing heats, 
terminates in the serene and beautiful season known as Indian 
summer. Its mild and uniform temperature, soft and hazy atmos- 
phere, and forests beautifully tinted with the hues of dying foliage, 
all conspire to render it the pleasant part of the year. jSlext come 
the boreal blasts of winter, with its social firesides, and tinkling 
bells in the mystic light of the moon, as merry sleighs skim over 
the level snow-clad prames. The ^Wnter has its sudden changes 
of temperature, causing colds and other diseases arising from 
extreme vicissitudes of weatlier. This is the most untavorable 
feature of the climate, which in other respects is salubrious. The 
general belief that Illinois is scourged by bilious diseases is sub- 
stantially unfounded. It is well known that the pioneers of Ohio, 
Indiana and Michigan suffered far worse from malarious diseases 
than those who first subdued the soil of Illinois. The cause of 
this is apparent. The malaria of marshes and unsubdued soils in 
w^ooded districts, excluded from the light of the sun and a free 
circulation of air, is far more malignant than that of the prairie 
having the full T)enefit of these counteracting agents.t 

The most distinguishing feature of the climate is its sub-tropical 
summers and the arctic severities of its winters. The newly 
arrived English immigrant is at first inclined to comx)lain of these 
climatic extremes, but a short residence in the country soon con- 
vinces him that many of the most kindly fiiiits and plants could 
not be cultivated and matured without them. Owing to this tropical 
element of the summer, the peach, grape, sweet potato, cotton, 
corn and other plants readily mature in Illinois, though its uiean 
annual teinp«'rature is less than that of England, where their cul- 
tivation is impossible. These facts show that a high temperature 
for a short season is more beneficial to some of the most valued 
plants than a moderate temperature long continued. This is well 
exemplified in the cultivation of our great staple, maize, or Indian 
corn, which, wherever the conditions are favorable, yields a greater 
amount of nutriment, with a given amount of labor, than any 

*Seo Geographical Survej'S of the State, and Foster's Physical Geography of the Missis- 
sippi Valley. 

tFoster's Physical Geography. * 



CLIMATOLOGY. 21 

kiio^\ni cereal. It was originally a tropical grass, and when culti- 
vated in regions of a liigli and protracted tenpperature, exhibits a 
strong tendency to revert to its original condition. In the Gulf States 
it grows to a greater higlit than fart Iter northward, but its yield of 
seed is corres])ondingly less. In the valleys opening s(^a ward along 
the Pacilic slope, it attains a medium size, but fails to mature for 
the want of sutticient heat. Hence the distiicts of its maxiiiunn 
production nnist be far north of its native latitudes, and luive the 
benelit of short but intense summer heats. In Illinois and adja- 
cent pai-ts of the great valley its greatest yield is about the 4Ist 
parallel, and though far less imposing in its api)earance than on 
the Gulf, its productive capacity is said to be four-fold greater 
than either there or on the Pacitic. It is wonderful that a plant 
.sluudd undergo such a great transfornuition in structure and nat- 
ural habits, and that its gTeatest producing capacity slunild be 
near the northern limits of its possible cultivatioiL These facts 
suggest (juestions of great scientitic value relative to the <levelop- 
ment of other plants by removing them from their native localities. 

One of the causes which assist in impartiug these extremes to 
the climate may be thus explaiiu'd. The different continental 
masses during the summer become rapidly heated under the intlu- 
ence of the sun, while the surr<mnding oceans are less sensitive to 
its eifects. As the result, tlic lands borderhig on the sea have a 
<'omparatively mild temperature, while the interior is subject to 
intense heat. During winter, for similar reasons, the interior 
beconu^s severely cold, while the sea-gut shore still enjoys a nnich 
milder tem))erature. l>ut a greater modif^y-ing inliuence ui)on the 
climate are tlie wijuls to which it is subject. The soui-ce of these 
is at the equator, where the air, becoming raritied from the effects 
of heat, rises and fli>ws in vast masses toward the poles. On 
reaching colder latitudes it descends to the earth, and as an under- 
cnrreiit returns to the cipiator and sui)plies the tropical \'acuu]u 
caused by its previous ascent. If the earth were at rest, the two 
under and two upper currents would move at right angles to 
the equator. But, owing to its daily re\ olution fi'om west to east, 
the nnder-currejits, as they pass from the ])oles toward the cfjuator 
where the rotation is greatest, fall behind the earth, and that in 
the noithern hemisphere tlows from the northeast, and that in the 
southei'u ti'om the southeast. In like manner the up])er-currents, 
flo\\'ing from the greater velocity of the equator to^^'ard the less at 
the poles, get in advance of the earth; and the one in the north 
flows from the southwest, and the other in the south troni the 
northwest. If the globe were a perfectly smooth sphere, the How 
of the winds as above described would be luiiform, but the fonner 
being crested with mountain chains, the latter are broken into a 
great variety of local currents. In a belt of about 25 degrees on 
each side of the equator, the uiuler- currents blow with the greatest 
regularity, ami are called trade-winds, from their importance to nav- 
igation and commerce. 

In making an ai)plication of these great primary currents to the 
valley of the Mississippi, and consequently to Illinois, it will be 
seen that the southwest winds, descending from their e(pmto- 
rial altitude, become the prevailing winds of the surface in our 
latitude. Besides these, the northeast trade-winds, in their prcj- 
gress toward the equator, in)i)inge against the lofty chain of the 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



Andes, and are deflected up the Mi.ssi.ssippi Valley and mingle 
with tlie winds from the southwest. In their passage along the 
Andes Mountauis, and across the Carril)l)ean Sea and the Mexican 
Gulf, they become charged with tropical heat and moisture. On 
entering the great central valley of the conthient, walled in on 
both sides by imi)assable mountain barriers, they are directed far 
northward, and, mingling with the southwest winds, disi)ense their 
waters, warmth and fertility, w-hich are destined to make it the 
greatest theatre of human actiWties on the face of the globe. 
These winds, from local causes, frequently veer about to different 
points of the compass ; and in Illinois and other prairies States, 
where there are no forest belts to brt^ak their force, frequently 
sweep over the country with the fury of tornadoes. Almost every 
year has recorded instances of the loss of life and property from 
this cause, and even in the great northeru forests are tracks nuide 
by their passage, as well delined as the coiuse of the reax)er through 
a field of t;rain. 



Chapter III. 
ILLINOIS ANTIQUITIES— THE MOUND BUILDERS. 



It is the opinion of antiquarians that three distinet races of 
peo|)k' hved in North America j)rior to its occui)ation by the i)resent 
popnhition. Of tliese the biiilih^rs of the niaiiiiilicent cities wliose 
remains are found in a number of localities of Cential Aiacrica 
were the nn)st civilized. Judjiing" from the ruins of brok<'n columns, 
fallen arches and the crumbling; walls of temples, palaces and i)yr- 
amids, which in some places for miles bestrew the j^round, these 
cities must have been of .Great extent and veiy po]>ulous. Tli«' 
mind is almost startled at the remoteness of their antiquity, when 
we consider the vast sweep of time necessary to erect such colossal 
•structures of solid masonry, and afterwards convert them into the 
l)resent utter wreck. Comparin^u' their complete desolation with 
the ruins of Balbec, Palmyra, The]lf>es and Mempliis, they must 
have been old when the latter were bein*;- built. May not Anu^rica 
tlien l)e called the old Avorld instea<l of the new; and may it not 
liave contained, when these Central American cities were (n'<'cted, 
<i civilization equal if not superior to that which cont<'m]iorane- 
ously existed on the l)anks of the Nile, and made Eiiypt the cradle 
of eastern arts and science? 

The secinid race, as determined by the character of their civili- 
zation, were the mound builders, the remains of whose Avorks con- 
stitute the most interesting class of antiquities found within the 
limits of the United States. Like the ruins of Central Ainerica, 
they antedate the most ancient records; tradition can furnish no 
account of them, and tlu'ir character can only be partially .i^leaned 
from the internal evidences which they themselves afford. They 
consist of the remabis of what was apparently villa ji'es, altars, 
temples, idols, cemeteries, monunu^nts, camps, fortihcations, ])leas- 
ure ji'rounds, etc. The farthest relic of this kind, disco\ered in a 
northeastern direction, was near Black river on the south side of 
Lake Ontario. Thence they extend in a southwestern direction 
by way of the Ohio, the ]Mississip])i, iMexican Gulf, Texas, New 
Mexico and Youcatan, into South America, Commencin,Ji' in Cata- 
raugus coujity, New York, there was a chain of forts extending 
more than oO miles southwesterly, not more than 4 or 5 miles 
apart, and evidently built by a ])eo]de rude in tlie arts and few in 
numbers. Further s<mthward they increase in numbei- and mag- 
nitude. In West Virginia, near the junction of Crave creek and 
the Ohio, is one of the most august monuments ol' I'emote aiiti(iuity 
found in the whole country. According to measurement it has an 
altitude of 90 feet, a diameter at the base of 100 feet, and at the 
summit of 45 feet, while a partial examination discloses within it 



24 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

tlie existence of many tliousands of liuman skeletons. In Ohio, 
where the mounds have been carefully examined, are found some 
of the most extensive and interesting that occur in the United 
States. At the mouth of the Muskinj^nm, anu)nj4' a number of 
curious works, was a rectangular fort containing 40 acres, encircled 
by a wall of earth 10 feet high, and perforated with openings 
resembling gateways. In the mound near the fort Avere found tlie 
remains of a sword, which appeared to have been buried with its 
owner. Eesting on the forehead were found three large copper 
bosses, plated with silver and attached to a^ leather buckler. ISear 
the side of the liody was a i)late of silver, which had perhaps btou 
the upper part of a copper scabbard, portions of which were tilled 
with iron rust, doubtless the renmins of a sword. A fort of simihir 
construction and dimensions was found on Licking river, near 
Newark. Eight gateways pierced the walls, and were guarded by 
mounds directly opposite each on the inside of the work. At Viv- 
cleville, on the Scioto, there were two forts in juxtai)osition; the 
one an exact circle 00 rods in diameter, and the other a ])erfect 
square, 55 rods on each side. The circular fortitication was sur- 
rouinled by two walls, with an intervening ditch 13() feet in depth. 
On Paint creek, 15 miles west of Chillicothe, besides other exten- 
sive works, was discovered the remains of a walled town. It Avas 
built on the summit of a hill about 300 feet in altitude, and encom- 
passed by a wall 10 feet in hight, made of stone in their natural 
state. The area thus inclosed contained 130 acres. On the south 
side of it there were found the remains of what apjieared originally 
to have been a row of furnaces or smith-shops, about which cinders 
were found several feet in depth. In the bed of the creek, which 
washes the foot of the hill, were found wells which had been tait 
through solid rock. They were more than 3 feet in diameter at the 
top, neatly Walled A\'ith jointed stones, and, at the time of discovery, 
covered over by circular stones. So numerous were works of this 
kind in Ohio it would require a large volume to speak of them in 
detail. 

Along the Mississippi they reach their maximum size and contain 
some of the most interCvSting relics. The number of mounds found 
here at an early day w^ere estinuited at mon^ than 3,001), the smallest 
of which were not less than 20 feet in hight, and 100 feet in diam- 
eter at the base. A large number of them were I'ound in Illinois, 
but, unfortunately, most of those who have examined them were 
little qualitied to furiiish correct information resjjecting their real 
character. It is greatly to be regretted that the State has uexer 
ordered a survey of these w^orks by persons qualitied to do the 
sid)ject Jnstice. Many of the most interesting have been ruthlessly 
destroyed, but it is believed a sufficient number still renniin to 
justify an examination. It may, howcA'^er, be safely assumed, from 
Avhat is already known respecting them, that they were substantially 
the same as those found in other parts of the United States. 

One of the most singular earthworks in this State Avas found in 
the lead region on the top of a ridge near the east bank of the 
SinsinaAva creek. It resembled some huge aninuil, the head, 
ears, nose, legs and tail and general outline of aa hich being as per- 
fect as if made by men versed in modern art. The ridge on Avhich 
it was situated stands on the prairie, 300 yards Avide, 100 feet in 
hight, and rounded on the tox) by a deep deposit of clay. Oeu- 



A]>{TIQUITIES — MOUND BUILDEES. 25 

trally, aloiip; tlie line of its suimiiit and thrown np iii tlie form of 
an embankment tlirce feet high, extended the ontline of a quadru- 
ped, measurinj;- 250 feet from the tip of the nose to the end of the 
tail, and havinii' a Avidth of bodv at the center of 18 feet. The 
head was 35 feet in length, the e;irs 10, legs GO, and tail 75. The 
curvature in both the fore and hind legs was natural to an aiumal 
lying on its side. The general outline of the tigure most nearly 
resend)led the extinct animal known to geologists as the Megathe- 
riuni. The (pu'stion naturally arises, by whom and for what pur- 
l^ose was this earth tigure raised. Some ha^e conjectured that 
numbers of this now extinct animal lived and roamed over the 
prairies of Illinois when the mound builders tirst made their ap[)eiir- 
ance in the ui)])«'r part of the Mississip])i Valley, and tliat their 
wonder and admiration, excited by the colossal dimensions of these 
huge creatures, found expression in the erection of this tigure. 
The bones of some sinular gigantic aninuds were exhumed on this 
stream al)out3 miles from the same ])lace.* 

David Dale Owen, a celebrated western geologist, in his report 
to the land office in l<So9, refers to a. nund>er of tigures, similar to 
the one above described, as existing in Wisconsin. He thinks they 
were connected with the totemic system of the Indians who fornu^rly 
dwelt in this part of the country. When, for example a distin- 
guished chief died, he infers that his clansmen raised over his body 
a moun<l resend)ling the annual which had been used as a syndiol 
to designate his family. 

]\Ir. Breckenridge, who examined the antiquities of the western 
country in 1817, sp<'aking of the mounds in the American Bottom, 
says: " The great number and the extremely large size of s<tme 
of them may be regarded as furnishing, with other circumstances, 
evidence of their antiquity. 1 have sometimes been indu(!ed to 
think that at the ]>eriod when they were constru(;ted tlu'ie Mas a 
population here as numerous as that which once animated the 
borders of the ]!^ile or of the Euphrates or of JNIexico. The nu)st 
numerous as well as considerable of these remains are found in 
precisely those parts of the country where the traces of a numer- 
ous i)opulation might be looked for, namely, from the mouth of 
the Ohio, on the east side of the Mississippi, to the Illinois ri\er, 
and on the west from the St. Francis to the JMissouri. I ani jter- 
fectly satisfied that cities similar to those of ancient Mexico, of 
several hundred thousand souls, have existed in this country." 

Says Mv. 0. Atwater, the author of an al)le work on the anti<pii- 
ties of Ohio: "Nearly o])p()site St. Louis there are traces of two 
such cities, in the distance of 5 miles. They were situated on the 
Cahokia, which crosses tlu' Am(aican Bottom opposite St. Louis. 
One of the mounds is 800 vards in circumference at the base, and 
100 feet in higjit." 

The following descri])tion of this mcmnd, which is the largest in 
the United States, is condensed from an article in the Belleville 
Eagle: It is situated Oi miles northeast (»f St. Louis, and is com- 
monly known as the Monk's mound, from the Monks of La Trappe 
haAdng settled on and around it. It is an irregular oblong, ex- 
tending north and south, and its shortest sides east and west. 
The top contains about o^ '^ci'^'Sj iiii<l al)out half way do^^^l the 
sides is a terrace, extending the whole width of the mound, and 

*Galeua Jeftersouian, 1853. 



26 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

sufficiently broad to afford sites for a number of spacious build- 
ings. The present want of regularity is due to the action of the 
rains, which, during a long interval of time, has so changed its 
surface that the original design of its builders has been lost. A 
Mr. Hill, who lived on it, in making an excavation for an ice-house 
on the northwest part, found human bones and white pottery in 
large quantities. The bones, which crumbled to dust on being- 
exposed to the air, were larger than common, and the teeth were 
double in front as well as behind. A well dug by j\Ir. Hill, whose 
dwelling was on the summit, passed through several strata of 
earth, and, it is said, the remains of weeds and grass were discov- 
ered between the layers, the color of which was still visible and 
briglit as when they were tirst inhumed. The writer thinks this 
portion of the American Bottom might with propiiety be called 
the city of mounds, for in less than a mile square there are 00 or 
80 of every size and form, none of which are more than one-third 
as large as the Moidc's mound. They extend in a westerly direc- 
tion, live miles or more, along the Cahokia. 

Notwithstanding the authorities referred to above, recent obser- 
vations render it highly probable that these mounds are portions 
of the original sliore of the Mississi])pi, which, like islands, were 
not wholly washed away by its waters. Professor Worthen, our 
State Geologist, and others, think that the material of which they 
are composed, and its stratification, correspond exactly in these 
IKirticulars with the opposite ])luffs. 

The greatest evidence of art which they exhibit is their form. 
The base of the large mound, before denudation changed it, had 
the form of a parallelogram, whose well detined right-angles could 
not have resulted from the action of water. Its terrace, and the 
same features which distinguished the mounds on the west side 
of the river at vSt. Louis, at Marietta, Portsmouth, Paint Creek 
and Circleville, Ohio, and large numbers of them in Mexico, are 
remarkable coincidences, if they are not works of art. It is well 
kuo^m that the ancients, instead of throwing up mounds, in 
some instances selected natural elevations and shaped them -with 
terraces iov sites.^pf altars and temples, and this seems to have 
been the character of the mounds in the American Bottom, Though 
not originally iidtMided for graves, tliey were subsecjuently used as 
such by the Indians, that their dead might be above the Hoods of 
the Mississipi)i. 

But whatever may have been the nature of these, there is no 
doubt as to the artificial cliaracter of others in many localities. 
Pioneer evidence states that at an early date copper, and a great 
variety of other im])lements, exceeding in their workmanship the 
skill of the present Indians, were taken fiom the mounds of South- 
ern Illinois. The existence of this metal in these earthworks re- 
fers them to the era of the mound builders, as the Indians are 
ignorant of the ])rocess of working it, and never used it in the 
manufactm-e of implements. The copper so frequently discovered 
m moinids in the United States doubtless came from the region of 
Lake Superior. Mines have been examined here extending over 
large areas, the working of which antedates all existing records 
or Indian traditions. Another of the many evidences of tribes, 
who must have inhabited this country at a remf)te period, was 
found a few jears since at the Illinois Salines. Fragments of pot- 



ANTIQUITIES — MOUND BUILDEES. 27 

tery, from 4 to 5 feet iii diameter, were exbuiued some 30 feet be- 
low tlie surface, and had evidently been used in the manufacture 
of salt by the mound builders, or some other ancient peoi>le, dif- 
ferent from the present Indians. The artiticial character of these 
works not bein<i' a controverted point, the in<iuiry arises who were 
tlieir builders ? The hypothesis that they were the ancestors of 
the Alji'oiHiuin and other tribes found living' in their midst, when 
first visited by Euroi)eans, but illy accords with the evidence fur- 
nislied by an examimition of the facts. These curious relics are 
fra.u'ments of a history which ])oint to a ])eople ditterent in physi- 
cal structure from the red men, and .i;Teatly in advance of them in 
art and civilization. The latter in ^iieneral are a tall, rather vslen- 
der, strai<iht-li]nl}ed ])eople, while the former were short and thick 
set, had k)w foreheads, hi^ih clu^ek bones, and were remarkable for 
their hir^e eyes and broad chins. Their limbs were short and 
stout, while their whole physiipie more closely resend>led that of 
the (xerman than any existing race. The remains of their art also 
indicated a people wholly distinct. From these tumuli have been 
taken silver, iron and copper im[)lements, exhibiting- in their con- 
struction a degree of skill greatly exceeding Indian ingenuity and 
workmanshi}). The large number of medals, bracelets, i)ipes, a.nd 
other instruments nu^de of copper, show that its use among them 
was mucli more extensive than that of the other metals. They 
may have possessed the lost art of hardening it, for cut stone is 
occasionally found in some of their works. The manufacture of 
earthenware was one of their most advanced arts; vessels made 
from calcareous breccia have been taken from their tombs, e(]ual in 
quality to any now made in Italy from the same nuiterial. A con- 
siderable nund)er of these were urns, containing bones, which i\\>- 
l)ear to have been burnt before they were deposited in them, 
^iirrors, made of isinglas, were of frecpienf occurrence in the 
mounds. Many of tliem wei'e large and elegant, and must have 
answered well the i)urp()se for which they were intended. ( Jould 
they speak, they would doubtless tell us that the prinutive belles, 
whose charms they retlected, had the same fondness for personal 
decoration that distinguishes their sisters of the present day. 

Their habitations must have been tents, structures of wood, or 
some other perishable material ; otherwise their remains would 
have been inimerous. The rennuns, however, of fire-places, 
hearths and chimneys, imbedded in the alluvial l)anks of the Ohio 
and ^Muskingum rivers, are freciuently brought to light by the ac- 
tion of tlieir wat(^rs. The Indians of these localities never erected 
such works ; while their great depth below the surface, and its 
heavy growth of trees, is evidence that they were not made by Eu- 
ropeans, hence must be referred to the mound builders. Evidence 
of this kind might be multiplied indefinitely, but what has been 
said is deemed sufiicient. 

Not only had the mound luiilders made considerable progress in 
the arts, but they were not wholly wanting in scientific attainments. 
The lines of nearly all their works, where the situation would admit 
of it, conform to the four cardinal points. Had their autluns no 
knowledge of astronomy, they could never have d<?termined the 
points of the comi)ass witli such exactness as their works indicate. 
This noble science, which in modern times has given us such ex- 
tended views of the universe, was among the first iu the earlier 



28 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

ages to arrest the attention of mankind. The i)astoral life of primi- 
tive times, when men dwelt in tents, or the open air, with the 
heavenly bodies in fnll view, was very favorable to the stndy of 
astronomy. 

If the monnd bnilders were not the ancestors of onr Indians, 
who were they I The oblivion which has closed over them is so 
complete that oidy conjectnres can be given in answer to the qnes- 
tion. Those who do not believe in the common parentage of man- 
kind contend that they were an indigenous race of the western 
hemisphere. Others, with more plansibility, think they came from 
the east, and imagine that they can see coincidences in the religion 
of the Hindoos and Sonthern Tartars and the snpposed theology of 
the immnd bnilders. An idol was fonnd in a tomb near Xashville, 
consisting of three bnsts, representing a man in a state of inidity. 
On the liead of each were carved the sacred fillet and cake vvith 
which, in ancient Greece, dnring sacrifices, the heads of the idol, 
the victim, and priest were bonnd. The Greeks are snpposed to 
have borrowed these sacred appliances from the Persians, with 
whom they had freqnent wars and an intimate maritime inter- 
course. Another idol, consisting of three heads united at the 
back, was taken from a tomb on the headwaters of the Cund)er- 
land river. Then' features, wliich were expressive, exhibited in a 
striking" manner the lineaments of the Tartar countenance. It has 
been further observed that wherever there was a group of mounds 
three of them were uniformly larger and more favorably situated 
than the rest. The triune character of these images and mounds 
are supposed to represent the three principal gods of the Hindoos, 
Brakmin, Vishnoo and Siva. This supi)ositiou has been farther 
strengthened by the discovery in many mounds of murex shells, 
which were sacred in the religion of the Hindoos, used as material 
in tlie construction of their idols, and as the musical instruments 
of their Tritons. In digging a well near ]Srashville, a clay vessel 
was found 20 feet below the surface. It was of a globose form, 
terminating at the top with a female head, the features of whi(5h 
were strongly marked and Asiatic. The crown of the head was 
covered Avith a cap of pyramidal form resemliling the Asiatic head- 
dress. The vessel was found sitting on a rock from under A\hich 
issued a stream of water, and nmy hav(^ been used at the fountain 
in performing the ablutions enjoined by some of the oriental re- 
ligiiuis. Indeed, for this purpose the temples and altars of the 
Hindoos are always erected on the banks of some river, as the 
Ganges and other saci'ed streams, and the same i)ractice was ob- 
served by the authors of the American tumuli. 

From evidence of this kind it is inferred that this people cajne 
from Asia, and that their migrations, like those from Europe at 
the present day, were made at different times and from different 
countries. 

They were no doubt idolators, and it has been conjectured that 
the sun was an objiH't of adoration. The momids were generally 
built in a situation affording a view of the rising sun. When in- 
closed with walls tlieir gateways were toward the east. The caves 
in Avhicli they were occasionally found buried always opened in the 
same diii'ction. AVhenever a mound was partially inclosed l)y a 
semicircul^ir pavenu',nt,it was on the east side. When bodies Avere 
buried in graves, as was frequently' the case, they lay in an east- 



ANTIQUITIES — MOFND BUILDERS. 29 

ern and western direction; and finally, medals have been found 
representing the snn and his rays of light. 

At what period they came to this country is likewise a matter 
of speculation. From the comi)aratively rude state of the arts 
among them, it has been inferred that the time was very remote. 
Their axes were made of stone; their rahnent, judging from the 
fragments which have been discovered, consisted of the barks of 
trees interwoven with feathers; and their military works were such 
as a people would erect who had just passed from the hunter to 
the jyastoral state of society. The line efforts already referred to, 
in Xew York, were built on the brow of the hill which was origi- 
nally the southern shore of Lake Erie. Uy the recession of the 
waters, they are now from 3 to o miles distant from their original 
limits. The surface, which became exposed by the retirement of 
the waters, is now covered with a vegetable mold from (j to 10 
inches deep, and it may reasonably be su]>posed that a long inter- 
val of time was required for the i)roduction of the forests by whose 
decom])osition it was fonned. But a nuich longer interval would 
be required for the Niagara to <leei»en its channel and thus cause 
the subsidence of the waters in the lake. 

Wliat finally becanu> of tliis ])eo]>le is another query which has 
been extensively discussed. The fact that tlieir works extend into 
Mexico and l*eru has induced the belief that it was their posterity 
that dwelt in these countries when they were first visited by the 
Spaniards. The ^Mexican and Peruvian works, with the excei)tion 
of their greater magnitude, are similar. Relics common to all of 
them have been occasionally found, and it is believed that the reli- 
gious uses which they subserved were the same. One of the i.viin- 
cipal deities of the South Americans was the god of the shining 
mirror, so called because he was supposed to refiect, like a mirror, 
his divine perfections. The same god was also a Mexican divinity ; 
and while other deities were symbolized by images, this one was 
represented by a mirror, and held in great veneration as the mi- 
knowni god of the universe. Isinglas, common in the mounds iu 
the United States, was the material generally enq)loyed for the 
construction of mirrors in Mexico ; but in South Anunica, obsidan, 
a volcanic product, which answered the same purpose, was more 
frequently used. If, indeed, the Mexicans and l*eruvians were the 
progeny of the more ancient mound builders, then S})anish rapacity 
for gold was the cause of their overthrow and final extermination. 

A thousand other interesting queries naturally arise respecting 
these nations which now repose under the ground, but tlie nu>st 
searching- investigation can only give us vague speculations for 
answers. No historian has preserved the names of their mighty 
chieftains nor given an account of their exploits, and even tradi- 
tion is silent respecting them. If we knock at the tond>s, no spirit 
comes back with a response, and only a sepulchral echo of forget 
fulness and death renunds us how vain is the attempt to unlock 
the mysterious past upon which oblivion has fixed its seal. How 
forcibly their mouldering bones and iierishing relics remind us of 
the transitory character of human existence. Generation after 
generation lives, moves and is no more ; time has strewii the tracik 
of its ruthless march with the fragments of mighty empires ; and 
at length not even their names nor works have an existence in the 
speculations of those who take their i^laces. 



Chapter IV. 
THE l^^DIANS OF ILLINOIS. 



The tliird distinct race wli-icli, according' to ethnologists, has in- 
hal)it<Ml North America, is tlie present Indians. Wlien visited by 
early Em'0])ean pioneers they were Avithout cultivation, rettneiiient 
or literature, an<l far behind tlieir precursors, the mound builders, 
m a knowledge of the arts. The (piestion of their origin has long- 
interested arclieologists, and is one of the most difticult they have 
been called on to answer. One hypothesis is that they are an 
original race indigeneous to the Western Hemisphere. Those who 
entertain this view think their i)eculiarities of i)hysical structure 
preclude the possibility of a <'ommon i)arentage with the rest of 
mankind. I'rominent among these distinctive traits is the hair, 
Avhich in the red man is round, in the white man oval, and in the 
black man Jiat. In the ])ile of the European the colonng matter 
is distributed by means of a central canal, but in that of the Indian 
it is incor])orated in the fibrous structure. Brown, who has made 
an exhaustive examination of these varieties of hair, concludes 
that they are radically different, and belong to tluee distinct 
branches of the human family, Avhich, instead of a common, have 
had a trinary origin. Since, therefore, these and other i»eculiar 
ethnological features are characteristic; only of the aboriginal in- 
habitants of America, it is inferred that tliey are indigenous to this 
part of the globe. 

A more common supposition, however, is that they are a deriva- 
tive race, and sprang from one or more of the ancient peoples 
of Asia. In the absence of all authentic history, ami wheu even 
tradition is Avanting, any attempt to point out the i)articular theater 
of their origin must prove unsatisfactory. They are perhaps an 
oifshoot of Slicmitic parentage, and some imagine, from their tribal 
organization and some faint coincidences of language ami religion, 
that they were the descendants of the ancient Hebrews. Others, 
with as much ])roi>riety, contend that their i)rogenitors Avere the 
ancient Hiiuloos, and that the Brahmin idea, Avhich uses the sun 
to symbolize the Creator of the Univcn'se, has its counterpart in 
the sun worship of the Indians. They also see in the Hindoo poly- 
theisu), with its ;(0,()(K) divinities, a theology corresponding with 
the innumerable minor Indian deities, of Avhich birds, quadrupeds, 
reptiles, aud lishes are made the symbols. The Persians, and 
other prinntivci oriental stocks, and even the nations of Europe, if 
the testimony of different anti(iuarians could be acceijted, might 
claim the honor of first peoi)ling America. 

Though the exacit ])la,ce of origin may never be known, yet the 
striking coincidences of physical organization between the oriental 

30 



INDIANS. 31 



types of mankind and the Indians, point nuniistakably to some 
part of Asia as the place whence they emigrated. Instead of 
1<S()() years, tlie time of their ro\ino' in the wilds of America, 
as determined hy !S]>anisli interpretation of their pictoi^raphic 
records, the interval has perhaps been thrice that period. Their 
religions, snperstitions and ceremonies, if of foreign oiigin, evi- 
dently belong to the crnde the<)logi<\s prevalent in the last cen- 
tnries before the introdnction of aMaliomctanism or Christianity. 
Scarcely oO(M) years would snfirtce to blot ont i»er]iaps almost every 
trace of the langnage they brought with them from tlie Asiatic 
cradle of the race, and introduce the i)resent diversity of abori- 
ginal tongues. Like their oriental progenitors they Iuia'c lived for 
centuries Avithout ])rogress, while the (Jaucassian variety of the 
race, under the transforming power of- art, science, and improved 
systems of civil i>olity, liave nuule the most rapid advancement. 
At the time of tlu'ir departure eastAvard, a great ciUTcnt of emi- 
gration tlowcd westward to Europe, making it a great arena of 
human effort and improvement. Thence proceeding farther west- 
ward' it met in America, the midway station in the circuit of the 
globe, the opi)osing current direct from Asia. The shoclc of the tirst 
contact was the beginning' of the great contlict which has since 
been waged by the rival sons of yiiem and Jai)heth. The tirst 
thought of the Indian, when hostilities commenced on tlie Atlantic 
boidei", was to retire westward. It was from beyond the Allegha- 
Jiies, according to the traditions of their fatluns, tliey had come, 
and in the same undetined region they h)eated tluMr paradise or 
hai)i)y hunting groinid. To employ an al)original allegory, "The 
Indians had long discerned a dark cloud in the lieavens, coming" 
from tlie east, which threatened them with disaster and death. 
BloAvly rising- at lirst, it seemed shadow, but soon rhanged to sub- 
stance. When it reached the sinnmit of the AUeghanies it as- 
sumed a darker hue; deep murmurs, as of thunder, were heard ; 
it was imi)elled westward by strong wind, and shot forth forked 
tongues of lightning." 

The movement of the sond)re cloud tyi)ified the advance of labor, 
science and civilization. I'ontiac foresaw tlu? coming storm when 
he beheld the French Hag and French su])remacy stricken down 
on the i)lains of Abraham. To the Ihitish officer sent westward 
to secure the fruits of victory, he said: "I stand in thy path." To 
the assend)led chiefs of the nations in council, he nnfolded his 
schemes of opposition, depicted the disasters wliich would attend 
the corning rush of the Anglo-Saxon, and climaxed his invective 
against the hated enemy with the exclamation, "Drive the dogs 
wlio wear red clothing into the sea." Fifty years after the defeat 
of Pontiac, Tecumseh, emulating his example, ])lotted the conspi- 
racy of the AVabash. lie brought to his aid the powerful iutlu- 
ence of the Indian priest-hood; for years the forest haunts of his 
clansmen rang with his stirring ap[)eals, and the valleys of the 
West ran with the blood of the white invaders. But Tecumseli fell 
a martyr to his cause, and the second attempt to turnback the tide 
of civilization was a failure. The Appalachian tribes, unchn- the 
leadership of Tuscaloosa, next waged a continuous war of three 
years against the southern frontiers. The conflict terminat(^<l by 
the sublime act of its leader, who, after a reward had been olfered 
for his head, voluntarily snrrendei'ed himself for the good of his 



32 HISTOHY OP ILLINOIS. 

countrymen. After this defeat, the sonthern tril)es abandoned 
then' long cherished idea of re-estahhsliing Indian supremacy. A 
hist and fruitless effort of this kind, by the iSacs and Foxes of Illi- 
nois, placed the vast domain east of the Mississippi in the hands 
of the ruthless conquerors.* 

Alf/onquins and Iroquois. — Of the several great branches of 
North American Indians, as determined by sameness of language 
and mental and pliysical type, the oidy ones entitled to considera- 
tion ill Illinois history, are the Algonquin, and incidentally the 
Iroquois. Before the encroachments of Europeans caused tlie re- 
tirement of the Algonquin tribes, they oc('vq)ied most of the United 
States between the 3r)th and (iOth parallels of latitudes, and the 
COth and lor)th meridians of longitude. They were Algonquins 
whom Cartier found on the bardcs of the St. Lawrence, wlumi the 
English discovered hunting and fishing on the Atlantic coast, from 
IVIaine to the Carolinas. They Mere tril)es of this lineage whom 
Jesuit missionaries taught to lepeat i)rayers and sing avis on the 
banks of the Mississip})! and Illinois, and on the shores of the 
great lakes and Hudson Bay. The same gieat family waged war 
with the Puritans of jSTew England, entered into a covenant of 
peace with Penn, and furnished a Po(!ahontas to intercede for the 
life of the adventurous founder of Virginia. 

The starting point in the w^anderings of the Algonquin tribes on 
the continent, as determined by tradition and the cultivation of the 
nmize, their favorite cereal, was in tln^ southwest. It is conjectured 
as they passed u}) the western side (»f the Mississippi Valley, their 
numbers were augumented by accessions from nomadic clans |)ass- 
through the central and southern passes of tlu^ liocky Mountains. 
Then, turning eastward across the Mississi])])i, the southern mar- 
gin of the broad track pursued toward the Atlantic was about the 
3r)th parallel, the limits reached in this direction by these tribes. 
This would place in the central line of march, Illinois, and the ad- 
jacent regions, where the first Eurojiean ex])lorers found corn 
extensively cultivated and used as an arti(^le of food. On reaching 
the Atlantic they moved northeasterly ahmg the seaboard to the 
mouth of the St. Lawrence, introducing along their track the cul- 
tivation of maize, without which many of the early British colo- 
nists must have perished. Next, ascending the St. Lawrence and 
the great lakes, they spread northward and Avestward to Hudson's 
Bay, the basin of Lake Winnei)eg, and the valley of the Upper 
Mississippi. In this wide dispersion the original stock was broken 
into minor tribes ; each, in the course of time, deviating in .speech 
from the parent language, and forming a dialect of its own. The 
head of the nngratory column, circling rovuid the soiu-ce of the 
Mississippi, recrossed it in a southeasterly direction above the falls 
of St. Anthony, and passed by way of Green Bay and Lake Michi- 
gan into the present limits of Illinois, Indiana and Ohio. Thus, 
after revolving in an irregular elipse of some olKK) miles in diame- 
ter, they fell into the original track eastward. 

The territory of the Iroquois lay like an island in this vast area 
of Algonquin population. They had three conflicting traditions 
of their origin: that they came from the west, from the north, and 
sprung from the soil on which they lived. Their confederacy at 
first consisted of 5 tribes, the Mohawks, Oneidas, Onondagas, 

♦Schoolcraft's, Part 5 ; Spencer's History of the United States 



INDIANS. 33 



Ca.vugas and Senecas, to which a Oth, the Tuscaroras was after- 
wards added. Each tribe had a separate political organization in 
which the sachems were the ruling spirits. "When foreign tribes 
were to be consulted, or the general interests of the confederacy 
re<iuired deliberation, the sachems of the several tribes met in 
general council. Hasty writers, judging from their successes without 
care-fully studying their character and history, have greatly over- 
rated their virtues. There is no doubt as to their success in war, but 
it was rather the result of circumstances than inherent worth. ^JvTot- 
withstanding their nuich lauded eloquence, <liplomacy and courage, 
there is little doubt that the Algonquin tribes of the same latitude 
were in these respects fully their equals. As it regards cranial 
indications, the lro<iuois had an excessive develoi)]iient at the 
basillar region, and tlie Algoncpiins a larger intellectual lol)e, and 
the conduct of the two races corresponds Avith their cerebral dif- 
fereiices. It is well known that for the exhibition of brutish ferocity 
in ])attle, and the iiendish butchery of prisoners, the former Avere 
without rivals. Missionary evidence states that it was they who 
first taught the Illinois the cruel practice of burning i)risoners at 
the stake. But admitting their natural su])eriority they must have 
lost it by amalgamation, for it was customary with them to repair 
their constant losses in Avar by adopting into their families the 
women and children ca])tured from their Algonquin enemies. 
This infusion of blood, if in a fcAv generations it did not give the 
foreign element the ascendancy, must have greatly modified the 
original stock. Indeed some of the adopted Algonquins became 
aft«'rwards their prominent chiefs. 

Their success in war was in a great measure the result of local 
and other ad\"antages. Possessing a territory included in the 
present limits of ISTew York, it gave them ready access to the 
initions living on the western lakes ; while the MohaAvk and the 
Hudson furnished them a higliAvay to the tribes of the sea-coa^t. 
Having by sav age barbarity converted all the surrounding nations 
into enemies, necessity taught them the advantage of union, fixity 
of habitation nmde them superior in agiicultuic, while a passion 
for Avar gave them a preeminence in the arts best suited to gratify 
their inoi'dinate lust for blood. DepiiAcd of tliese advantages it 
is doul>tful whether they Avould liaA'c been long able to cope with 
the tribes Avhicli they outraged by incessant attacks. 

The Algonquin tribes were too widely dispersed to admit of a 
general confederacy; the interi)osition of great lakes and rivers 
preA'ented concert of action, and hence each commuidty had to 
contend single-handed with the united enemy. Ea'cu in these une- 
qual contests they were sometimes the conquerors, as instanced in 
the triumph of the Illinois on the banks of the Iroquois, a stream 
in our State whose name still commemorates the Aictory. 

It is not, however, in the petty broils of tribal warfare, but the 
fierce conflicts Avith the civilized intruders ujion their soil, that a 
correct opinion is to be formed of these rival races. In these 
bloody struggles, which decided the fate of the entire aboriginal 
population, it was that the Algonquins evinced their great superi- 
ority. Unlike the Iroquois, wlio, in their haughty independence, 
disdained to go beyond their own narrow realms for assistance, 
and AA'ho, in their great thirst for carnage, even <lestroyed kindred 
nations, the Algonquins formed the most extensiA^e alliance to 
3 



34 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

resiist tlie eiicroachineiits of their Eugiisli destroyers. Such was tlie 
nature of King Philip's war, w^ho, with his Algouquiu braves, 
spread terror aud desohitiou throughout New England. Panic- 
stricken at ills audacity and success, the Puritans inuigined they 
saw dire portents of calamities in the air and sky, and shadowy 
troo^js of careering horsemen imprinted on the face of the sun and 
moon. This compactly formed confederacy of tribes was over- 
thrown ; but it cost the Cok)nists, with their superior numbers, 
discipline and weapons, a bloody contest to accomplish it. tSucli, 
too, was the character of the culminating struggle of the red race, 
some 90 years later, for the dominion of the western wilderness. 
Never before had the Indians exhibited such feats of courage, 
such skill in dijilomacy and such strategy m war; and never before, 
nor afterwards, were their efforts attended with such terrible con- 
sequences. With an xVlgonquin chief and Algonquin warriors as 
the controlling spirits, a contederacy of continental proportions 
was the result, embracing in its alliance the tribes of every name 
and lineage, from the northern lakes to the gulf on the south. 
Pontiac, ha^'ing breathed into them his implacnble hate of the 
English intruders, ordered the contlict to commence, and all the 
British colonies trembled before the desolating fury of the onset. 

Of the tribes of Algonquin lineage which formerly dwelt in 
Illinois, those bearing the name of the State were the most numer- 
ous. Judging from the graves which were thickly planted over the 
prairies, they nuist at au early date have been a prominent theater 
of aboriginal activities. Long before the intrusion of the white 
man, the stat{4y warrior marshaled his swarthy clans to defend 
the hunting grounds which embosomed the homes and graves of 
his ancestors. Here, around the lodge tire, the young braves 
listened to the exploits of their aged chiefs and marched forth to 
perform the deeds which were to crown them with a chieftain's 
honors. On the grass-cushioned lap of the i^raii'ie, when the 
moon with mellow radiance Hooded the valleys and sih ered the 
streams, the red swain went forth to woo his intended mate atul 
win her love. Where the game abounded which furnished hiin 
with food and clothing he built the wigwam in which his faithful 
partner dispensed the hospitalities of his frugal board. Nature 
disclosed to his untutored mind the simple duties of life. The 
opening flower revealed the time for planting corn, the falling leaf 
when to provide for the frosts of winter, and from the lower 
animals he learned industry, prudence and affection. His own 
wondrous organization dii-ected his thoughts to the Great Spirit, 
and in the si)acious temple, lighted by the sun and cm-tained with 
clouds, whei'e the tempest offers its loud anthem of praise, he 
worshi[)])ed the God of Nature. 

The lUinoh Confederacy were composed of five tribes: the Tara- 
aroas, Wichigamies, Kaskaskias, (Jahokias, and Peorias. Albert 
Gallatin, wlio has prepared the most elaborate work on the struct- 
ure of the Indian languages, gives the detinition of Illinois as real 
or su])erior men, and derives it from the Delaware word Leno, 
Leiii or Illini, as it is varicmsly written by different autliors. The 
termination of the word as it is now, and a|)])lied to the State and 
its ])rincipal river, is of French origin. The Illinois, Miamis and 
Delay, ares ar(^ of the same stock, and, acccu'ding to tradition, emi- 
grated from tlu' far west, the first stopping in their eastern round 



THE ILLINOIS. 35 



of iJiigratiou in tlic vicinity of Lal^e jNriclii.gan, tlie second in tlie 
territory of Indiana, and the tliird tliat of Pennsylvania. 

As early as lOTO the Jesuit, Father Marquette, mentions frequent 
visits made by individuals of this confe<leracy to the missionary 
station of St. Es])rit, near the western extremity of Lake Superior. 
At that time they lived west of the Mississippi in eii^ht villages, 
whither the Irocjuois had driven them from the shores of Lake Michi- 
gan, which received its name from one of the tribes. Shortly after- 
wards they commenced returning eastward, ancl^imallj- settled 
mostly on the Illinois. Joliet and Marquette, in-Jlr^ descending 
the Mississi]>pi below the mouth of the Wisconsin, on their famous 
voyage of discovery, met with a band of them on the west bank 
of the river. The priuci])al chief treated them with great hospi- 
tality, gave them a calumet as a ])ass down the ri^xn-, and bid 
them a friendly farewell. The same explorers, in their return voy- 
age up tlie Illinois, discovered and st<)pj[)ed at the princijjal town 
of tile confederacy, situated on the banks of the river 7 miles below 
the presiMit town of Ottawa. It Avas then called Kaskaskia, and 
according to JMarcpiette, contained 74 lodges, each of which domi- 
<'iled several fannlies. ^larquette returned to the village in the 
s])ring of 107'), aud established the IMission of the Immaculate 
Conception, the oldest in Illinois, and subsequently transferred 
to the nev,' towai of Kaslvaskia further southward. 

When, in lf>79, La Salle visited the town it had greatlj' increased, 
numbering, according to Hennepin, 400 lodges, and at the annual 
assembling of the ditferent tribes ±rom 0,000 to 8,000 souls. The 
lodges extended along the banks of the river a mile or more, ac- 
cording to the number of its Huctuating population, which ex- 
tensively cultivated the adjacent meadows and raised crops of 
]>um]>kins, beans, and Indian corn. At this time the confederacy 
[vossessed the country from the present toAvn of Ottawa and the 
h)wer rapids of the ]\lississi[)i)i to the mouth of the Ohio, and, ac- 
cording to the missionary Father Kasles, besides the principal 
town occupied some 10 or 12 other villagi^s. In the irruption of 
the Iroquois, the following year, the ])rincii)al town was burned 
ami the several tribes pui'sued down the river to the IVIississippi, 
where the Tamaroas were attacked and 700 of their women and 
children made j^risouers. These were burned and butchered till 
the savage victors were sated with carnage, when the survivors 
were lead into (captivity. With the w1thdr;^^^•al of the enemy the 
tribes returned, rebuilt their town, and in 1082 furnished 1,200 
of the 3,800 warriors embraced in La Salle's colony at Fort Saint 
Louis on the Illinois. After this they were forced further south- 
ward by northern nations, and Peoria, Caholvia and Kaskaskia 
became the centres of the tribes indicated by their name:^. The 
Tamaroas were iissociated with the Kaskaskias, and the Michi- 
gamies were located near Fort Chartres on the Mississip)>i. "While 
here they were the centre of Jesuit missionary operations, and 
great etforts were made to (convert them to Christianity, but M'ith 
only partial success. 

In 1720 they were siiminoned by M. Perrier, Covernor-Geiieial 
of Louisiana, to assist in the reduction of the Xatchez, who were 
disturbing the jieaee of the proviiuH'. On the breaking out of the 
Chickasaw war they were again called to the assistance of their 
allies, the French, aud under one of Illinois' most gallant generals, 



36 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

tlie Chevalier B'Aitagnette, they successively stormed and carried 
two of the enemy's strongholds, and would have taken a third but 
for the fall of their heroic leader. 

In common ^vith other western tribes they became involved in 
the conspiracy of Pontiac, but from frequent defeats by surround- 
ing- tribes, and long contact with civilization, they had lost to a 
great extent the warlike energy, for which, according to tradi- 
tion, they were anciently distinguished. When, therefore, the 
great chief visited them in the autumn of 17G4, their zeal did not 
meet his expectations, and he told them if they hesitated, he 
would " consume their tribes as tire doth the dry grass on the 
prairies." Finally, when Pontiac lost his life by the hand of an 
Illinois, the nations which had followed him as a leader descended 
from the north and the east to avenge his death, and almost an- 
nihilated the tribes of this lineage. Tradition states that a band 
of fugitives, to escape the general slaughter, took refuge on the 
high rock which had been the site of Fort St. Louis. There they 
were besieged by a sui^erior force of the Pottawatamies, whom the 
great strength of this natural fortress enabled them easily to keep 
at bay. Hunger and thirst, more formidable enemies, however, 
soon accomplished what the foe was unable to effect. Their small 
quantity of ]n()visions quickly failed, and their supply water was 
stopped by the enemy severing the cords attached to the vCkSscIs 
by which they elevated it from the river below. Thus environed 
by relentless foes, they took a last lingering look at their beautiful 
hunting grounds, si^read out like a panoiama on the gently rolling- 
river, and, with true Indian foititude, laid down and expired with- 
out a sigh or a tear. From their tragic fate the lofty citadel on 
which they perished received the uupoetical name of " Starved 
Eock," and years afterwards their bones were seen w^hitening on 
its summit. The Tamaroas, although not entirely exterminated, 
lost their identity as a tribe in a battle with the Shawnees, near 
the eastern limits of Eandolph county. At the commencement of 
the present century the contracting circle of hostile tribes had 
forced the remnants of this once powerful confederacy into a small 
compass around Kaskaskia. When the country was first visited 
by Europeans they numbered 12,00(> souls; now they were reduced 
to two tribes, the Kaskaskias and Peorias, and could only muster 
150 warriors. Their chief at this time w^as a half-breed of consid- 
erable talent, named I)u Quoin, who wore a medal presented to 
him by Washington, whom he visited at Philadelphia. In the 
early part of the i)resent century the two tribes under his guidance 
emigrated to the Southwest, and in 1850 they were in the Indian 
Territory, and numbered 84 persons. 

The 8acs and Foxes^ yy\\o have figured extensively in the his- 
tory of Illinois, dwelt in the northwest part of the State. The 
word '' Sau-Kee," now written " Sac," is derived from the com- 
pound word '^ A-sau-we-kee," of the Chippewa lang-uage, signifying 
yellow earth, and " Mus-qua-kee," the original name of the Foxes, 
means red earth. Though still retaining separate tribal names, 
when living in Illinois they had, by hnig residence together and 
intermarriage, become substantially one people. Both tribes origi- 
nally lived on the St. Lawnuice, in the neighborhood of Quebec; 
and ^[ontreal. The Foxes first removed to the West and estab- 
lished tlien)selves on the river which bears their name, empty- 



SACS AND POXES. 37 



iiig into the head of (xretMi I>ay. Here tliey .siitt'ered a wi^iial 
defeat froiti the eoiubiiied forces of the French and their Indian 
allies, which cansed them afterwards to imite ^dtli the Saes, to i)re- 
vent extermuiation. 

The Sacs became involved in a long and bloody war with the 
Iroqnois, who drove them from their habitation on the St. Law- 
rence toward the West, lletiring before these formidable enemies, 
t'.iey next enconnter^^d the Wyandots, by whom they were driven 
farther and farther along the shores of the great lakes till at length 
thcA' fonnd a temporary re.sting place on Green Bay, in the neigh- 
lioodof their relatives, the Foxes. For nuitual protection against 
the .snrronnding nations a nnion was here institnted l)etween the 
two tri])es, wh}<*]i has remained unbroken to the ja'csent time. The 
tijue of theu' migration from the St. Lawrence to the region of 
then])per lakes cannot Ite delinitely ascertained. Green Lay was 
visited in l<>()l.M>y Father Allouez, a Jesnit, who estal)lislied aniis- 
sionary station there, and in the winter of Uu2 extended his lalxrns 
Ui the Foxes, wlio at tijst treate<l him with the greatest contempt. 
Some of tlie tribe had recently been on a trading expedition to 
Montreal, where they had been foully dealt with by the French, 
and they now took occasion to show their resentment by deriding 
the utterances of the missionary. By the exercise of great pa- 
tie])ce, howe^'er, he at len.gth ol)tained a hearing, and succeeded so 
well in impressing their minds with his religions instruction that 
when he exhibiteil n cracitix they threw tol)acco on it as an olfering. 
He mnm aftei'wards taught tJie whole village to make the sign of 
the cross, ami painting it on their shields, in one of their -svar ex- 
peditions, the,y oldained a. gj'eat victory o\er their enemies. Thus, 
while they knew but little of its signihcance as a religions emblem, 
in war they regarded it as a talisman of more than ordinary power. 

From Green Bay they moved southward, and shoitly after the 
Frcjjch )>ioneers visited the conntry they took ])ossession of the 
fertile ])lains of Noi-tliwe.stern Illinois, cMving out the Sauteaux, 
a brunch of tlie Chippewas. In their southern migration, accord- 
ing to their trjiditiojjs, a severe battle oceurred between them and 
the jNLtecontiiLs, opi>osite the mouth of the Iowa, in which the lat- 
ter were defeated, and ojdy a few of them left to cairy the news 
of tlieir disaster to friends at home. Subsequently' they formed 
alliances with the Potawatamies and other nations, i'orced the dif- 
ferent tril)es of the Illinois confederacy southwai'd, and after years 
of strife almost extermimited them. In conjunction with the Me- 
nomonees, Wumebagoes, and other tribes living in the region of 
the lakes, they mad<' an atteia}jt, in 1770, to destroy the village of 
8t. Louis, but were jnevented by the tinndy arri\ al of George 
Rogers Clark with 500 men from Kaskaskia. Finally, in the Black 
HaM k waj-, wjjgeil by th<'m against the ti'oops of Illinois and the 
Unite<l States, they attracte(l the attention of the oitire nation, 
and won a liistorieal rejaitation. 

Much labor has been expeiuled to ascertain whether the cele- 
brated Chief, Pontiac, was of Sac or Ottawa lineage. If a simili- 
arjty ij) the traits of character, which distinguished him and the 
Sac tribe, could decide the (pu\stion, the latt<'r might, d(mbt- 
less, claim the lumor of his relationship. It is unnecessary to 
speak of the courage and lighting qualities of Pontiac. That of 
the Sacs and their relati\'es, the Foxes, is thus given h\ Drake, iu 



38 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

his " Life of Black Hawk :" " The Sacs and Foxes fought tiieir 
way from the waters of tlie St. Lawrence to Green Bay, and after 
reaching that place not only sustained themselves against the hos- 
tile tribes, but were among the most active and courageous in the 
subjugation, or lather extermination, of the numerous aiul i)ower- 
ful Illinois confederacy. They had many wars, otfensive and defen- 
sive, with the Sioiix, the Pawnees, the Osages and other tribes, 
some of which are ranked among the most fierce and ferocious 
warriors of the whole continent, and it does not ai)pear that in 
these conflicts, running through a long period of years, they were 
found wanting in this the greatest of all savage virtues. In the 
hite war Avith Great Britain, a party of the Sacs an<l Foxes fought 
under the British standanl as a matter of choice, and in the recent 
contest between a fragment of these tiil)es and the United States, 
although defeated and literally cut to pieces by iin overwhelming- 
force, it is very questionable whether their rei)utation as braves 
would suifer by a comparison with that of their victors. It is be- 
lieved that a careful rcA'iew of their history, from the period when 
they first established themselves on the waters of the Mississippi 
down to the ijresent time, will lead the incjuirer to the conclusion 
that the Sacs and Foxes are a truly courageous people, shrewd, 
IJolitic, and enterprising, with not more of ferocity and treachery 
of character than is common among the tribes by whom they were 
surrounded." 

These tribes, at the time of the Black Hawk war, were divided in- 
to 20 families, 12 of which were Sacs and 8 Foxes. As marks of dis- 
tinction, each family had its particular totemic sy)iibi)l, rejiresented 
by some aninuil. There also existed a peculiar custinn among 
them of marking each male chihl at birth Avith black and white 
paint, each mother being careful to ap])ly the two colors altern- 
ately, so that each fandlyand the entire nation might be divided into 
two nearly equal classes, tlu; whites and the blacks. The object of 
these distinctive nuirks, which were retained during life, was tc» 
keep alive a sjfirit of emulation in the tribes. In. their games, 
hunts, and public ceremonies, the blacks were tlie competitors of 
the whites, and in war each party was aml>itious to take more 
scalps than the other. 

Lierdeuat Pike, in his travels to the source- of the Mississippi, 
in ISlKj, visited these tribes and found them residing in four prin- 
cipal villages. The first was at the head of the rapids of the river 
DesMoines, the secoiul farther up on the east shore of the same 
stream, the third on the Iowa, and the fourth on Ilock river near 
its entrance into the Mississipi)i. Tlu' latter greatly exceeded the 
others in political importance, and was among the largest and 
most popidous Indian villages on the continent. The country 
around it, diversified with groves an<l prairies, was one of the nu)st 
beautiful regions in the valley of the Mississippi, and gave addi- 
tional interest to this time-honored residence t>f the natiou. 
According to Lieutenant IMke, the Sacs nund)ered 2,850 souls, 
of whom 1400 were children, THO women, and 700 warriors. The 
total number of Foxes were 1750, of whom 850 were children, 500 
women, and 400 wari'iors. In 1825, the Secretary of War estimated 
the entire number of Sacs and Foxes at 4,(iOO, showing in the in- 
tervening period of 20 years a considerable increase of ])oi)ulation. 
After the Black Hawk war, these tribes retired to their lauds in 



WINNEBAGOES — KICKAPOOS. 39 

Iowa, wliciice they were finally traiisfevred to the Indian Territory, 
and in 1850 nnuibered some KKM) sonLs. 

Tlie early traditions of the M' innclxKjoes fixes their ancient seat 
on tlie Avest shore of Lake Miehi,i;an, north of Green l>a-y. They 
l)eli('\ed that their ancestors wer(^, created by the (ireat Si>irit, on 
tlie laiKls constitntiiig" their ancient territory, and that their title 
to it was a gift from their Creator. The Algonqniiis named 
them after the hay on wliich they lived, Ween-ni-ba-gogs, which 
snbsequently became anglicized in the form of Winnebagoes. 
They were persons of good statnre, manly bearing, had the charc- 
teristic black circular hair of their race, and were generally more 
unco nth in their habits than the surrounding; tribes. Their lan- 
guage was a deep gutteral, difiicult to learn, and shows that they 
belonged to the great Dacotali stock of the West. Anciently, they 
were divided into clans distinguished by the Itird, bear, fish, and 
other family totems. 

How long they resided at Green Bay is not known. Father Al- 
Jouez states that there was a tra<lition in liis day, that they had 
been jilmost destroyed in 1640, by the Illinois. They had also, in 
this eonnection, a tradition that their ancestors built a. fort, Avhicli 
Irwiu and Hamiitcni, missionaiies among them, think might 
\icixi' been identical with the archeological remains of an anci<*nt 
work found on Kock river. Coining down to the era of authentic 
iiistory, Carver, in ITfHi, found them on the Fox river, evidently 
wandering from their ancient plac<' of habitation, and ap}>roach- 
ing southern Wisconsin and the northern part of Illinois and Iowa, 
where portions of the tribe subse(iuently settled. The Illinois ])or- 
tion occupied a section of country on Ilock river, in the county wliich 
bears their name, and the country to the east of it. In I'ontiac's 
war, tlur'y, with other lake tiibes, hovered about the beleaguered 
fortress of Detroit, and nnide the surrounding forests disnuil with 
snid]iight revelry and war-whoo])s. English agents, however, suc- 
ceeded in molifying their resentnu'ut, and wlien the new American 
power arose, in 1776, they were subsequently arrayed on th<^ side 
of the British authorities in regard to questions of local jurisdic- 
tion at Prairie du Chien, Green Bay and Mackinaw. In the war 
of 1812, they still remained the allies of England, and assisted in 
i\n^ defeat of Col, Croghan, at JVIackinaw; Col. Dudley, at the 
rapids of the Mauinee ; and General Wincliester, at the river 
llaisin. In tlu^ A\'innebago war of 1827, they defiantly })laced 
themselves in antagonism to the authority of the g<'neral govern- 
me])t, by assaulting a steamboat on the Mississippi, engaged in 
fiu'uishing su[)pli<'sto the military post on the St. Peters. 

The Kickapoo.s, in 17(»o, oc('U]>ie<l thi' conntry sonthwest of the 
southern extremity of Lake Michigan. They subsecpiently moved 
southward, and at a more recent date dwelt in portions of the ter- 
ritory on the Mackinaw and Sangamon rivers, and had a village 
on Kickapoo creek, and at Elkhart Grove. They were m{)r<' civi- 
lized, iiulustrious, energetic and cleanly than the neigh boring- 
tribes, and it may also be added more imjilacable in their hatred 
of the Americans. They were among the first to commence bat- 
tle, and the last to submit and enter into treaties. Una])])easeable 
enmity led them into the field against Generals Ilarmar, St. Clair 
and Wayne, and first in all the bloody charges at Tipjx'canoe, 
They were prominent among the northern nations, which, for more 



40 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

tliau a century, waged an exterminating war against tlie Illinois 
confederacy. Their last hostile act of this kind was perpetrated 
in 1805, against some poor Kaskaskia children, whom they found 
gathering strawberries on tlie prairie above the town ^^ hich bears 
the name of their tribe. Seizing a considerable numl)er of them, 
they tied to their villages before the enraged Kaskaskias could 
overtake them and rescue their offspring. During the years 1810 
and 1811, in conjunction with the (Jhippewas, l*ota\vataniies and 
Ottawas, they committed so many thefts and nuirdersbn the fron- 
tier settlements, that Governor Edwards was compelled to employ 
military force to suppress them. When removed from Illinois 
they still retained their old animosities against the Americans, 
and went to Texas, then a province of Mexico, to get beyond the 
jurisdiction of the United States. They claimed relationship with 
the Potawatanues, and perhaps the Sacs and Foxes, and Shaw- 
nees. The following tradition resi>ecting the origin of this tribe 
Avas related in 1812, at the Indian Superintendency at St. Louis, 
by Louis Eodgers, a Shawnee : 

^' It is many years ago since the numl)er of the Shawnees was 
very great. They Avere, on an imixutant occasion, encamped to- 
gether on the prairie. At night one-half of them fell aslee|>, the 
others remained awake. The latter abandoned the sleepers before 
morning, and betook themselves to the course where the sun rises- 
The others gradually pursued their route in the direction where 
the sun sets. This was the origin of the two mitions, the first of 
which was called the Shawnees, and the other the Kickapoos, 
Prior to this separation these nations were considered one, and 
were blessed with bounties above any blessings which are now 
enjoyed by any portion of mankind ; and they ascribe their pres- 
ent de])ressed condition, and the withdrawal of the favor of Provi- 
dence, to the anger of the Great S})irit at their sei>aratit>n. 
Among the many tokens of diA'ine iVivors \\iiich they fornu^rly en- 
joyed was the art of walking on the surface of the ocean, by 
which they crossed from the East to America without vessels. 
Also the art of restoring life to the dead, by the use of medical 
art, continued for the space of six houis. JSTecromancy and ])ro- 
phecy were with them at their highest state, and were practiced 
without feigning; and, in fine, such were the gifts of heaven to 
them that nothing fell short of their inconceivable power to per- 
form. And after tbe Shawnees have wandered to the lemotest 
West, and returned East to the original i^lace of separation, the 
world will have finished its career. It is believed by the Shawnees 
that the consmiimation of this prophecy is not far distant, because 
they have, in fulfillment of it, reached the extreme western x>oint, 
and are now retrograding their ste])s." 

A fragment of the Shawnee nation, in early times, dwelt in the 
southeastern part of Illinois, in the vicinity of Shawneetow'ii, 
which bears their name. The nation, bold, roving and adventur- 
ous, originally inluibited the Atlantic seaboard, between the Alta- 
maha and James rivers. Becoming embroiled in wars with the 
Iroquois, to save themselves some took refuge in the Oarolinas 
and Florida. True to their mitive instincts, in their new location 
they soon came to blow s with the owners of the soil, and about the 
year IToO removed to the Sciota, in the present State of Ohio. 
About 1750, a discontented fraction broke oft' from the rest of the 



MASCOUTINS — PIANKISHAWS. 41 

nation and went to East Tennessee, and thence to tlieir location on 
the Ohio, at Shawneotown. Here, in connnon witli neighboring' 
tribes, they regarded Ilbnois as sacred gronnd, and dnring Pon- 
tiac's war assisted in rei)elling the attempts of their English ene- 
mies to get i)ossession of the conntry in the })resent limits of the 
State. Here, too, both themselves and their brethren on the Sciota, 
obtained arms from the French, for whose sni>remacy they deluged 
the frontiers of Pennsylvania and Virginia with blood. Such had 
been the atrocity of their conduct, when the war A\as over they at 
first supposed they were excluded from tlie general amnesty ex- 
tended toother western tribes, and even ]>repared to unirder their 
prisoners and resume hostilities. After having, a short time before 
the conquest of Clark, destroyed the Tamaroas in battle, thej' re- 
joined their kindred on the Sciota. 

The MdHCont'nis were a tribe holding friendly relations with the 
Illinois, and are supposed by some to have constituted a sixth tribe 
of their confederacy. The name, ''Mascontin," is synonymous with 
prairie, and was ai)plied t« this tribe from the circumstance of their 
dwelling on the great grassy plains east of the Mississippi. The 
first Em'ojx'an who nuMitions tlu'm is Father Allouez, who found 
them, ill 100!>, on the Wisconsin river. Marquette saw them in 
1(573, near the portage of the Fox and AViscousin rivers. ^larest 
states that they had Ibrmed settlements in 1711! on the Wabash, 
and in subsequent times they ranged over the prairies betwe<'n the 
Wabash and the Ilbnois. They were also intimately associated 
with the Foxes and Kickai)oos, whoiu they resembled in deceit and 
treachery. Charlevoix states that the Mascoutins and the Kicka- 
poos united with the Foxes in a plot of the latter against the 
French, but were surprised by the Ottawas and I'otawatamies and 
150 of them cut to piecCvS. After the cession of the French posses- 
sions to the English, Col. Croghan was sent to conciliate the western 
tribes. Having descended the Ohio to the site of Shawneetown, 
they, with the Kickapoos, attacked and made him and his men 
prisoners. Under the name of iMeadow Indians they are men- 
tioned by Gen. Clark, whom, in 1778, they endeavored to cut off 
by treachery. Subsequently they appear to have been absorbed 
bj^tlie Kicka])oos and Foxes. 

The riunldshairs occupied the lower Wabash country on both 
sides of that stream, and west into the Illinois territory as far as 
the dividing ridge between the sources of the streams tlowinginto 
the Wabash and those falling into the Kaskaskia. They were one 
member of the Miami CoKfhJeraci/. This nation, in early times, 
resided on Fox river, Wisconsin, where they were visited, in 1070, 
by Fathers Allouez and Dablon. The latter is lavish in his praise 
of their chief, stating that he was honored by his subjects as a 
king, and that his bearing among his guests had all the courtly 
dignity of a civUized monarch. They were also visited the same 
year by St. Susson, who was received "SNitli the honors of a sham 
battle and entertained with a grand game of ball. He likewise 
speaks in glowing terms of the authority of the chief, who was 
attended night and day by a guard of warriors. The nation 
shortly afterward removed to the banks of the St. J()sei)li, and 
thence found their way to the Wabash and JMaumee. They were 
more largely represented in La Salle's colony, at Fort St. Louis, 
than any other tribe, and were active iJarticipants in the con- 



42 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

spiracy of Pontiae. The confederacy, like that of the Illinois, 
was reduced to the last extieniity by repeated attacks from the Iro- 
quois. But they till a considerable si)ace in western annals, and 
gave birth to Little Turtle, who commanded the Indians at St. 
Clair's defeat. The Piankishaws, after their removal from Illinois, 
were transferred to the Indian Territory, an<l in 1850 were reduced 
to 107 i)ersons. 

The Potawatamies are represented on early Pi-ench maps as 
inhabiting the country east of the southern extreniity of Lake 
Michigan. At the mouth of the St. Josepli, falling into this part 
of the lake, the Jesuits had a missionary station, which, according 
to Marest, was in a flourishing condition as early as 1712. Here, 
an innneasured distance from civilization, for more tluin half a 
century the devoted missionaries labored for their spiritual wel- 
fare. These years of toil and self-denial were, however, little ap- 
preciated, for in Pontiac's war they pioved themselves to be 
among the most vindictive; of his adhei'ents. Disguising their 
object under the mask of friendship, they approached the small 
military post located on the same river, and having obtained in- 
gress, in a few minutes butchered the whole of the garrison, except 
three men. 

From this locality a portion of the tribe ] massed r(nindtlie south- 
ern extremity of the lake, into northeastern Illinois. Time and a 
change of residencie seems not to have modified their ferocious 
character. Partly as the result of British intrigue, and partly to 
gratify their thii'stfor blood, they perpetratcMl, in 1812, at Chiciigo, 
the most atrocious ]nassacre in the annals of the northwest. After 
their renujval from Illinois, they found their way to the Indian 
Territory, and in 1850 nund)ered 1,500 souls. The following 
legend of the tribe gives their theology and origin: ''They 
believe in two great spirits, Kitchemonedo, the good or benev- 
olent spirit, and Matchemonedo, the evil si)irit. Some have 
doubts which is the most powerful, but the great i)art believe 
that the first is; that he made the world and called all things 
into being, and that the other ought to be despised. When 
Ivitchemonedo first made the world he i)eopled it with a class of 
beings who only looked like men, but they were perverse, ungrate- 
ful, wicked dogs, \\\\o never raised their eyes from the grouiul to 
thank him for anything. Seehig this the (Ireat Spirit plunged 
them, with the world itselt^ into a great lake and dr(»wned them. 
He then withdrew it from the water and nmde a single man, a 
very handsome young man, who as he was lonesome, appeared 
sad. Kitchemonedo took pity on him and sent him a sister to 
cheer him in his loneliness. After many years the young man 
had a dream which he told to his sister. Five young men, said he, 
will come to" your lodge door to-night to visit you. The Great 
Spirit forbids you to answer or even look up and smile at the first 
four; but when the fifth comes, you may speak and laugh and 
show that you are pleased. She acted accoi-dingly. The first of 
the fixa strangers that called was ITsama, or tobacco, and having 
been repulsed he fell down and died; the second, Wapako, or a 
puiii])kin, shared the same fate; the third, Eshkossiinin, or melon, 
and the fonrtli, Kokees, or the bean, met the same fate; but when 
Tamil! or Montaniin, which is nuiize, in'esented himself, she opem^d 
the skin tapestiy door of her lodge, laughed very heartily, and 
gave him a frientUy reception. They were immediately married, 



POTAWATAIMIES. 43 



aiul from tlii.s union tlie Indians .sprang. Taniin fortlnyitli bnried 
tlic fonr nnsnccessfnl suitors, and from tlieir gra\'es tliei'C grew 
tobacco, melons of all sorts, and beans; and in this manner tlie 
Great Spirit provided that the race which he had made should 
have something to olfer liim as a gift in their leasts an<l ceremo- 
nies, and also s(miething to X)ut into their (ilechs or kettles, along 
with their meat."* 

Portions of the C'hippewa iuid Ottawa trilx's were associated 
with the Potawatamies in the northeastern part of the present 
limits of Illinois. They were among the most energetic and i)ov.er- 
ful nations of the northwest, ami fought with great ferocity in 
most of the wars caused by th(^ westA\ard advance of civilization. 
In tlu^ conspii-acy of I'ontiac they were the immediate followers of 
the great war cliief, and im])elle(l by his imperious will, at Detroit, 
Mackinaw and other liritish j)osts, they were without rivals in the 
work of carnage and death. The iSduteanx, a braiu'h of the Chip- 
l)ewas, dwelt on tlie eastern bank of the Mississippi, and had 
villages on the sites of Pcx'k Island, Quincy and other adjacent 
l)lac<\s. They wPre driven west of the river by the Sacs and Foxeg, 
after which their jnincipal town was Davenport. 

All these tribes have now jjassed beyond the limits of the State, 
Some long since were exterminated, Avhile the degenerate offspring 
of otliers are found in the Indian Territory and other j)arts of the 
west. Inflexible as if hewn from a rock, they were unable to adapt 
themselves to the re(jnireim>nts of civilized life, and could but tlee 
befoi'e it or ])erish. Their fast disappearing graves, and the relics 
occasionally turned up by the plow, are now the only melancholy 
vestiges of their fornu'r existence in Illinois. 

hi common ^ith the whole Indian race, their most exalted c(m- 
ception of glory was success iji war, and a knowledge of its arts 
the most valuable attainment. The aged chief looked back to his 
ex]>loits in battle as the crowning acts of his life, while the growing 
youth looked forward to the time when he would be able to win 
distinction by like feats of prowess. Civilization offers to tlu' 
votaries of and)ition not only the sword but the pen, the forum, the 
patlis of science, the painter's brush aiul the sculptor's chisel; the 
savage has only the trium])hs of the war ])ath. The war ]>ar- 
ties of the i)iaiiie tribes consistcMl of volunteers. The leader who 
attempted to raise one nuist Iuiac i)reviously distinguished liimself 
in order to be successful. He tirst ai)pealed to the patriotism and 
courage of t]\e wariiois, and was careful to intimate that the 
(zreat Spirit had nnide known to him in dreams the success of his 
enteri)rise. Then, ])ahjted with vermilli(m to synd)olize blood, he 
commenced the war dance. This i>erfornuince expressed in i>anto- 
mime tiie varied incidents of a successful cami»aign. The braves 
entering upon the war-path, the posting of sentiu.els to avoid sur- 
prise, tlu' advance into the enemy's country, the formation of 
ambuscades to strike the unwary foe, the strife and carnage of 
battle, the writhing victim sinking under the blow of the war- 
club, the retreat of the enemy, the sca]i)ing of the slain, the feast- 
ing of vultures on the putrid l)odies, the trium})hant return of the 
war party to their village and the torturing of prisoners, were all 
portrayed with the ^'i\■idness and vehemence of actual warfare. 
Warrior after warrior, wishing to volunteer for the expedition, rap- 

*Sckoolcralt. 



44 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



idly fell into the dance ^vitli tlie leader. Each one, keeping time 
with the beat of the drum, sped in nuizy circles around a common 
centre, until with increased numbers the whole, in movement and 
uproar, resembled the whirhvind. The several actors taxed their 
n)uscular energies to the utmost endurance, stamping the ground 
with great fury, throwing their bodies into the different attitudes 
of combat, distorting theii- faces ^nth the frenzy of demons, and 
uttering the war-cry with the frightful shriek of madmen. These 
hideous orgies, waking up all the tire and energy of the Indian's 
soul, w^ere a iitting prelude to the premeditated carnage. If a 
young man i)articipated in the dance, it was tantamount to an en- 
listment, and he could not afterAvards honorably withdraw. 

The Art of Himting not only supplied the Indian with food, T>ut, 
like that of war, was a means of gratifying his love of distinction. 
The male children, as soon as they acquired sufficient age aiul 
strength, were fuinished with a ho^x and arroAvs and taught to 
shoot birds and other small game. Success in killing large quad- 
rupeds required years of careful study and practice, and the art 
was as sedulously inculcated on the minds of the rising generation 
as are the elements of reading, writing and arithmetic in the com- 
mon schools of civilized communities. The mazes of the forest 
and the dense tall grass of the prairies were the best fields for the 
exercise of the hunter's skill. No feet could be impressed in the 
yiekling soil but they were objects of the most rigid scrutiny, and 
revealed at a glance the animal that made them, the direction it 
was piu-suing, and the time that had elapsed since it had passed. 
Even if the surface was too hard to admit of indentations, such 
were his wonderful i)owers of observation, he discovered on it 
evidences of a trail from which, with scarcely less certainty, he 
derived the same information. In a forest country he selected for 
liis places of ambush valleys, becaiLse they are most frequently the 
resort of game, and sallied forth at the tirst peep of day. h\ 
ascending the valleys he was careful to take the side of the stream 
which threw his shadow from it, thus leading his vicAv unobstruc- 
ted in the opposite direction. The most easily taken, perha]>s, of 
all the animals of the chase was the deer. It is endowed with a 
curiosity Avhich i)ronq)ts it to stop in its flight and look back at the 
approaching hunter who always avails himself of this opi)ortiniity to 
let tly his fatal arrow. An ingenious method of taking this animal, 
X)racticed by the Indians on the small tributaries of the jMississip]>i, 
was the use of the torch. For this ])ur[)ose they constructed their 
bark canoes with a place in front for the reception of a large flam- 
beau, Avhose light was prevented from revealing the hunter by the 
interposition of a screen. As he descended the narrow streams, 
the deer, seeing oidy the light, was attracted by it to the banks 
and easily shot. 

But by far the noblest objects of the chase. which the Indian en- 
countered on the prairies, was the buffalo. It is an animal c<mtined 
to temperate latitudes, and was foun<l in large numbers by the tirst 
explorers, roaming over the grassy plains of Illinois, Indiana, 
Southern Michigan and Western Ohio. It has a remarkably large 
chest, a heavy mane covering the whole of its neck and breast, horns 
turued slightly upward and larg«^ at the base, eyes red and fiery, 
and the whole aspect furious. In its native haunts it is a furious 
and formidable animal, Avorthy of the Indian's i)rowess. Like the 



THEIR GENERAL COUNCILS. 45 

moose and other animals of the same family, nature has besto^ved 
on it the most exqnisite power of seent. Tlie inexperieneed hunter 
of the present day, unaware that the tainted breeze has revealed 
his presence to them, is often surprised to see them urging their 
rapid tlight across the prairies, at a distance of two or three miles 
in advance, without any api)arent cause of alarm. He is therefore 
necessitated to dismount and ap})r()ach them on the leeward, inider 
cover of the horse. When within ii i)r(tper distance he vaults into 
the saddle and speeds forward in the direction of the prey, which 
commences its retreat, getting over the ground ^Aith great rai)idity 
for aninnds so unwieldy. Intuitively it directs its course over tlie 
most broken and dihicult ground, causing both horse and rider to 
freipiently imperil their lives by fading. When wounded tlsey 
sonu'times turn with great fury upon their jmrsner, and if he hap- 
pens to be dismounted, nothing but the greatest coolness and <lex- 
terity can save his life. 

Q'he bow and arrow, in the hands of the tribes which formerly 
rauged the ])rairies, were said to be uiore formidable weajKnis in 
hunting the huffalo, than the guns ,sTd)se(iuently introduced by I'>u- 
ro]>eans. The arrows could be discharged with greater ra^tidity and 
with scarcely less precision. Such, too, was the force with v* hich 
it was propelled, that the greater part of it was generally iuibedded 
in the body of the buffalo, and sonjctimes protruded from the oitpo- 
site side. Deep grooves cut in the side of the missile iiernntted the 
rapid effusion of blood, and animals, when inerced with it, survived 
only a short time. 

One of the modes of killing the buffalo, practiced by the Illinois 
and other tribes of the West, was to drive theui headlong over the 
l)recipitous banks of the rivers. Buffalo Itoclv, a large prouiontory 
rising fifty or sixty feet high, on the north side of the Illinois, six 
ndles below Ottawa, is said to have derived its name from this 
practice. It was custonniry to select an active young num and <lis- 
guise him in the skin of the buffalo, prepared for this i)urpos(^ by 
preserviug the ears, head and horus. Thus disguised, he took a 
position between a lierd and a cliff of the river, while his compan- 
ions, on the the rear and each side, put the aninmls in motion, 
following the decoy, who, on reaching the precipice, disa])peared 
in a previously selected crevice, while the animals in front, pressed 
by the moving mass behind, were precipitated over the brink and 
crushed to death on the rocks below. The Indians also often cap- 
tured large mimbers of these buffalo, when the rivers were frozen 
over, by driving theni on the ice. If the great weight of the ani- 
mals broke the ice, they were usually killed in the water, but if too 
strong to break, its smoothness caused them to fall powerless on 
the surface, when they were remorselessly slaughtered, long after 
sui)plying the denumds for food, nn'rely to gratify a brutal lo\'e for 
the destruction of life. 

Their General Councils were composed of the chiefs and old men. 
When in council they usually sat in concentric circles around the 
speaker, and each hidividual, notwithstanding the fiery passions 
that rankled witlnn, preserved an exterior as immovable as if cast 
in bronze. Before commencing business, a i)erson appeared with 
the sacred pipe and another with fire to kiiulle it. After being 
lighted, it was presented first to the heavens, secondly to the earth, 
thirdly to the presiding spirits, and lastly to the several councdors, 



46 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



eacli of whom took a whiff. These formalities were observed with 
as much sfrui»uk)us exactness as state etiquette in ci^dlized courts. 
After the speaker eommenced and became animated in the discus- 
sion of his subject, his statue-hke aiulitors signified tlieir assent to 
what he said by d<^ep guttural ejaculations. These gatherings, in 
dignity, gravity and decorum, were scarcely equalled by the deli- 
berative bodies of the most eidightened centres. It is said that 
the Indians were Avont to express the greatest surprise on witness- 
ing tiie levity exhibited by French officials, in their public assem- 
blies at Fort Chartres. 

The Indian couiu-il had no authority to give force and validity to 
its enactments. If it decided to engage in war, it had no power 
to enforce its enlistments, and therefore volunteers had to tight 
the battles. If its decrees of peace were observed, it was not the 
result of conq)ulsi<)n, but due to the confidence which tlui nati(m 
placed in its Avisdom and integrity. Where councils were c()nv<'ned 
for negotiating treaties, or terms of peace, the presentation of gifts 
was ofteii a part of the proceedings. It was custonniry on these 
occasions for the orator of the interceding party to rise and pre- 
sent them to those of the assenddage who Avere to be conciliated. 
A particular object was assigned to each gift, Avhich the speaker 
exitlanu^l as he proceeded in his discourse. Corresponding with 
the various objects to be accom])lislK'd by negotiation, there Avere 
gifts to proi)itiate the Great Spiiit and cause him to look Avitli favor 
upon the council; to open tlie ears and minds of the contracting 
parties, that they might hear Avhat Avas said and undersiand their 
duty; to inter the bones of the dead, and heal the Avounds of their 
living friends; to bury the tomahaAvk, that it might not again be 
used in shed<ling blood, and to so brighten the chain of friendsliij) 
that tlie disatiected tribes might CA'cr afterwards be as one people. 

The tliouglits uttered in these councils, and on other pid)lic occa- 
sions, Avere frequently of a higli ordei'. Deeply imbued with the 
lo\e of freedom and independence, their ideas on these sul)jects 
AA^ere generally of a lofty, unselfish and heroic character, l^atriot- 
ism, their most cherished virtue, furnished their orators Avith 
themes for the most stirring apjx'als. Barrenness of language 
necessitated the frequent employment of metaphors, many of Aviiicli 
Avere surprisingly beautiful, simi>le and a]q>]<>i)riate. The frequent 
use of imagery made it difticult for the interpreter to folloAv them 
in tJu'ir figuratiA^e vein of thought and do the orator justice. But 
Avhiie this Avas true it Avas much more frequeidly the case that the 
tianshitor greatly impro a ed the oiiginal. It may also be added that 
some of the most sparkling gems of Avhat i)uri)orts to be Indian 
eloquence are nothingbut the fanciful creations of Avriters. Pontiac's 
speeches are frequently referred to as among the best specimens 
of aboriginal eloquence. The folloAnng retort Avas made by Keokuk, 
in ansAvei' to charges i)referred against his people by the Siouxs at 
a couAocation of chiefs in 1837, at the national capital : 

" They say they Avould as soon make peace Avith a^ child as Avith 
us. They know better, for Avlien they made war on us they foimd 
us men. They tell you that peace has often been made an<l avo 
have bioken it. IIoav happens it then that so many of their braves 
have been slain in our country. I Avill tell you : They iuA^aded us, 
we never iuA^aded them ; none ol" our braves Imv^e been killed in 



CONSTITUTION OF THE INDIAN FAMILY. 47 

their land. We have their scalps and we can tell you where we 
took til em." 

Black Hawk's speech to Col. Enstice, in charge of Fortress Mon- 
roe, when he and his fellow prisoners were set at liberty, is not 
only eloquent, hut shows that within his cliest of steel there beat a 
heart keenly alive to the emotions of gratitude : 

."Brother, I huve come on my own pnrt, and in behalf of my companions, to 
bid you farewell. Our irreat father lias at leiio-th been pleased lo permit vis to 
return to onr hunting urounds. We have buried the tomahawk, and the sound 
of the rifle will hereafter only bring death to the deerand Ihe buft'alo. Broth- 
er, you hare treated the red men very kindly. Your squaws have made them 
presents, and you have given them plenty to eat and drink. The memory of 
your friendship will remain till the Great Spirit says it is time for Black Hawk 
to sing his death song. Brother, your houses ai'e numerous as the leaves on 
the trees, and your young warriors like the sands upon the shore of the big 
lak(^ that rolls before us. The red man has but few houses, and few warriors, 
but the red man has a heart which throbs as warmly as the heart of his white 
brotlier. The Great Spirit has given us our hunting grounds, and the skin of 
the deer which we kill there, is his favorite, for its cohn' is white, and this is the 
emblem of peace. Tins hunting dress and these feathers of the eagle are Mliite. 
Accept them, my brother ; I have given one like this to the White Otter. Acc.pt 
of it asa ineniorial of Black HawkT When he is far away this will serve to remind 
you of him. May tiie Great Spirit bless you and your children. Farewell." 

Constitution of the Indian Family. — The most important social 
feature of the prairie and other tribes, and that which disarmed 
their barbarism of much of its i-epulsiveness, was the family tie. 
The marital rite which precedes the family relations required only 
the consent of tlie parties and their parents, without any concur- 
rent act of magistracy, to give it validity. The husband, with eipuil 
facility, might also dissolve this tie or increase the number of his 
wives without limit. Tliough the nuxrriage compact was not very 
strong, the ties of consanguinity werc^ rigidlj' preserved, and hered- 
itaiy rights, generally traced through tlie female line, were handed 
down from the remotest ancestry. For this piu'pose they had the 
institution of the Totem., an emblem AAdiich served as a badge of 
disthuition for dilferent clans or families. This family surname Avas 
represented by some quadruped, bird, or other object of the ani- 
mnl world, as the Avolf, deer, hawk, &c. Different degrees of rank 
and dignity Avere indicated by varion.s totems, those of the bear, 
wolf, and turtle, being tirst in honor, secured the greatest respect 
for those who had the right to wear them. Each clansman was 
proud of his ensign, and if a member of the fraternity was killed, 
he felt called upon to avenge his death. As the different mend)ers 
of a clan were connected l)y ties of kindred, they were prohibited 
from intermarriage, A IJear could not marry a Bear, but might 
take a wife from the V\o\i or Otter clan, whereby all the branclies 
of a tribe or nation became united by bonds of consanguinity and 
friendship. By this sim])le institution, notwithstanding the \v;ni- 
deri)ig of tribes and their vicissitudes in war, family lineage was 
Ijreserved and the hereditary rights of furnislung chiefs, accorded 
to certain clans, was transnutted from generation to generation. 

Though in many of the most endearhig relations of life the men, 
from immemorial custom, exhibited the most stolid indifference, 
yet instances were not wanting to show that in their family attach- 
ments they frequently juauifested the greatest affection and sym- 
pathy. No calamity can cause nu)re grief than the loss of a jn-om- 
ising son, and the father has often given his Ufe as a ransom to 



48 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

save liim from tlie stake. A striking instance of this kind occnr- 
red in the war of the 17th eentnry T)etween the Foxes and Chip])e- 
was, near MontreaL In this war the Foxes captured the son of a 
celebrated and aged chief of the ( 'liipi)ewas, named Bi-ans-wah, 
while the father Avas absent from his wigwam. On reaching Ids 
home, the old man heard the heart ivnding news, and knowing 
what the fate of his son would be, folhnved on the trail of the enemy, 
and, alone, reached the Fox village while they were in the act of 
kindling tlie tire to roast him alive. He stepi)ed bohlly into the 
arena and offered to take his son's place. " My son," said he "has 
seen but few winters, his feet have never trod the war path ; but 
the hairs of my head are white; I have hung many scalps over the 
graves of my relations, which I have taken from the heads of your 
warriors. Kindle the tire about me and send my son to my kxlge." 
The olfer was accepted and the father, Avithout deigning to utter a 
groan, was burned at the stake. Such are the severities of savage 
warfare, amidst which the family is maintained Avith a heroism 
Avhich has no parallel in cIa ilized life. 

T he Methods of ISepulture, among the Indians, varied in different 
localities. It was common, among the northern forest tribes of 
the United States, to choose elcA ated s])ots above the reach of 
tloods, for places of burial. Not luiAing suitable tools for making- 
excavations, they interred their dead in shadow graves and placed 
over them trunks of trees to secure them from depredation by AAild 
beasts. The bodies Avere sometimes extended at full length, in an 
eastern and Avestern direction, but more frequently in a sitting pos- 
ture. The Illinois and other prairie tribes fre<puMitly i)laced their 
dead on scaffolds erected on eminences comnuvnding extensiAe 
and picturesque AicAAs. The cori)se, after receiving its wrappings, 
Avas deposited in a rude coffin, fancifully ])ainte(l Avith red colors. In 
this condition they Avere i)laced on scaffolds df^corated with gifts of 
liA^ing relatiA^es, and built sufficiently high to piotect them from 
wolvesand otheraninuils of prey infesting the prairies. But judging 
from the remains of graves, by far the greater i)art of the ancient in- 
habitants of Illinois and the adjacent parts of theMississipi)i Valley, 
deposited large numbers of their dead in a common tomb, and gen- 
erally marked the place by the (nection of a mound. The X)lain8 
and alluA'iums of Southern Illinois, luiA^e in many places been liter- 
ally soAvn Avith the dead, CAincing a density of population greatly 
exceeding that found by the first European explorers of this region. 
The custom of raising heaps of earth over the graves, Avas perliaps 
practiced as a mark of distinction for the tond)S of eminent i)erson- 
ages, and for such as contained the bodies of warriors slain in bat- 
tle, or were made common repositaries for the dead of Avliole clans 
and Adllages. It is sometimes difficult to distinguish betAA een the 
places of sepulture raised by the ancient mound builders, and the 
more modern graA^es of the Indians. The tond)s of the former Avere 
in general larger than the latter, Avere used as receptacles for a 
greater nund^er of bodies, and contained relics of art CAincing a 
higher degree of civilization than that attained by the present ab- 
original tribes. The ancient tunudi of the mound builders have in 
some instances been appropriated as burial places by the Indians, 
but the skeletons of the latter may be distinguished from the osteo- 
logical remains of the former by their greater stature. 



TMETHODS OF SEPULTURE. 49 

The existence of a future state was regarded by the prairie tribes 
as an actuality, and upon tliis idea was j)redicated the custom 
of depositing in the graves of departed fi'iends tlieir favorite 
iinplenients, and such as they thouglit wouhl be useful to them in 
the land of spirits. Wlien a warrior died tliey placed with him his 
war-club, gun and red paint, and some times his horse was slaiu 
upon his grave, that he miglit be ready to mount and proceed to 
to his api)ointed place of rest in the land of spirits. If a female 
w.is to be interred, they placed with her a kettle, canoe x>''^ddles, 
articles of apparel, and otber objects of feminine use and interest. 
No trait of character was more connnendable in the Indian than 
his scrui)uIous regard for the graves of his ancestoi's. Not e\en 
the invasion of his liunting grounds roused more (piickly his pat- 
riotism and resentment, than the ruthless desecration of tlie graves 
of his fathers, by the unhallowed hands of strangers. So long as 
any part of their perishable bodies were supi)osed to remain, they 
were prompted b;\' reverence to \isit the sacred places where they 
slept, and pour out libations to their departed spirits. 

Man is, by nature, a religious being. The exliibitions of his 
character, in this respect, are as universal as are the displays of 
his social, intellectual and moral natiu^e No nations, tribes or in- 
dividuals have been found, whatever may be their isolated condi- 
tion or de})th of degradation, but tliey are more or less governed 
by this inlierent element. Wliile the religious sentiment is univer- 
sal, its manifestations arc as various as tlie different degrees of ad- 
vancement made Ityits subjects in knowledge. From tlie ignorant 
idolator who bows down before a lifeless image or some abject form 
of animal life, to the devotee of a more enliglitened theology, the 
devotion is the same, but tlieir theories ami i)ractices are inlinitely 
diverse. The facnlties which make man a worshipping being are 
unchangeable, and may not its manifestations become uniform, 
when tlie immutable attributes of the deity, and the iiivarial)le 
laws instituted by him for the government of the human family, 
are i)roperly studied and understood. 

The red man of thejmiiries and forests, like the rest of mankind, 
was also psychologically religious. AVithout speaking of the diver- 
sities of belief entertained by different tribes, only the general fea- 
tures of tlieir faith can be given. Prominent among these was 
the idea that every natural i»lienomenon was thes])ecial manifesta- 
tion of the Great Spirit. In the mutterings of the thunder cloud, 
in the angry roar of the cataract, or the sound of the billows which 
beat upon the shores of his lake-girt forests, he heard the voice of 
the Great Spirit. The lightning's tlash, the mystic radiance of the 
stars, were to him familiar displays of a spirit essence which up- 
held and governed all things, even the minute destinies of men ; 
while the Indian attributed to the Great Spirit the good he enjoyed 
in life, he recognized the existence of evil. To account for this, 
without attributing malevolence to the Great Spirit, an antagonis- 
tical deity was created in his theology, whom he regarded as tlie 
potent ]>ower of malignancy. By this duality of <leities he was 
careful to guard his good and merciful God from all imi)utations of 
evil by attributing all the bad intentions and acts which aftli(.*t the 
human family to the Great Bad Spirit. 

Doubtless, in part, as a result of missionary instructions, the 
Illinois and other branches of xllgonquiu stock, designated their 
4 



50 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

Great Spirit as tlie Autlior of Life, tlie TJpbolder of the Universe. 
Tliey believed Mm all-wise, all-poAverful, and all-good, and vari- 
ously assigned Lini a dwelling place in tlie sun, moon or indefinite 
skies. They not only distinguished the princii)le of good and evil 
by two antagonistic gods, but supi>lied them with an innumerable 
number of minor divinities, whose office was to execute their will. 
These consisted of birds, reptiles, faii'ies, spirits, and a great va- 
riety of other objects, some being instrumentalities of good and 
others of evil. Under such a multiplicity of antagonistic powers, 
everytning which the Indian saw or heard in the external woiid 
might be the cause of intense hope or fear, and keep him in i)er- 
petual doubt as to whether it foreboded good or evil. A prey to 
these mysterious fears, he readily fell into the belief of sorcery 
and other supposed magic influences. From this cause they were 
constantly victimized by their priests, jugglers, and proi)hets, a 
class who lived by these impositions instead of hunting. 

The belief in a future state was common. According to their 
traditions, which had been modified by missionary teachings, the 
wicked, at death, sink into a dark retiibutive stream, while the 
good are rewarded with an abode in a delightful huuting ground. 
In their lively imagery, they spoke of this place as the laud of the 
blest, or the country of souls, through which meandered gently 
flowing rivers. They supposed these streams rei)lete with every 
kind of fish suitable for food, and that those who bathed in them 
were exempt from the ills which afflict life in the preseiit state of 
being. Over the surface, agreeably diversified with hills and val- 
leys, were prairies interspersed with noble forests, under whose 
sheltering branches disported the various creations of animal life. 
Birds warbled their sweetest music in waving groves, ami noble 
animals gxazed on the veidant plains so numerous and prolific that 
the demands of the hunter were always met without exhausting 
the supply. No tempest's destructive blast, nO wasting pestilence 
nor desolating earthquake, emanating from the Spirit of Evil, oc- 
curred to mar the sweet and varied pleasures of life. Such was 
the Indian's future state of existence, the dwellmg i)lace of the 
Great Spirit, who welcomed home at death his wandering children. 
The belief in tins terrene elysium, the Indian's most exalted idea 
of paradise, doubtless explains his stoical indifi'erence of death. 
With him 

" Time comes unsighed for, unregTetted flies; 
Pleased tliat he lives, happy that he dies." 

As it regards the Indians in general, it is an adage among those 
whose observations have been the most extensive, that he who 
has seen one tribe has seen them all. This seems to be true, not- 
withstanding their wide geographical distribution, and the great 
exti'emes of climate to which they are ex^josed. Whether enjoy- 
ing the great abundance and mild climate of the Mississippi 
Valley, or chilled and stinted by the bleak and barren regions of 
the extreme north and south of the hemisphere, over which they 
are scattered, they have the same general lineaments. "All pos- 
sess, though in varied degrees, the same long, lank, black hair, 
the dull and sleepy eye, the full and compressed lips, and the 
salient but dilated nose."* The cheek bones are prominent, the 
nostril expanded, the orbit of the eye squared, and the whole max- 

*Schoolcraft. 



INDIAN CHARACTERISTICS. 51 

ilory region ponderous. The cranium is rounded, and the dianie- 
ti'e, from front to l^ack, less in some instances tlian between the 
sides. The ])osterior portion is flattened toward the crown, while 
t!ie forehead is low and retreating-. The hair, which, in the white 
man, is oval, a,n<l in the black man eccentrically' eliptical, is inva- 
riably round. Not only its cylindrical form, but its great length 
and coarseness, are foimd in all the diversified climate in \^'hich 
this people is found. When contrasted with the European, they 
are found mentally and physically inferior. No measurement has 
been instituted to determine their average statiu'e, whereby the 
difference between them and the races of Europe, in this respect, 
can be accurately determined. Shenandoah was 6 feet 3 inches 
high; Logan, G feet; Eed Jacket, 5 feet 8 inches, and the distin- 
guished Fox chief, Keokidi:, feet 2 inches. These celebrated 
instances doubtless exceeded the majority of their countrymen in 
hight, as all rude and uncultivated races admire superior physical 
develox>meiit, and generally consult prominence of stature in the 
selection of their leaders. While their statui-e may average with 
that of the Euro})ean, in muscular power and endurance they are 
surpassed. In feats of agility, connected ^dtli ruiuiing and hunt- 
ing, tliey are scarcely equal to their white (competitors ; while in 
all labors recpiiring comiiactness of muscle and protracted exer- 
tion, the latter are always the victors. In the severe labor of 
rowing, and the carrying of heavy burdens across the i)ortages of 
the northwest, it was observed that the French boatmen of lUinois 
and Canada exhibited the greatest strength and endurance. The 
European also excels them in brain development and mental 
power. The facial angle, whi(;h indicated the volume of the intel- 
lectual lobe, has in the European an average of 80 degrees, while 
that of the Indian is only 75. The sui)eri()rity of the former in 
this respect, and in the size and activity of his brain, is in keeping 
with their respective conditions. The histoiy of the one is a 
history of human progress; that of the other details the struggles 
of a race perishing before the aih^ance of civilization, which it is 
neither able to adopt nor successfully oppose. 

Much has been said and written in regard to the unjust en- 
croachments of white men upon the territory of the Indians. No 
doubt uuicli hardship has grown out of the manner in which their 
lands have been taken, yet the right of civilized ra(;es to demand 
a part of theu- viist domain, even Avithout their consent, when it 
could not be obtained otherwise, can hardly be questioned. The 
earth was designed by the Creator for the commim habitation of 
man, and it is his destiny and duty to develop its resources. 
When, therefore, the occupants of any region fail to accomplish 
these objects, they must be regarded as unfaithful stewards, and 
give way to those who have the ability to make it yield the largest 
supphes and support the greatest number of inhabitants. Had 
the Indians, who refused to become tillers of the soil, been suf- 
fered to retain j)ossession of the hemis])here over which they 
roamed, some of the most fertile portions of the globe must have 
remained a wilderness, thus defeating the object of the Creator, 
and doing great injustice to the rest of nmukind. Failing to 
make a proper use of this heritage, they have lost it, but behold 
the gain ! At the touch of civilization the wilderness has been 
made to blossom like the rose. Herds and harvests have followed 



52 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

tlie track of tlie pale-faced pioneer, and teeming millions of a 
liiglier life liave taken the place of a few wandering limiters and 
fishermen. After Columbns made known to Europeans the exis- 
tence of the new world, iniority of discovery was considered as 
conferring upon the governments under whose patronage it was 
made, the right of extinguishing the Indian title. England, in 
the exercise of this right, treated the Indians substantially as she 
did her own subjects. She respected their claim to occupy and 
use the country for their own benefit, but did not permit them to 
alienate it except to her own people, in accordance Avith the prin- 
ciple of English law that all titles to lands are vested in the 
crown. The United States, by the acquisition of independence, 
succeeded to the right of the mother country, and has forced upon 
them similar restrictions, and accorded the same privileges. In 
every instance the government has extinguished tlieir title by 
treaty or purchase. It must, however, be admitted that in many 
instances these treaties grew out of wars provoked by frontier 
settlers, for the sole piu-pose of demanding territory in the way of 
reprisal. It must also be added, that when lands have been 
obtained by purchase, the consideration was frequently of the 
most trivial character. 



Chapter V. 

OPEEATIOl^ OF TUB MISSIOI^TAPJES— EXTE:NT OF 
THEIR EXPLORATIOIS^S UP TO 1073. 



Altliougli cominercial enterprise is perliaps the principal agent 
for the disseminatioji of civilization in the undeveloped regions 
of the globe, its extension into the Mississippi valley ^as due to a 
different cause. Pioneers, actuated by a religious fervor and 
enthusiasju hitherto Avithout a parallel in the history of the world, 
were the tirst to explore its trackless wilds, and attempt to teach 
its savage inhabitants the relinenients of civilized life. These 
self-denyhig explorers belonged mostly to the Jesuits or the Society 
of Jesus, a famous religious order founded by Ignatius Loyola, a 
S])anish kniglit of the sixteenth century. He gave out that 
the constitution of his order was given him ]>y immediate in- 
spiration. Notwithstanding his high pretensions, he at tirst 
met Avith little encouragement, and the Pope, to Avhom he applied 
for the authority of his sanction, referred him to a committee of 
cardinals. Th(i latter decided that his proposed estabhshment 
would not only be useless, but dangerous, and the Pope refused 
to gi^-e it his approval. To oveicome the scruples of the Pope, in 
addition to the vows of other orders he required the members of 
his society to take a vow of oljedience to the Pope, whereby they 
bound themselves to go whithersoever he should direct them in 
the service of religion, ^Aithout requiring anything fi'om him as a 
nu'ans of su})i)ort. In otlier orders the primary object of the 
monk i« to separate himself from the rest of the world, and in the 
solitude of the cloister to practice acts of self-mortification and 
l)urity. He is expected to eschew the pleasures and secidar affairs 
of lite, and can only benefit mankind by his exanq>le and prayers. 
Loyola, on the contrary, preferred that the members of his society 
should mingle in the affairs of men, and they were accordingly ex- 
euq»ted from those austerities and ceremonies which consumed 
much of the time of other orders. Full of the idea of implicit 
obedience which he had learned from the profession of arms, he 
gave to his order a government wholly monarchical. To a general, 
who shcmld be chosen for life fi'oin the several provinces, the 
members were compelled to yield not only an outward submission, 
but were requh-ed to make known to him even the thoughts and 
feelings of their inner life. At the time this offer was made, the 
l)a])al poM'cr had received such a shock from the refusal of many 
nations to submit to its authority, that the Pope could not look 
upon it M'itli indifference. He saw that it would place at his dis- 
posal a body of the most rigorously disciplined ecclesiastics, 
whose powerfid intiuence would enable him to repel the violent 

53 



54 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

assaults yritli wliicli tlie papal system was everywliere assailed. 
He therefore aiitliorized tlie establislnueut of the order, and ap- 
pointed Loyola its first general. The result proved the discern- 
ment of the Pope, for the enginery he thus put in motion at no 
distant day extended its intluence to the uttermost limits of the 
earth. Before the termination of the 10th century, the society 
furnished the educators in most of the Catholic countries of 
Europe, a x^rivilege which exerted a more controling inlluence in 
molding national character than that which emanates from all 
other sources combined. Although tahing a vow of poverty, it 
managed to rapidly uicreiise in wealth. Under the pretext of 
promoting the success of their missions, they obtained the privi- 
lege of trading with the nations they were endeavoring to convert, 
and thus frequently became the masters of extensive commercial 
enterprises. 

Besides the Jesuits, the Recollet monks bore a conspicuous j>art 
in the history of the French- American possessions. They were a 
branch of the Franciscan order, founded in the early part of the 
loth century by St. Francis of Assisi, a madman, samt or hero, 
according to the different views entertained respecting him. Like 
all other saints, he became the subject of supernatural visitations, 
consisting, in his case, largely of dreams revealing to liim the 
nature of the work which providence had called him to perform. 
In entering upon the labors of his mission he dressed in the rags 
of a beggar, and at last presented himself in a state of liudity to 
the Bishop of xlssisi, and begged the mantle of a peasant. He 
next robbed his father, to get means to build himself a chapel ; 
crowds gathered to listen to his fanatical appeals, and Euroi)e 
soon became dotted over with the c<mvents of his order. In the 
course of time the Franciscans lost the vigor for which they were 
first distinguished, but the Eecollets, a reformed branch of the 
order, at the time of the French ex])k)rations still retained much 
of its pristine spirit. These two orders, and incidentally that of 
St. Sulpice, played an important part in the exploration and colo- 
nization of the Mississippi valley. 

The St. Lawrence and its chain of lakes entering- the continent 
on the east, and the Mississippi from the south, are the two great 
avenues through wliich Europeans first made their way to Illinois, 
The former opening with a broad estuary into the. xVtlaiitic, 
directly opposite Europe, first diverted a portion of its Gallic emi- 
gration to the regions drained by its tributaries. Pioneers, led by 
the indefatigable Jesuits, soon reached Illinois, and made it an 
imx)oi'tant centre in the vast schemes x>rojccted by the French 
court for the possession of the Mississijipi valley. 

The French on the St. Laicrence. — As early as 153.5, four 
years before the discovery of the Mississippi by DeSoto, Jacques 
Cartier conducted an expedition to the St. Lawrence, which he 
ascended as far as the island of Orleans. Several attempts w^ere 
shortly afterward made to plant colonies in the newly discovered 
region, but they failed in consequence of the inclemency of the 
climate and hostilities of the natives. France, at that time, was 
too much engaged in wars to further exhaust her resources in 
forming settlements, and it was not till 1G08 that a pennanent 
colony was established. During this year Champlain, a bold 
navigator, with a number of colonists, sailed up the St. Lawrence, 



EARLY EXPLORERS. 55 



aiuT lauded at tlie foot of the lofty i^romontoiy which rises in the 
an.nle formed by the contlneiice of the St. Charles. Carpenters 
were set to work, and within a few weeks a i)ile of buildings rose 
near the water's edge, the first representatives of tlie spacious 
churches, convents, dwellings and ramimrts which now form the 
opulent and enteiprising city of Quebec. These buildings consti- 
tuted the lieadquarters of Champlain, and were surrounded by a 
wooden wall pierce<l with opejiings hn- a number of small cannon. 
To secure the triendship of the llurons and mnghboring- Algon- 
quin nations, Champlain was induced to assist them in a war 
against the Iroquois, iidiabiting tlie coTintry south of the St. Law- 
rence. Victory attended his sni)erior arms, but it aroused the 
imj>lacable hate of these tribes, and for a period of DO years they 
continued to wreak their fury nx)on the Indian allies of France, 
and materially contributed to the final overthrovf of her power. 

In 1015 Champlain returned to France, and brought back with 
him four Ilecollet monks. Great w^as the astonishment of the 
Indians at first beholding these mendicants, clad in their I'ude 
gowns of coarse gray cloth. Their first care was to select a site 
and erect a convent, the completion of which was honored by the 
celebration of mass. All New France participated in the myste- 
rious rite, while from the ships and ramj)arts of the fort cannon 
tliuiulered forth an approving salute. Their great object T\'as the 
salvation of the Indians, and unappalled by the i^erils that awaited 
them, they met in council and assigned to each his province in the 
vast field of labors. As the result of unwearietl effort, tliey estab- 
lished missions from Xova Scotia to Lake Huron, but finding the 
task too great for their strength, they applied to the Jesuits for 
assistance. The followers of Loyola eagerly responded to the 
invitation, and Canada for the first time saw the order Avhich, in 
after years, figured so extensively in her liistory. Though suffer- 
ing- must be their fate, and perhaps martyrdom their crown, tiiey 
penetrated to the most remote regions ami visited the most \\ ar- 
like tribes. Missions were established on the Straits of St. Maiy, 
the northern shores of Lake Huron, the tributaries of Lake Michi- 
gan, and fiimlly among- their inveterate enemies, the Iroquois. 

Champlain, after having acted as governor for a period of 27 
years, died on the Christnms of l(j;>5, a hundred years after the 
first visit of Cartier, and was buried in the city he had founded. 
Sharing with others of his time the illusion of finding ;i passag-e 
across the continent to the Pacific, he made voyages of discovery 
with a view of finding- the long-sought conmierci;d higlnvay. In 
one of his excursions he discovered the lake which l^ears his name, 
and was among- the first Euroi)eans who set their feet on the 
lonely shores of Lake Huron. "What indescribable thoughts must 
have thrilled his bosom as he looked out on its broad expanse, or 
I)erliai)s awed by its majestic solitudes, he listened with strange 
delight to the loud refrain of its l»illow-lashed shores. 

Discovery of the Ohio by LaSalle, IGOO. — After the death of 
Champlain, the next actor in the field of exploration was lJ()l)ert 
Cavalier, better known as LaSalle. His father's family was among 
the old and wealthy burghers of Eouen, France, and its several 
members were frequently entrusted with important positions by 
the government. Eobert was born in 1 043, and early exhibited 
the traits of character which distinguished him in his western 



56 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

career. Having a wealthy father, he enjoyed anix>lB faciUties for 
obtaining an edncatiou, and made rapid progress in the exact 
sciences. He was a Catholic, and it is said a Jesuit ; but judging 
from his subsequent life, he was not a religious enthusiast. The 
order of Loyola, wielded at the centre by a single will so compli- 
cated and so harmonious, may have attracted his youthful imagi- 
nation. It was, however, none the less likely that -w hen he found 
himself not at the centre, but moving in a x>i"t'scribed orbit at 
the cucumference, he would leave it. Having an individuality 
which could not be molded by a shaping haiul, he was better 
qualified for a different sphere of action. He therefore i)arted 
with the Jesuits on good terms, with an unbleinished character, 
for his lofty ambition completely divested him of the petty ani- 
mosities to which groveling minds are subject. 

He had an older brother living in Canada — a priest of the order 
of St. Sulpice — and it was this circumstance which induced him 
to emigrate to America. His connection with the Jesuits depiived 
him, under the laws of France, from inheriting the lU'operty of 
his father, who died shortly before his departure. He, however, 
received a small allowance, and with this, in the spring of 1006, 
arrived at Montreal. Here he found a corporation of pi'iests, 
known as the Seminary of St. Sulpice, who were disposing of 
lauds on easy terms to settlers, hoping by this means to establish 
a barrier of settleiaents between themsehes and tlie hostile 
Indians. The superior of the seminary, on hearing of LaSalle's 
arrival, gratuitously offered him a tract of land situated on the 
St. Lawrence, S iniles above Montreal. The grant was accepted, 
and thougli the place was gi-eatly exposed to the attacks of savages, 
it was favorably situated for the fur trade. Commencing at once 
to imi)rove his new donuiin, he traced out the boundaries of a pal- 
isaded village, and disposed of his lands to settlers, who were to 
pay for them a rent in small annual installments. 

Wliile thus employed in developing his seignory, he commenced 
studying the Indian languages, and in three years-is said to liave 
made rapid progress in the Iroquois, and eight other tongues and 
dialects. From his home on the banlcs of tlie St. Lawrence, his 
thoughts often wa-ndered over the " wild unknown world toward 
sunset," and like fornun- explorers, dreamed of a direct westward 
passage to the commerce of China and Japan. While musing 
upon the subject, he Avas visited by a band of Senecas, and learned 
from them that a riAer called tlie Ohio, rising in their country, 
flowed hito the sea, but at such a distance that it required eight 
montlis to reach its mouth. In this statement the Mississippi and 
its tributary were considered as one stream, and with tlie geo- 
graphical views then prevalent, it was supposed to fall into the 
gulf of California. 

Placing great confidence in this hypothesis, and determined to 
make an exploration to verify it, he repaired to Quebec, to obtain 
from Governor Courcelles his approval. His plausible statements 
soon won over to his plans both the Governor and Intendant 
Talon, and letters patent were issued authorizing the enter- 
prise. Xo pecuniary ;iid being furnished by the government, and 
as LaSalle had expended all his means in improving his estate, he 
was compelled to sell it to procure funds. The superior of the 
Seminary, being fa^^orably disposed toward him, bought the 



DIFFICULTIES ENCOUNTEREt*. 57 

greater part of his iuiprovenieiit, and realizing 2800 livres, he 
purchased four canoes and the necessary supphes for the expedi- 
tion. 

The Seminary, at the same time, was preparmg for a simihir 
expk)ration. The priests of this organization, emuhiting tlie 
enterprise of the Jesuits, had established a mission on the north- 
ern shore of Lake Ontario. At this poiut, hearing of i)opulous 
tribes further to the northwest, they resolved to essay their con- 
version, and an expedition, under two of their nuuvber, Avas lifted 
out for tliis purpose. On going to Quebec to proc-ure the neces- 
sary outht, they were advised by the Governor to so modify their 
plans as to act in concert with LaSalle in exploring the great 
river of the west. As the result, both expeditions were merged 
into one — an arrangement ill-suited to the genius of LaSalle, 
whom luiture had formed for an undisputed chief, ratluir than a 
co-laborer in the enteri)rise. On the 0th of July, KiOO, everything 
was in readiness, and the combined party, numbering U-t persons, 
embarked on the St. Lawrence in 7 canoes. Two additional 
canoes carried the Indians who had visited LaSalle, and who were 
now acting as guides. Threading the devious and romantic mazes 
of the river in opposition to its rapid current, after three days 
they api)eared on the broad expanse of Lake Ontario, Their 
guides led them thence directly to their village, on the baidcs of 
the Genesee, where they exi)ected to tind guides to lead them to 
the Ohio. LaSalle, only partially understanding their language, 
was comi)elled to confer ^^ ith them by means of a Jesuit priest, 
stationed at the village. The Indians refused to furnish a con- 
ductor, and even biu'ned before their eyes a prisoner from one of 
the western tribes, the only person who could serve them as 
guide. This and other unfriendly treatment which they recei\ ed, 
caused them to suspect that the Jesuit, jealous of tlieir enterprise, 
had intentionally misrepresented their object, for the purpose of 
defeating it. With the hope of accomplishing their object, they 
lingered for a month, and at length had the good fortune to meet 
with an Indian from an Irociuois colony, situated near the head 
of the lake, who assured them that they could there find what 
they wanted, and offered to conduct them thither. With 
renewed hope they gladly ac(;e])ted this proifered assistance, and 
left the Seneca village. Coursing along the southern shore of the 
lake, they passed the mouth of the Xiagara, where they heard for 
the first time the distant thunder of thecataract, and soon arrived 
safely anu)ng the Iro<piois. Here they met with a friendly recep- 
tion, and were informed by a Shawnee i)risoner that they could 
reach the Ohio in six weeks' time, and that he would guide them 
thither. Delighted with this unexpected good ibrtune, they pre- 
pared to commence the journey, when they unexpectedly heard 
of the arrival of two Frenchmen in a neighboring village. One 
of them ijroved to be Louis Joliet, a young nnm of about the age 
of LaSalle, and destined to acquire fameby his explorations in 
the west. He had been sent l)y Talon, the hitendant of Canada, 
to explore the copper mines of Lake Superior, but had failed, and 
was now on his return. Giving the priests a map representing 
such parts of the npper lakes as he had visited, he informed them 
that the Indians of those regions were in great need of spiritual 
advisers. On receiving this information, the missionaries decided 



58 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



that the Indians must no longer sit in darkness, and tlionght that 
the disco veiy of the Mississi])pi might be effected as easily by a 
northern route, through these tribes, as by going farther south- 
ward. LaSalle, remonstrating against their determiuation, in- 
formed them that this direction was impracticable, and in case 
they should visit that region, they woukl perhaps find it already 
occupied by the Jesuits. He had, for some time, been afHicted 
with a violent fever, and finding his advice uulieeded, he told the 
priests that his condition would not admit of follomng them 
further. The plea of sickness was doubtless a ruse to effect a 
separation; for the invincible determination of LaSalle never 
Xiermitted an enterprise which he had undertaken to be defeated 
by other considerations. A friendly parting was arranged, and 
after the celebration of mass, LaSalle and his men fell back to 
Lake Ontario, while the Suli^itians descended Grand river to 
Lake Erie. 

The latter prosecuted their journey up the lakes, and on arri- 
ving among the Indians of whom Joliet had spoken, they found, 
as LaSalle had surmised, Marquette and Dablon established 
among them. Learning, too, that they needed no assistance from 
St. Sulpice, nor from those who made him their patron saint, they 
retraced their steps, and ai-rived at Montreal the following June, 
without having made any discoveries or converted an Indian. 

The course pursued by LaSalle and his party, after leaving the 
priests, is involved in doubt. The most reliable record of his 
movements is that contained in an anouyuious paper, which pur- 
ports to have been taken from the lips of LaSalle himself, during 
a visit subsequently made to Paris. xVccording to this statement, 
he went to Onondaga, where he obttiined guides, and passed 
thence to a tributary of the Ohio, south of Lake Erie, followed it 
to the principal river, and descended the latter as far as the falls 
at Louisville. It has also been maintained, that he reached the 
Mississippi and descended it some distance, when his men de- 
serted, and he was compelled to return alone. It is stated in the 
same manuscript, that the following year he embarked on Lake 
Erie, ascended the Detroit to Lake Huron, and passed through 
the strait of Mackinaw to Lake Michigan. Passing to the southern 
shore, he proceeded by land to the Illinois, which he followed to 
its confluence Avith the Mississippi, and descended the latter to 
the oGth degree of latitude. Here, assured that the river did not 
fall into the gulf of California, but that of Mexico, he returned, 
with the intention of at some future day exploring it to the mouth. 

The statement that he visited the falls of the Ohio, is «loubt- 
less correct. He himself affirms, in a letter to Count Frontenac, 
in 1G77, that he discovered the Ohio, and descended it to the falls. 
Moreover, Joliet, his rival, subse<]uently made two maps repre- 
senting the region of the Mississi]>pi and the lakes, on both of 
which he states that LaSalle discovered and explored tlm Ohio. 
It is, perhaps, also true that LaSalle discovered the Illinois, but 
that he descended either it or the Ohio to the Mississippi before 
the discovery of Joliet, is improbable. If such had been the case, 
he certainly would have left MTitten evidence to that effect, as in 
the case of tlie Ohio especially, Avhen the piiority of Joliet's dis- 
covery had become a matter of great notoriety. 



Chapter \\. 
EXPLORATIONS BY JOLIET AND MAEQUETTE— lOT.!- 75. 



liiiSallo had explored one, and peiliaps two, routes to tlie J\Iiss- 
issippi, but as yet the ui)i»er portion of the ,^i'eat river had 
probably never been seen by any European. The honor of inau- 
j;uratin.i>- the snccesslYd attempt to reach this stream is due to M. 
Talon, who wIsIkmI to close the loni;' and useful term of his servi- 
ces, as the Intendant of Canada, by remo\'in,<;' the mystery which 
enshroinled it. For this i)ur[)ose lie selected Louis Joliet, a fur 
trader, to conduct the exptnlition, and ,Jac(iues Marquette, a Jesuit 
missionary, to assist him. 

Talon, however, was not to remain in the country long enough 
to witness the completion of the enterprise. A misunderstanding- 
arose between him and G(>vernor Courcelles in regard to the juris- 
diction of their respective ottices, and both asked to be recalled. 
Their recpiests were granted, and early in the autumn of 1072, 
Count Frontenac arrived at Quebec, to take the place of the 
retiring governor. He l)elonged to the high nobility of France, 
was well advaiu'cd in life, and a man of prompt and decided 
action. Though intolerant to euenues, he partially atoned for this 
fault by his great magnanimity and devotion to friends, while his 
ciiarm of manners and s))eech made him the favorite and orna- 
ment of th(^ most ])olished circles. His career in Canada, at tlrst, 
was beset with o})position and enmity, but its close was rewarded 
with admiration and gratitu.de for his broad views and unshaken 
hrmness, when others dis])aired. 

iJefore sailing for France, M. Talon recommended to Frotenac 
Joliet and Ma-rciucitte, as suitable i)ers()ns to execute his projected 
dis<;o^'eries. The former was born at Quebec, hi 1(545, of humble 
parentage. He was educated by the Jesuits for tlu^, pi'iesthood, 
but early aban<loned his clerical vocation to engage in the fur 
trach'. Thougli reiu)uncing the priesthood, he still retained a })ar- 
tiality- for the order which had educated him, and no doubt this 
was the principal reason which indiu'cd Talon to labor for his 
api)ointment. l*ossessing no very salient ])oints of character, he 
yet had suflicient enter]uise, boldness and determination projx'rly 
to dis(;harge the task betbre him. 

His colleague, Marquette, greatly surpassed him in bold out- 
lines of character. He was born in 1(>.>7, at Laou, France. Lilieri- 
ting from his parents a mind of great religions susceptibility, he 
early united with the Jesuits, and was sent, in 1<!()(), to Amei-ica 
as a missionary, where he soon distingiushed himself for devotion 
to his profession. To convert the Indians he ])enetrated a thousand 
miles in advance of civilization, and by his kind attentions in their 

59 



60 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

afflictious, won their aftectious, aud made them his lasting friends. 
Softening then' savage asperities mto smoothness and peace by 
the blended pimty and hnmility of his own life, he was the most 
successful of all the missionaries in developing their higher aud 
better feelings. His extensive acquaintance with the Indian lan- 
guages, now enabled him to act in the tlu-eefold capacity of inter- 
X>reter, explorer and missionary. 

Juliet ascended the lakes and joined his companion at the Jesuit 
mission, on the strait of Mackinaw, where, for several years, he 
had been instructing the Ottawas and Hurons. With 5 other 
Frenchmen and a simple outfit, the daring explorers, on the ITth 
of May, 1G73, set out on their perilous voyage. Coasting along 
the northern shore of Lake Michigan, they entered Green Bay, 
and passed thence up Fox river and Lake Winnebago to a village 
of the Mascoutins and Miamis. Marquette, who never suffered 
the beauties of nature to escape his attention, speaks in eloquent 
terms of the broad prairies and tall forests which he saw from the 
sumuut of the hill on which it was situated. His admiration of 
the scenery was, however, greatly exceeded by the joy which he 
experienced at beholding a cross planted in the midst of the place, 
aud decorated with some of the most valued of Indian imple- 
ments. With due ceremony they were introduced to a council of 
chiefs, when Marquette, pointing to Joliet, said : " My friend is an 
envoy of France, to discover new countries, and I am an eiid)as- 
sador from God, to enlighten them with the truths of the gospel."* 
The speaker then made them some presents, and asked for guides 
to conduct them on their way. Though the Indians regarded their 
journey as extremely hazrirdous, these were granted, and the 
voyagers re-embarked in their canoes. All the village followed 
them down to the river, wondering that men could be found to 
undertake an enterprise so fraught with dangers. Their guides 
led them safely through the devious windings of the river, beset 
with lakes and marshes overgrown with wild rice. The seed of 
this plant largely furnished the Indians with food, and subsisted 
immense numbers of birds, which rose in clouds as the travelers 
advanced. Arriving at the portage, they soon carried their light 
canoes and scanty baggage to the Wisconsin, about three miles 
distant. France and papal Christendom were now in the valley 
of the Mississippi, ready to commence the drama in which, for the 
next succeeding 90 years, they were the principal actors. 

Their guides now refused to accompany them further, and 
endeavored to induce them to return, by reciting the dangers they 
must encomiter in the further prosecution of the journey. They 
stated that huge demons dwelt in the great river, whose -voices 
could be heard at a long distance, and who engulphed in the 
raging waters all wlio came within their reach. They also repre- 
sented that, should any of them escape the dangers of the river, 
fierce and warring tribes dwelt on its banks, ready to complete the 
work of destruction. Marquette thanked them for the informa- 
tion, but could not think of tr\ang to save his own perishable 
body, when the immortal souls of the Indians alluded to might be 
eternally lost. Embarking in their canoes, they slowly glided 
down the Wisconsin, i>assing shores and islands covered with 
forests, lawns, parks and pleasure grounds, greatly exceeding in 

•JVIonette's Valley of the Mississippi, 124. 



JOLIET AND MAEQUETTE. 61 

their natural beauty the most skillful training- of cultured hands. 
The 17th of June brought them to the mouth of the river, and 
with great joy they pushed their frail barks out on the Hoods of 
the lordly Mississippi. Drifting lapidly with the current, tlie 
scenery of the two banks reminded them of the castled shores of 
theii- own beautiful rivers of France. For days of travel they 
passed a constant succession of headlands, separated by grace- 
fully rounded valleys covered with verdure, and gently rising as 
they recede from the maigiu of the waters. Tlie rocky sunnuits 
of the headlands, rising high above their green bases, had been 
wrought by the corroding elements into a great variety of fantas- 
tic forms, which the lively imagination of jMar(]uette shaped into 
towei-s, gigantic statues, and the crumbling ruins of fortiftcations. 
On going to the heads of the valleys, they could see a countiy of 
the greatest beauty and fertility, appai'ently destitute of iidiabi- 
tants, yet presenting the a^jpcarance of extensive manors, under 
the fastidious cultivation of lordly proprietors. By and by great 
herds of buifalo appeared on the opposite baidcs, tlie more timid 
females keex)ing at a safe distance, while the old bulls api)roached, 
and through their tangled manes looked detiance at the strange 
invaders of their grassy realms. • 

Near a hundred miles below the mouth of the Wisconsin, the 
voyagers discovered an Indian trace, letiding from the western 
shore. Joliet and Marquette, leaving their canoes in charge of 
their men, determined to follow it and make themselves acquainted 
with the tribes of this region. Moving cautiously through prairies 
and forests, rendered beautiful by the verdure and bloom of July, 
they discovere<l a village near the banks of the river and two 
others on a hill half a league distant. Commending themselves 
to the protection of Heaven, they api)roached and shouted to at- 
tract attention. When the commotion, excited by their unexpected 
salute, had partially subsided, four elders advanced with u])lifted 
calumets to meet them. A friendly greeting ensued, and alter in- 
forming the Frenchmen that they were Illinois, they comlucted 
them to their village. Here they were presented to the chief, who, 
standing near the door of his wigwam in a state of complete 
nudity, delivered an address of welcome : "Frenchmen, how blight 
the sun shines when you come to visit us ; all our village awaits 
you, and you shall enter our wigwams in peace." After entering* 
and smoking a friendly pipe, they were invited to \isit the great 
chief of the Illinois, at one of the other villages. Followed by a 
motley throng of warriors, squaws, and children, they proceeded 
thither and were received with great courtesy by the chief. On 
entering his wigwam, filled with the dignitaries of the tribe, Mar- 
quette announced the nature of their enterprise, asked for informa- 
tion concerning the Mississii)pi and alluded to their i)atron, the 
Governor of Canada, who had humbled the Iroquois and comi)elled 
them to sue for peace. This last item of information was good 
news to these remote tribes, and <lrew from their chief the comi)li- 
ment that the "ijresence of his guests added flavor to their tobacco, 
made the river more calm, the sky more serene and the earth more 
beautiful."* Next, followed a repast, consisting of hominy, tish, 
and biiflalo and dog's meat. The Frenchmen partook sumptiously 

Discov. of the Great West. 



62 HISTORY OP ILLINOIS. 

of all tlie dishes, except the last, which they failed to appreciate, 
although one of the greatest Indian delicacies. The generous 
hosts, Avith true forest courtesy, as they dished out the different 
articles, iirst blew their breath ui)on each morsel to cool it, and 
then, with their own hands, placed it in the mouths of their guests. 
They endeavored to persuade the explorers, by depicting the great 
dangers they would incur, to abandon their object. Finding that 
tneir efforts were unavailing, on the following day they hung on 
the neclv of Marquette a sacred calumet, brilliantly decorated with 
feathers, as a protection among the tribes he was about to visit. 
The last mark of respect, which tbe chiefs could now offer their 
departing friends, was to escort tliem with 000 of their tribesmen 
to the river, where, after their stolid maimer, they bade them a 
kindly adieu. 

Again they were alloat on tlie broad bosom of the unknown 
stream. Passing the mouth of the Illinois they soon fell into the 
shadow of a tall promontory, and witli great astonishment beheld 
the representation of two monsters painted on its lofty limestone 
front. According to Marquette, each of these frightful figures had 
the face of a man, the horns of a deer, the beard of a tiger, and 
the tail of a fish so long that it passed around the body over the 
head and between the legs. It was an object of Indian worship, 
and greatly impressed the mind of the pious missionary with the 
necessity of substituting for this monstrious idolatry, the worsliip 
of the true God.* Before these figures of the idols had faded fiom 
their minds, a new wonder arrested their attention. They ran 
into the current of the Missouri, sweeping directly across their 
track, and threatening to engulf them in its muddy v.'aves. Frag- 
ments of trees were drifting in large numbers, which must have 
couie from a vast unknown A\'ilderness, judging from the magni- 
tude of the streaiiL which bore them along. Passing on, it was 
ascertained that for several miles the jMississippi refused to min- 
gle with the turbid Hoods of the intrudiug stream. 

Soon the forest covered site of St. Louis appeared on the right, 
but little did the voyagers dream of the em])orium which now^ fills 
the river with its extended commerce. Farther on, their attention 
was attracted hy the confluence of the Ohio, a stream which, in 
the purity of its waters, they found wholly different from that pre- 
viously passed. Some distance below the mouth of this eastern 
tributary, the banks of the river became skirted with a dense 
growth of cane, whose feathery -like foliage formed a x>leasing 
contrast with that which they had passed above. But a greater 
vegetable wonder was the Spanish moss which hung in long fes- 
toons from the branches of the trees, exquisitely beautiful, yet, 
like funeral drapery, exciting in the beholder feelings of sadness. 
Another change was the increasing heat, which, now rapidly dis- 
sipated the hea^^' fogs which previously, to a late hour, had liung 
over the river. Clouds of mosquitos also appeared in the relaxing 
at^nosphere, to annoy them by day, and disturb their much needed 
rest at night. 

*Near the mouth of the Piasa Creek, on the bluff, there is a smooth rock in a cnvei-n- 
ous cleft, under an overhanyiiig- cliff, on whose face, 50 feet from the base, are painted 
some anciLiit pictures or hieroglyphics, of great interest to the curious. They are 
placed in a horizontal line from east to west, representing: men, plants and animals. 
The paintings, tliough protected from dampness and storms, are in great part destroyed, 
marred by portions of the rock becoming- detached and falling- down. See Prairie State, 
1859 . 



JOLIBT AND MARQUETTE. 63 

Without suspecting- the presence of Indians, they suddenly dis- 
co\ cred a number on the eastern banks of the river. Marquette 
held aloft the symbol of peace, furnished him by the Illinois, and 
the savages approached and invited him and his jiarty ashore. 
Here they were feasted on bullalo meat and bear's oil, and after 
the repast was over, were informed that they could reach the mouth 
of the river in ten days. This statement was doubtless made witli 
the best uitention, but with little truth, for the distance Avas not 
far from 1,000 miles. 

Taking leave of their liosts, and resuming the journey, they 
penetrated a long monotony of blutt's and forests, and again dis- 
covered Indians near the mouth of the Arkansas. Eushing from 
their wigwams to the n\ei\ some of them sallied forth in canoi^s 
to cut off their escape, while others plunged into the water to 
atta<'k them. Marfpiette displayed tiie calumet, which was uu- 
lieeded till the arri\'al of the chiefs, wlio ordered the warriors to 
desist, and comlncted them ashore. A conference ensued, and as 
soon as the Indians understood the nature of the \isit, they be- 
came reconciled. The <lay's proceedings closed with a feast, and 
the travelers si)ent the night in the wigwams of their entertainers. 
Early the next day, messengers were sent by the latter to the 
Arkansas tribe on the river below, to apprise them that French- 
men were about to descend the stream. - As announced, the explo- 
rers proceeded a distance of 24 miles, when they were met by a 
deputation of three Indians, who invited them to visit their town. 
Assent being given, they were conducted thither and seated on 
mats, which had been spread for their reception under a shed 
before the lodge of a principal chief. Soon they were surrounded 
by a semi-circle of the villagers — the warriors sitting nearest, 
next the elders, while a promiscuous crowd stared at them from 
the outside. The men were stark naked, and the women imper- 
fectly clad in skins, wearing their hair in two masses, one of 
which was behind each ear. Fortunately, there was a^ young man 
in the village who could speak Illinois. By his aid, Marquette 
explained to the assemblage the mysteries of the Christian faitli, 
and the object of the exi)edition, and learned in turn from them 
that the river below was infested with the most hostile tribes. 
])uring their stay at this place, they were forced to submit to the 
merciless demands of aboriginal hospitality, which imposed dish 
after dish ujion their over-taxed organs of digestion, till repletion 
became intolerable. 

It was now the middle of July and the voyagers debated the 
propriety of further lengthening out their journey. They had 
been on the river four weeks, and concluded they had descended 
sulficiently far to decide that its outlet was on the Atlantic side of 
the continent. Their provisions were nearly exhausted, and they 
also feared if they visited the river below they might be killed by 
the savages, and the benefit of their discovery would be lost. 

Influenced by these considerations, they determined to retrace 
their steps. Leaving the Arkansas village, they commiiienced 
forcing their way in opposition to the swift curient of the ri^T'r, 
toiling by day under a July sun, and sleeping at night amidst the 
deadly exhalations of stagnant marshes. Several weeks of hai-d 
labor brought them to the mouth of the Illinois, but unfortunately, 
Marquette, enervated by the heat and the toils of the voyage, was 



64 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

suffering with an attack of dysentery. Here tliey Avere informed 
by tlie Indians that the Illinois furnished a umch more direct route 
to the lakes than the WisconsiiL Acting upon this information, 
they entered the river, aiul found, besides being more direct, that 
its gentle current offered less resistance than that of the Mississ- 
ippi. As they advanced into the country, a scene opened to their 
view which gave renewed strength to their wearied bodies, and 
awoke in their languid minds the greatest admiration and enthu- 
siasm. Prairies spread out before them beyond the rea(;h of 
\ision, covered with tall grass, Avhich undulated in the wind like 
Avaves of a sea. In furtlier imitation of a watery expanse, the 
surface was studded with clumps of timber, resembling islands, 
in Avhose graceful outlines could be traced peninsulas, shores and 
headlands. Flowers, surpassing in the delicacy of their tints the 
pampered products of cultivation, Avere profusely si)rinkled OA'er 
the grassy landscape, and gaA^e their Avealth of fragrance to the 
I)assing breeze. Immense herds of buff'alo and deer grazed on 
these rich pastures, so prolific that the continued destruction of 
them for ages by the Indians, had failed to diminish their num- 
bers. For the fmilier support of human life, the rivers swarmed 
Avith fish, great quantities of Avild fruit gi-ew in the foiest and 
prairies, and so numerous were Avater-fowl and other birds, that 
the heavens Avere frequently obscured by their tlight. This favo- 
rite land, with its profusion of ACgetable and animal life, Avas the 
ideal of tlie Indian's Elysium. The explorers spoke of it as a 
terrestial paradise, in Avhich earth, air and Avater, unbidden by 
labor, contributed the most co])ious supplies for the sustenance of 
life. In the early French explorations, desertions were of frequent 
occurrence, and is it strange that men, Avearied by the toils and 
I'estraints of ciAilized life, should abandon their leaders for the 
abiunlance and Avild independence of these prairies and Avood- 
lands ? 

I'assing far up the river, they stopped at a town of the Illinois, 
called Kaskaskia, Avhose name, afterwards transferred to a differ- 
ent locality, has become famous in the history of the country. 
Here they secured a chief and his men to conduct them to Lake 
Michigan and proceeded thither by the Avay of the rivers Illinois, 
Desplaiues and Chicago. Following the western shore of the 
lake, they entered Green Bay the latter part of September, liaAdng 
been absent about four months, and traA^eled a distance of 2,500 
miles. 

Marquette stopped at the mission on the head of the bay, to 
repair Ins shattered health, while Joliet hastened to Quebec, to 
report his discoveries. Hitherto fortune had greatly favored him, 
and it Avas only at the termination of his voyage that he met his 
first disaster. At the foot of the rapids, aboA^e Montreal, his 
canoe was capsized, and he lost the manuscript containing an 
account of his discoveries, and two of his men. He says, in a let- 
ter to GoA^ernor Frontenac : "Iliad escaped cA^ery peril from the 
Indians ; I had i^assed 42 rapids, and was on the point of disem- 
barking, full of joy at the success of so long and difficult an 
enteri)rise, when my canoe capsized after all the danger seemed 
over. I lost my two men and box of papers within sight of the first 
French settlements, which I had left almost two years before. 



JOLIET AND MARQUETTE. 05 

Notliiug remains to me now but my life, and the ardent desire to 
em]iloy it on any service you may jdease to direct." 

Wlien the successful issue of the voya,i;e became knoAvn, a Te 
Deum was chanted in the cathedral of (Quebec, and all Canada 
was filled with joy. The news crossed the Atlantic, an<l France 
saw, in the vista of coming years, a vast dependency springing up 
in tlie great valley j>artially explored, which was to enrich her 
merchant princes witli the most lucrative commerce. Fearing 
that England, whose settlements were rapidly extending along the 
Atlantic, might attemi)t to grasp the rich prize before she could 
occujiy it, she endeavoi-ed to prevent, as far as possible, the gen- 
eral publicity of the discovery. Joliet was rewarded by the gift 
of the island of Anticosti, in the gulf of St. Lawrence, wliile 
Marquette, who had rendered the most valuabh^ services, was sat- 
isfied with the consciousness of having performed a noble duty. 

Mar(]uette suft(ned long from his malady, and it was not till 
the autumn of the following year that his superior permitted him 
to attempt the execution of a long cherished object. This was 
the establishment of a mission at the principal town of the Illinois, 
visited in his recent voyage of discovery. With this purpose in 
view, he set out on the L'oth of October, 1()74, accompaiued by 
two Frenchmen and a number of Illinois and Potawataniie Ind- 
ians. The rich and vaiied tints of autumn Avere now ra])idly 
changing to a rusty brown, and entering Lake Michigan, they 
found it cold and stormy. Ibitt'eted by adverse winds and waves, 
it was more than a month before they reached the mouth of the 
Chicago river. In the meantime Marquette's disease had returned 
in a. more malignant form, attended by hemorrhage. On ascending 
the Chicago some distance, it was found that his condition was 
growing worse, compelling them to land. A hut was erected ou 
the l>ank of the river, and here the iuAalid and the two Frenchmen 
prepaied to spend the Avinter. As it wore away, the enfeelded 
missionary was unceasing in his s])iritual devotions, while his 
companions obtained food by shooting deer, turkeys and other 
game in the surrounding forests. The Illinois furnished them 
with corn, and fre<iuently, l)y their presence and other kindly 
attentions, greatly cheered tlieir lonely exile. 

^rarijuette, l)urning Avitli tlu^ desire to establish his contempla- 
ted mission before he died, consecrated himself anew to the service 
of tlie Virgin, and soon began to regain his strength. By the 
13th of March, being able to recommence his journey, the. two 
men carried their canoes over the portage between the Chicago 
and Desplaines, and commenced to descend the latter stream. 
Amidst the incessant rains of opening spring, they were rapidh* 
borne forward on the swollen river to its junction with the Illinois, 
and down the latter to the object of their destination. Here, it is 
said, he was viewed as a messenger from heaven, as he Aisited the 
wigwams of the villagers and discoursed of i)aradise, the Ee- 
deemer of the Avorld, and his atonement for sinful men. The 
excitement at length drcAv together, on the plain between theriA'cr 
and the present town of Utica, some 500 chiefs, and a great un- 
known concourse of warriors, women and children. In the midst 
of this multitude he exhibited four large pictures of tlie Holy 
Virgin, and with great earnestness harangued tliem on tlie duties 
of Christianity, and the necessity of making their conduct conform 
5 



66 HISTORY OP ILLINOIS. 

to its precepts. The audience were deeply impressed witli liis 
gospel teacliiugs, and eagerly besougiit liiin to remain with them, 
a request which his fast waning strength rendered it impossible 
to grant. 

Finding he ihust leave, the Indians generously furnished him 
with an escort to the lake, on which he embarked with his two 
faithfid attendants. They turned their canoes in the direction of 
the mission on the strait of Mackinaw, which the afflicted mis- 
sionary hoped ro reach before he died. As they coasted along the 
eastern shore, advancing May began to deck the forest with her 
vernal beauties, but the eyes of the dying junest were now too 
dim to heed them. On the 19th of the month he coidd go no 
farther, when, at his request, his two friends landed and built a 
hut, into which he was carefully conveyed. Aware that he was 
rapidly approaching his end, he, with great composure, gave 
directions concerning his biuial, and thanked God that he was 
permitted to die in the wilderness an unshaken believer in the 
faith which he had so devotedly preached. At night he told his 
weary attendants to rest, and when he fouud death approaching 
he would call them. At an early hour they were awakened by a 
feeble voice, and hastening to his side, in a few moments he 
breathed his last, grasping a crucifix, and murmiu'ing the name 
of the Virgin Mary. Having buried his remains as directed, his 
trusted companions hastened to Mackinaw, to announce the sad 
news of his demise. 

Three years afterward, a party of Ottawas, hunting in the vi- 
cinity of his grave, determined, in accordance mth a custom of 
the tribe, to carry his bones Avith them to their home at the mis- 
sion. Having opened the grave and carefully cleaned them, a 
funeral procession of 30 canoes bore them tOAvard Mackinaw, the 
Indians singing the songs which he had taught them. At the 
shore, near the mission, the sacred relics were received by the 
IDriests, and, with the solemn ceremony of the church, deiiosited 
under the floor of the rude chai)el. 



CnArTER YII. 
EXPLOEATIO^\S BY LaSALLE. 



We must now turn from Marquette, whose great piety, energy 
and self-denial made Iiim a model of the order to wlii(;li lie he- 
Joiiged, and again introduce LaSalle on the stage of action. The 
l^revious voyage had well nigh estaldished the fact that the Miss- 
issippi discharged its waters into tlie Gulf of Mexico; yet he and 
others now entertained the opinion that some of its great tribu- 
taries miglit afford a direct passage to the Pacitic. It was the 
great problem of the age to discover this passage, and LaSalle 
])roposed not only to solve it by exploring the great river to its 
moutli, but to erect a fort on its outlet, and thus seciu-e to France 
the possession of its valley, To further his ol)ject, he gained the 
intluence and support of Frontenac, and induced some of the 
Canadian merchants to become partners in the adventure. 

Fort Frontenac. — The new governor had no sooner been installed 
in oftice, than, with eagle eye, he surveyed the resoiu'ces of Cana- 
da, and prepared to get them under his control. LaSalle had 
iiiformed him that the English raid Iroquois were intriguing with the 
Indians of the upper lakes to induce tliem to break their peace 
with the French, and transfer their trade in i)eltries fi«m Mon- 
treal to Jn'cw York. Partly to counteract this design, and in part 
to monopolize the fur trade for his own benefit, he determined to 
T)uild a fort on Lake Ontario, near the site of the present city of 
Kingston. Lest he should excite the jealousy of the merchants, 
he gave out that lie only intended to make a tour to the upper part 
of the colony, to look after the Indians. Being without sufticient 
means of his own, he required the merchants to fiu'uish each a 
certain niunber of men and canoes for the expedition. AVhen 
sprhig opened, he sent LaSalle in advance to summon the Iroquois 
sachems to meet at the site of the proposed fort, while he fobowed 
at his leisure. Li obedience to his call, the chiefs arrived, and 
were much pleased with the attentions shown them by the gov- 
ernor. Flattered by his blandishments, and awed by his audacity, 
they suffered the erection of the fort, which was called Frontenac, 
after its founder. The governor writes : " With the aid of a ves- 
sel now building, we can command the lakes, keep peace with the 
Iroquois, and cut off" the fm* trade from the English. With 
another fort at Niagara, and a second vessel on the river above, 
we' can control the entire chain of lakes." These far-reaching 
views accorded well with the schemes of LaSalle, who-was shortly 
afterwards employed in reducing them to piactice. The erection 
of the fort was iii violation of the king's regulations, which re- 
quii-ed the fiu' traders of Canada to carry on their trade with the 

67 



68 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

Indians witliiii tlio limits of the settUMiieiits. In vieAV, liowever, of 
its great inii)ortaiice as a means of defence against the Iroqnois, all 
legal objections were waived, aiid j^rovision was made to maintain 
it. It also served as a stei)X)ing-stone for its snbseqnent owner to 
make other and greater westward strides in thecanse of discovery. 

In 1071, LaSalle visited France to petition the king for the rank 
of nobility, and to negotiate with him for a grant in seignory of 
the new fort and adjacent lands. As a consideration for the lat- 
ter, he agreed to reimburse him for what it had already cost to 
maintain in it an adequate garrison, and pro\ide for the spiritual 
wants of the settlements that miglit gather about it. His petition 
was granted, and he returned to Canada the proprietor of one of 
tlie most valuable estates in the x)rovince. His relatives, pleased 
with Ids flattering prospects, advanced him large sums of money, 
which enabled him to comjdy with his agreement. Besides fur- 
nishing the stii)ulated military and clerical forces, and providing 
a clui]>el for the latter, he built four small decked vessels to carry 
freight to the head of the lake, whither he next expected to ad- 
vance. A period of more than three years now succeeded, in 
which all Canada was rent with civil feuds. Altercations sprang 
up l)etween rival traders ; Jesuits and Eecollets were embittered 
by dissensions, and tlie civil authorities became corrupt, and en- 
gaged in intrigues, attended with the greatest acrimony. It was 
impossible for a person of LaSalle's prominence to avoid becoming 
a mark for the shafts of those who differed with him in oi)ipion 
and interest. As soon, however, as he could extricate himself 
from the jarring factions, he again visited France, to obtain the 
recognition and supj)ort of the government in his contemplated 
undertaking. His object being regarded with favor by the minis- 
ter, he was authorized to proceed with his discoveries, and occupy 
the new found countries by the erection of forts, while, in lieu of 
other sui)port, he was granted a mono])oly in buffalo skins, which, 
it was believed, would be a som^ce of great wealth. His relatives 
made additional advances of money, and in July, 1678, he sailed 
with 30 men and a large supply of implements for the construction 
and outflt of vessels. After a prosperous voyage he arriA^ed at 
Quebec, and proceeded thence up the river and lake to his 
seignory. 

Among the employes he had brought with him was an Italian, 
named Henri Tonti, who had lost one of his hands by the explo- 
sion of a grenade in the Sicilian wars. JSrotAvithstandiug the loss 
of his hand, and a constitution naturally feeble, his indomitable 
will made him superior to most men in physical endurance. 
Bcvsides these qualities, so valuable in the pioneer, he possessed a 
fidelity which neither adversity nor the intrigues of enemies could 
swerve from the interests of his employer.* On his way through 
Quebec, he also obtained the services of jM. Lainotte, a person of 
much energy and integity of character, but not so efticient an as- 
sistant as Tonti. 

Among the missionaries who became associated with LaSalle in 
his future ex]>lorations, may be mentioned Louis Hennepin, Gabriel 
Kibourde and Zenobe Membre. All of them were Flemings, all 

*His father had been govei'nor of Gaeta, but fled to France to escape the political 
convulsions of his native country. He was an able flnancier, and won distinction as 
the inventor of Tontine Life Insurance. 



LASALLE, 69 

Eecollets, but in other res])ects ditfereut. Heiniepiii, in early life, 
read with unwearied delight the adventm-es of trav elers, and felt 
a bnrni)i<i' desire to visit strange lands. Yielding to his ruling 
passion, he set out on a roving mission through Holland, where he 
exposed himself in trenches and seiges for the sahation of the 
soldier. Finding, at length, his old inclination to travel returning, 
he obtained permission of his sui)eri<>r to visit ^Vinerica, where, in 
accordaiu'e with his wandering proclivity, he becaiin^' connected 
Avith the adventures of LaSalle. In tliis cai»acit\ he won distinc- 
tion as an explorer, but afterwards tarnislied his rei»utation with 
false pretensions, lliljourde was a hale and cheerful old man of 
(irt years, and though })ossessing fewer salient i)oints of character 
than Hennepin, he greatly excelled liini in purity of life. He re- 
iioun(;ed station ami ease for the privations of a missionary, and 
at last wa.s stricken down by the parricidal hand of those he fain 
Mould have benelited. Membre, like Henne])in, is accused of vanity 
and falsehood. He must, however, have possessed redeeming 
traits, for he long remained the faithful companion of LaSalle," 
and fimdiy perished in his service. 

On arriving" at the fort, LaSalle sent 15 men with merchandise 
to Lake JMichigan, to trade for furs. After disposing of the goods, 
tliey wer<^ instructed to jiroceed with the bartered commodities to 
Illinois, and there await his arrival. The m'xt step he hoped to 
make in his westward i)rogress was the erection of a tort at the 
mouth of the river Niagara. He thought if he coiTld control this 
ke,>' to the chain of lakes above, he could also control the Indian 
trade of the interior. For this pur])ose, La^lotte and Henei)in, 
witJ! 1(» men, on the ISth of Novend)er, end)arked in one of the 
small vessels which lay at the fort, and started ior the month of 
the river. Retarded by adverse Avinds, it was not till the (!th of 
De(tember that they reached their destination and efl'ected a land- 
ing". Here they met with a band of Senecas from a neighboring 
villa^ge, Avho gazed upon them with curious eyes, ;uid listened with 
great Avomlerment to a song which they sung in honor of their 
safe arrival. When, however, the erection of a fort Avas com- 
menced, their surprise gave way to jeah>usy, ami it became neces- 
sary to obtain the consent of the chiefs before the Avork could be 
completed. With this object in a'Icav, LaMotte and Hennepin, 
loaded with pr<\sents, set out to Aisit tlie princi))al town, situated 
near tlie site of ivochester, IS'eAV York. Ai'riving thitlier after a 
Journey of 5 days, they Avere receiAcd by a committeeof .Sii chiefs, 
to whom they made known their object. LaJMotte distributed 
gifts amo)ig" the chiefs Avith a laA'ish hand, and l>y nutans of his 
interpreter, used all the tact ami ehxiuence of Avhich he Avas mas- 
ter to gain their consent to the erection of the fort. They readily 
rec^iA'ed the gifts, but answered the interpreter Avith evasive gen- 
eralities, and the embassy Avas comi)elled to retiu'u Avithout a 
definite reply. In the meantime LaSalle and Tonti, aaIio had been 
detained in i>rocuring" supplies for the new settlement, arrived. 
They had also encountered unfaA^orable winds, and LaSalle, anx- 
ious to hasten forAvard, entrusted one of his vessels to the pilot, 
Avho, disregarding" his instructions, suffered her to become wrecked. 
The crcAV escaped, but aaHIi the exception of the cables and 
anchors intended to be used in building a shi}) above the cataract, 
the cargo Avas lost. LaSalle, Avho Avas more tlnui an ordinary mas- 



70 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

tei' of Indian diplomacy, next visited the Senecas, and partially 
obtained liis request. In lieu of the fort, he was jierniitted to 
erect a warehouse. This was completed, and used as a shelter for 
the men durinj;' the ensuing winter, and a depository for mer- 
chandise in his subsequent transactions on the lakes. 

The. Griffin. — A more vital consideration, and that which next 
engaged the attention of LaSalle, was the building of a vessel ou 
the river. The point selected for this purpose was on the east side 
of the river, at the mouth of Cayuga creek, 6 miles above the 
cataract. The men struggled up the steep hights above Lewiston 
with the necessary equipments, and on the 2lid of January, 1(>79, 
commenced the laborious task of carrying them to the point 
selected, some 12 miles distant. Arriving thither, Tout! immedi- 
ately commenced the task of building the vessel, while LaSalle 
returned to Fronteuac, to replace the stores which had been lost 
in the lake. Notwithstanding the atteinpt of the Senecas to \)urn 
the vessel as she grew on the stocks, in due time slie was linished 
and ready to launch. The tiring of cannon announced her com- 
pletion, and as the men chanted a soiig in honor of their success, 
aiul the Indians stared at the novel sight, she gracefully glided 
out on the waters of the Niagara. During her construction, tliey 
were gxeatly amazed at the ribs of the huge monster, but now 
they looked with increased surpiise at the grim muzzles of 5 cau- 
non looking through her port holes, and a huge creature, part lion 
and part eagle, carved on the prow. The figure was a grifiiit, 
after which the vessel was named, in honor of the armorial bear- 
ings of Frontenac. She was taken further up the river, where the 
men supplied her with rigging, and Tonti anxiously awaited the 
arrival of LaSalle. This did not occur till August, he having, in 
the meantime, been detained by tinancial ditticulties, growing out 
of the attempt of enemies to injure lus credit. He brought with 
him EiboiQ'de and Membre, to ])reach the faith antong the tribes 
of the west, which he now jn'oposed to visit. 

To defer the enterprise longer, would be to defeat it, and on the 
7th (►f August, 1(>70, the voyagers embarked. The extended sails 
of their little craft catcliing the breeze, bore her safely out on the 
bosom of Lake Erie. Never before had been picture<l in its 
waters the image of tluttering canvas, and to the Gritfiu beUings 
the honor of first coursing the highway which is now whitened 
with the sails of such an extended con\merce. After a piV)Sperous 
voyage up the lake, they entered the Detroit, and passed on each 
bank a pleasant succession of prairies and forests, alive with 
game. The men leaped ashore, and soon the decks of the Griffin 
were strewn with the dead bodies of deer, turkeys and beai^, upon 
whose tlesh the crew feasted AA'ith the greatest relish. Ascending 
Lake St. Clair and the rest of the strait, they entered Lake Huron, 
whi(;h appeared like a vast mirror set in a frame fantastic with 
rocks and verdure. So pure and transparent were the waters, 
the lish on the pebbled bottom b(4ow seeiued the only inhabitants 
of earth, while their little bark floated like a cloud in mid-air 
above them. At first the voyage was pi"os])erous, and islet after 
islet loomed up before them, which the strange mirage of the 
waters converted into huge Tritons stalking rapidly by, and disap- 
pearing in the distance l)ehind. Soon, however, the breeze belV)re 
which they moved fieshened into a gale, and at last became an 



LASALLE. 71 



angry tempest, causiiig the greatest alarm. All fell to praying ex- 
cept the pilot, who Avas incensed at the idea of ignobly perishing 
in the lake, after having breasted the storms and won the lionors 
of the ocean. LaSalle and the friars evoked the aid of St. An- 
thony of Padna, Avhom they declared the patron oftlie expedition, 
and promised a chapel if he would deliver them from the devour- 
ing waves. The saint, it is said, answered their i)rayers ; the 
billow-tossed bosom of the lake becaine still, and the Grillin rode 
into the straits of Mackinaw uninjured. A salute of cannon an- 
nounced tlieir arrival at the Jesuit mission, where they effected a 
landing, and immediately rex>aired to the cliai)el to offer thanks for 
their recent deliverance. 

Here, under the shadow of the cross, the votaries of mammon 
had erected a bazaar for the fm- trade, which they carried on aa ith 
or without a license, as best suited their interests. All of tlieni 
looked with jealous eyes upon LaSalle, but openly extended a wel- 
come to him, that they might allay suspicions respecting their 
secret designs against his enterprise. With motives little bettei-, 
the Indians saluted him with a volley of musketry, and soon 
swaruied in canoes around the Griftiu, which they calle<l a Hoating 
fort, and evidt^itl}' regarded it with greater curiosity than good 
will. iSTot only the residents were secietly hostile, but it soon ap- 
peared that his own men had proved treacherous. Most of tliose 
he had sent up the lakes with merchandise had sold it and ke])t 
the proceeds, instead of going with tliem, as directed, to Illinois. 
LaSalle arrested four of them at Mackinaw, and sent Tonti to the 
Straits of St. Mary after two others, whom he also succeeded in 
captui-iug. 

Ah soon as Tonti i-eturned, LaSalle weighed anchor and sailed 
through the Straits into Lake Michigan, and hnided at an island 
near the entrance of Green Bay. Here he was received with gieat 
hospitality by a Potawatamie chief, and met with a number of his 
traders, who, uiilike the othei'S, had faithfully disposed of his 
goods and collected a large quantity of fius. He at once resohed 
to send them, with others he had collected on the way to Xiagara, 
for the l)enetit of his creditors. Such a transaction was not author- 
ized by his hcense of discovery, yet liis will was law, and (l(\spite 
the protest of his followers, the furs were carried aboard the (Uif- 
fin. The pilot, after disposing of the cargo, was instructed to 
return with her to the southern shore of the lake. Her cannons 
thuiidered forth a parting salute, and soon the little bark melted 
out of sight in the distance. LaSalle, with the remaining men, 
now embarked in canoes, laden with a forge, tools and arms, and 
started for the mouth of the St. Joseph. Unfortunately, they 
fouud the lake broken with constant storms, which fro(|uently im- 
periled theu' own lives ami made them tremble for the fate of the 
Grithu. After a long voyage, in which they suffered inuch from 
hardship and hunger, they arriAcd at their destination. Here 
they expected to meet with Tonti and twenty of the men who 
left Mackinaw simultaneously with the Griftln, expecting to make 
their Avay along the eastern shore of the lake. After waiting- 
some time in A^ain for their arriA'al, those Avho had come Avitli La- 
Salle urged upon him the necessity of pushing forward to obtain 
corn from the Illinois before they departed for theh- Avinter hunt- 
ing grounds. He decided it unwise to grant their request, and, to 



72 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



divert tlieir luiiids from the subject, comineuced the erection of a 
fort. After laboring some twenty days, and the structure was 
far advanced, Tonti and ten of his companions arrived. At the 
instance of LaSalle he immediately went back with two men to 
hasten forw^ard the others, who were without provisions, and hunt- 
ing as a means of support. On their way a violent storm overset 
their canoes and destroyed their provisions, and they were com- 
pelled to return. Shortly after, of their own accord, the absent 
men made their w^ay to the fort, and the entire party was again 
united. The only care which ]iow o])pressed LaSalie was the ab- 
sence of the Grillin. Ample time had elapsed for her return, but 
nowhere on the wild solitude of waters was he cheered with the 
sight of a sail. Kueful forebodings saddened his breast when he 
thought of her fate, and two men were sent down the lake, with 
instructions to conduct her to the mouth of the St. Joseph, in case 
they were able to tind her. The fort was linished and named 
Miami, after a neighboring tribe of Indians. 

Without further delay, on the od of December, 1070, the party, 
numbering 'So i)ersons, commenced ascending the St. Josc|)ii. 
Ali'eady the margins of the stream were glassed with sheets of ice 
and the adjacent forests were gray ami bare. Foiir days brought 
them to the site of Soutli Bend, to look for the path leading across 
the portage to the Kankakee. A Mohegan hunter, who accompa- 
nied the expedition, and who was now expected to act as ii guide, 
was absent in quest of game, and LaSalle sallied forth to tind tlie 
way. In the blinding snow and tangled woods he sOi)n became 
lost, and the day wt»re away without his return. Tonti, becoming 
alarmed for his safety, sent men to scour the forest and lire guns 
to direct his course to the camp. It was not, hoAvevei-, till the 
next afternoon that he made his appearance. Two 0}>ossums dan- 
gled in his girdle, which lie had killed with a club, while sus})eiided 
by their tails from overhanging boughs. After missing his way, 
he was com])ell(Ml to make tlie circuit of a large swam]), and it was 
late at night Ix'fore he got back to the river. Here he tired his 
gun as a signal, and soon after, discovering a light, made uj) to it, 
supposing it came from the cami> of his men. To his sui]>rise it 
pioved to be the lonely bivouac of some Indian, wlu) had Ih'd at 
the rei>ort of his gun. He called aloud in several Indian tongues, 
but oidy the reverberations of his voice in the surr«uniding soli- 
tude met his ear. Looking around, he discovered under the trunk 
of a huge tree a couch made of dried grass, still warm and im- 
pressed with the form of its recent occui)ant. He took i)ossession 
and slept unmolested till morning, when, without further difficulty, 
he found his Avay to camj). Meanwhile, the Mohegan hunter ha<l 
arrived, and soon the whole i)arty stood, on the banks of the Kan- 
kakee, coursing its way in zig-zags among tufts of tall grass and 
clumps of alder. Into its current, which a tall man might easily 
bestride, they set their canoes, and slowly nuned down its slug- 
gish, slimy waters. So full was its channel that the voyagers 
seemed sailing on the surface of the ground, while their evening 
shadows, unobstructed by banks, fell far beyond their canoes, and 
trooped like huge phantoms along by their side. By and by it 
grew to a considerable stream, from the drainage of miry barrens 
and reedy marshes skirting its banks. Still farther on succeeded 
prairies and woodlands, recently scorched by the tires of Indian 



LASALLE. 73 

limiteivs, and here aud there deeply scarred with the trails of buf- 
falo. Occasionally, on the distant verge of the prairies, tliey 
could see Indians in pursuit of these animals, while at niglit the 
horizon blazed with cainp fii-es where they were cooking' and feast- 
ing upon their sweetly flavored meats. La Salle's ]\lohegan hunter 
had been unsuccessful, and his half-starved men would gladly 
have shared with the Indians their rich rei)ast. Their wants were 
however unexpectedly relieved by the happy discovery of a huge 
bull so deeply mired he was unable to escai)C. So ])onderous m as 
his huge body that when killed it requued 12 men, with the aid 
of cables, to extricate him from the nuul. Refreshed with a bouu- 
tifid repast, they again betook themselves to their canoes, and 
soon entered the Illinois, meandering through plains of richest ver- 
dure. They Avere then the i)asture grounds of innumerable deer 
and buffalo, but now wondrously transformed into scenes of agri- 
cultural thrift. On the right they passed the high plateau of Buf- 
falo Rock, long the favorite resort of the Indians. Farther down, 
on the left, appeared a lofty promontory beautifully crested with 
trees, and soon destined to be crowned with the bulwarks of an 
impregnable fortress. Below, on tlie north shore, stood the prin- 
cipal town of the Illinois, in whieh Henneinn counted 401 lodges, 
each containing from to 8 families. These structures were made 
of poles in the form of an oblong rectangle. Those comi)osing the 
sides rose i)erpendicularly from the ground, and at the top were 
united in the form of an arch. Others crossing these at right 
angles completed the framework, which was afterward neatly in- 
closed in a covering of rushes. As had been feared by the voya- 
gers, the Illinois were absent, and their village a Aoiceless solitude. 
The presence of savages is often a cause of alarm, but now the 
case was reversed, for LaSalle desired to obtain from them corn 
for his famishing companions. Soon some of his men discovered 
huge quantities of it stored away in ]>its, but at first refrained from 
taking it, lest they might seriously ott'end its owners. jSTecessity, 
however, generally gets the better of prudence, and they took a 
quantity suflicient to supply their present wants, and dei)aited 
down the river. 

On the 1st of January, Kl.SO, they again landed to hear mass, 
and wish each other a hap])y new year. Father llennei»in closed 
the exercises l)y haranguing the men on the inqjortance of patience,- 
faith and constancy. Two days afterward they entered the ex- 
pansion of the river now called Feoria Lake, after the Indians who 
dwelt upon its banks. Columns of smoke, rising gracefully Irom 
the forest below, now announced the i)resence of Indians, who, 
LaSalle had reasons to sus]»ect, were averse to his enterprise. F n- 
dismaye<l, they moved down tlu> lake, which soon narrowed to the 
usual Avidth of the river, when, just beyond, they discovered some 
80 Illinois wigwams on the opposite banks. l)ropi)ing their i)a(F 
dies and seizing their weapons, they were rapidly borne toward 
the astounded savages. LaSalle, aware that the least hesitancy 
on his i)art would be construed as fear, leaped ashore with his lit- 
tle band of Frenchmen, each armed and ready for action. Such 
audacity was too much, even for Indian heroism. Women and 
children trembled with fear; brave warriors fled in the utmost 
terror, but a few of the more bold rallied and made overtures of 
peace. Two chiefs advanced and displayed a calumet, which La- 



74 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. * 

Salle recognized by exliibitiug one of his own, and tlie hostile dem- 
onstrations terminated in friendship. Next succeeded a feast, and 
while some placed the food in the mouths of the Frenchmen, oth- 
ers, with great obsequiousness, greased their feet with bears' oil. 

As soon as LaSalle could disengage himself from their caresses, 
he informed them that in descending the river he had visited tlieir 
town and taken corn from their granaries. He stated that he had 
been forced to the commission of this unlawful act to save his men 
from hunger, and was now ready to make restitution. In explain- 
ing the object of his visit, he said he had come to erect a fort in 
their midst, to protect them against the Iroquois, and to build a 
large canoe in which to descend the Mississippi to the sea, and 
thence return with goods to exchange for their furs. If, however, 
they did not regard his plans with favor, he concluded by stating 
he would pass on to the Osages, in the present hmits of Misstmri, 
and give them the benefit of his trade and influence. The allusion 
to these Indians aroused their jealousy, which had long existed 
between the two tribes, aiid the Illinois readily assented to his 
wishes, and were loud in their professions of frieiulship. 

Notwithstanding this auspicious reception, it soon became evi- 
dent to LaSalle that secret enemies were intriguing to defeat his 
enterprise. Some of his men, dissatisfied and nuitinous from the 
first, secretly endeavored to foment disaffection and ill-will in the 
better disposed of his followers. They rei>resented to their com- 
rades the folly of longer remaining the dupes and slaves of a 
leader whose wild schemes and imngin;iry hopes could never be 
reaHzed. What could be expected, said they, after following him 
to the extreme confines of the earth and to remote and dangerous 
seas, but to either miserably perish or return the victims of dis- 
ease and poverty. They urged that the only way to escape these 
evils was to return before distance and the waste of sti'ength and 
means rendered it impossible. It was even hinted that it might 
be best to escape from their present calamities by the death of 
their author : then they might retrace their steps and share in the 
credit of what had ah-eady been accomphshed, instead of further 
protracthig their labors I'or another to monopolize the honors. 
Fortunately those who entertained these views were too few in 
numbers to reduce them to practice. Unable to effect anything- 
with their own countrymen, they next turned to the savages. 
Ha\'hig obtained a secret interview, they informed them that La- 
Salle iiad entered into a conspiracy with the Iro<]uois to effect 
their destruction, and that he was now in the country to ascertain 
their strength and build a fort in furtherance of this object. They 
also said that, while he was ostensibly preparing to visit Fort 
Frontenac, his real object was to invite the Iroquois to make an 
invasion into their country as soon as he was prepared to assist 
them. The Indians, ever suspicious and ready to listen to charges 
of this kind, became morose and reserved. LaSalle, noticing their 
altered demeanor, at once sus])ected his men, and soon obtained 
information estaldishing the truth of their perfidy. To remove the 
false impressioiis, he reminded the Indians that the smallness of 
his force indicated a mission of peace, and not of war; and that 
neither prudence nor humanity would ever ])ermit him to form an 
alliance with the Iroquois, wliose brutal aiid revengeful conduct 
he had always regarded Avith horror and detestation. His great 



LASAI.LE. 75 

self possession and frankness, tojietlier with tlie evident tintliful- 
ness of liis remarks, completely divested the savages of snspieion 
and restored him to their eontidence. Balked in tludr efforts to 
make enemies of tlie Indians, the conspirators, as a last resort, 
souglit the life of their employer. Poison was secretly ])laced in 
his food, bnt fortnne again came to his rescne. l>y the timely ad- 
ministration of an antidote the poison was nentrnlized, and his life 
was saved. This was an age of poisoners, and it luul not been long- 
since a- similar attempt against the life of LaSalle had been made 
at Fort Frontenac. 

Hardly had LaSalle escnped the machinations of his own men, 
before lie became involved in the meshes of others, Avith whom lie 
snstained not even the most remote connection. The new in- 
trignes, LaSalle, in a letter to Count Frontenae, attributes to the 
Jesuit Priest, Allouez, then a missionary among" the Mianiis. 
Perha])s LaSalle on account of his partiality for the Eecollets, or 
more Hkely feanng that the latter, through his influence, might 
become more potent than his own order, he sent aMascoutin chief, 
called Monso, to excite the jealousy of the Illinois against him. 
They came equip])ed with prescMits, which drew together a nightly 
conclave of chiefs, to whom ]\lonso unl)os<)med his ol>iect. IMsiiig- 
in their midst he said he had been sent by a certain Frenchman to 
warn them against the designs of LaSalle. He then denounced 
him as a sjty of the Iro<]uois on his way to secure the co-operation 
ol' tribes beyond the Mississipi»i, witli the hope that by a com- 
l)in«Ml attack, to either destroy the Illiin)is or drive them from the 
country. In conclusion lie added, the best way to avert these ca- 
lamities was to stay his farther i)rogress, by causing the desertion 
of his men. Having thus roused the suspicions of the Illinois, 
the envoys hurridly departed, lest they might have to confront the 
object of their foul aspersions. The next morning' the savages 
looked suspi{!ious and sullen. A glance sufihced to convince 
LaSalle that new difUculties awaited him, nor was it long till he 
ascertained their character. A chief, to whom the day before he 
had given a liberal supply of presents, privately informed him of 
wliat had transi)ired at the council the preceding' ingiit. This 
informaticm was confirmed by what occurred at a feast, given 
shortly afterward by a brother of the principal chief, to which 
LaSalle and his nu^i were invited. While the repast was in pre- 
paration their host endeavored to persuade them to abandon their 
j'i>ui'iiey by magnifying the dangers which would attend it. He 
intbrined them that the object of his invitation was not only to re- 
fresh tlu'ir l)odies but to remove froin their minds the infatuation 
of farther attempting an errand which could never be accom- 
])lished. If you endeavor to descend the Mississi]>pi, said lie, you 
will tind its banks beset with tribes wliom neither nund)ers nor 
courage can overcome, while all avIio enter its waters will be ex- 
])osed to the devouring' tangs of seri>euts and unnatural monsters. 
Should they avoid these, he added, the river at last becomes a 
snccession of raging whirlpools, which plunge headlong into a 
storni smitten sea, from which, if they entered, escai)e would be 
impossible. 

The most of LaSalle's men knew little of Indian artifice, and 
were greatly alarmed at the thought of having to encounter such 
fornudable perils. Some of the older and more experienced en- 



76 , HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



deavored to exjiose these inisrepreseiitiitious, but as we shall 
presently see, with only partial success. LaSalle knew in a mo- 
ment, from what had been told liim, the object of the speaker was 
to deceive his men and seduce them from their allegiance. After 
expressing his thanks for the timely warning, he replied as 
follows : 

"The greater the d.aiiger the greater the lioiior; and t'V(!ii if tlie dnngcr were 
real, a Frenchman would never be afraid to meet it. But were not tlie Illinois 
jealous? Had they not been deluded by lies? We were not asleep, my brntlier, 
when Monso came to tell you, under cover of niglit, that we were spies of the 
Iroquois. The presents iie gave you, that you might believe his falsehoods, 
are at this moiiient buried in the earth under this lodge. If hv, told the truth 
why did he. skulk away in the dark? Why did lie not show himself by day? 
Do you notWee that when we first came among you, and your camp was all in 
confusion, ^^ could have killed j'ou without needing hilp from the Iroquois, 
and now while I am speaking, could we not put your old men to deatii, wiiile 
your young warriors are all gone away to hunt. If we nnunt to make war 
on you, wcT should need no help from the Iroquois, who have .so often felt the 
force of our arms. Look at what we have brtuight you. It is not W( apoiis to dis- 
stroy .you, but merchandise and tools for your good. If you still harbor evil 
thoughts of us, be frank as we are and speak them boldlj'. Go after the im- 
posttT, Monso, and bring him back that we may answer him face to face; for 
he never saw either us or the Iroquois and whiit can he know of the plots he 
pretends to reveal ? " 

The savage orator, too much astounded at these disclosures to 
attempt a reply, ordered the feast t<^ i)roceed. 

LaSalle, suspicious of danger, tlie night after the feast stationed 
sentinels near the lodges of the French to watch the nu)vements 
of their recent entertainers. .The night passed without disturb- 
aiu'-e, and at early dawn he sailed forth to find, that instead of 
watching the ejieniy, of his men had basely deserted. Doubt- 
less, in part to escape the imaginary dangers already alliided to, 
but mostly on account of previous disatfection, they had aban- 
doned their employer at the time when he had the greatest need 
of their services. LaSalle assembled the remainder, and spoke in 
severe terms of the baseness of those who had left him. " If any 
one yet remains, " he continued, " who from coAyardice desires to 
return, let him wait till spring, and he can then go without the 
stigma of desertion. " One of the principal difticulties attending 
the early French enterprises of the West was to procure trusty 
men. The wilderness was full of Aagabond hunters who had lied 
from tlie discipline of civilized life, and now exhibited an extreme 
of lawlessness proportioned to their previous restraints. Their 
freedom from care, and immunity from the conseiiuences of crime, 
rendered them a perpetual lure to entice others from the duties of 
legitimate employmei it. 

Fort Crevecoeure. — LaSalle, wearied with these difficulties, now 
determined to erect a fort in which he and his men might pass the 
winter without molestation. A site was chosen on the east side 
of the river, a short distance below the outlet of the lake. This 
was the extremity of a ridge approaching within 2()() yards of the 
shore, and protected on each side by deep ra\dnes. To fortify the 
blulf thus formed, a ditch was dug behind to connect the two 
ravines. Embankments were thrown up to increase the altitude 
of the different sides, and the whole was surrounded with a i)alisade 
25 feet in hight. Tlie work was completed by erecting within 
the enclosure buildings for the accommodation of the men. 



LASAJLLE. 77 

LaSalle bestowed on it the name Ore vecoenr,* an appellation wliieli 
still pei'petnates tlie iiiistortunes and disappointments of its foun- 
der. The Indians remained ii-iendly, and tlie new fortification 
siiltserved more the [)urpose of a sanctuary than a place for tlie 
discharjie of nnlitary duty. Hennepin preached twice on the ISai)- 
batli, clumted vesj)ers, and re<iretted that the want of wiue pre- 
vented the celebration of mass. Meud)re daily visited the 
Illinois ami, despite their filth and dis<iustin,ii' manners, labored 
earnestly, but with little success, for their si»iritual welfare. t>uch 
was the first French occupation of the territory now endmiced in 
the present limits of Illinois. The plac(^, of this ancient fort may 
still be seen a short distance below the outlet of Peoria Lake. 
For years after its erection the country around the lake remained 
the home of savages, and rich i)asture grounds for herds of deer 
and bnif.ilo. 

Hitherto, LaSalle had entertained some hope that the (.'riflin, 
which had on board anchors, rigging, and other necessary articles 
tor the construction of another ^'essel, might still be safe, lie 
I)rop()sed to build a vessel on the Illinois, freight her with buffalo 
hides, collected in the descent of the ^lississippi, and thence sail 
to the West Indies or France, and dispose of the cargo. The (Irif- 
fin, however, with her nuicli needed stores, never nuideher ap})ear- 
ance. It was variously belie\'ed at the time that she had found- 
ered in a storm — that the Indians had boarded and bui-nt her — 
and that the Jesuits had contrived her destruction. LaSalle was 
of o]>inion that her own crew, after removing the cargo of furs and 
nu'rchandise, sunk her and then ran away with their ill-gotten 
spoils. But the cause of the loss was of little nunnent; they vrere 
g(jne, and there was no alternative left LaSalle but to return to 
Frontenacand get others to sui)plytlieir place. His great anxiety 
in connection with this step was the i\"AV that others of his men 
might take advantage of his absence and desert. 

AVhile revolving this subject in his mind, an incident occurred 
which enabled him to disabuse their minds of the false state- 
ments they had heard in regard to the dangers of the Mississippi. 
During a lumt in the vicinity of the fort, he chanced to meet with 
a young Indian who had been absent some time on a distant war 
excursion. Finding him abnost famished with hunger, he invited 
him to the fort, where he refreshed him with a generous meal, and 
questioned him with apparent indifference respecting the JMissis- 
sippi. Owing to his long absence, he kncAV nothing of what had 
transpired between his countrymen and the French, and, ^\■ith 
great ingenuousness, imparted all the information required. La- 
Salle now gave him presents not to mention the interview, and, 
with a lunnber of his nu'u, repaired to the camp of the Illinois to 
expose their misrepresentations. Having found the chiefs at a 
feast of bear's meat, he boldly accused them of falsehood, and at 
once proceeded to verify his charges. The IMaster of Lite, he de- 
clared, was the friend of truth, and had revealed to him the actual 
character of the Mississip])i. He then gave such an accurate 
account of it, that his astonished but credulous auditors believed 
his knowledge had been obtained in a supernatural nuinner, and at 
once confessed their guilt. It was their desire, they said, to have 
him remain with them, and they had resorted to artifice for this 

•"Broken hearted. " 



78 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

liiirpose, and not to do him any injury. This confession removed 
a principal cause of desertion, and banished from the mind of La- 
Salle a fruitfid source of anxiety. Lest idleness should breed new 
disturbances among his men during his absence, he set them at 
■work on the new vessel. Some of his best carpenters had deserted, 
yet energy supplied the place of skill, and before his departure he 
saw the new craft on the stocks, rapidly approacliing completion. 
He also thought that Hennepin might accomplish greater results by 
exploriug tlie Upper Mississipi)i than by preaching sermons, and 
he was therefore requested to take charge of an expedition for this 
purpose. The friar, not wishing to incur the dangers of the luider- 
talcing, plead bodily infiiinity, and endeavored to have one of his 
spiritual colleagues appointed in his stead. Ribourde was too old 
to endure the hardships, and Membre, though disgusted with his 
clerical duties among the Illinois, preferred an unpleasant held of 
labor to one beset with perils. Hennepin, findingno alternative but 
to accept, with rare modesty and great reliance upon providence, 
says : "Anybody but me would have been much much frightened 
with the dangers of such a Journey, and in fact, if I had not placed 
all my trust iu God, I should not have been the dupe of LaSalle, 
who exposed my life rashly.." A profusion of gifts was placed in 
his canoe, to conciliate the Indians, and on the last day of Febru- 
ary, 1080, a i^arty assembled on the banks of the Illinois to bid 
him him farewell. Father Ribourde invoked the blessing of heaven 
over the kneeling form of the clerical traveler; his two comi^an-' 
ions, Accau and DuGay, plied their paddles, and they were soon 
concealed from view in the meandering channel of the river. 



Chapter VIII. 
TOiTTrS ENCOUNTER WITH THE lEOQUOIS. 



Only two days afterward, another iiarting occurred at tlie river. 
It was now LaSalle's time to liid adieu to the scenes where, during- 
the winter, his ]n()ti^•es had been so often misrepresented and im- 
pugned. Leaving Tonti in connnand of the fort, garrisoned witli 
three or four honest men and a dozen knaves, he set out for Foit 
Frontemn^ with four men and his Moiiegan liunter, wliose faithful- 
ness was a perpetual rehuke to French fickleness and treaclier\'. 
Tlie winter had been severe, and liis progress up the river was 
greatly retarded by drifting sheets of ice. Eeaching Peoria Lake, 
the ice Avas unbroken from shore to shore, and the party was com- 
pelled to land and make sledges on which to drag their canoes to 
a point ill the river above, where the swiftness of the current kept 
the channel open. Little thought these lonely wanderers that t]ie 
desolate spot where this incident transpired, was one day to re- 
sound with the tramp of the multitude which now throngs the 
streets of Peoria. A laborious march of four leagues, through 
melting snows, placed them above the icy barrier of the lake, and 
they launched theu' canoes. Thence, to the great town of tlie 
Illinois, they found the river at different points blocked with i(;e, 
and their journey was made alternately by land and Avater, in the 
drenching rains of opening spring. They found the Aillage with- 
out inhabitants, and its lodges crested with suoav. The adjacent 
meadows Avere still locked in the fetters of Avinter, and the more 
distant forests, l>earded with crystals, flashed in the morning sun 
like a sea of diamonds. Yet the frozen landscape was not Avithout 
life. The impress of moccasiued feet could be traced in the suoav, 
and occasionally a straggling buffalo could be seen, and one of 
them Avas shot. While his men Avere smoking the meat of the 
animal, LaSalle went out to reconnoitre the country, and soon fell 
in Avith 3 Indians, one of whom proA^ed to be the principal chief 
of the Illinois. Inviting him and his associates to his camp, he 
made them presents, and refreshed them Avith the best food his 
scanty larder could furnish. He then informed the chief that he 
was on his way east to procure arms and amumnition for the de- 
fense of his tribes, and obtained from him a promise that he Avould 
send proAdsions to his men in the fort during' his absence. While 
here, he Aisited StarA^ed Eock, the remarkable cliff previously 
alluded to, a mile or more aboA^e the A^illage, on the southern bank 
of the river. He afterwards sent Avord to Tonti to examine and 
fortify it, in case an outbreak of the Indians rendered it necessary.* 

♦Several years since, it was seleeted by some enterprisihg- Yankees as a site for a 
town, which they very appropriately called Gibraltar ; but uow it remains houseless, 
as in the time of the great explorer. 

79 



80 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

Oil the loth of March LaSaUe h'ft the village, and continued 
his journey as before, partly by land and in i)ait by water, till 
within two miles of the site of Joliet. Here, in consequence of 
the ice, they found the further ascent of the river impossible, and, 
concealing their canoes, prepared to make a march directly across 
the country to Lake Michigan. Journeying lakeward, they found 
the country a dreary waste of mud and half-melted snoAv, inter- 
sected here and there by swollen streams, some of which they 
waded, and others they crossed on rafts. On the 23d they Avere 
gladdened by the distant surface of the lake glimmering through 
the openings of the forest, and at night stood on its bank, thank- 
ful that they were safe, and that their hardshii)s had been no 
worse. The next day they followed its winding shores to the 
mouth of the St. Joseph, and rested at night in the fort. Here 
LaSalle found the two men whom he had sent to look for the 
Grittin, and learned from them that they had made the circuit of 
the lake without learning any tidings of her fate. Deeming it 
useless to further continue the search, he ordered the men to re- 
port themselves to Tonti, and started himself across the trackless 
wilds of Southern Michigan, to avoid the delay attending the 
indirect route by way of the lakes. 

It was the worst of all seasons for such a journey, and almost 
every league traversed, brought with it some new hardshix). Now 
they were lascerated by brambly thickets, now they idunged'up 
to their waists in the mud of half-frozen marslu\s, and now they 
were chilled in wading swollen streams. Dogged by a pack of 
savages, they were compelled to pass the nights without lire, to 
escape their murderous attacks. At length, with two of their 
number sick, they arrived at the head of a stream supposed to be 
the Huron, which, after making a canoe, they descended to the 
Detroit. Thence, marching eastward to the lake, 30 miles distant, 
they embarked in a canoe and pushed across the lake for the falls 
of Niagara, whither they arrived on Easter iMonday, lOSO. Here he 
found the men left at the cataract the previous autumn, who not 
only confirmed the loss of the Griftin, but informed htm that a 
cargo of merchandise belonging to him, valued at 1*200 hvres, had 
recently been swallowed up in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Leaving 
the weary conii)aiiions of his previous journey at Niagara, he set 
out Avitli fresh men for Fort Frontenac, and on the 0th day of 
May discovered through the hazy atmosphere, the familiar out- 
lines of his seigniory. He had now traveled within Oo days the 
distance of 1000 miles, which, considering the circumstances, Avas 
one of the nu)st remarkable journeys ever made by the early 
French explorers. Possessing an invincible determination and a 
frame of iron, he surmounted obstacles from which a person less 
favorably endowed woidd have turned away in dispair. How 
changed has since become the Avilderness through which he wan- 
dered. Its dark forests have become a region of harvests, and the 
traveler of to-day accomplishes in less than two days the journey 
which required of him more than two months. 

At the fort he learned that his agents had treated him with bad 
faith; that his creditors had seized his property, and that several 
canoes belonging to him, loaded with valuables, had been lost in 
the rapids of the St. Lawrence. Without useless repining, he 
hastened to Montreal, where his ijreseuce excited the greatest sur- 



TONTl'S ENCOUNTER WITH THE IROQUOIS. 81 

prise, and wliere, iiotwitlistanding- liis great financial losses, liis 
personal influence enabled liini to obtain tlie necessary supi)lies. 

Again he directed his course westward, to succ<u- the forlorn 
hope under Tonti, isolated from the rest of maidcind on the dis- 
tant banks of the Illinois. At Frontenac he received intelligence 
of another of those crushing blows which both nature and man 
seemed to be aiming at the success of his enterprise. Two mes- 
sengers came with a letter from Tonti, stating that soon after his 
de}>arture, nearly all his men had deserted, and that, before 
leaving-, they had destroyed the fort, and thrown away stores they 
were unable to carry. The news of this disaster had hardly been 
received, before two traders arrived from the upper lakes, and 
further stated ^hat the deserters had destroyed the fort on the St. 
Josei)li, seized a great quantity of furs belonging to him at JMacki- 
naw, and then, with others, descending the lakes, had i)lundered 
liis magazine at Niagara. And now, they added, some of them are 
coming- down the northern shore of the lake to murder him, as a 
means of escaping punishment, while others are coasting the 
south shore, with a view of reaching Albany, and getting beyond 
his jurisdiction. On receipt of this information, LaSalle chose 9 
of his trustiestmen, and sallied forth to meet them. Coming upon 
them by .sur])rise, he killed 2 of their nmnber and caittured 7, whom 
he imprisoned in the fort to await the sentence of a civil tribinial. 
It miglit be supposed that LaSalle had reached the utmost limits 
of liunmii endurance, on seeing the hopes of his enterprise so 
frequently le\'elled to the ground. While, however, weaker men 
woTild have turned away in dis})air, no eye could detect in his 
stern demeanor an altered puri)ose or a shaken resolve. His only 
hope now seemed to be in Tonti, and could that faithful ofticer 
preserve the vessel commenced on the Illinois, and the tools which 
had been conveyed thither with so much labor, it might constitute 
an an(;hor to which lie coidd attach the diilting wreck of his 
fortunes. 

Having procured supplies and everything needful for the outfit 
of a vessel, without further delay he set out, on the 10th of Au- 
gust, for Illinois, accompanied by his lieutenant, LaForest, and 25 
men. He ascended the river Humber, crossed Simcoe Lake, and 
descended the Severn into Lake Huron, over which he passed to 
the Straits of JMackinaw. At the station he found it difticult to 
replenish his provisions, and, not to be delayed for this puri)ose, 
he pushed forward with 12 inen, leaving LaForest and tlie remain- 
der to follow as soon as they could procure supplies. November 
21th he arrived at the St. eloseph, and, anxious to push forward 
more rapidly, he left the greater part of the stores, with 5 men, 
at the ruined fort, and with the renminder ascended the river, 
crossed the portage and conunenced the descent of the Kankakee. 
Not meeting with any traces of Tonti and his men, he concluded 
they must still be at the fort on the river below, and hastened 
thither, greatly relieved of the anxiety he had felt for their safety. 
Rumors for some time had prevailed that the Iroquois were medi- 
tating a descent on the Illinois, aiul should it prove true, it might, 
after all his labors, invohe his enterprise in ruin. On euterijig 
the Illinois, he found the great jirairies, which he had left the 
pre\ious spring sheeted in ice now alive with buffalo. Soni(? were 
sleeping on the sward, many were cropping the taU grass, while 
6 



82 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



groups, to slake tlieir thirst, were moving toward the river, where 
they looked with strange bewilderment at the passing canoes. 
Wherever a squad ai)peared, it was guarded by bulls, whose for- 
midable manes and unsightly forms might well have inspired an 
approaching foe with terror. But it was rather with domestic 
rivals than foreign enennes thej' performed the greatest feats of 
prowess. Battered heads and splintered horns told of many bat- 
tles fought among themselves as the result of gallantry, or perhaps 
the more ambiti(ms jnotive becoming the cha]n})ions of their shaggy 
herds. The party wishing a supply of buffalo meat, landed and 
commenced a warfare on the tempting game. Some dragged 
themselves through the thick grass and with unerring aim biought 
down tlieir favorite animals, Avhile others, with iess labor and 
greater success, concealed themselves behind the banks of the 
river and shot such as came to drink. Twelve huge carcasses re- 
warded the labors of the hunt, which the men cut into thin Hakes 
and dried in the sun for futm-e use. 

With abundant supplies they again started down the river, 
pleased with the prospect of nyoining the men under Tonti iind. 
relieving tlieir wants. Soon loomed up before them the rocky cit- 
adel to which LaSalle had directed the attention of Tonti, but 
they found on a near approach its lofty summit uufortitied. At 
the great town of the Illinois they were ai)palled at the scene 
which opened to their view. No hunter ai)peared to break its 
death-like silence with a salutatory whoop of welcome. The plain 
on Avhich the town had stood was now strewn with the charred 
fragments of lodges, which had so recently swarmed with savage 
life and hilarity. To render more hideous the picture of desola- 
tion, large numbers of skulls had been placed on the upper ex- 
tremities of lodge poles, wdiich had escaped the devouring liames. 
In the midst of the horrors was the rude fort of the spoilers, ren- 
dered frightful with the same ghastly relics. A near apytroach 
showed that the graves had been robbed of their bodies, and 
swarms of buzzards were discovered glutting their loathsome 
stomachs on then* reeking corruption. To complete the woi'k of 
destruction, the growing corn of the village had been cut down 
and burnt, while the pits containing the products of previous years 
had been rifled and their contents scattered with wanton waste. 
It was evident the suspected blow of the Iroquois had fallen with 
relentless fury. No other denizens of the wilderness Avere capable 
of i)erpetrating such acts of barbarity and unhallowed desecration. 
LaSalle carefully examined the scene of these hellish orgies, to 
ascertain whether Tout! and his men had become the victims of 
savage vengeance. Mghtfall terminated his labors, and no certain 
traces of their presence were discovered. The nightly camp lire 
was kindled, and the men now listened with rueful faces at the dis- 
cordant chorus of wolves, each striving to get his share of the 
putrid bodies which had been resurrected from the vilage gi-ave- 
yard. Sleep at length came to their relief, but LaSalle, i)erplexed 
with uncertainty and filled with anxiety, spent tlie Avhole night ill 
pondering over the proper course to pursue in future. In his 
search the previous day he had discovered G posts near the river, 
on each of which was pamted the figure of a man Avith bandaged 
eyes. Surmising that the figures might represent French pris- 
oners in the custody of the Iroquois, at daylight he made known 



TONTl'S ENCOUNTER AVITH THE IROQUOIS, 83 

liis iiiteution of furtlier descending- the river to nnl'old the luys 
tery. 

J>efore liis departure he ordered 3 of his men to conceal them- 
selves and haggage in the hoUow of some rocks situated on a 
neighboring island, and keep a sharp lookout for fiirtlu:>r develop- 
ments. Tliey were instructed to refrain from the use of fires, 
A\ iiereby they might attract the attention of enemies ; and should 
others of the men arrive they were to secrete themselves in the 
same place and await his return. He now set out with the 4 
remaining men, each properly armed and furnished with merchan- 
dise to conciliate the Indians Avho nnght be met on the way. Sev- 
eral leagues below the town they landed on an island, near the 
western slior(^, where the fugitive Illinois had taken refuge. 
Directly opj)()site, on the main shore was the deserted camp of tbe 
Iroijuuis enemy. Each chief had carved on trees of the forest the 
totem of his (;lan, and signs indicating the strength of the forces 
lie had led to the war and the number of the Illinois he had killed 
and captured. From these data LaSalle concluded that the entire 
strength of the invaders could not have been less than o80 war- 
riors. Nothing was found to indicate the presence of Frenchmen, 
and LaSalle agjiin fell down the, riAcr, and passed in one day 
additional camps of the Illinois and as many more belonging to 
their enemy. Both i>arties seemed to haA e retreated in compact 
bodies toward the mouth of the river. Passing Peoria. Lake they 
found the fort destroyed, as stated in the letter of Tonti, but the 
vessel was still on the stocks and oidy slightly injured. Further 
on they discovered 4 additional camps of the opposing armies, and 
near the mouth of the river met with the usual sequel of an Iro- 
quois invasion. On the distant verge of a meadow they discovered 
th(^ half-charred bodies of women and children still bound to the 
stakes, where they had suffered all the torments that hellish hate 
could devise. The men, regardless of their hei[)less charges, had 
eNi<lently ti('d at the first approach of danger to save themselves. 
Their wives and children, uni)rotected, fell into the hands of the 
enemy, who, in addition to those who had been ])urnt, thickly cov- 
ered the j)lace with their mangled bodies, many of which bore 
marks of brutality too horrid for record. IIel])less innocence, in- 
stead of exciting compassion in the hearts of these monsters, had 
only iierved them for the fiendish task of indiscriminate slaughter. 

LaSalle, seeing no traces of his lost men, proceeded to the mouth 
of the river, where he saw the great highway which for years 
liad been the object and hopes of his and)ition. Its vast fioods 
lolled mysteriously onward to an unknown bourne, for the dis- 
covery of which, with new resolves, he determined to devote his 
life. His men proposed, without further delay, to i)r()ceed on the 
long cont(im])lated voyage, but LaSalle, hedged in by untoward 
coin])li(;ations, was comi)elled to await a more favorable tinu^. 
Thinking that Tonti might still be in the nighborhood, he fastened 
to a tree a painting representing himself and juirty sitting in a 
canoe, and bearing the i)ipe of peace. To the painting he attached 
a letter, addressed to Tonti, the purport of which was that he 
should hasten up the river and join him at the great town of the 
Illinois. The pa.rty next commenced the ascent of the river to 
the same i»lace, and vigorously })lying their ]»ad(II(\s night and day, 
arrived at theu' destination in 4 days. " During the upward voyage, 



84 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



the great comet of 1080 nightly illumined tlie starry expanse above 
them, projecting its vast tail, with a terrible brilliancy, a distance 
of 00 degrees. LaSalle speaks of it as an object of scieiititic in- 
quiry, while Increase Mather, a celebrated New England divine, 
Avith the superstition common to his time, said that "it was fraught 
with terrific portent to the nations of the world." 

At the Indian town they found the men who had beeii left be- 
hind, unharmed, and anxiously awaiting their return. After get- 
ting some corn from the ravaged granaries of the burnt village, 
the whole party embarked, and commenced the ascent of the river. 
On the 0th of January, 1081, they arrived at the junction of the 
Desplaines and Kankakee, and passing up the latter a short 
distance, they discovered, not far from the shore, a rude hut. La- 
Salle lauded, and entering it, found a block of wood which had 
recently been cut with a saw, thus iudicatingthatTonti must have 
passed up the river, This discovery kindled anew the hopes of 
the dispairing voyagers that their friends Avere still aliA^e, and with 
lighter hearts they started directly overland to Fort Miami. On the 
way the snow fell in blinding- storms, and not being sufficiently 
compact for the use of snow shoes, LaSalle led the way to open a 
track and urge on his followers. Such was the depth of the snow, 
his tall figure Vv as frequently buried in drifts up to his waist, while 
the remainder of his person was showered with the crystal bur- 
dens of boughs overhead, whenever he chanced to touch them. On 
reaching- their goal, LaSalle's first inquiry Avas for Touti. Ko 
tidings, however, had been heard from liim, and the hoi)e he had 
• entertained of meeting him here, Avas changed to disappointment. 
LaForest and the men whom he had left behind, Avith commenda- 
ble industry had rebuilt the fort, prepared ground for raising a 
crop the ensuing year, and sawn material for building a new ship 
on the lake. 

We must noAv endeaA'or to relate the adventures of Tonti. 
Meanwhile, we will leaA^e LaSalle in the sheltering- walls of the 
fort, i^ondering OA^er the Avasted energies of the past, and the 
gloomy prospects of the future. Yet his mind, so full of expedi- 
ents, soon found means to CA^olve, from the fragments of his ruined 
fortunes, new resources for the furtherance of his daring schemes. 

It will be remembered that Touti had been left in command of 
Fort CreA^ecoeur A\dtli 15 men. Most of these disliking LaSalle, 
and having no interest in his enterprise, were ripe for re A^olt the 
first opportunity that x^romised success. LaSalle, stern, incompre- 
hensible and cold, Avas much better qualified to command the 
resi)ect of his men when present, than secure their good will and 
fidelity when absent. His departure eastward was, therefore, the 
commencement of unlaAvful acts among his men. A short time 
afterward, another event occurred which gieatly increased the 
spirit of in subordination. The two men who had been sent to look 
for the Giiffiu, had, in jiursuance of LaSalle's orders, arriAed at 
the fort Avith disheartening intelligence. They informed the al- 
ready disaffected garrison that the Griffin was lost; that Fort 
Frontenac Avasin the hands of LaSalle's creditors, and that he was 
now AvhoUy Avitliout means to pay those in his employ. To prevent 
the desertion of his men, it was usual for LaSalle to A\ithhold their 
wages till tlie term for Avhich theyAvere emi)loyed should expire. 
Now the belief that he Avould ncAcr uay them, gave rise to a spirit of 



TONTl'S ENCOUNTER WITH THE INDIANS. 85 

mutiny, wbicli soou found an t)])p(^rtunity for furtlierdevelopeinent. 
The two men alluded to were the bearers of a letter froui La Salle, 
direeting' Tonti to examine and fortify the Hock on the Illinois; 
and no .sooner had he, with a few men, departed lor this imr]>ose, 
than the garrison of the fortrefused longer to submit to authority. 
Their tirst act of lawlessness was the destruction of the foi-t; after 
which, they seized the ammunition, provisions, and other porta- 
bles of vahie and tied. Only two of their number remained true, 
one of Avhom was the servant of LaSalle, who inunediatcly hastened 
to apprise Tonti of what had occurred. He, thereupon, disi)atched 
4 of the men with him to carry the news to LaSabe ; tw o of -whom, 
as we have seen, successfully discharged their <luty, while the 
others perhaps deserted. 

Tonti, now in the midst of treacherous savages, had with him 
oidy T) men, 2 of whom were the friars liiboiu'de and Membre. 
\\'ith the.se he immcdiiitely returned to the fort, collected the forge 
and tools which had not been destroyed by the nuitineers, and 
i'onveyed them to the great town of the Illinois. By this volun- 
tary display of contideiice, he hoi)ed to remove the jealousy with 
which the enemies of TjaSalle had ])reviously poisoned their minds. 
Ibn-e, awaiting the return of his leader, he was unmolested by the 
villagers, who, when the sjjring opened, amounted, according to 
the statement of Mendu-e, to some 8,000 souls, Neither they nor 
their wild associates little suspected that honles of Irixpiois were 
then gathering in the fastnesses of the xVlleghanies, to burst upon 
their c^)iu!try and reduce it to an uninhabitable waste. Already 
tliese hell-lioiuids of the wihh'rness had destroyed the Ilurons, 
Erics, and other isations on the Jakes, and were now <lii'ecting their 
attention to the Illinois for new victims with which to tlesh their 
labid fangs. jS'ot only homicidal fury, but commen^ial advantages 
Slow actuated the Iroquois, who expet^ted, after reducing these 
vast regions of the west, to draw thence rich supplies of furs to 
l)arter with the English for merchandise. LaSalle had also enemies 
anu>ng the French, who, to defeat his enterprise, did not scru})le 
to encourage the Iroquois in their rapacious designs. Under these 
circumstances a council was held by the lattei'. The <jeremonies 
of inaugarating a cam}>aign were duly c<^lebrate<l, and 500 war- 
riors, with a dis3)atch only equalled by their terri)>I<' earnestness, 
commenced traversing the wide waste of forest and ])rairie that lay 
between them a)i(l tiieir intended prey. Li the line of their march 
lay tlie Mianiis, who by their crafty intrigues Avere indu<'edto join 
in the movement against their neighbors and kindred. There liad 
long existed a rankling jealousy between these tril)es, and the 3fi- 
amis were ready to enter into aiij' alliance that ]>ron)ise(I revenge. 
It was the policy of the Iroquois to divide an<l con<]ner, and their 
new allies were marked as the next object of their venge;ince, 
should the assault on the Illinois prove successful. 

All was fancied security and idle repose in the gi-eat town of the 
Illinois, as the formidable war party stealthily approached. Sud- 
deidy, as a, clap of thunder from a cloudless sky, the listless in- 
halutants were awakened from their lethargy. A Shawnee Indian, 
on his return home after a visit to the Illinois, first discovered the 
invaders. To save his friends from the inquMiding dang<'r, he 
hurriedly returned and ap])rised them of the coming eiiemy. 
This intelligence spread with lightning rapidity o\'er the; town, and 



86 HISTOEY OF ILLINOIS 

each wigwam (lisgorged its boisterous and astounded inmates. 
Women snatclied tlieir clnldren, and in a delirium of fright wan- 
dered aiudessly about, rending the air with their screams. The 
men, more self-possessed, seizetl tlieir arms, and in a wild panto- 
mime of battle, commenced nerving themselves for the coming 
fray. Tonti, long an object of suspicion, was soon surrounded by 
an angry crowd of warriors, wlio accused him of being an emisssiiry 
of the enemy. His inability proi)erly to defend himself, in hodse- 
qTience of not fully understanding their language, left them still 
inclined to believe him guilty, and they seized the forge and otlier 
effects brought from the fort, and threw them into the river. 
Doubting their ability to defend themselves without the assistance 
of their young men, who Avere absent on a war expedition, tliey 
embarked their women and children in canoes and sent tliem down 
to the island where LaSalle hiid seen their deserted huts. Sixt^ 
warriors remained with them for protection, and the remainder, 
not exceeding 400, returned late in tlie day to the village. Along 
the adjacent shore they kindled huge b(mfires, whicli cast their 
glare for miles around, gilding the village, river and distant mar- 
gins of the forest with the light of day. Tlie entire night was* 
spent in greasing their bodies, ])ainting their faces and jterform- 
ing the war dan(;e, to jjrepare tiiemselves for the approaching con- 
flict. At early dawn the scouts who hail been sent out returned, 
closely followed by tlie lro<juois, uu^st of whom were armed with 
guns, pistols and swords, obtained from the English. The scouts' 
had seen a chit^f arrayed in French c(Kstume, and rei)orted their 
suspicions thaf LavSalle was in the camp of i\w. enemy, and Tonti 
again became an object of jealousy. A conc(mrse of wildly gestic- 
ulating savages immediately gathered about him, demanding his 
life, and nothing saved him from their ui)lifted weajyons but a 
promise that he and his men would go with them to meet the en- 
emy. With their sus})icions partially lulled, they hm-riedly crossed 
the river and ai)peared on tlie plain beyond just as the enemy 
emerged in swarms from the woods skiiting the banks of the Ver- 
milion. The two foes were now" face to face, and both commenced 
discharging their guns and simultaneimsly lea])ing from side to 
side, for the puri)Ose of dodging each other's shots. Tonti, seeing 
the Illinois outnuuiberedand likely to sustain a defeat, determined, 
at the imminent risk of his life, to stay the tight by an attempt at 
mediation. Presuming on the treaty of i>eace then existing be- 
tween the French and Iroquois, he exchanged his gun for a belt 
of wampum and advanced to meet the savage multitude, attended 
by three comi»anions, who, being unnecessarily exposed to danger, 
he dismissed them and proceeded alone. A short walk brought 
him into the midst of a pack of yelping devils, writhing and dis- 
torted with fiendish rage, and imi)atient to shed his blood. As the 
result of his swarthy Italian complexion and half savage costume, 
he was at first taken for an Indian, and before the mistake was 
discovered a young warrior api)roached and stabbed at his heart. 
Fortunately the blade was tnrjied aside by coming in contact with 
a rib, yet a large Hesh wound was inflicted, whicli bled profusely. 
At this juncture a chief discovered his true character, and he was 
led to the rear and efl'orts made to staunch his wound. When 
sufficiently recovered, lui <leclared the Illinois were under the pro- 
tection of the French, and demanded, in consideration of the treaty 



TONTI'S ENCOUNTER WITH THE IROQUOIS. 87 

between the latter and tlie Iroqnois, that they shoul<l be suffered 
to remain without further molestation. ])uriu<^- this eouferenee, a 
young warrior siuitched Tonti's hat, and, tleeing with it to the 
front^ held it ah)ft on the end of his gun in view of the Illinois. 
The latter, judging from this cu'cumstance that their envoy had 
been killed, cansexl the battle to "breeze up" with increased inten- 
sity. iSinudtaneously, intelligence was brought to the Irocjuois 
that Frenchmen were assisting their enennes in the light, when 
the contest over Tonti was renewed with redoubled fury. Some 
declared that he should be immediately put to death; while oth- 
ers, friendly to LaSalle, with equal earnestness demanded that 
he should be set at liberty. During theii- clamorous debate his 
hair was several times lifted by a huge savage who stood at his 
back with a scalping knife, ready for execution. 
% Tonti at length turned the current of the angry controversy in 
liis favor, by stating that the Illinois were 1,2(K) strong, and that 
there were 00 Frenchmen at the village ready to assist them. 
This statement obtained at least a j)artial credence, and his tor- 
menters now determined to use him as an instrinnent to <lelude 
the Illinois with a i»retended truce. The old warriors therefore 
advanced to the front and ordered the firing to cease, while Tonti, 
dizzy froia the loss of blood, was furnished ^vith an emblem of 
])ea<'e and sent staggering across the })lain to rejoin the Illinois. 
The two fria,rs, who had just returned from a distant hut, whither 
they had retired for pra,>'er and meditation, were the lirst to nu^et 
hini and bless God for what they regarded as a, miraculous deliv- 
erance.* With the assurance brought by Tonti, the Illinois re- 
crossed the river to their lodges, followed by the enemy as far as 
the opposite bank. Not long after, large numbers of the latter, 
undei- the pretext of hunting, also crossed the river and hung in 
threatening groups about the town. These hostde indications, 
and the well known disregard Avhicli the Ii'oquois had always 
e\'iii(;ed for their pledges, soon con\inced the Illinois that their 
only safety was in tlight. With this conviction they set fire to 
their ancestral homes, and while the vast volume of fianie and 
smoke diverted the attention of the enemy, they quietly droi)pcd 
down the river to rejoin their women and cliildren. Shortly ixi'tn; 
the remainder of the Iroquois crossed the river, and as soon as the 
conJiagration would permit, entrenched themselves on the site of 
the village. Tonti and his men, remaining at the village, were 
ordered by the susi)icious savages to leave their hut and take up 
their- abode in the fort. 

At first their associates seemed much elated at the discomiiture 
of the Illinois, but two <lays after, when they discovered lliem re- 
connoitering on the low hills behind their intrenchments, then- 
courage greatly subsided. AYith fear, they recalled the exaggeia- 
tions of Tonti, res])ecting their numbers, and immediately concluded 
to send him with a hostage to make overtures of peace. 1 le starred 
on his mission, and he and the hostage were received with delight 
by the Illinois, who readily assented to this proposal which he 
brought, and in turn sent back with him a hostage to tlu^ Irocpujis. 
On his return to the fort, his life was again ])laced in je()i)ardy, and 

*Mombi-e. perhaps prompted by vanity, claims that he accompaiaied Tonti in this in- 
terview. This is the only instance in which he is charged with a want of veracity, and 
doubtless in many respects was a good man. 



88 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



the treaty was with great diffi<iulty ratified. The young" and inex- 
perienced Illinois hostage betrayed to his crafty interviewers the 
uunierical weakness of his tribe, and the savages immediately 
rushed upon Tonti, and charged him with having deprived them 
of the spoils and honors of a victory. "Where," said they, "are 
all your Illinois w arriors, and where are the Frenchmen you said 
w^ere among them ?" It now required all the ta(;t of which he was 
master to escape the present diffculty, which he had brought on 
himself by the artifice employed to escape the one previous. After 
much oppositi6n, the treaty was concluded, but the savages, to 
show their contempt for it, immediately commenced the construc- 
tion of canoes in which to descend the river and attack the Illinois. 

Tonti managed to apprise the latter of their designs, and he and 
Membre were soon after summoned to attend a council of the Iro- 
quois. They still labored imder a wholesome fear of Count FroiF 
tenac, and disliking to attack the Illinois in the presence of the 
French, their object was to induce the latter to lea\'e the country. 
At the assembling of the council, G packages of beaver skins were 
introduced, and the savage orator, presenting them separately to 
Tonti, explained the nature of each. " The first two, " said he, 
" Avere to declare that the children of Count Frontenac, that is, 
the Illinois, should not be eaten ; the next svas a plaster to heal 
the wounds of Tonti ; the next was oil wherewith to annoint him 
and Membre, that they might not be fatigued in traveling ; the 
next proclaimed that the sun was bright; and the sixth, and 
last, required them to decam]) and go home. "* 

At the mention of going home, Tonti demanded of them when 
they intended to set the example by leaving the Illinois in the 
peaceable possession of their country, which they had so unjustly 
invaded. The council grew- boisterous and angry at the idea that 
they should be demamled to do that which they required of the 
French, and some of its mend)ers, forgetting their previous ple<lge, 
declared that they would " eat Illinois flesh before they departed. " 
Tonti, in imitation of the Intliau manner of expressing scorn, in- 
dignantly kicked away tlie presents of fiu', saying, since they meant 
to devour the children of Count Frontenac with cannibal ferocity, 
he would not accept their gifts. This stern rebuke of perfidy re- 
sulted in the expulsion of Tonti and his companions from the 
coiuicil, and the next day the enraged chiefs ordered them to leave 
the country. 

Tonti had now, at the great risk of his life, tried every expedi- 
ent to avert from the unoifending lUinois the slaughter which the 
unscrupulous invaders of their soil were seeking an oi)portunity 
to effect. There was little to be accomphshed by remaining in the 
country, and as a longer delay might imperil the lives of his men, 
he determined to depart, not knowing wlien or where he would be 
able to rejoin LaSalle. AVith this object in view, the party, con- 
sisting of 6 persons, embarked in canoes, which soon proved leaky, 
and they were compelled to land for the puri)ose of making re- 
jjairs. While thus employed. Father liibourde, attracted by tlie 
beauty of the surrounding landscape, Avandered forth among the 
groves for meditation and prayer. Not returning in due time, 
Tonti became alarmed, and started with a companion to ascertain 

*Discoveries of the Great West.— Paikman. 



TONTl'S ENCOUNTER WITH THE IROQUOIS 89 

the cause of the long delay. Tliey soon discovered tracks of Ind- 
iaus, by whom it was supposed he had been seized, and guns were 
lired to direct his return, in case he was still alive. Seeing 
nothing of him during the day, at night they built fires along the 
baidc of the river and retired to the opi)Osite side, to see who 
uiiglit iipproach them. Near luiduight, a iumd)er of Indians were 
seen flitting about tlie light, by whom, no doubt, had been made 
the tracks seen the previous e\'ening. It was after\\'ards learned 
that they were a band of Kicka-poos, who had, for several days, 
been hovering about the camp of the Iroquois in quest of scalps. 
Not beiug successful in obtaining the object of their desires from 
their enemies, they, by chance, fell in with the inott■ensi^"e old 
friar, and scalped him in their stead. " Thus, in tlie Or>th year of 
his age, tlie oidy heir to a wealty Burgundiau house i)erished under 
the war club of the savages, for whose salvation he had renounced 
ease and attluence."* 

During the performance of this tragedy, a far more revolting- 
one was being enacted at the great town of the Illinois. The Iro- 
quois were tearuig open the graves of the dead, and wreaking 
their vengeance upon the bodies made hideous by putrifaction. 
At this desecration, it is said, they even ate i)ortions of the 
dead bodies, while subjecting tlu'in to every indignity that brutal 
hate could inflict. Still unsated by their hellish brutalities, and 
now uni-estrained by the presence of the French, they started in 
pursuit of the retreating Illinois. Bay after day they and tim 
opposing forces moved in compacit array down the river, neither 
being able to gain any advantage over the other. At length they 
obtauied by falseliood that wliich numbers and prowess denied 
them. They gave out tliat their object was to possess the country, 
not by destroying, but by driving out its present inhabitants. 
Deceived by this mendacious statement, the Illinois separated, 
some descending the Mississippi, and others crossing to the 
western shore. Unfortunately, the Tamaroas, more credulous than 
the rest, renmined near the mouth of the Illinois, and were sud- 
denly attacked by an overwhelming force of the enemy. The men 
fled in dismay, and the women and children, to the number of 
700, fell into the hands of the ferocious enemy. Then followed 
the tortures, butcheries and burnings which only the infuriated 
and imbruted Irocpiois could i)erpetrate — tlie shocking evidence of 
which LaSalle saw only two weeks afterward. Afterthe ravenous 
horde had suftlciently glutted their greed for carnage, they retired 
from the country, leadhig v^itli them a number of women and 
children, whom they reserved either for adoption into their tribes, 
or as victims to grace the triumphs sometimes accorded them on 
their return home. 

Their de])arture was the signal for the return of the Illinois, 
who reljuilt their town. The site of this celebrated village was 
on the northern bank of the river, where it flows by the modern 
town of Utica. Its immediate site was on the great meadow 
which, at this i)oint, originally stretched up and down the stream. 
The large quantities of bones and rude implements of savage life 
which are annually turned up by the ploughshare, are the only 
sad traces of the populous tribes that once made this locality their 

♦Discovery of the Great West — Parkman. 



90 HISTOEY OF ILLINOIS. 

principal home. Along the southern side of the ri\ er extends a 
range of hills, which terminate a mile and a half above in the 
natural abutment known as Starved Eock, on which the French, 
in 1(382, built a fort. Several miles below, an opening occurs in 
the hills, through which the waters of the Big Vermihon unite 
with those of the Illinois. It was by means of tliese prominent 
landmarks Francis Parlvman, Esq., a few years since, was eimbled 
to identify the site of the Indian town, which, for many years pre- 
vious, was entirely unkno^vn. 

After the death of Eibom-de, the men under Tonti again resumed 
the ascent of the river, leaving no evidence of their passage at the 
junction of the two streams which form the Illinois. Their craft 
again becoming disabled, they abandoned it, and the party started 
on foot for Lake Michigan. Their supply of provisions soon be- 
came exhausted, and the travelers were compelled to subsist in a 
great measure on roots and acorns. One of their companions 
wandered oif in search of game, lost his way, and several days 
elapsed before he had the good fortune of rejoining them. In his 
absence he was mthout Hints and bullets, yet contrived to shoot 
some turkeys hj using slugs cut from a i)ewter porringer and a 
firebrand to discharge his piece. It was their object to reach 
Green Bay and find an asylum for the winter among the Potawat- 
amies. As the result of privation and exposure, Tonti fell sick of 
a fever and greatly retarded the i)rogress of tlie nmrch. Nearing 
Green Bay, the cold increased and the means of subsistence pro- 
portionately diminishing, the party would have perished had they 
not found a few ears of corn and some frozen squashes in the 
fields of a deserted village. Near the close of November they had 
the good fortune of reaching the Potawatamies, wlio greeted them 
with a warm reception, and supplied them with the necessaries of 
life. Their chief was an ardent admirer of the French, whom he 
had befriended the year previous, and was accustomed to say : 
"There were but three great captains in the world, himself, Tonti 
and LaSalle." 



Chaptee IX. 
FURTHEll EXPLOKATIOXS liY LaSALLE. 



We must now rotnrii to LaSalle, whose exploits stand out iu 
suck bold relief. In the i»ievious discoveries he had observed 
that white enemies A\eve using' the li'oquois to circnuiivent his 
operations ; that their incursions must be stoi)i)ed, or his defeat 
was inevitable. After due consideration, he concluded the best 
Avay to prevent their inroads was to induce the western tribes to 
forget theu' animosities, and under a league against their inexora- 
ble enemies, colonize them around a fort in the valley of the 
Illinois, where, with the assistance of French arms and French 
g'eneralshii), the connuoii enemy would be unable further to molest 
tliein. French colonists could teach them the arts of agriculture, 
IJecollet monks instruct them in their religious duties, and the 
w^iii])s of France supply num-handise to trahic with them for the 
rich harvest of furs annnally gathered from their vast interi(U' 
v^'ilds. JNIeanwhile he proposed to explore the Mississippi, and 
make it a highway for the conunerce of the wcnld. Thus, conclu- 
ded LaiSalle, the plains of Illinois, Avhich for centuries have been a 
shiiigliter pen for warring- savages, nught be made the theatre of 
a ci\'ilization as famous as their past history had been rendered 
infamous by deeds of carnage. To the execution of this new ex- 
pedient for advancing his plans, he uoav turned his attention. 

After the terrible scourge of King Philip's war, a number of the 
conquered Indians left then* eastern homes and took refnge in the 
vicinity of the fort, where LaSalle had spent the winter. These 
were mostly Abenakis and Mohegans — the latter having' furnished 
the hunter who had so often, by his superior skill, provided La- 
Salle's hungry followers with food. lie was also master of several 
Indian dialects, which, at this particular juncture of LaSalle's 
affairs, he could use with g'reat advantage. To these exiles from 
the east LaSalle lirst directed his attention, and f(uuKl them 
unanimously in fiivor of casting their lot with his, asking no rec- 
om])euse save the privilege of calling him chief. A new ally, in 
tbe person of a powerful chief from the valley of the Ohio, also 
api»eared, and asked permission to enter the new confederation. 
LaSalle re})]ied that his tribe was too distant, but h't them <'ome 
to me in the valley of the Illinois, and they shall ))e safe. The 
chief, without stipulating further, agreed to join hun with 150 
warriors. To reconcile the Miamis and Illinois, and thus secure 
their co-operation, Avas now the principal obstacle. Although 
khulred tribes, they had long been estranged, and it was only after 
the recent depredations of the Iroquois, they began to see the 
advantage of opposmg a united front to their outrages. Wish- 



92 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



iiig first to consult tlie Illinois, many of whom had returned after 
the evacuation of the Iroquois, they found the prairies still encrusted 
with snow, from the dazzliny whiteness of which, LaSalle and 
several of the men became snow-blind, and were compelled to en- 
camp under the edge of a forest till they could recover. While 
suffering- from the loss of vision, they sent out a companion to 
gather i)iue leaves, which were supposed to be a specific for their 
malady. While on this errand he had the good fortune to fall in 
with a band of the Foxes, from whom he learned that Tonti was 
safe among the Potawatamies, and that Hennepin had passed 
through their country, on his way to Canada. This was welcome 
news to LaSalle, Avho had long been anxious in regard to his 
safety. The afflicted soon after recovered, and the snow having 
melted, they launched their canoes into the swollen tributary of 
the Illinois. Following the river, they fell in with a band of the 
Illinois, ranging the prairies in quest of game. LaSalle exi)ressed 
his regret at the great injury they had sustained from the Iro- 
qu(>is,aiKl urged them to form an alliance with their kindred, the 
Miamis, to prevent the recurrence of similar disasters in the fu- 
ture. He promised them that he and liis companions would take 
up their abode among tliem, furnish them with goods and arms, 
ami assist in defending them in the attaclcs of the comnu)n enemy 
of tlie Algonquin race. Pleased with LaSalle's proposition, they 
sui)i»lied him with corn, and promised to confer with others of 
tluMr c(nintrymen on the subject, and let him know the result. 

Having completed his negotiations with the Illinois, he sent La- 
Forest to Mackinaw, whither Tonti was expected to go, and where 
both of them were to renuiin till he could follow them. It now 
remained for him to consult theMiamis, and he accordingly visited 
one of their principal villages <.>n the i)ortage between the St. 
Josei)h and the Kankakee. Here he found ij. band of Iroquois, 
who liad for some time demeaned themselves with the greatest 
insolence toward the villagers, and had spolcen with the utmost 
contempt of himself and men. He sternly rebuked them fin- their 
arrogance and calumnies, which caused them to slink away, and 
at niglit flee the country. The Miamis Avere astonislied beyond 
measure when they saw LaSalle, with only 10 Frenchmen, put 
their haughty visitors to flight, while they, with hundreds of war- 
riors, could not even seciu'e respect. LaSalle now resolved to use 
the prestige he had gained in furtlKU'ing the object of his visit. 
There were xjresent in the village Indian refugees from recent 
wars in Virginia, New York and lihode Island, to whom LaSalle 
counnunicated the nature of his errand, and promised homes and 
protection in the valley of the Illinois. It is a goodly and beau- 
tiful land, said he, abounding in game, and well supplied Avitli 
goods, in which they should dwell, if they would only assist him 
in restoring amicable relations between the Miamis and Illinois. 
The co-operation of these friendless exiles, who now knew how to 
value the blessings of peace and a settled habitation, was readily 
enough secured. 

The next day the Miamis were assembled in council, and La- 
Salle made known to them he objects he wished to accomplish. 
Froin long intercourse Avith the Indians, he had become an expert 
in forest tact and eloquence, and on this occasion he had come 
well i)ro Aided Avith presents, to give additional efficacy to his pro- 



LASALLE. 93 



ceediiigs. He bejian lii.s address, which consisted of inctaphori- 
cal allusions to the dead, by distributing gifts among the Uving. 
Presenting them with cloth, he told them it was to cover their 
dead ; giving them hatchets, he informed them that they were to 
build a scaiibldin their honor; distributuig among them beads and 
bells, he stated they were to decorate their persons. The living, 
while apx^ropriating these ]iresents, were greatly pleased at the 
compliments paid their departed friends, and thus placed in a 
suitable state of mind for that which was to follow. A chief, for 
whom they entertained the greatest respect, had recently been 
killed, and LaSalle told them he would raise him from the dead, 
meaning that he would assume his name and provide for his 
family. This generous offer was even more than Indian gravity 
could bear, and the whole aswemblage became uproarious with ex- 
citement aad applause. Lastly, to convince them of the sincerity 
of his intentions, he gave them (J guns, a number of hatchets, and 
threw into their midst a huge pile of clothing, causing the entire 
multitude to explode with yells of the most extrava-gant delight. 
After this, LaSalle thus finished his harangue : 

" He who is my master, and the master of all this country, is a mighty chief, 
feared by the whole world ; but lie loves peace, and his words are for good 
aloue. He is called the king of France, and is the mightiest among theciiiefs 
bej'oud the great water. His goodness extends even to your dead, and his 
sulijects come among you to raise them to life. But it is his will to preserve 
the lifehehasgiven. It is his will that you should obey his laws, and make no 
war without the leave of Frontenac, who commands in his name at Quebec, 
and hives all the nations alike, because such is tlie will of the great king. You 
ought, then, to live in peace with your neighbors, and above all with the mi- 
nors. You had cause of quarrel with them, but their defeat has avenged you. 
Though they are still strong, they wish to make peace with you. Be content 
with the glory of having compelled them to ask for it. You have an interest 
in preserving them, since, if the Iroquois destroy them, they will next destroy 
you. Let us all obej^ tlie great king, and live in peace under his protection. 
Be of my mind, and use these guns 1 have given you, not to make war, but 
only to hunt and defend yourselves."* 

Having thus far been successful in uniting the western tribes, 
he was now ready to use the alliance formed in finther extending 
his discoveries. First, it was necessary to return to Canada 
and collect his scattered resources, and satisfy his creditors. 
Toward the latter part of May, 1681, they left F(»rt Miami, and 
after a short and prosperous trip arrived at Mackinaw, where they 
had the hapi)iness of meeting with Tonti. After the kindly 
greetings of the long absent friends were over, each recounted the 
story of his misfortunes. Such was LaSalle's equanimity and 
even cheerfulness, that Membre, in admiration of his conduct, 
exclaimed : "Any one else except him would have abandoned the 
enterprise, but he, with a firmness and constancy which never had 
its equal, was more resolved than ever to i)ush forward his work." 
Havhig reviewed the past, and formed new resolves for the future, 
the i)arty end)arked for Frontenac. The watery track of 1000 
miles intervening l)etween them and their destination, Avas soon 
crossed, and LaSalle was again in consultation with his creditors. 
In addition to the cost inciu-red in l)uilding the fort, and maintain- 
ing in it a garrison, he was now further burdened with the debt 
of subsequent fruitless explorations. The fort and seigniory were 
mortgaged for a large sum, yet by i)arting with some of his mo- 

* Discovery of the Great West— Parkman. 



94 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

uopolies, and securing aid from a wealthy relative, lie managed 
to satisfy bis creditors and secure mqans for another outfit. 
Owing to unaYoidal)le delays the season was far advanced when 
his tlotilla was pushed out on the waters of Lake Michigan. 
Their canoes were headed for the mouth of the St. Joseph, and as 
they slowly crept along the dreary shores of the lake, it is easy to 
imagine the more dreary thougiit that harrassed the mind of 
LaSalle. A past of uiu"C(piitted toil and sad disappointment, a 
present embittered by the tongue of hate and slander, and the 
future clouded A^ith uncertainty, must have intruded themselves 
into his mind, but could not for a moment divert him from the 
accomplisliment of the great object which for years had been the 
guiding star of his destiny. The trees were bare of the beautiful 
autumnal foliage when at length the walls of Fort Miami rose 
above the waste of waters, and they drew up their canoes on the 
adjacent shore. The columns of smoke that rose high in the still 
November air, told LaSalle that his Mohegan and Abenaki alUes 
were awaiting his return. Xot withstanding tliese were the rem- 
nants of the tribes " whose midniglit yells had startled the bor- 
der liamlets of ZSTew England; who had danced around Puritan 
scalps and whom Puritan imaginations painted as incarnate 
fiends, " LaSalle chose from them IS men to accompany him. 
These, added to the Frenclimen, made 41 men, who, on the 21st 
of December, 1081, set out on this famous expedition. Tonti and 
some of the men crossed in advance to tlie mouth of the Chicago, 
where they were soon after joined by LaSalle and the remainder 
of the men. The streams being now sheated over with ice, and 
the land covered with snow, they were compelled to construct 
sledges on whicli to drag their canoes and baggage to the wes- 
tern branch of the Illinois. Finding it also bridged over with ice 
they filed down it in a long procession, passed the tenantless vil- 
lage of the IlUnois and found the river open a short distance 
below Peoria Lake. The season, and other unfavorable cii-cum- 
stances, rendered the building of a vessel, as originally contem- 
plated, at this j)oint wholy imiiossible. They were compelled 
therefore to proceed in thek- canoes, and on the 6th of February 
they reached the Great Eiver which was to bear them onward to 
the sea. Waiting a week for the floating ice to disappear, they 
glided down the current toward the great unknown, which all 
former attempts had failed to penetrate. The first night tlu^y en- 
camped near the mouth of the ^Missouri, and witnessed its opaque 
floods invade the piu-er waters of the Mississippi. Ee-embarldng 
the next morning they passed several interesting localities, and 
after several days, landed on the 21th of February, at Chickasaw 
blufl's for the purpose of going out in quest of game to supply 
their failing provisions. Here, one of the hunters named Prud- 
homme, lost himself in the dense forest, and it was only after a 
search of more than a week he was found in a starving condition 
and brought to camp. Meanwhile LaSalle caused a fort to be 
erected which he named Prudhomme to evince his condolence for 
the suffering of the hunter, who with a snmll party he left in 
charge of it. Again embarking on the tortuous river, they were 
soon apprised by tlie opening buds of semi-tropical vegetation, that 
they were rapidly entering the realms of spring. 



LASALLE. 95 

On tlie IStli of Mavcli, their atteution was arrested by the 
hoomiiig of an Indian drum, and shouts proceeding- Ironi a war 
dance on the western side of the river. Being unable, in conse- 
quence of a fog, to seethe authors of the dennnistrations, they 
retired to the o]iposite shore and threw up breastworks as a 
nutans of protection. When the mist rolled away the astonished 
savages for the hrsttime saw the strangers, who made signals for 
theni to come over the river, Several of them, accepting the hi- 
vitation, were met midway the stream by a Frcnchmiiu, who, in 
turn was invited in a friendly manner to visit their village. The 
whole party, thus assured, crossed the river, and LaSalle at their 
head marched to the oi)en area of the town. Here in the midst 
of a vast concourse of adnnring villagers, he erected a cross, 
bearing the arms of France, Membre sang a liymn in canonicals, 
and LaSalle, havuig obtained from the chiefs an acknowledge- 
ment of loyalty, took possession of the country in the name of 
the king. This lively and generous people, so different from the 
cold and taciturn Indians of the north, were a tribe or the Ar- 
kansas, and dwelt near the mouth of the river bearing their name. 
The travelers, on taking leave of them, were furnished with two 
guides, and next ])assed the sites of Vicksburg and Grand Gulf, 
where, 181 years afterward, Avere fought bloody struggles for the 
dominion of the river they were eiuleavoring to explore. Xear 
L*(»() miles below the Arkansas, their guides pointed out the direc- 
tion of the village of the Taensas. Tonti and ]\[embre were di- 
rect(Ml to visit it^ and were greatly surprised at the evidences of 
civilization which it exhibited. Its large square dwellings, built 
of sun-dried mortar and arched o^er with dome-shaped roofs, 
were situated in regular ordt^r around a square. The residen.ce of 
the chief, made in the same manner, was a single hall 40 feet 
square and lighted by a single door, in which he sat in state, 
awaiting the arrival of the visitors. He was surrounded by a 
court of GO old men clad in robes of mulbery bark, while near his 
l)erson sat his three wives, who howled whenever he spoke, to do 
him honor. After nuiking liim a number of presents, whi(;h he 
graciously received, the visitors proceeded to exandne the temple, 
similar in size to the building occupied by the king. Within 
were the bones of departed chiefs, and an altar kept perpetually 
bur]iingby the two old men devoted to this sacred office. On the 
top of the temple were carved three eagles, lookiiig toward the 
east ; while around it was a wall studded with stakes, on the tops 
of which hung the skulls of enendes who had been sacrificed to the 
Sun. The chief, in response to a friendly call, visited the eaiup 
of LaSall.e. A master of ceremonies was sent to annimnce Ins 
coming, after which he nmde his appearance, robed in white, and 
attended by three persons, two of them bearing white fans and 
the third a'disk of burnished copper. The latter was doubtless 
intended to represent the Sun, which was not only an 
object of worship, but the source whence the chief claimed 
his ancestors were derived. His demeanor was grave and 
dignified in the presence of LaSalle, who treated him with 
becoming courtesy and frien<lship. After receiving a 
number of presents, the principal object of the visit, 
he returned to his vlUage, and the travelers started down the 
river. 



96 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

Shortly afterward, tliey fell in witli another tribe, and LaSalle 
wishhig' to ai)proach them in a friendly manner, eneami)ed on the 
opposite shore. He then permitted Touti, with a few companions, 
to make them a visit, who, finding them favorably disposed, La- 
Salle and Membre also joined the party. They next visited one of 
tlie Indian villages and were made the recixtients of a hospitality 
limited oidy by the means of their generons entertainers. They 
were the IS'achez, and LaSalle, learning that the princii)al to\vn 
was not far distant, repaired tliitlier to have an interview with the 
head chief of the tribe. As among the Taensas, he saw here a royal 
residence, a temple of the snn, with its perpetnally bnrning tire, and 
other evidences of more than ordinary Indian progress. Before 
leaving, LaSalle erected a cross in the nudst of the town, to which 
Avas attached the arms of France, an act which the nihabitants re- 
garded with great satisfaction, bnt had they known its meaning 
their displeasnre wonld have been equally intense. 

Xext, they discovered the month of lied Kiver, and after i)ass- 
iug a nnmber of other villages, fonnd themselves at the jnnction 
of the three channels of the river which branch ott" into the Gnlf. 
A diflerent party entered each passage, and as they moved south- 
ward the water rapidly changed to brine,and the land breeze became 
salty with the breath of the sea. Oii tlie Uth of April '' The broad 
bosom of the great Gulf opened on their sight, tossing its restless 
billows, limitless, voiceless and lonely as when born of chaos, with- 
ont a sign of life."* 

The great mystery of the new world was now unveiled. LaSalle 
had at last triumphed over every opposing obstacle, and secured a 
fame which Avill live as long as the lioods of the great river roll to 
the sea and impart fertility to the valley through which they flow. 

After coasting for a short time the marshy shores of the Gulf 
and its inlets, the party ascended the river till its banks became 
sufficiently dry to afford a landing. Here LaSalle erected a col- 
umn on which he inscribed the words : " Louis le Grand Eoy de 
France et de Xavarre, Kegne ; Le Xeuvieme Avril, 1(582." 

In honor of his King, he called the country through which he 
had passed, Louisiana, and commenced the ceremony of taking 
formal i)Ossession by military display and the imposing pageantry 
of the Catholic church. Standing by the side of the column, he 
l)rocl aimed in a loud voice : 

"In tlie name of the most high, might}', invincible, find victorious Prince 
Louis the Great, by the grace of God King of France and Navarre, fourteenth 
of that name, I, tliis 9lh day of April. 1682, in virtue of the commission of his 
Miijesty, which I hold in my liaud, and which mny be seen by all whom it may 
coiKJern, have taken, and now do lake, in the name of liis majesty and of his 
successors to the crown, possession of this country of Louisiana, the seas, har- 
bors, ports, bays, adjacent straits, and all the nations, peoples, provinces, cities, 
towns, villages, mines, minerals, fisheries, streams and rivers, comprised in ihe 
limits of the said Louisiana." 

A song, with volleys of musketry, closed the ceremonies by 
which the realms of France received the stupendous accession of 
the great region drained by the Mississippi and its tributaries, t 

The voyagers having now accomplished the great object of the 
expedition, started on their homeward journey. The tribes which 
had treated them with so much civility and generosity in the down- 

*Diseoveries of the Great West. 
tMoLiette's Val. of the Miss 



LASALLE. 97 

ward voyage, were now from some cause alienated, and indisposed 
to let him have food. On alTi^^ng among the Nachez, they foimd 
them hostile, and while they abundantly supplied them with corn, 
they at the same time surrounded them with a large force to cut 
them off. Fearing, however, to make an attack, the travelers de- 
parted, and, without further molestation, reached Fort Prud- 
liomme, where LaSalle was seized with a dangerous illness. 
Unable to go himself, he sent Tonti and a few companions to an- 
nounce the news of his discoveries at Mackinaw, whence it was to 
be dispatched to Canada. Although carefully attended by Mem- 
bre, he lay sick in the fort till the latter part of July, when he, in 
a great measure, recovered, and reached Mackinaw on the 1st of 
Sei>tember. Thence Membre was sent to France with dispatches 
making- known the grandeur of LaSalle's discoveries ; the vast 
r<'gio]i visited ; the immensity of its mountain ranges, and its great 
plains, veined by mighty streams. 

It was LaSalle's intention also to Aisit France, but hearing that 
the Iroquois were about to renew their attacks on the western 
tribes, he decided that his presence was necessary to the safety of 
his projected policy. He accordingly returned to the Illinois river, 
whitlier Toiiti had already preceded hini, and at once commenced 
preparations to meet the enemies. As a means of defence it was 
<leteruiined to fortify Starved Eock, whose military advantages 
had previously attracted the attention of LaSalle. From the 
waters which wash its base it rises to an altitude of 125 feet. Three 
of the sides itis impossible to scale, while the one m\xt to the land 
may be climbed with difii<'ulty. From its summit, almost as inac- 
cessible as an eagle's nest, the valley of the Illinois spreads out 
i}i a landscape of exquisite beauty. The river, nearby, struggles 
between a luimber of wooded islands, while further below, it qui- 
etly meamlers through vast meadows, till it disapi)ears like a 
thread of light in the dim distance. Here, on the summit of this 
ro(-ky citadel, in the month of November he began to entrench him- 
self. Storehouses were constructed from the trees that grew on 
the top, and wlu^n the su]>ply was exhausted, at immense labor, 
timl)ers were dragged up the steep ascent to construct a palisaded 
inclosure. With the completion of this stronghold, which was 
called in honor of the French King the Fort of St. Louis, the In- 
dians began to gather around it, regarding LaSalle as the great 
champion who was to protect them against the Iroquois. The 
country, which lay under the protection of the fort, recently strewn 
with the ghastly relicts of an Iroquois victory, now became ani- 
mated with a wild concourse of savage life. The great town of 
the Illinois, the Jerusalem of these tribes, Phojnix-like, had sprung 
from its ashes, and again echoed with the tramp of some (3,000 in- 
habitants. In addition to the Illinois, there were scattered along 
the vaUey of the river, among the neighboring hills and over the 
adjacent plains, the fragments of 10 or 12 other tribes, numbering 
some 14000 souls. Miamis, from the source of the Kankakee ; 
Shawnees, from the Scioto, Abenakis and Mohegans, from the 
Atlantic sealioard, and other tribes whose rough names are too 
unpleasant for record, had buried their animosities, and now 
lounged here and there in lazy groups, while their wives performed 
the drudgery of their camps, and their children gamboled and 
whooped with the reckless abandon of mad-caps. LaSalle's nego- 
7 



98 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

tiations with the western Algonquius — aided by tlie universal hor 
ror inspired by the brutal attacks of the Iroquois — had met with 
unexampled success. In writing- to the French Minister of Ma- 
rine, he Avrote that his colony had sprang up as if by magic, in a 
single night, and contained 4,000 warriors and some 20,000 souls. 
By the privileges which had been conferred on him as a discoverer 
he ruled his Avild d(jmain as a seigniory, and granted x>ortions of 
land to his followers. Little prolit, however, was realized in this 
manner, for the greater part of his men were so reckless that 
their traducers were wont to say of them that each married a new 
squaw every day of the week. 

To maintain his colony, he now found it necessary to furnish its 
mend)ers with protection against the conmion enemy, and mer- 
chandise to barter for the immense quantities of furs annually 
gathered in the interior of the continent. Previously, the avenue 
of trade lay through Canada, but it was LaSalle's intention to 
establish an entrepot at the mouth of the ]\Iississippi, whereby his 
colony would have the advantage of direct intercoiu\se with the 
West Indies and Europe. While he was thus maturing plans for 
the benefit of his colony, his cotemiioraries, eithei- through en^ y or 
too short-sighted to comi^rehend his objects, were striving to defeat 
them. Unfortunately, Gov. Frontenac had been recalled, and l)e 
La Barre, an avaricious old naval officer, had been sent out to 
take his place. His conduct soon jtroved that he was wholly unfit 
for the office he was called to fill. Like his predecessor, he was 
guilty of violating the royal ordinances regulating the fur trade, 
but the former j)artially atoned for this wrong by an energetic ad- 
ministration of public affairs, while the lattet added inability to 
his faults, whereby the best interests of the country became paral- 
lized. Lie was the special champion of the enemies of LaSalle, 
who, engrossed with the affairs of his colony, was ignorant of the 
great jealousy with which his affairs were regarded. ]S[ot know- 
ing the disposition of La Barre, he wrote to him from Fort St. 
Louis in the spring of 1083, expressing the hope that he would 
have the same counsel and supijort from him that he had received 
from his x)redecessor. After cautioning the Governor that his en- 
emies would endeavor to misrepresent his objects he proceeds to 
give an account of his explorations : 

With only 22 Frenchmen, he states, he had formed amicable 
relations T\dth the various tribes along the Mississippi, and that 
his royal patent enabled him to establish forts in the newly dis- 
covered country, and to make grants around them as at Fort Fron- 
tenac. He adds : 

"Tlie losses in my enterprises have exceeded 40,000 crowns, I am now ao- 
ing400 leagues southwest of tliis place to induce the Chickasaws to follow the 
Shawnees and other tribes, and settle like themat Fort St. Louis. It remained 
only to settle French colonists here, and this I have already done. I hope you 
Avill not detain them as violators of the laws governing the fur trade ^hen they 
comedown to Montreal to make necessary purchases. I am aware that I have 
]io right to trade Avith the tribes who descend to Montreal, and I shall not per- 
mit sucli trade to my men ; nor have I ever issued licenses to that effect, as my 
enemies sa}' that I have done." 

Notwithstanding this reasonable request, the men he sent on 
important business were retained, and he a second time wrote to 
the governor : 



LASAXLE. no 

"The Iroquois are again invadiiig the country. Last year thcMiamis were 
so alarmed by them thai, tliey abandoned their toTvn and fled, but on my return 
they came back, and have been induced to settle with the Illinois at my Fort 
of St. Louis. The Iroquois have lately murdered some fiimilies of tlieir nation 
and they are all in terror again. I am afraid the}^ will take flight and so pre- 
vent theMissouris and neighboring tribes from coming to settle at St. Louis, 
as tiiey are about to do. Some of tlie Hurons and French tell the Miamis that 
I am kee])ing them here for the Iroquois to destro3^ I pray that you will let 
m(; hear from 5^ou, that I may give these people some assurances of protection 
before they are destroyed in mj^ sight. Do not suffer my men who have come 
down to the settlements to be longer prever.ted from returning. There is 
great need here of reinforcements. The Iroquois, as I have said, have lately 
entered tlie country, and a great terror prevails. I have postponed going to 
Mackinaw, because, if the Iroquois strike any blow in my absence, the 
Miamis will think that I am in league with them ; whereas, if I and the French 
Slay among them, they will reganl us as protectors. But, Monsieur, it is in 
vafn that we risk our lives here, and that I exhaust mj* means in order to ful- 
fill the intentions of his majesty, if all my measures are crossed in the settle- 
ments below, and if those who go down to l)ring munitions, without which we 
cannot defend ourselves, are detained, under pret>'Xts trumped up for the occa- 
sion. If I am prevented from bringing up men and supplies, as I am allowed to 
do by tlie permit of Count Frontenac, then my patent from the king is useless. 
It would be very hard for us, after having doue what was required, even be- 
fore the time prescribed, and after suffering severe losses, to have our efforts 
frustrated by obstacles got up designedly. 1 trust that, as it lies with you alone 
to prevent or to permit the return of the men whom I have sent down, you 
will not so act as to thwart my plans, as part of the goods which I have sent 
by them belong not not to me, but the Sieur de Touti, and are apart of his 
pay. Others are to bu}' munitions indispensable for our defense. Do not let 
my creditors seize them. It is for their advantage that my fort, full as it is of 
goods, should be held against the euemj'. I have only 20 men, with scarcely 
100 pounds of powder, and I cannot long hold the country without more. The 
Illinois are very capricious and uncertain. . . If I had men enough to 
send out to reconnoitre the enem}-, I would have done so before this; but I 
have not enough. I trust j^ou will put it in my power to obtain more, that this 
important cohni}' may be saved." * 

While LaSalle was tlius corresponding ^^th tlie governor, the 
latter was writing letters to the French Colonial ^Minister, saying 
that he doubted the reality of LaSalle's discoveries; that with 
scarce a score of vagabonds he was about to set himself up as 
king, and was likely to involve Canada and the western tribes in 
a war with the Iroquois. The extent to wliich the enemies of La- 
8aile suffered their jealousies to lead them astray may be gathered 
from the posture of affairs at the time. The governor of Xcav 
York, witli the hope of diverting the fur trade from ^lontreal to 
Albany, was inciting the Iroquois to make another attack on tlie 
westerjt tribes. Although this proceeding was frauglit v>"ith the 
greatest danger to Canada, yet La Barre and his political menials 
were willing it might succeed, and the entire country be endan- 
gered, provided it residted in the nun of LaSalle. When, there- 
fore, these pests of the forest, under the influence of British 
intrigue, were again making preparations to invade the country of 
the Illinois and Miamis, instead of an earnest effort to check their 
designs, they even encouraged thein to kill LaSalle and cut off' his 
supplies to aid them in their diabolical work. The ccnitiuued cal- 
umnies uttered agauist LaSaUe at length reached the ear of the 
king, who wrote to his Canadian governor, stating that he was 
convinced that LaSalle's discoveries were useless, and that such 
enterprises ought to be prevented in the future, as they tended to 
diminish the revenues derived from the fiu' trade. 

*This letter is dated Portage de Chicagou, i Juni, 1S63.— Discov. of the Great West. 



100 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

Doubtless, emboldened by the king's letter, the governor now 
determined to seize Fort Frontenac, under the pretext that La 
Salle had not fulfilled the conditions of his contract by maintain- 
ing- a sufficient garrison. Despite the remonstrance of LaSalle's 
creditors, he sent two of his political associates to take command 
of the fort. As soon as this was accomplished, they commenced 
living on LaSalle's provisions, and were afterward charged with 
selling those which had been furnished by the king for their own 
private benefit. The governor also sent an officer of the king's 
dragoons to Fort St. Louis, and made him the bearer of a letter to 
LaSalle, demanding his presence at Quebec. Meanwhile rumors 
were still rife at the Fort that the Iroquois were getting ready for 
an invasion, and the tribes comprising the colony flew^ to LaSalle 
and besought him to furnish the promised succor. Cut off from 
supplies, and robbed of the men whom he had sent to secure 
them, he was greatly mortified to find himself wholly nnable to 
make good his pledge. Fortunately the rumors were premature, 
but as his relations ^Aith the governor w^ere otherwise intolerable, 
he determined to visit France to obtain relief. With this object 
in view, he left Tonti in command of the fort, and on his way to 
Quebec met with the governor's officer, who made known to him 
the nature of his mission. LaSalle, submitting gracefully to an 
indignity he could not well avoid, wrote to Tonti to receive the 
officer with due courtesy, whereupon, without further business, 
they parted. In due time the dragoon arrived at the fort, and 
he and Tonti spent the winter harmoniously, the one com- 
manding in the name of the governor, and the other in that of La- 
Salle. The threatened invasion of the Iroquois, though post[>oned, 
was not abandoned. During the latter part of the spring they 
made an incursion into the country and attacked the fort, but the 
rocky citadel proved too strong for the assault, and after a siege 
of 6 days they were compelled to retire. 

LaSalle, on arriving at Quebec, sailed for France, taking- a last 
leave of the great arena in which, for the last 10 years, he had 
been the principal actor; had suffered the most harrassing anxie- 
ties, and had won the proudest triumphs. From forest solitudes 
and squalid wigwams, a prosperous voyage introduced him to the 
busy throngs and sculptured magnificence of the French capital. 
Its venal court, bewildered by the pompous display of wealth and 
the trappings of jiower, regarded with little interest the sober ha- 
biliments of honest worth. But the son of the burgher of Rouen, 
unmoved by regal vanities, and with a natm-al dignity far tran- 
scending the tinsel of titled rank, announced his discoveries to 
the giddy court. He asked for means to return to the newfound 
lands, and to found a colony on the Mississippi, to protect them 
from the intrusion of foreigners. Two i)oints on the Mississippi 
j)roperly selected and fortified, he argued, would guard the whole 
interior of the continent, with its vast areas of fertile lands and 
boundless resources. Count Frontenac g'ave him the advantage 
of his influence, the minister of marine entered with vigor into 
the scheme, and recommended it to the king, Avho also became 
fascinated with the glittering project. As an act of justice, and 
to show his ap})re(!iation of LaSalle, he ordered LaBarre to restore 
to him the possession of Forts Frontenac and St. Louis, and nuike 
reparation for the damage he had sustained by their seizure. La- 



LASAI.LE. 101 

Salle asked for two sliii)s, but the king, in his zeal, gave him tbnr 
— the Francais, the Belle, the Amiable, and the Jolly. Two liun- 
dved and eighty men embarked in the exjiedition, eonsisting of 
eeclesiastics, soldiers, sailors, mechanics, several families, and 
even a number of girls, lured by the prospects of marriage 
in the new land of promise. Such were tlie colonists avIio wer(i 
to i)lant the standard of France and civilization in the wilderness 
of Louisiana. As in most of the early attempts at colonization, 
the men were illy qualilied to grapi)le witli the stern work it was 
proposed to accomplish. But, worst of all, w;is the naval com- 
uumder, Beaujeu, who was envious, self-willed, dellcient in judg- 
ment, and foolishly proiul. 

On the first of August, 1G81, they sailed from Eochelle on their 
adventurous voyage. Frequent calms retarded their progress, 
and when at length they arrived at Hisi)aniola, the Francais, 
filled with munitions and other necessaries for tlie colony, was 
captured by a Spanish privateer. This disaster, for which I>eau- 
jeu was evidently to blame, was the first of the disasters whi(;]i 
afterward attended the expedition. After obtaining supplies, and 
searching for information in regard to the direction in whicli he 
must sail to find the outk^t of the Mississippi, the voyage was re- 
nevred. On entering the Gulf of Mexico, and sailing in a north- 
westerly direction, a sailor at the mast-head of the Amiable, on 
the 28th of December, discovered land. In coasting along the 
shore toward the west, searching for the mouth of the rivei', they 
incautiously passe<l it. Proceeding further, LaSalle discoxered 
the mistake, but Beaujeu, refusing to return, they at length landed 
at IMatagorda Bay. Entering this arm of the gnlf, they discov- 
ered a considerable river falling into it, which LaSalle concluded 
might be the Lafourche, the mostwestern outlet of the Mississip]>i. 
if liis conjectures were true, he i^referred to ascend it to the main 
stream, instead of returning on the gulf against contrary winds, 
and the still greater imi>ediment of Beaujeu's obstinacy. He had 
differed with LaSalie from the commencement of the voyage, and 
in ever}' instance jjroved to be in the wrong, and now, to get rid 
of him, he preferred to debark his followers on the lone shore of 
the bay. 

For this purpose, the Aniiable weighed anchor and entered the 
narrow passage leading into the bay, but was unfortunately ca- 
reened over by the sand banks obstructing the clsannel. LaSalle, 
with a sad heart, beheld the disaster, yet with cool and patient 
energy set himself about the work of removing the cargo. A 
quantity of powder and Hour was saved, but presently a storm 
arose, and the stranded vessel, rent assuuder by the waves, scat- 
tered the remaining treasures n])on the ravenous waters. After 
the landing was effected, the Indians became troublesojiie, and a 
fort was built, with great labor, two miles above the month of 
the La Yacca, a smaU stream falling into the Bay. LaSalle, as in 
pre\'ious instances, named the fortification St. Louis, in honor of 
his king. Here he planted the arms of France, opened a fl<'ld for 
planting a crop, and thus founded the first French settlement 
made in Texas. The country, thus formally occupied, gave to 
France a claim whic^h she never abandoned till Louisiana became 
a part of the United States, nearly 120 years after\xard. 



102 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

The scene around tlie fort was not uninteresting, and to some 
extent relieved the dejection arising from the recent misfortunes. 
The hay, bordered by marshes, stretched away in a southeastern 
direction, while the other i)oints of the compass spread out in an 
expanse of prairie sprinkled with the bright llowers for aa hich 
Texas is remarkable, and which still rank high among the floral 
beauties of southern gardens. At certain seasons of the year, the 
grassy area was dotted over with grazing buftalo, while the adja- 
cent waters swarmed with fish and water fovrl. JSTecessity soon 
taught the colonists the best methods of securing them, and the 
sports of the angler, the hunter and the fowler not only gave zest 
to then- wilderness life, but furnished them with an abundance of 
food. It was customary for the women to mingle in the hunting 
parties and assist in cutting up the meat, and thus a hunter and 
fau" huntress became enamored of each other, and were married. 
Their imptials were solenniized with the usual expressions of mer- 
riment, for the genuine Frenchman, whate^'er maybe his situation, 
always thinks it better to be merry, than to brood over the mis 
fortunes he is unable to remedy. 

LaSalle, having provided for the security of his people, next 
went loO leagues along the coast, east and Avest, to search for the 
hidden river, l)ut without success. He also determined to make a 
tour of observation toward the mines and settlements of Northern 
Mexico. After consuming four months in this expedition, and 
gathering such information from the Indians as convinced him 
that his previous conjectm-es respecting the situation of the Miss- 
issippi river were correct, the party retraced their steps, and arrived 
at the fort March 0th, IGSO. travel-worn, weary, an<l their clothes in 
tatters. Soon after, it was ascertained that the Belle, the only 
remaining vessel, had been sunk, and her cargo, consisting of the 
personal effects of LaSalle and a great quantity of amuuition and 
tools, were scattered iii the v^aters of the gulf. The loss was a 
fatal blow to all attempts in the future to move the'coloiiy to the 
Mississippi, and left little hope of the unhappy exiles ever again 
beholding the vine-clad homes of their sunny France. 

LaSalle, fin-ced by the necessities of his situation, now deter- 
mined to make his way, eastward, to the Mississippi, and thence 
to Canada or France, to obtain relief, ^o sooner had he formed 
this resolve, the oftspring of dire extremity, than prei>aration8 
were completed for the journey. April 22d, 20 men issued from 
the fort and made their way across the prairie, followed by the 
anxious eyes of those who were left behind. Day after day they 
held a northeasterly direction, passing througli a> country of wild 
and pleasing landsca|)es, niade up of ])rairies, woods and groves, 
gTeen as an emerald with the beauty of May. After having made 
a distance of some 400 miles, tlieir anunuiiition and provisions 
failed them, and they were comi>elled to retiu-n to tlie fort without 
having accomplished the object of their journey. Twenty men 
had gone out, but only S returned, some having deserted, and 
others perished in the attempt to reach the fort. The latter num- 
ber would doubtless have been greatly increased, but for tlie 
assistance of horses purchased from the Cenis Indians, the most 
easterly tribe visited. The temporary elation produced by the 
return of the absent party, soon gave way to dejection, and La- 
Salle had a heavy task to prevent the latter from becoming dis- 



LASALLE. 103 

pair. He was naturally stern and unsympatliizing, yet lie could 
soften into conrpas.sion at the great extremes of danger and 
distress of those about hhn. 

The audacity of hope with which he still clung to tlie accom- 
Xilishnient of ids object, deterniined him to make a second and 
more persevering effort for this i)urpose. It was decided that the 
adventurers should con.sist of LaSalle, Ids brother, and two 
nephews, Cavalier and Moranget; DuHaut, a person of reputable 
birth; Leotot, a surgeon; Joutel, who afterwards became tlie 
historian of the expedition, and some 20 others. Among those 
left behind were the women and children, and Zenobe Membre, 
who had so long followed the fortunes of LaSalle. Everything 
being in readiness, the travelers for the last time entered the rude 
chailel of the fort, mass was solemnly celebrated, and, with the 
cloud of incense which rose from the altar, ascended the prayers 
of the colonists for the success of the journey. N^ext came the 
parting, of sighs, of tears, and of embraces — all seeming intui- 
tively to know that they should see each other no more. January 
iL'th, 1087, the chosen band filed out of the fort, placed their bag- 
gage on horses, and started off in the direction of the previous 
journey. Pushiiig forward across prairies and woodlands, among 
tribes some friendly and some hostile, they passed the IJra/.os, and 
encamped on the loth of ]\Iarch near the western ^^'aters of the 
Trinity. They were now in the vicinity of some corn which La- 
Salle iiad concealed in his previous journey, and he sent DuIIaut, 
Leotot and some others, to get it. The grain was found spoiled, 
but in returning they shot some large game, and sent for horses to 
convey it to camp. Moranget and two others were sent on this 
errand, and found, when they arrived, the nu^at cut up, and that, 
according to a woodland custom, the hunters had appropriated 
some of the best pieces to themselves. Moranget, whose violent 
temper had previously got him into difficulties, berated them in a 
violent manner for claiming this privilege, and ended by taking all 
the meat himself. This outburst of passion kindled to i\n aveng- 
ing flame a grudge which had for some time existed between Du- 
Haut and LaSalle, and the former co]ispired Avith Leotot to take 
the life of his nephew. Night came on, the evening meal was 
dispatched, and when the intemled victim had fallen asleep, the 
assassins apju-oached and shot him. The commission of one crime 
generally requires another, to save the perpetrator from merite(l 
punishnient, and LaSalle was marked out as the next ol)ject of 
vengeance. 

Two days passed by and tlie latter, hearing nothing of his 
neidiew, began to entertain rueful forebodings hi regard to his 
safety. At length, unable longer to endure his suspense, he left 
Joutel in command of the camp and started in search of his lela- 
tive. Accompanied only by a friar and two Indians, h(' ap- 
ju'oached the camp of tlie assassins, and when near by fired a 
pistol to summon them to his presence. The conspirators, rigidly 
judging who had caused the report, stealthdy approached and 
shot their nitended victim, Leotot exclaiming as he fell, "You are 
down now, Grand liashaw, you are down now." * They then des- 
poiled the body of its clothing, and left it to be devoured by the 



Monette's Val. of the Miss. 



104 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

wild beasts of the forest. Thus, at the age of 43, iu his vigorous man- 
hood's prime, perished oue whose exploits have so greatly enriched 
the history of the new world. His successes required for their ac- 
com])lishment an undaunted will and invincible courage, which few 
could bring to the aid of an enterprise. His failures were partly 
caused by the vastness of his schemes, and in part because his 
imperious nature would not permit him to conciliate the good will 
of those he employed and was compelled to trust. While he 
grasped one link in the chain of his extended enterprises, another, 
through treachery, slipped from his hand. 

"It is easy to reckon up his defects, but it is not easy to hide from siglit tlie 
Romau virt\ics that redeemed them. Beset by a throng of enemies, he stands, 
like the King of Israel, head and shouklers above lliem all. He was a tower 
of adamant, against whose impregnable front hardship and danger, the rage of 
Tiian and the elements, the southern sun, the n.ortliern bkist, fatigue, famine 
and disease, delay, disappointment and deferred hope, emptied tlieir quivers 
m vain. That very pride which, Coriolanus-like, declared itself most steridy 
in the thickest press of foes, has in it sometliing to cliallenge admiration. Never 
under the impenetrable mail of pahuliu or crusader beat a heart of more in- 
trepid mettle tlian within the stoic panoply that armed the breast of LaSalle. 
To estimate aright the marvels of his patient fortitude, one must follow on his 
track tlirougii the vast scene of his interminable journeyings, those thousands 
of weary miles of forest, marsh and river, where, again and again, in tlie bitter- 
ness of "baffled striving, the untiring pilgrim puslied onward toward the goal he 
was never to attain. America owes lam an enduring memory ; for in this mas- 
culine figure, cast in iron, she sees the heroic pioneer wlio guided lier to the 
possession of her richest heritage." * 

Those who were not in sympathy with the assassins concealed 
their resentment, and on the 2d day after the murder the party 
was again in motion. On the main stream of the Trinity they 
were again compelled to halt for the purpose of bu^ing provisions 
of the Indians. Here the two murderers, who had arrogated to 
themselves the conmiaud of the expedition, declared their inten- 
tion of returning to the fort, and there building a ship in which to 
escape to the West Indies. This impossible scheme, together with 
their refusal to let their accomplices in the nuirder share in the 
spoils obtained by it, soon led to dissensions. The breach rapidly 
widened, and at last the aggrieved i^aities shot the murderers, an 
act \\hich was but the recoil of the crimes they were the tirst to in- 
troduce. Thus ended the bloody tragedy, enacted with such atroc- 
ity by these pioneers of Christianity and civilization, that even the 
debased savage of the wildernesss looked on with the utmost 
amazement and horror. 

cToutel, with the brother and nephew of LaSalle and 4 others, 
whose innocence Avould permit them to return to civilization, com- 
menced anew their travels, leaving the guilty behind. Proceeding 
in a northeastern direction, they encountered by day a monotony 
of tangled forests, grassy plains, and mirj- fens ; by night, chilly 
rains alternating with starlit skies, in whose ])ale and mystic 
radiance they soundly slept and dreamed of absent friends and 
distant homes. At length, after a iournev of two months, in 
which they had been led by guides furnished by various tribes, 
they stood on the banks of the Arkansas, opposite an Indian vil- 
lage. Gazing across the stream, their eyes fell on a hut, nestled 
among the trees of the forest, wliile a cross near by showed it to 
be the abode of Christians. Actuated l»y a common impulse, they 

*Discov. of the Great West.— Parkman. 



LASALLE. 105 



fell on tlieii" knee.s, and with emotions of gratitude thanked God 
for having- directed tlieni to this outpost of civilization. Two men 
issued from the cabin and iiied a salute, which being- answered by 
a volley from tlie travelers, a canoe put out from the shore and 
ferried them over the stream. 

The long lost wanderers were cordially greeted in their mother 
tongue by" the occupants of the dwelling, who proved to be G of 
Toiiti's men, whom be had left here in his assent of the Missis- 
sippi.* This noble ofticer, who had been restored to the command 
of the fort on the lllhiois by order of the King, had heard of La 
Salle's disaster, and immediately equipped an expedition with his 
own means to relieve him. With 25 Frenchmen and o Indians, he 
left the ±V)rt on the b">tli of Fel )ruary , 10S(i, and soon descended 
the Illinois and Mississippi to the Gulf. Not finding any traces 
of him at the mouth of the river, he sent his canoes to scour the 
shores for a distance of 30 leagues on either side. Not seeing or 
hearing anything of LaSalle, who at the same time was Avanderiug 
anion g'theVilds of Texas, in a search equally fruitless, he retraced 
his course to the fort on the Illinois, leaving, as already mentioned, 
some of his men near tlie mouth of the Arkansas. The travelers, 
from motives of policy, carefully concealed the death of LaSalle 
from their hosts, and' when sufficiently recruited recommenced 
their journey, Proceeding down the Arkansas, they soon found them- 
selves on the great river whicli had so long been the object of 
their search. The 13th of Septend)er found them at the conflu- 
ence of the Illi)U)is, and 11 days nujre brought them to the fort- 
crowned rock, which, like a sentinel, stood watch over its ])eaceful 
waters. They landed and were soon met by parties from the fort, 
^vho, after the usual salutations, inquired for LaSalle. Substitut- 
ing adroitness for a frank avowal of the truth, tlx'y replied that 
they had left him in Texas, and at the tune of their departure he 
was in good health. 

It is said the object of the evasion was to eiuible the oUl })riest, 
Cavalier, as the representative of LaSalle, to derive some advan- 
tage for himself and companions in the settlement of his brother's 
estate. Tonti was absent, hghting the Iroquois, but his lieutenant 
received them with a salvo of musketry, and provided for them 
comfortable quarters in the fort. Tonti, not long after, returned 
from his martial expedition, and listened Avith profound interest 
and sympathy to the story of the disasters and sufterings of the 
travelers, as related by the elder CavaUer. He did not scruple to 
tell Tonti the same story by which he had deceived others in re- 
gard to the death of liis brother. Moreover, after living for 
months on the hospitality of his generous host, he added fraud 
and meanness to deception. This flagrant outrage he pcr])etrated 
by forging an order on Tonti, in the name of LaSalle, for 4, (HH) 
livres, in furs and other goods, Which his unsuspecting \ictim 
generously delivered to him at the time of his departure. 

On leaving the fort, the travelers proceeded to Mackinaw, A\herc 
they exchanged their ill-gotten furs for clothing and means to de- 
fray their expenses home. Without further delay, they niade 
their way to Quebec, and thence to France, whither they arrived 
in October, 1688, having spent more than foiu' years in their dis- 

*This was the commencement of Arkansas Post, captured by Gen. MoClernand dur- 
ing the Kebellion. 



106 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



taut wauderiiigs. They were men of only average ability and 
energy, yet, moved by the most pressing necessity, they performed 
one of tlie most remarkable voyages on record. They now, for the 
first time, divulged the secret of LaSalle's death, and the king 
issued orders for the arrest of all who were privy to his murder. 
It does not appear certain that any of them were ever subjected 
to a criminal prosecution ; but rumor has it that part of them per- 
ished by theii' own liands, and part by the Indians, whom their 
misdeeds roused to vengeance. 

In the mean time the news of LaSalle's death also reached Tonti's 
men on the Arkansas, and was thence carried to him in the fort 
on the Illinois. It is more easy to imagine than describe the feel- 
ings of this most devoted of all LaSalle's followers when he learned 
the tragical manner of his death. But without useless waste of 
time in grief for him whom he had so long and so faithfully served 
and who was now beyond reach of help, he determined to make an 
effort to rescue his perishing colonists. For this i)ur])ose he left 
the fort in December, 1088, with 5 Frenchmen and 3 Indians, and, 
after a toilsome journey, arrived at the mouth of Ived Ki^er, where 
he learned that some of the accomplices of LaSalle's mur<lerers 
were iiL a village some 80 leagues distant. On making kno^Mi Jiis 
intention to visit the town all his men refused to accompany hirii, 
except two, a Frenchman and an Indian. ]Srot being able to enforce 
obedience, he resolutely set out with them, but unfortunately a few 
days afterwards, lost the greater i)art of his ammunition. Still 
undeterred, he pushed on to the town, but no trace of the (.'riminals 
coidd l)e found. When, however, he questioned the villagers 
respecting them, he concluded from their suspicions demeanor, 
that they had pre^aously been there, and that the Indians, incensed 
at their misdeeds, had i)robably put them to death. Having accom- 
idished nothing thus far, and now almost without ammunition, with 
l3itter disappointment he was com])elled to return. In reti'acing 
their steps they met with jnore tlian the usual amount of hardshii)S 
attending a march through an unexplored wilderness. On arriv- 
ing at the Indian village on the Arkansas, Tonti, as the residt of 
exhaustion and exposure, became sick of a fever, but recovered in 
time to reach the fort on the lUinois by the first of September. 

This unsuccessful effort was the last attempt made to rescue the 
unfortunate colony from the savage immensity that shut them out 
from home and civilization. Their final destruction by the Indians 
was learned from the Spaniards of Mexico. Spain claimed the 
country bordering on the Gulf of INIexico, and fiom the capture of 
LaSalle's vessel in the West Lidiau Seas, his designs became 
known. After several attempts to find the location of his colony 
and destroy it, a Mexican expedition, guided by one of the French 
deserters, pushed across the wilderness to the fort. Seeing no 
evidences of life without, the Spaniards spurred their horses 
through the open gateway of the fort, and found only the ruins of 
what had once constituted the stores and furniture of the gairison. 
From French deserters domesticated among the Indians, it was 
learned that about 3 nu)nths before, a band of savages ambushed 
themselves under the banks of the river, while others drew the 
gariison out of the fort for the piu'i)Ose of traffic. At a given sig- 
nal, the concealed foe rushed from his covert, and immolated indis- 
criminately the men, women and children. Thus ends one of the 



LASALLE. 107 

most exteusive exploratiou.s kiio\Yn to liistory. As a <;Teat geo- 
giiiphical discovery, it is only second to that wliicli iiuulc known 
to j'^nrope the existence of tlie Western Hemispliere. The great 
valley thus thrown open has since been tilled with a constellation 
of ])rosp(n-ons, happy states. The city which death dei)rived him 
of ror.iiding, and whi(;h his sagacity foresaw would become one of 
the great marts of the earth, is now the emixuinm of the South. 
America owes him a debt of gratitude which she will ever be una- 
ble to pay, and in like manner, as a type of incarnate energy, his 
deeds she will never forget. 

Hennepin.— It will be remembered that LaSalle having- concluded that Hennepin 
could do more good by exi'lorinu- the Illinois and Upper Mississippi, than in i>reaching' 
sermons,ar.dthat ho u-ith txro (•()ini)anions were sent on tliat mission. Haviny descended 
the lUinoisand commenced tlie ascent ottlie iVIississippi. they were suriiriscd, and taken 
bv a band of Sioux, who cunducteil them up the river to the lulls ol St. Anthony, and 
thence to their villages in the vicinity otMilleLac, Wisconsin Here Hennepin spent the 
Spring- and Summer in hunting, acting- as a ph.> sician, and studyin'r the Sioux language. 
Autumn at lenght came, and witli the consent of the chief they were permitted to 
depart. Proceeding by way of the Kum, Mississippi, Wisconsin, and Fox rivers to Green 
bay, they spent the Wuiter with the .Jesuit Missionaries. With the opening of Spring- 
they moved down the lakes and St Lawrence, to Quebec, where Hennepin was recei. ed 
by the governor, who listened with profound interest to the recital of his travels. 
From America he went to France, where an account of his travels were published in 
different languages, and read with great interest Not meeting- with the encourage- 
ment in France he expected, ho went to England and was taken Into the service of 
King- William. Tnis monarch wishing- to set up a claim to Louisiana, induced him to 
modify the narrative of his discovery so as to favor his claim. Yielding- to his request 
tie wrote anew account, in which he falsely stated that before his voyage tip the river 
he llrst descended it to the sea. Thus while he endeavored to rob LaSalle ot his princi- 
l)al lain- els, he tarnished his own fame and was afterwards stigmatized by his country- 
men as the prince ot lia-.'s. 



Chapter X. 

1700-1719— ILLII^OIS A DEPEISTDEXCY OF CANADA ^O'D 
PAET OP LOUISIANA— THE GOVERNMENT A THEOC- 
EACY— OPERATIONS OF CROZAT. 



A Dependency of Canada. — Twelve years elapsed after LaSalle's 
fruitless attempt to found a colony on tlie Mississippi, Ix't'ore the 
govermuent of France made a second effort. At lengtli, feaiing 
tliat England might obtain precedence in the great valley, the 
king set on foot an enterprise for this purpose. M. d'lberx ille, 
"svho had exhibited such mature judgment and prompt action in 
the wars of the French-American possessions, was chosen to com- 
mand it. Having encountered the icebergs and snows of Hud- 
son's Bay and the burning sands of Florida, he was now ready, 
at the couunand of his king, to encounter the malarious marshes 
of the Mississippi. Tlie two j)receding years he had established 
colonies on Ship Island and the head of Lake Borgne, and about the 
middle of February, 1700, sailed up the Mississippi, to found a 
thiid one on its banks. A site was selected for a fort aiul set- 
tleiuent, about 38 miles below New Orleans, aud while he was 
engaged in its erection, Tonti descended from the fort on the Illi- 
nois, with a iiarty of Canadians, to assist him. Tonti's intimate 
acquaintance with the Indian languages and the tribes living on 
the l•i^'er, made him a valuable ac(juisition to the new colony. 
Availing himself of his assistance, DTberville resolved to further 
ascend the river, explore the country on its banks, and form alli- 
ances with its inhabitants. In comi)any with Tonti, his brother 
Bienville, and other })arties, he passed up the river to the Nachez 
tribe, which he found more powerful and civilized tlian others he 
had visited. The great beauty of the suirounding ciamtry in- 
duced him to select it as the seat of the futuie provincial go\ern- 
ment, and the bluft' on which the city of Nat(;hez is now built, he 
chose as the site of its capital. He named the prospective city 
Rosalie, in honor of the wife of his patron, the French minister 
of marine, and 15 years afterward a fort was erected on the site 
by his successor. D'Iberville now returned to his ships below 
and embarked for France, while Bienville explored the country 
about the mouth of Red river, and some of the party from Illinois 
were sent to ramble for 6 months in the remote west, in the vain 
seiuch for gold. 

With this expedition down tha Mississippi, Tonti, the most 
trusted ofllcer of LaSalle, disappears from the roll of authentic 
history. The following are some of the acts which distinguished 
his ad\'enturous life during this period : His mediation in the at- 

108 



A DEPENDENCY OF CANADA. 109 

tack of the Iroquois a,ii;iinst the Ilhuois in 1080, Avhereby he 
greatly mitigated, but did not wholly prevent, the butchery of the 
latter; his government of the Illinois and the associated tribes at 
Fort St. Louis, during the absence of LaSalle, his effort to relieve 
LaSalle and his suffering colonists in Texas; the foiniding of Ark- 
ansas Post, made famous 177 years afterward by the reduction of 
the rebel fort located there,by McClernand and his brave Illinois 
and other western troops; and tinally, the assistance he rendered 
DeNonville, the governor of Canada, with 170 Frenchmen and 3(H) 
Indians from the west, in his attack on the iSenecas. Says De- 
ISTonville : "God alone could have saved Canada in 1088. But 
for the assistance obtained from the posts of the west, Illinois 
must have been abandoned, the fort at Mackinaw lost, and a gen- 
eral uprising of the nations would have completed the destruction 
of IsTew France."* Eumor states that, after the performance of 
these acts, he resided several years in Illinois, and then returned 
to France. 

As the St. Lawrence had lieeu made an avenue for the approach 
of settlers to Illinois, so, after tlu^ exploration of the Missis.sippi, 
it also became a highway for the in-tlowing of ]M)pulation. Through 
these channels, comnmnicating with the external world, came the 
pioneers who, between the years 1080'-1)0, founded the villages 
and settlements of Fort St. Louis, Kaskaskia, Cahokia, and others 
of more recent date. These settlements, in common with most of 
those establislu^d in the interior of the continent, were, to a gieat 
extent, the work of the Jesuit and Ivecollet missionaries. These 
hardy and enterprising embassadors of the cross, Avith a zeal 
which defied the opposition of the elements, heat, hunger and 
cold, fatigue, famine and pestilence, entered the prairies of Illi- 
nois 1000 miles hi advance of its secular population. We justly 
admire the fortitude? of Smith, the founder of Virginia, the courage 
of ]\Iay-ilower pilgrims, the fathers of !N"ew England; but all 
these had royal i>atrons; then what shall we say of the devote<l 
missionaries, who laid the foundations of States in the remote 
wilderness, when their monastic vows denied them even the i'eeble 
aid of ecclesiastical support? Neither commercial gain nor secu- 
lar fame, but religious fervor, could have nerved them to meet 
the toils and danglers incident to their wilderness life. 

The first missioji in Illinois, as we have already seen, was com- 
menced by Marquette in April, 1075. It is said as he entered the 
rude dwellings of the inhal)itants and preached of Christ and the 
Virgin, heaven ami hell, demons and angels, and the life to conu', 
he was received as a celestial visitor. The Indians besought him 
to renmin among them and continue his uistructions, but his life 
was fast ebbing away, and it behooved him to de])art. He called 
the religious society which he had established the "Mission of 
the Imnmculate Conception," and the town "Kaskaskia," after 
one of the Illinois tribes bearing the same name. 

The first military occupation of the country was at Fort Creve- 
coeiu-, erected in Fel)ruary, 1(580 ; but there is no evidence that a 
settlement was commenced there or at Peoria, on the lake above, 
at that early date.t The first settlement of which there is any 
authentic account, was commenced with the building of Fort St. 

♦Bancroft . 

tAnnals of the West. 



110 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

Louis, on tlie Illinois river, in 1682. It remained in existence at 
least till 1700, when Tonti seems to have abandoned it and gone 
sonth, but how long after that date is not delinitely known. The 
oldest iiermanent settlement, not only in lUinois but the valley 
of tlie Mississippi, is Kaskaskia, situated G miles above the mouth 
of the river of the same name.* There is no evidence to sub- 
stantiate the statement that LaSalle left colonists here and at 
Cahokia on his return from the successful exploration of the Miss- 
issippi in 1082. 

The mission here 'oas originally established at the great town 
of the Illinois, but with the removal of the tribes farther south- 
ward, it was transferred to Kaskaskia. Father Gravier, who had 
jireviously been stationed at Mackinaw, effected the removal some 
time prior to 1000, the exact date beiug unknov.n. He was the 
lirst of the missioiuiries to asceitain the principles of the Ilhiiois 
huiguage and reduce them to I'ules. When recahed tVom Kas- 
kaskia to Mackinaw, he was succeeded by Fathers Binueteau and 
Pinet, the latter of whom established the luission and village of 
Cahokia. So successful was Pinet in attracting the atteution of 
the aborigines, his chapel Avas insufficient to hold the large num- 
ber that attended his ministrations. The ludians under his charge 
were the Taniaroas aiul Cahokias, the latter tribe fuiiiishing tlie 
village its name. Binneteau, to attend to his ministerial labors, 
followed the Kaskaskias in one of their hunts on the uphuul 
plains of the Mississippi, and died. Now stifled in the tall grass, 
now panting with thirst on the arid prairie, i)arclied by day with 
heat, and by night exi)osed on the grouud to chilling dues, he was 
seized with a mortal fever, and " left his bones on the wilderness 
range of the buffalo."t Shortly after his death, Pinet also died, 
and Father Marest, Avho had before explained the mysteries of 
the cross to the ice-bound denizens of Hudson's Bay, came to 
Kaslcaskia and took charge of the missions of Illinois. Iii his 
corresi)ondence, he says: "Oiu" life is si)ent in roaming through 
thick woods, in clambering over hills, in i)addliug canoes across 
lakes and rivers, to catch a poor savage whom we can neither 
tame by teachings nor caresses." On Good Friday, 1711, he 
started for the Peorias, who desired a new mission, and thus 
speaks of his journey: 

" I departed, liaving iiotliing about me but my crucifix and breviary, be'iug 
accompanied b_y only two savages, who migiit abandon me from levity, or 
might fly tlirough fear of enemies. I'lie terror of tliese vast nninliabitable 
regions, in which for 12 days not a single soul was seen, almost took 
away my courage. This was a journey aa' herein there was no village, no 
bridge, no ferr^'boat, no house, no beaten path ; and over boundless pi-airies, 
intersected by rivulets and rivers, through forests and thickets filled with 
briars and thorns, through marshes, in which we sometimes plunged to the 
girdle. At night repose was sought on the grass or leaves, exposed to the 
winds and rains, happj' if b}'' the side of some rivulet whose waters might 
c^uench our thirst. Meals were prepared from such game as might be kilU'd 
on tlie waj', or by roasting ears of corn." 

Early in the 18th century he was joined by Mermet, who had 
previously founded a mission on the Ohio. 

"The gentle virtues and fervid eloquence of Mermet made him the soul of 
the Mission of Kaskaskia. At early dawn his pupils came to church, dressed 
neatly and modestl}' each in a deer-skin or a robe sewn together from several 
skins. After receiving lessons they chanted canticles; mass was then said in 

•Bancroft. 

tlianeroft. * 



A DEPENDENCY OF CANADA. Ill 

presence of all the Christians, the French and the converts — the women on 
one side and the men on the other. From prayers and instructions tlie mis- 
sionaries proceeded to visit the sick and administer medicine, and their skill as 
physicians did more than all the rest to win confidence. In the afternoon the 
catechism Tvas taught iu the presence of the young and the old, when everj^ one 
without distinction of rank or age, answered the questions of the missionary. At 
evening all would assemble at the chapel for instruction, for pra}'er, and to 
cliant the hymns of the church. On Sundays and festivals, even after vespers, 
a homily was pronounced ; at the close of the day parties would meet in houses 
to recite the chaplets in alternate choirs, and sing psalms till late at night. 
Tisese psalms were often homilies, with words set to tamilinr tunes. Saturday 
and Sundajr were the days appointed for confession and communion, and every 
convert confessed once in a fortnight. The success of this mission was such 
tiiat marriages of the French immigrants were sometimes solemnized with the 
daughters of the Illinois, according to the rites of the Catholic church. The 
occupation of the country was a cantonment among the native proprietors of 
tlie forests and prairies.* 

Father Charlevoix, who visited Illinois in 1721, thus speaks of 
the Cahokia and Kaskaskia Missions : 

"We lay last night in the village of the Cahokias and Tamaroas, two Illinois 
tribes which have been united, and compose no very numerous canton. This 
village is situated on a very small river which runs from the east, and has no 
water except in the Spring. On this account we had to walk half a league be- 
fore we could get to our cabins. I was astonished that such a poor situation 
liad been selected, when there are so many good ones. But I was told that the 
Mississippi washed the foot of the village when it was built; that in 3 years it 
had shifted its course half a league farther to the west, and that they were now 
thinking of changing their habitation, which is no great afiair among these In- 
dians. I passed the night with the missionaries, who are two ecclesiastics from 
the Seminary of Quebec, formerly my discii)les, but they nuist now be mj^ mas- 
ters. One of them Avas absent, butl found the other such as he had been rep- 
resented to me, rigid with himself, full of charity to others, and displaying in 
his own person an amiable pattern of virtues. Yesterdaj' I arrived at Ka.'^ias- 
kia about 9 o'clock. The Jesuits here have a very flourishing mission, which 
has latel}'^ been divided into two, it being more convenient to have two cantons 
of Indians instead of one. The most numerous one is on the banks of the Mis- 
sissippi, of which two Jesuits have the spiritual direction. Haifa league be- 
low stands Fort Chartres, about the distance of a musket shot from the river. 
M. de Boisbrant commands here for the company to which the place belongs. 
The French are now beginning to settle the countrj^jetweeu the fort and the 
first mission. Four leagues farther, and about a league from the river, is a 
large village, inhabited bj^ the French, who are almost all Canadians, and have 
a .Jesuit for their curate. The second village of the Illinois lies farther up the 
couutr}', at the distance of two leagues from the last, and is under the charge 
of a fourth Jesuit. 

" The Indians at this place live much at their case. A Fleming, who was a 
domestic of tlie Jesuits, has taught them how to sow wheat, which succeeds 
well. Thejf have swine and black cattle. The Illinois manure their ground 
after their fasiiion, and are very laborious. They likewise bring up poultry 
which they sell to the French. Their women are very neat handed and indus- 
trious. They spin the wool of the buflalo into threads as fine as can be made 
from that of the English sheep. Nay, sometimes it might be taken for sill<. Of 
this the}' manufacture fabrics which are dyed black, j'ellow and red, a tier 
which they are made into robes, which they sew together with the siia \vs of 
the roebuck. They expose these to the sun for the space of three days, and 
Avhen dry, beat them, and without ditficulty draw out white threads of griat 
fineness." 

Besides the collages mentioned above, others sprang up in sub- 
sequent times, as Prairie dn ivoche, situated at the base of a, 
rocky bluff of the Mississippi, 4 miles below Port Chartres, and 
Prairie du Pont, a mile south of Cahokia. Other missions Avere 
also established, and Eomish clergy continued to visit the country, 
and m the absence of civil government, acted not only as spiritual 

*Bancroft. 



112 HISTORY OP ILLINOIS. 

guides, but as temporal rulers of the people. lu those days of 
Jesuit euthusiasui, both the priests and their flocks, iii addition to 
their strong religious feelings, possessed in many instances an integ- 
rity which the most trying temptations were powerless to corrupt. 
It is trueuuich of this enthusiasm was fanaticism, Avhich interpre- 
ted the results of natural law as special interpositions of provi- 
dence; which regarded self-imposed i)hysical pain an act of virtue, 
and construed their tiivial dreams as prophetic of future good or 
evil. These su])erstitions were common to the age, and rather 
added than detracted fiom their moral teachings. Under their 
formative influence, the first French settlements of Illinois were 
deeply ind)ued with a spirit of justice, honesty, charity, and other 
virtues, which enabled them to exist nearly a century Avitliout a 
court of law ; without wars with their Indian neighbors, and up to 
the time of Boisbriant, without a local governnu^nt. The confi- 
dence inspired by the priests, as the ministers of a supi>osed infal- 
lible church, gave tliem ample authority to settle, ^^•ithout the 
tardy proceedings of courts and their attendant costs, all diifer- 
ences which occasionally disturbed the i)eace of the colonists. 
Justice, under these circumstances, was dispensed as in Israel of 
old, by the power of the mind to discriminate between right and 
wrong, rather than by laws whose intricacies and technicalities 
frequently suffer the guilty to go unpunished. Such was tlie res- 
pect for right, and the parental regard which animated the priestly 
judges of this isolated theocracy of the wilderness, it might safely 
challenge comparison with its Hebrew prototype for the religious 
zeal and virtuous conduct manifested by its subjects. 

A Part of Louisiana. — Hitherto the settlements of Illinois and 
those subsequently founded on the Lower IMississippi by D'lber- 
ville and his brother, Bienville, had been separate dependencies of 
Canada. Now they were to be united as one province, under the 
name of Louisiaim, having its capital at Mobile, and in 1711 
Dirou d'Artagnette became the Governor General* It was be- 
lieved that Louisiana presented a rich field for speculation and 
enterprise, and it was determined to place its resources in the 
hands of an individual who had the means and energy to develop 
them. It was thought, too, that the colonists should become self- 
supporting, by procuring from the soil products not oidy for their 
own consumption, but to exchange with France for such articles 
as they could not i)roduce. In conformity A\ith these views, in 
1712, the commerce of the province was granted to Anthony Cro- 
zat, an ofiicer of the royal household, and a merchant of great 
wealth. The king, in his letters patent, after referring to the 
orders he had given to LaSalle to explore the Mississippi, as a 
means of developing the commerce of his American possessions, 
enumerates the monopolies conferred on Crozat : 

"From the iiifbrmation we liave received concerning the situation and dis- 
position of Louisiana, we an? of opinion tliat there ma}' be established therein a 
considerable commerce, of great advantage to France. We can thus obtain 
from the colonists the commodities wliich hitherto we liave brought from other 
countries, and give in exchange for them the manufactured and other products 
of our own kingdom We have resolved, therefore, to grant the commerce of 
Louisiana to the Sieur Anthony Crozat, our counselor and secretary of the 
household and revenue, to whom we entrust the execution of this project. We 

•Monette's Val. of the Miss, and Dillon's Indiana. 



A PART OF LOinSIANA. 113 



permit him to search, open, and dig all mines, veins, minerals, precious stones, 
and pearls, throughout the whole extent of the country, and to transport the 
proceeds thereof into any port of France, during 15 years. And we grant, in 
perpetuity to him, his heirs, and all claiming under him, all the profits, except 
one-fifth, of the gold and silver which he or they shall cause to be exported to 
France We also will that the said Crozat, and those claiming under him, 
sliall forfeit the monopolies herein granted should they foil to prosecute them 
for a period of three years, and that iu such case they shall be fully restored to 
our dominion." * 

Tlie vast region thus farmed out, extended from Canada on the 
north, to the Gulf on the South; and from the Alleghanies on the 
east to the llocky Mountains and tlie Bay of Matagorda on the 
west. " Not a fountahi bubbled " along the suuimit of these gTeat 
mountain barriers that made its way into the Mississippi, that was 
not included in French territory. Crozat entered the vast held of 
liis lab<n-s with euergy, and soon associated Avith him La JMotte 
Cadilac, the royal gover]U)r of Louisiana. He expected to realize 
gTeat ]n-otits from the fur tra<le, but the pi'ospect of boundless 
wealth from the discovery of rich mines of gold au<l silver was the 
talisman that most ein'a|)tured his vision and indiu'edhim to make 
the most lavish exi)enditures of his money. To carry out his plans, 
expeditions were made to the most distant tribes, and posts were 
established on Eedlliver, the Yazoo, high up the AVashita at the 
present town of Momoe, on the Cund)erland river near Nashville, 
and on the Coosa, 400 miles above the mouth of the Alabama, 
where fort Jackson was built 100 years afterward. The search for 
the precious metals has always been a mania affecting" the 
X)ioneers of newly discovered countries, and whether discoveries 
are made or not, it generally retards their permanent growth and 
pro8i)erity. To such an extent were Crozat and his i>iii'tners in- 
tluenced by this shining bubble that they frequently magnified the 
most trivial pros})ects into what tliey regarded Jis realities of the 
greatest value. An instance in wliicli tliey suffered by their cre- 
dulity, and which greatly resembles the im])ositious and decep- 
tions of the present day, occurre<l at Ivaskaskia. Two pieces of 
silver ore, left at this place by a traveler from IMexico, were exhib- 
ited to Cadilac as the produce of mines in Illinois, and so elated 
Mas he by this assurance of success that he linrried up the river, 
only to find it, like all previous prospects, vanisli into ejnpty air. 
But while silver and gold could not be found, large quantities of 
lead and iron ore were discovered in Missouri ; but the great abun- 
dance of these metals in the civilized portions of the globe made 
tbeir presence in the wilds of Louisiana of little consequence. 

Crozat made an attempt to open trade with tlie Spaniards of 
Vera Cruz, but on sending a vessel with a rich caigo thither, it 
was not permitted eitlier to land there or at any other harbor of 
the gulf. The occupation of Louisiana by the French was re- 
garded as an encroachment upon Spanisli territory, and Crozat, 
after three years of fruitless negotiations with the viceroy of JNIex- 
ico, was compelled to abandon the scheme of commercial relations 
Avith the ports of the gulf. Another project w^as to establish 
trade by land with tlie interior Spanish provinces, but in this case 
he also failed, for, after a protracted effort of hve years, his goods 
were seized and confiscated and his agents inq>risoned. Nor had 

•See Dillon's Indiana. 

8 



114 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

the fur trade with the Iiidiaus, another source of anticipated 
wealth, met with success. English emissaries from the Oarolinas 
had been active in their etforts to excite Indian hostilities against 
the French, and wherever practicable, had controlled the fur trade, 
by furnishing goods in exchange at reduced prices. Agriculture, 
the oidy resource of lasting prosperity to the country, had been 
neglected, and Crozat, failing to realize any prolits from his efforts 
in other directions, was unable to meet his liabilities. lie had 
exi>ended 425,000 livres and realized oidy oOO,000, and failing to 
13ay his men, dissatisfaction ensued. Despairing also of being- 
more successful ui the future, in 1717, he petitioned the king to 
have his charter revoked, which was done, and the goveinment 
reverted solely to the officers of the crown. During his connection 
with the province, the growth of the settlements was slow, and 
httle was acomplished for their j)ermanent benefit. The greatest 
l)rosperity they enjoyed grew out of the enterprise of huml)le indi- 
viduals, who had succeeded in establishing a small trade between 
themselves,the natives and some neighboring European settlements. 
But even these small sources of prosx>erity were at length cut oft' by 
the fatal monopolies of the Parisian merchant. The white popu- 
lation of the country had slowly increased, and at the time of his 
departure, that on the Lower Mississippi was estimated at 380, and 
that of Illinois, which then included the settlements of the Wabash, 
320 souls. 

Crozat's partner had died the year previous, and was succeeded 
in his official capacity by Bienville, the former governor. Prior to 
his installation some French hunters and stragglers had located 
in the beautiful country of the J^achez, and difficulties arising be- 
tween them and the Indians, two of the former had beoi murdered. 
Bienville repaired to the tribe in question, and after punishing the 
guilty parties, erected and garrisoned a fort, to x>revent tlie reciu'- 
rence of similar disturbances in the future. It was built on the 
site selected 10 years before by his brother, and was called Rosa- 
lie, the name of the capital he x^roposed to build at the same xdace. 
This was the origin of the xu'esent city of Natchez, the oldest x>er- 
manent settlement in the Mississix>X5i Valley, south of Illinois.* 
With the retirement of Crozat, Bienville was succeeded by L'Ex^i- 
nai, who brought with him 50 emigrants and 3 companies of infan- 
try, to reinforce the garrisons of the different x>osts. 

*It seems that Arkansas Post has never been abandoned since Tonti's men erected 
their cabin there, after his fruitless search for LaSalle's colony, in the spring of 16S6 



Chapter XI. 

1717-1732— ILLINOIS AND LOUISIANA UNDER THE 
COMPANY OF THE WEST. 



Louis XIV. had recieutly died, leaving- a debt contracted by 
wars and extra va<ia nee amounting- to o,0()(),()0(),0()0 livres. He 
was su<'<'eedcd l)y liis grandson, Louis XV, who, bcMiig- then only 
a cltihl live years old. tlie Duke of Orleans was appointed regent. 
In the midst of the tinancial confusion growing- out of the efforts 
of the regent to pay the interest on the o\'er\vhelniing- ])ublic 
debt, John Law presented himself at the French court with a 
scheme for affording relief. He was the son of an Edinburgh 
l>ai!ker, ami shortly after the death of his father, wasted his pat- 
rimony by gandding and extravagant living. For 3 years he 
wandered over Enroi)e, supi>orting- himself by gambling- and 
studying- the principles of tinauce. After perfecting his theory 
he returned to Edinburgh, and published the project of a land 
bank, which the wits of the day ridiculed by calling it a sand 
bank, which would wreck the ship of state. Several years after- 
ward he })resented his plan to the Duke of Savoy, who told hiui 
he was too poor a potentate and his dondnion was too small, for so 
grand a project. He thought, however, that the French people 
would be delighted with a plan so new and plausil)le, and advised 
him to go to France. 

According to his theory of banking, the currency of a country 
is the representative of its mo\ing- wealth, and need not, of itself, 
have an intrinsic value, as in the case of gold and silver, but may 
consist of jiaper or any substance that can be conveniently 
handled. He insisted that the tinancial embarrassnu'ut under 
which France labored, was not the faidt of her rulers, but an in- 
sufticiency of currency, and gave England and Holland as exam- 
ples. The regent, captivated by his views, published an edict in 
1710, authorizing- Law and his brother to establish a bank with a 
capital of (;,U0O,U()O livres, the notes of which should be received 
for taxes, and nuide redeemable in the coin current at the time 
they Avere issued. Three-fourths of the capital consisted of gov- 
ernment secimties, and the remainder in specie, Law declaring 
that a banker deserved death who made issues without means of 
redemption. The government had already, by arbitrarily redu- 
cing the value of its coin, diminished the debt 1,000,0(M),(KK) livres; 
but Law's paper being based on the value of coin at the time 
he made his issues, was Avithout fluctuations, and on this account 
soon commanded a prennum of 15 per cent. The regent Avas as- 
tonished that paper money could thus aid spcn-ic and be at a ])rc- 
mium, while state bonds were at 78 per cent, discount. 

115 



116 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

The banker's influence being- now irie.sistible,iie proposed his 
famous Mississippi scheme, which made him a prominent actor in 
the history of Louisiana and Illinois. The vast resources of Lou- 
isiana still filled the imaginations of French statesmen with 
visions of boundless Avealth. The want of success which had 
hitherto attended the efforts of D'Iber\ille and Crozat, was still 
insufticient to produce in the public mind more sober views. The 
story of its vast mineral deposits was soon revived ; ingots of 
gold, the products of its supposed mines, were exhibited in Paris, 
and the sanguine French court saw in the future of the province 
an empire, with its fruitfid fields, growing cities, busy wharves, 
and exhaustless mines of gold and silver, pouring its precious 
freights into the avenues of French commerce. No sooner, thei-e- 
fore, had Crozat surrendered his charter, than others appeared, 
eager to enter this vast field of adventurous enterprise. Accord- 
ingly, in 1717, an organization was effected under the auspices of 
Law, known at first as the Western Company. Among the piiNi- 
leges conferred on it may be mentioned the right exclusively to 
control the commer(;e of the province for a period of 25 years; to 
make treaties with the Lidians, and wage war against them in 
case of insult; to open and work all mines free of duty; to cast 
cannon ; build ships of war, levy troops and nominate the gov- 
ernors and those who were to commaiul them, after being duly com- 
missioned by the king. To farther encourage the comi)any, he 
promised to give them the protection of his name against foreig'n 
X)owers, i)resented them the vessels, forts, munitions and merchan- 
dise surrendered by Crozat, and, during the continuance of the 
charter, exempted the inhabitants of the iirovince from tax, and 
the company from duty.* 

The stocks of the company consisted of 200,000 shares of 500 
livres each, to be paid in certificates of state indebtedness. Thus 
nearly 1000,000,000 of the most depreciated of the public stocks 
were immediately absorbed, and the government became indebted 
to a company of its own creation, instead of individuals, for this 
amount. By means of Law's bank, the interest on this portion 
of the public debt was promptly paid, and, as the result, it imme- 
diately rose from a great depreciation to a high i)remium. Any 
person, therefore, who had invested 100 livres in state bonds, 
which he could have done at one-third of the value written on 
their face, could now realize their enhanced worth. Large for- 
tunes were thus speedily acquired, though the union of the bank 
with the risks of a commercial company were ominous of its future 
destiny. 

But humanity aboimds in hope, and men, acting in large com- 
binations, gather courage from the increase of their numbers. 
How far their anticipations were realized in the case under con- 
sideration, will appear in the sequel. All France was now infatu- 
ated with the glory of Louisiana, and imagined the opulence 
which it was to acquire in coming ages, already in their grasj). 
Law's bank wrought such wonders, that new privileges were 
conferred on it daily. It was permitted to monopolize the tobacco 
trade, was allowed the sole right to import negroes into the French 
colonies, and the exclusive right of refining gold and silver. Fi- 
nally, in 1717, it was erected into the Eoyal Bank of France, and 

♦Martin's Louisiana. 



law's financial sche^ie. 117 

slioi'tly afterMtud the AVesterii Company merg'ed into tlie C/Oinpaiiy 
of the Indies, and new shaves of its stocks were created and sold 
at immense profits. In addition to the exchisive privileges which 
it already held, it was now liianted the trade of the Indian seas, 
the protits of the royal mint, and the proceeds of farming the 
royal revenne of France. The government, which was absolnte, 
conspired to give the highest range to its credit, and Law, says a 
cotemporary, might have regulated at his ]>leasiire the interest of 
money, the vahie of stocks, and the price of la])or and i>rodnce. A 
specnlatnig frenzy at once pervaded the whole nation. The maxim 
which Law had pr()mnlgated,that the "banker deserved death who 
made issues of paper without means of redemption," was over- 
looked or forgotten. AMdle the affairs of the hank were under 
his control, its issues did not exceed ()(>,(K>(),00() livres, but on be- 
coming the Bank of France, they at once rose to 100,000,000. 
Whether this was the act of Law or the regent, we are not in- 
formed. That ly lent his aid to inundate the whole country with 
paper money, is conceded, and perhaps dazzled by his former suc- 
cess, he was h'ss guarded, and unconscious that an evil day was 
fast approaching. The chancellor, who opposed these extensive 
issues, was dismissed at the instance of Law, iind a tool of the 
regent was appointed in his place. The French ])arlia7nent fore- 
saw the danger a])[)roaching, and remonstrated in vain with the 
regent. Tlie latte]' anindled their decrees, and on their ])roposing' 
that Law, v.iiom they regarded as the cause of the whole evil, 
shoidd bo brouglit to trial, and, if found guilty, be hung at the 
gates of the Palace? of Justice, some of the most prominent officers 
of the parliament were committed to prison. Law, alarmed for 
his safety, Hed to the royal palace, threw himself on tlie protection 
of the regent, and for a time escaped the popular indignation. 

He still devoted himself to the Mississippi scheme, the shares 
of Avhich rose rapidly. In spite of jtarliament, r»0,i)00 new shares 
were added, and its franchises extended. The stock Mas paid iu 
state securities, with oidy 100 livres for 500 of stock. For these 
new shares 300,000 a})plications were made, and Law's house was 
beset from morning till night with eager applicants, and before 
the list of fortunate stockholders could be comjjleted, the public 
impatience rose to a. i)it('h of frenzy. Duk<\s, marqnises and 
counts, with their Avives and daughters, waited for hours in the 
streets before his door, to know the result •, and to prevent being 
jostled by the blebeian crowd, took apartments in the adjacent 
houses, the yeuts of which rose from 100 to iL'OO, and, in some 
instances, to 1000 livres per annum. Induced by golden dreams, 
the demand for shares was so great it was thought best to in- 
crease them 300,000 more, at 500 livres each; and such was the 
eagerness of the people to subscribe, that, had the governnu^nt 
ordered three times that nundier, they would all liave been taken. 

The first attempts of the ;*om})any at colonization in Lonisiana, 
were atten<led with careless prodigality. To entice emigrants 
thither, the rich i)rairies and the most inviting fields were gi-anted 
to com]>anies which sought i)rincipalities in the valley of the 
Mississippi. An extensive prairie in Arkansas, l)oiuided on all 
sides by the sky, was granted to Law, where he designed to plant 
a colony, and he actually ex])endeda half million of li\res Ibrthat 
pnrx)ose. From the representations of the company', New Orleans 



118 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

became famous iu Paris as a beautiful city before the woik of 
cuttiug- dowu the canebrakes, which covered its site, had beeu 
commenced. Kaskaskia, then mostly a cantonment of savages, 
was spoken of as an emporium of the most extensive traftic, and 
as rivaling some of the cities of Europe in refinement, fashion and 
religious culture. In fine, to doubt the wealth of Louisiana was 
to provoke anger. Law was now in tho zenith of his glory, and 
the people in the zenith of their infatuation. The high and the 
low, the rich and the poor, were at once filled with visions of un- 
told weath, and every age, set, rank and condition Avere buying 
and selling stocks. 

The effect of this speculation on the public mind and manners 
was overwhelming. The laxity of public morals, bad eiu)ugh be- 
fore, now became worse, and the pernicioiis love of gandjling dif- 
fused itself through society and bore down all public and nearly 
all private virtue before it. While confidence lasted, an impulse 
was given to trade never before known. Strangers flocked to the 
cax)ital from CAery part of the globe, and its poi)ulation increased 
305,000 souls. Beds were made in kitchens, garrets and even sta- 
bles, for the accommodation of lodgers. Provisions shared the 
general advance, and wages rose in the same proportion. An illu- 
sory policy CAerywhere i)revailed, and so dazzled the eye that none 
could see in the horrizon the daik cloud that announced the ap- 
proaching storm. Law, at the time, was by far, the most influen- 
tial man in the realm, while his wife and daughters were courted 
by the highest nobility and their alliance sought by ducal and 
princely houses. 

Suspicions, however, soon arose; specie was demanded and Law 
became alarmed. The precious metals had all left the kingdom, 
and coin for more than 500 livres was declared an illegal tender. 

[Note. — A cobbler, wbe had a stall near Law's office, g-ained near 200 livres per day by 
letting' it, and finding- stationery for brokers and other clients. A humpbacke'l man, 
who stood in the street, as the story g-oes, gained considerable sums by loaning- his bacls 
as a writing- desk to the eager si)eculators. Law, finding- his residence too small, ex- 
changed it for the Place Vendome. whither the crowd followed him. and the sixieious 
square had the appearance of a public market. Booths were erected for the transac- 
tion of business and the sale of refreshments. The boulevards and public gardens 
were forsaken, and the Place Vendoine became the most fashionable lounge for parties 
of pleasure. The Hotel d'Suson was taken, and its fine g-arden, ornamented with foun- 
tains and statuary, was covered over with tents and p-avilions for the accommodatiou 
of stock jobbers, and each tent heing- let at 500 livres per month, m^de a monthly rev- 
enue of 250,000 livres. Peers, judges and bishops thronged the Hotel de Suson, and 
oflicei'sof the army and navy, ladies of title and fashion, were seen waiting in the 
ante-chamber of Law, to bog a portion of his stock. He was vmable to wait on one- 
tenth part of the applicants, and everj' i^pecies of ing-enuitj' was employed to gain an 
audience. Peers, whose dignity would have been outraged if the regent bad made 
them wait half an hour for an interview, were content to -ivait 6 hours foi*the purpose 
of seeing the wily adventurer. Enorm-us fees were paid to his servants to announce 
their name, and ladies of rank employed the blandishments of their smiles. One lady 
in particular, who had striven in vain many days to see Law, ordered her coachman to 
keep a strict watch, and when he saw him coming, to drive against a post and ujiset her 
carriage. This was successfully accomplished, and Law, who witnessed the apparent 
accident, ran to her assistance. She was led to his house, and as soon as she thought it 
advisable, recovered from her fright, apologized for the intrusion, and confessed the 
stratagem. Law was a gallant, and could no longer refuse, and entered her name on 
his book as the purchaser of some stock. Another lady of i-ank, knowing that Law 
dined at a certain time, proceeded thither in her carriage and gave the alarm of fire, 
and while everybody was scampering awaj\ she made haste to meet him ; but he, sus- 
pecting the trick, ran off in the opposite direction. A celebrated physician in Paris 
had bought stock at an unfavorable time, and was anxious to sell out. While it was 
rapidly falling, and while his mind was filled with the subject, he was called <m to 
attend a lady who thought herself unwell. Doing- shown up stairs, he felt the lady's 
pulse, and, more intentupon his shocks than the patient, exclaimed: "It falls; good 
God ! it falls continually." The lady started, and rina-ing the bell for assistance, said : 
" O, doctor, I am dying-, I am dying; it falls ! " What falls?" inquired the doctor, in 
amazement, "My pul.se. my pulse," said the lady; "I am uying!" "Calm your 
fears, my aear madam," said the doctor, ''I was speaking of the stocks I have been 
so great a loser, and my mind is so disturbed that I hardly know what I am say- 
ing."] 



law's financial SCHEIEE. 119 

A council of state was lield, and it was ascertained tliat 2,600,0(K),- 
000,000 in paper were in ciicnlation, and the Tbank stopped i);vy- 
meut. The ])eople assaidted Law's carriage with stones, and but 
for the dexterity of his coachman, he wouhl liave been torn to 
pieces. On the following- day his wife and daughter were attacked 
as th(\y were returning in their carriage froni the races. The re- 
gent being infornied of these occurrences sent him a guard for his 
Ijrotection. Finding his house, even with a guard, insecure, he 
re]>aii'ed to the palace and took apartments with the regent. Soon 
after\\ ard, leaving the kingdom, his estate and lil)rary were conhs- 
cated,and he died at Vienna in extreme poverty.* 

The lessons to be learned from these wild financial speculations, 
is, that the ex])ansion of currency always gives an impetus to indus- 
try, but when it is based on credits, without nutans of redemption, 
it uuist meet with an o^'erthrow attended with a prostration of 
business greatly overbalancing all temporary advantages. 

We must now recount the ox)erations of the company in Louis- 
iana. On the 25th of August, 1718, its ships, after a 'i)leasant 
voyage entered the port of Mobile, chanting the Te Dexm for their 
safe arrival Ou board the ships was the king's lieutenant, M. 
Boisbriaut, bearing a commission aiuthoriziug Bien^dlle to act as 
governor-general of the province, and 800 immigrants. The gov- 
ernor again conunenced the duties of his oftice, still entertaining 
his i>revious convictions that the capitnl of the i)rovince should be 
removed from the sterile sands of the Gidf coast to the banks of 
the ]Missis,sippi. He reasoned that if established on the fertile 
alluvium or uplands of the great liver, it would become the centre 
of a community (levote'd to agriculture, the only branch of industry 
that <'ould give permaneut groAvth and prosperity to tlie province. 
He therefore selected the site now occupied by jSx^w Orleans for a 
capital, and gave it the name it now bears, in honor of the Eegent 
of Fran<;e. Eight convicts were sent from the prisons of France to 
clear away the coppice which thickly studded the site. Two 
years afterward the royal engineer surveyed the outlets of the 
river and declared that it nu'glit be made a' conimercinl port, and 
in 178^3 it became the ])rovincial and commercial capital of Loins- 
iana. Although M. Hubert, who had charge of the company's 
affairs, reluctantly complied with the advice of Bienville in renu)v- 
ing the depots to the new capital, time has proven the superior 
judgment of the former. From a depot for the commercial trans- 
actions of a single company, it has become the emporium of the 
noblest valley on the face of the globe. 

The delusion that dreamed of silver and gold in Louisiana, and 
which had so largely coiitributed to the ruin of Cro/at, still haunt- 
ed the minds of Ids siu-cessors. Unwilling to ])rofit by his ex])e- 
rience, they cxmcluded that his success was rather the result of liis 
unskillful assayers than the absence of the precious metals, and 
accordingly Phillii) Eenaidt was made diiector-general of the 
mines. He left France in 1719, with L'OO mechanics and laborers, 
and provided with all things necessary to prosecute the business 
of his office. On his way hither he bought oOO negro slaves at 
San Domingo, for working the mines, and on reaching the mouth 
of the Mississippi, sailed to Illinois, where it was sup[)osed gold 
and silver existed in large quantities. He established himself a 

*Couaensed from Bancroft, Brown's lUinois, and M' Kay's Extraordinary Delusions. 



120 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

few miles above Kaskaslda, iu what is now the southwest corner 
of Monroe county, and called the village which he founded Saint 
riiillips. Great expectations prevailed in France at his prospect- 
ive success, but thej- all ended ui disappointment. From this 
point he sent out exploruig parties into ^'arious parts of Illinois, 
which then constituted Upper Louisiana. Search was made for 
minerals along Brewry's creek, in Jackson county; about the St- 
Mary's, in Eandolph county; m Monroe county, along Silver 
creek ; iu St. Clair county, and other parts of Illinois. Silver 
creek took its name from the explorations made on its banks, and 
tradition, very improbably, states that considerable quantities of 
silver were disco^erd here and sent to France. The operations of 
Eenault were at length brought to a close from a cause least ex- 
pected. By the edict of the king tlie Western Company became 
the Company of the Indies, ami tlJe territory was retroceded to the 
crown. The eftbrts of the company had totally failed, and Kenault 
was left to prosecute the business of mininng without means. 

In the meantime atierce war hadbeenraging between France and 
Spain, and their resi)ective colonists in North America presented a 
contuiuous display of warlike pre]iarations. Bienville, with his reg- 
ulars and provincial troops, 400 Indians, and a few armed vessels, 
made a descent on Pensacola and laid it under siege before its 
garrison could be reinforced. After an assault of 5 hours, and a 
determined resistance on the part of the besieged, the Spanish 
connnandant surrendered. The approach of a powerful Spanish 
aruuiment shortly afterward, compelled Bienville to relinquish the 
fort and return to Mobile, wliere he, in turn, was besieged in the 
fort of Dauphin Islaiul. The squadron endeavored, by a furious 
bond»ardment, to reduce the fort, but its commander, finding his 
eftbrts unavailing, after 13 days retired. The war continuing to 
harrass the coast of the gulf, Bienville the following year, with the 
whole available force of the jirovince, again moved against the 
town of Pensacola. After a close investment by sea and land the 
town and fort were carried by storm, and, besides the munitions of 
the latter, 1,800 prisoners fell into the hands of the victors. Sev- 
eral Spanish vessels with rich cargoes, iguorant of the occupation 
of the town by the French, ran into port and ANcre also captured. 
The occupation of the town, as before, was of short duration, for 
Bienville, anticipating the arrival of a Spanish force, blew up the 
fort, burned the town and returned to Mobile. 

But the operations of the war were not confined to the lower 
part of the province. Traders and hunters had discovered a I'oute 
across the western plains, and detachments of Spanish cavalry 
pushed across the great American desert, and were threatening 
Illinois. The INIissouri Indians were at the time hi alliance with 
the French, and the Spaniards planned an exj)edition for the ex- 
termination of this tiibe, that they might afterward destroy the 
settlements of Illinois and replace them with colonists from Mex- 
ico. The expedition for this i)uipose was fitted cmt at Santa Fe, 
and directed to proceed by way of the Osages, to secure their co- 
operation in an attack on the Missouris. Consisting of soldiers, 
priests, families and domestic aninnds, it moved like an inunense 
caravan across the desert, prepaied both to overthrow the French 
colonies and to establish others in their stead. By mistake, their 
guides led them directly to the Missouris instead of the Usages, 



MASSACRE OF FORT ROSALIE. 121 

and as each spoke tlie same languaj^e they believed themselveti in 
the presence of the hitter tribe. Tlie wily savages, ou learning- 
their business, encouraged the misunderstanding, and requested 
two days to assemble their warriors and prei)are for tlie attack. 
More than ISO muskets were put into their hands, and before the 
Simniards found out their mistake the Missouris fell upon them 
and put them indiscriuiiuately to death. The priest alone was 
spared to tell the fate of his unfortunate countrymen. In antici- 
pation of similar difiiculties, Boisbriant was sent to Illinois in 

1720 by the Western Company, to erect a fort on the Mississii»i)i, 
for the protection of the surrounding regions. Thus origiuated 
Fort Chartres, Avliich i)layed such an important part in the subse- 
quent history of Illinois, The fortification was built on the east 
side of the river, 22 miles northwest of Kaskaskia, and was at the 
time the most impregnable fortress in North America. Here the 
AYesteru, compaiiy finally built their warehouses, and when, in 

1721 Louisiana was divided into districts, it became tlie head- 
quarters of Boisbriant, the first local governor of Illinois. The 
7 districts were jS^ew Orleans, Biloxi, Mobile, Alabama, Xatchez, 
IS^atchitochis, and Illinois. 

Soon after the erection of the fort, Cahokia, Prairie du Eoclier, 
and some other villages, received large accessions to tlieir p(»[)ula- 
tions. All the settlements between the rivers ]\Iississippi and 
Kaskaskia became greatly e.vtended and increased in nu'mber, and 
in 1721 the Jesuits estaldished a monastery and college at Kas- 
kaskia. Four years afterward it became an incorporated town, and 
Louis XV granted the inlmbitants a commons, or pasture grounds, 
for their stock. Immigrants raiiidly settled on the fertile lands of 
the American Bottom, and Port Chartres not only became the 
headipiarters of the commandant of Upper Louisiana, but the cen- 
tre of wealth and fashion in the West.* 

In the Autumn of 172(i, Bienville was succeeded by M. Periier. 
The retiring governor had with nuich jiropriety, been called the 
Father of Louisiana, having, with the exception of two short inter- 
missions, been its executive officer for 20 years. Not long after 
the arrival of the new governor, his attention was directed to the 
Chicasaw Indians. His ]>redecesor had observed, in ju-evious years, 
theinsincerity of their frieiidsliii) for the French, and had urged the 
directory of the company to institute some more etfective protection 
for the adjacent settlement. M. Perrier now reiterated its imjiort- 
ance, but his apprehensions were deemed groundless, and nothing 
was done. The Indians were now becoming jealous at the rajiid 
encroachments of the whites, who sometimes punished them harshly 
for the most trivial offense. Under these circumstances the Cliic- 
asaws, Natchez, and otlu^r tribes conceived the design of destroy- 
ing the French, and sent agents to the Illinois to induce them to 
cut off the settlements in their midst. The attack was to commence 
at different places at the same tinie, but from sonu^ unknown cause 
the Natchez were the first to carry the design into execution, 
although the Chicasaws were the first to propose the conspiracy. 
It is said that the number of days to elapse from the new moon to 
the time of the massacre, Avas hidicated by a certain number of 
reeds, bundles-of which were sent to the different tribes. One reed 
was to be drawn daily from each bundle, and the attack was to 

Mouette's Val. of the Miss. 



122 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

coimneuce wheu the last one was drawn. By design, or accident, 
the bundle sent to the Natchez was made smaller than the rest, 
and hence they struck the hrst blow. Indian tradition asserted 
that the plot was kept a profound secret till the fatal day arrived. 
This, according to Natchez computation, was on the 28th of JSTo- 
vember, 1729, at the dawn of which the Great Chief, or Sun, with a 
number of chosen warriors liav ing concealed weapons, lepaired to 
Tort Eosalie. At a preconcerted signal, tlie Avarriors drew their 
weapons, and at a single onset the little garrison slei)t the sleep 
of death. Other parties were distributed throngli the contiguous 
settlements, and when the ascending smoke of tlie burning fort 
was seen, these became the scenes of slaugliter, till the entire . 
white male pox)ulatiou, numbering 700, were destroyed. While 
the massacre was raging, the Great Sun seated himself in the spa- 
cious wareliouse of the company, and with the greatest apparent 
unconcern, smoked his pipe as his warriors piled up the-heads of 
the garrison in the form of a pyramid near by, whose apex was 
the liead of tlie commandant. When the warriors informed him 
that the last Frenchman ceased to live, he ordered the pillage to 
commence. The negro slaves were ordered to bring in the spoils 
for distribution, but the military stores were reserved for future 
use. As long as the ardent spirit lasted, day and night alike [)re- 
sented a continued scene of savage triumphs and drunken revelry. 
The settleineuts on tlie Yazoo and other places, met witli a similar 
fate,- but those within the present limits of Illinois, owing to the 
loyalty and friendship of the prairie tribes, remained unharmed. 
As soon as the massacre became known, M. IVrrier dispatched 
vessels to France for troojis and military supplies, and couriers 
were sent to Port Chartres and other posts, urging upon the s<n"- 
eral commandants the necessity of preparation to co-operate with 
him against the common enemy. Agents were also sent to llie 
Choctaws and other Indians in alliance with the French, for fur- 
tlier assistance. The goAeruor immediately got ready to march to 
the scene of disaster with the tioops in the soutliein i)art of the 
province; but the negroes, numbering some 2,000, betrayed 
symptoms of revolt, and he was detained to watch the intended 
insurrection. In the meantime, the Choctaws, who had committed 
no overt act of hostility, liad been visited by one of the company's 
agents, and induced to furnish 000 wairiors. At Pearl river he 
received an accession of 000 more, and with this formidable body 
of warriors he moved forward and encamped near the enemy, to 
await the arrival of other forces. It was, however, soon ascer- 
tained that the Natchez, unsusiiieious of (langei-, were spending 
their time in idle carousals, and the Clioctaws rushed on them 
unexpectedly, and after a brief conflict, returned with 00 scalps. 
Not long afterward French troops arriAcd, comi»leted the victory, 
and liberated the women and children. Tbe larger part of the 
tribe, led by their Great Sun, tied ;) cross the Mississii)pi and for- 
tihed themselves on Black river. Thither they were followed by 
troops from France and the prinpciiil settlements of the province, 
and in two successful battles were completely cut to pieces. The 
Great Sun and 400 warriors were captured and taken to New Or- 
leans, and thence to San Domingo, and sold as slaves. Thus per- 
ished this powerful tribe, and with them their mysterious worship 
of the sun and bloody rites of sepulture. No tribe was, perhaps, 



CHARTER SURRENDEEED. 123 



more disting'tiislied for refiiiciiient, iiitelligenee, courui^e and cou- 
te!ni)t of death, in fij;litin,a- for their rights an<l (;()nntry. 

Tlie great exi)enditnres in proseeuting th(^ Natclu'z ^var, the conse- 
quent loss of trade ^^■ith other tribes, and the tiiianeial embarrass- 
ments incident to Law's failure, induced the company to ask for a 
surrender of tlieir charter. The king readily granted their petition, 
and on the 10th of Ai)ril, 17o2, issued a proclamation (jeclaring- 
Louisiana free to all his subjects, witli eijual privileges as to com- 
merce and other interests. The liyears the company had possessiim 
of the country, notwithstauding the many adverse circumstances, 
was a period of comparafive x>i't>spcrity. When it assumed con- 
trol, the number of slaves was 20; now it was 2,000. Then the 
entire white i)oi)uhition was 7(K); now r),({00, ainoug which 
were uiany persons of worth, intelligence and enteri)rise. The 
extravagant hoj)es entertained respecting tlie precious metals, had 
not been realized, but the search for them had attracted popula- 
tion, which had now made such i)rogress in agriculture as to be 
self-sustaining. Illinois, at this time, contained many tiourishing 
settlements, more exclusively devoted to agri(;ulture than those in 
other parts of the i)rovince. All industrial enteri)rises, however, 
were, to a great extent, paralyzed by the arbitrary exactions of 
the company. The agriculturists, the miners and the fur traders 
of Illinois were held in a sort of vassalage, which enabled those in 
]>ower to dictate the ])]'ice at which they should sell their produ(,'ts, 
and the amount they should i^ay them for imported merchandise. 
Tlie interest of the com])a,ny was ah^'ays at variance with that of 
the i)ro(lucer, and it would have been difficult to devise a state of 
affairs so injurious to both parties, and so detrimental to the pros- 
perity of Illinois and other parts of Louisiana. 



Chapter XII. 

1732-59— ILLMOIS AND LOUISIANA UNDER THE EOYAL 

GOVERNOES. 



When the Company of the Indies gave up their charter, the gov- 
ernment of France resumed the administration of public affairs. 
M. Perrier remained govern or- general, and M. d'Artaguette became 
local governor of Illinois. Tiie connnon law of Paris had previously 
been adopted as the code of Louisiana, but had never been formally 
extended over Illinois. The ecclesiastical affairs were under the 
superintendence of the vicar-general of New Orleans, as a part of 
the diocese of the bishop of Quebec. One of the principal objects 
of the governor was, to establish his authority over the dift'erent 
Indian tribes inhabiting the country under liis command. The 
Chicasaws, instigated by English colonists, had made intercourse 
between Illinois and New Orleans so hazardous that commerce 
was virtually suspended, and the settlers kept in a constant state 
of iilarm. Such was the animosity and activity of this tribe, it also 
sent se<^ret envoys to the Illinois, for the purpose of debauching the 
time lionorea affection which had existed between them and their 
French neighbors, and inducing them to destroy the latter. These 
tawny sons of the prairies, however, refused to desert their friends, 
and sent an envoy to New Orleans to offer their serN'ices to the 
governor. Said this deputy to that functiDnary : " This is the })ipe 
of peace or war ; you have but to speak and our braves will strike 
the nations that are your foes. "* It was now iie(;essary to reduce 
the Chicasaws, to estabhsh communication between the northern 
and southern portions of the province, and to sa\'e the eastern i)or- 
tionfrom the intrigues of emissaries, sent out among the Indian.sb}^ 
the English colonies on the Atlantic. An oflicer was, therefore, 
dispatched to Fort Chartres, in 173(), directing 1^'^U-taguette to get 
in readiness the French forces under his connnand, and such Indians 
of Illinois as he could induce to unite with him in the war. It was 
arranged that D'Artaguette should descend the Mississippi to some 
suitable point of debarkation, and then cross to the country on the 
head waters of the Talahatchee, where the enemy's stionghold was 
situated. 

In the meantime Bienville, who had again been commissioned 
by the king as governor-general, with the forces of southern Louis- 
iana, was to ascend the Tombigbee to the continence of its t^^'0 
principal tributaries, and marching thence by land, effect a junc- 
tion with the forces fr^m the north. Early in the si)ring, LienAille 
moved with his forces from New Orleans to Mobile, and then(;e to 

*Bancr.jfc. 

124 



INDIAN HOSTILITIES. 125 



the point designated, where a fort had i^reviously been ereeted to 
serve as a depot of sui)pUes. Here, by offering rewards for scalps 
and making presents of merchandise, he drew together the large 
force of 1200 Choctaws. After disembarking the artillery and 
placing it in the fort, the solitnde of the i)rimitive forests and 
blooming prairies was broken by the tread of the forces moving in 
the direction of the enemy.* On tlie 2oth of May, they arrived 
witliin 3 miles of the Chicasaw village, bnt several days behind the 
time fixed for meeting the northern forces ; a delay, which, as the 
seqnel will show, proved fatal. The village was 27 miles from the 
fort, and within a few miles of I'ontotoc, JNlississippi, which still 
per])etnates the name of the Indian stronghold, and l)ecame famons 
as a point in Grierson's great raid in the war of the rebellion. 
Before daylight, the next morning, the impatient and nngovern- 
able Choctaws moved against the log citadel of the enemy, expect- 
ing to take its occnpants by snrprise. On the contrary, theyfonnd 
the garrison on the alert, and the fort a skillfully constructed 
fortitication, erected under the sui)ervison of English traders. 
Twice during the day, Bienville attempted to carry tlie works by 
vigorous attacks, bnt was rei)ulsed with a loss of 05 wounded, 
and 32 killed ; the latter embracing 4 officers of rank. The lV)llow- 
ing day, some skirmishing occurred between the Choctaws and the 
enemy, without any decisive resnlts, when Bienville, mortified at 
his defeat, and believing his OAvn fcn'ces too inconsiderable for the 
reduction of such formidable works without the co-operation ofthe 
northern forces, of which he had heard nothing, concluded to aban- 
don the enterprise. He accordingly dismissed his red auxiliaries, 
made a retrograde march to the fort on theTombigbee,ingloriously 
threw his cannon into the river, and returned to jSTew Orleans, 
covered with defeat and shame. 

Prior to the intlicting of this disgrace npon the French arms, 
the gallant D'Artaguette, accompanied by DeVincennes and Father 
Lenat, had led his army of 50 Frenchmen and more than 1000 
red warriors, from the prairies of the north to the Yalabusha. 
Here, at the appointed puree of rendezvous, he waited for 10 days 
the arrival of the commander-in-chief, ready to co-operate with him 
in maintaining the jurisdiction and honor of France. The failure 
ofthe latter, however, to arrive in time, prevented the junction of 
the two armies, and thus defeated the campaign. On tlie 20th of 
May, his rash Indian confederates, Avho had the courage to strike 
a blow, bnt lacked the calculation and patience to wait the proper 
tinie, compelled him to commence offensive operations. Having 
skillfully arranged his forces, with great daring and impetuosity he 
drove the Chicasaws from two fortifications, and in the assault on 
the third was disabled in the moment of victory. Dismayed at the 
loss of their leader, the Indians fled precipitately, closely pursued a 
distance of 125 miles by the enemy in the flush of unexpected victory, 
while D'Artaguette and some of liis brave comrades lay weltering in 
their gore, attendedby Lenat, who, mindful only ofthe assistan(;e he 
might render the suffering, refused to fly. Vincennes, too, whose 
name is perpetuated by the city ofthe AVabash, chose also to remain 
and share the captivity of his leader. The wounds of the prisoners 
were staunched, and at first they were treated with greatkindness 
by their captors, who expected to get a large reward from IMen- 

*Bancroft. 



126 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

ville for their safe return. When, ho we ver, they heard of his discom- 
fiture and withdrawal, they dispaired of receiving- a ransom for the 
prisoners and projtosed to malie tliem victims of a savage triumph. 
For this purpose they were borne to a neighboring field, bound to 
stakes, and tortured before slow and intermitting fires till death 
mercifully released them from their sufferings. Thus perished 
the faithful Lenat, the young and intrepid U'Aitaguette, and the 
heroic Yincouies, whose names will endure as long' as the Illinois 
and Wabasli sJiall flow by the dwellings of civilized men. 

The (Jhickasaws, elated by victory, sent a deputation to an- 
nounce their success and the torments inflicted on their captives 
to the English colonists, witli whom they Avere now in symi)atby. 
Bienville, on the other hand, chagrined at the result of the 
campaign, determined to retrieve his honor and the glory 
of France by a second, invasion. The ai)i)robation of the IVIinister 
having been obtained, toward the close of the year 1730 he com- 
menced i)utting in operation his plans for the reduction of the 
fierce antagonists who had before so successfully defied him. The 
signal for preparation was given to the commandants of the dif 
derent posts, which resulted in efi'orts far transcending in military 
display anything before seen in the provinces. A fort was erected 
at the mouth of the St. Francis, which served as a place of 
rendezvous, and afterward of departure for the grand army 
eastward, to the country of the enemy. The force from Illinois, 
consisting of 200 French and 300 Indians, was commanded by La 
Buissoniere, who had succeeded the lamented I)' Artaguette as 
commandant at Ft. Chartres. These, with the forces from other 
posts, amounted to 1200 Europeans and 500 Indians and negroes. 
The whole, under the command of Bienville, was soon nujved to 
the mouth of Wolf river, where it was delayed in the erection of 
a second fort, in which to deposit their military stores, and care 
for the sick. Before the fort, which bore the name of Assump- 
tion, was completed, malarious fevers so fatal to I^^uropean consti- 
tutions, had seriously disal)led the army. Hardly had the early 
frosts of winter abated the disease, when famine, a more formida- 
ble enemy, threatened them A\dth annihilation. Supplies could 
only be obtained at Ft. Chartres and New Orleans, and hence the 
consummation of the campaign was necessarily postponed till the 
following spring. Spring came, but such had been the debilita- 
ting effects of the winter and the want of wholesome food, that 
only 200 men were now fit for duty. Undeterred, however, by the 
want of numbers, M. Celeron, a lieutenant of La Buissoniere, bold- 
ly set out to meet the Chicasaws, who, suiiiiosingthe whole French 
army was behind him, sued for peace. Celeron, taking advantage 
of tlie mistake, obtained from them a declaration that they would 
renounce the English and resume X)eaceable relations with the 
French. To confirm their statements, a deputation of chiefs ac- 
companied them to Ft. Assumption and entered into a treaty of 
peace with Bienville, which was ratified Avith the customary- In- 
dian ceremonies and festivities. The army now returned to the 
fort on the St. Francis, Avhere Bienville disbanded it, and " again 
ingloriously floated down tlie ri\'er to New Orleans."* This was 
the end of the second campaign against the Chicasaws, Avhereiu 
Bienville not only failed to retrieA'e his tarnished mihtary fame, 

tMonette's Val.of the Miss. 



MANNERS AND CUSTOMS. 127 

but incurred tlie displeasure of liis sovereiiin. Two armies bad 
been sacrificed in an attempt to mete out to the Chicasaws the 
fate tluit liad befaUen the Natchez; but like their ancestors, who 
200 years before liad encoinitered the steel-clad chivalry of Deso- 
to, they still remained intact. With the close of these disastrous 
expeditions teiniinated the gubernatorial career of Bienxille, 
which, with slight interrui)tions, had extended thrcmgh a period 
of 40 years. Age had cooled down the ardor and eneigy of his 
maidiood's prime, and the lionois won in previous years were now 
obscured in a cloud of disap])r(»bation and censure. 

Retiring from office, he was succeeded by the Marquis de Yan- 
dreuil, who subsecjuently became Governor of Canada. After the 
establishment of amicable relations with the Chicasaws, the na- 
tive tribes throughout the valley of the Mississippi sidjmitted to 
the dominion of France and became her allies. A commercial in- 
tercourse ^^ ith them succeeded, and agriculture, now freed from 
company monopobes, rapidly sprang into new life. Sugar cane 
was brought from San Domingo, and the first attempt at its culti- 
vation proving successful, it has sinca become the great staple of 
the present state of Louisiana. Cotton was introduced and suc- 
cessfully cultivated as far north as Illinois. A gin was subse- 
quently invented by M. Dubreuil, and though imjx'rfoct compared 
with Whitney's of the present day, it greatly facilitated the oper- 
ation of separating the fibre frojii the seed and thus gave a new 
im[)etus to the cultivation of the plant. The fig tree, the orange, 
and the lemon, began to bloom abont the houses of the colonists 
on the Lower Mississipi>i and supply them with delicious fruit, 
wiiile the sweet potato, extending over a broader range of latitude, 
contributed largely to the sustenance of both the northern and 
southern parts of the provhice. Every arrival from France aug- 
mented the population of the rapidly extending settlements. 
Many Canadians, retiring from the rigor of their winters, sought 
homes in the comijaratively mild climate of Illinois and the regiou 
of the Wabash. Under the stinndus of indi^•idual enterprise the 
conunerce between the northern ami southern parts of the pro- 
vince, and between New Orleans and foreign countries, was great- 
ly extended. Eegular cargoes of pork, flour, bacon, tallow, hides 
and leather were annually transported in barges from Illinois to 
New Orleans and Mobile, and thence shipped to France and the 
West Indies. In exchange were brought back rice, indigo, sugar 
and European fabrics. The two extremes of Louisiana were mu- 
tually dependent, and by means of the jMississip|)i and its hun- 
dred tributaries, natnrally supplied each others wants. The 
decade connnencing with 1740 and closing with 1750 was one of 
unusual prosperity. 

Manners and Customs of the French. — Unbke the English and 
other Europeans, who usually lived in sparse settlements, the 
French fixed their abode in compact tillages. These were gen- 
erally built on the banks of some pure stream of water, contign- 
ous to timber and prairie, the one furnishing them fnel and the 
other with ground for tillage. The construction of the dwellings 
"was of ai)rimitive character. The frame work consisted of posts 
planted in the earth three or four feet deep and strongly bound 
together by horizontal cross-ties. The interstices thus formed 
were filled with mortar, intermixed with straw or Spanish moss, to 



128 HISTOE-Y OP ILLINOIS. 

give it teiiacitj. The surface of tbe walls, botli internal and ex- 
ternal, were washed with white lime, wliieh imparted to the build- 
ings an air of cleanliness and domestic comfort. Most of the 
dwellings were surrounded by piazzas, on which the inmates found 
a pleasant retreat to while away in social converse the sultry sum- 
mer evenings. Destitute of inachine^-- for cutting their trees into 
boards, they split theni into slabs, w h were used for Hooring, 
doors and other purposes, while as a suDstitute for shingl«\s they 
thatched their buildings with straw. Although having the great- 
est amplitude for wide streets, they generally made them so nar- 
row that the merry villagers liWng ou o})posite sides could carry 
on their sprightly conversations each from his own balcony. Even 
in detached settlements the social turn of the i)eople induced 
them to group their dwellings as closely together as possible. 
Each settlement had its ])atriarchal homestead, which generidly 
stood in a spacious enclosure, ami was occupied by the oldest 
member of the family. Around this sprung up a cluster of cotta- 
ges, the residence of each child and grand child as it nmrried and 
became the head of a family. Not unfrequently the aged i)atii- 
arch became the centre of a dozen growiug families of his own 
lineage and embracing 3 or 4 generations. 

Common Field. — A duty imposed \i\)on the cornnmndant of each 
village was to reserve a tract of land for a common held, in m hich 
all the inhabitants were interested. To each villager was assigned 
a i)ortion of the field, the size of which was }>roportioned accord- 
ing to the extent of his fauiily. Lands thus api)ortioned were 
subject to the regulations of the villages, and when the party in 
possession became negligent so as to endanger the common inter- 
est he forfeited his claim. The time of plowing, sowing and har- 
vesting, and other agricultural operations, was subject to the 
enactment of the village seimte. Even the form and arrangement 
of enclosures surrounding the dwellings and other buildings were 
the subject of special enactments, and were arranged with a 
view to protection against the Indians, should an exigency occur 
luaking it necessary. 

Co/M wows.— Besides the common iield, which was designed for 
tillage, there was a common which was free to all the villagers for 
the pasture of their stock ami the supply of fuel. As accessions 
were nuide to the families of the community, either by marriage 
or the arrival of strangers, portions of land were taken fiom the 
common and added to the common tield for their benefit. 

I)Uvrcoarse with the Indians. — Owing to their amiable disposi- 
tions and the tact of ingratiating themselves with the tribes that 
surrounded them, the French aluiost entirely escaped the broils 
which weakened and destroyed other colonies less favored with 
this trait of character. Whether exploring remote rivers or tra- 
versing hunting grounds in piu-suit of game; in the social circle or 
as participants in the religious exercises of tlie church, the red 
men became their associates and were treated with the kindness 
and consideration of brothers. Like the Quakers guided by the 
example of Penn, they kept up a mutual interchange of friendly 
offices with their red neighboi's, and such was the community of 
interests, the feeling of dependence and social equality, that inter- 
marriages frequently occiuTed, thus more closely uniting them in 



INTERCOURSE AVITH INDIANS. 129 

the bonds of peace. Peiiii and his follo\s'ers for many years li\-ed 
in nidji'oken peace with their brethren of tlie forest, but that es- 
tablislied ])y these i)ione(H's of Illinois Avas never interrnpted and 
for more than a hnnih-ed years the country enjoyed tlie beni,!4n in- 
fluence of peace; and when at lenj^th it terminated, it was not tlie 
conciHatory Frenclinian, but the blunt and sturdy Aii,i;lo-Sa.\ou 
wlio supplanted him that f)^ made the victim of sa\'a<;'e xcn- 
geance. * 

Tlie calm aiid(puet tenor of their lives, remote from the bustle 
and harrassin.i;' cares of civilization, im])artcd a- serenity to their 
liA'cs rarely witnesst'd in commuidties where the acquisition of 
wealth and honor are suffered to exchuh^ the better fe(>lini;'s of 
human luiture. Lands of unequaled fertility, and the still more 
prolitic waters and the chase suj»i)lied almost unsolicited the wants 
of life and largely contributed to the hght hearted gaiety of the 
people. With ami)le leisure and free irom corroding cares, tlicy 
engaged in their various anuisenu'nts with more than ordinary 
pk^asure. rrominent ajiiong their diversions was the light fantas- 
tic dance of the young'. At this gay and innocent diversion could 
be seen the vilhige priest and the aged patriarch and his com- 
panion, whose eyes beamed with delight at beholding the liarndess 
mirth of tlu'ir children. When ]>arties assembled for this pui'])ose 
it was customary to choose the older and more discreet i)ersons to 
secure pro])er decorum during the entertaiiunent and see that all 
bad an opportunity to participate in its pleasure. Frequently, 
on these occasions, fathers and mothers Avhose youthful enthu- 
siasm time had mellowc<l down to sober enjoyments again became 
young and partici]tated in the nuizy evolutions of the dance. 
EveJi the slave, ind>ibing the spirit of the gay assendtlage, was 
debghted because his master was hai)])y, and the latter in turn 
was pleased at the c))joynu'nt of the slave. Whenever the old, 
who were authority in s.ich cases, decided that the entertainment 
had been i)rotracted sufticiently long, it was brought to a close; 
and thus the excesses which so frequently attend parties of this 
kind at the i)resent day were avoided. 

At the close of each year it was an unvarying and time-honored 
custom among them for the young men to disguise themselves 
in old clothes, visit the several houses of the village, and engage in 
friendly dances with the innmtes. This was understood as an 
invitation for the members of the family to meet in a general ball, 
to dance the old year out and the new year in. Large crowds 
assembling on these occasions, and takingwith them refreshments, 

[•Says Hall in his Sketches of the West: "We have heard of an occasion on which 
this reciprocal kindness was very strongly shown. Many years ago a murder having 
been committed in some broil, three Indian voting men were given iij) by the Kaskas- 
kias to the civil authorities of the newly established American government. The pop- 
ulation of Kaskaskia was still entirely French, who It- It much sympathy lor their Indian 
friends, and saw these hard proceedingsof the law with great <iissntisl'action. The la- 
dies, iiaiticuiarly, took a warm interest in the late of the young aborigines, and deter- 
mined if they must die, they should at least be converted to chiistianiiy in the mean- 
while, and be baptized in the true church. Accordingly, after due preparation, 
arrangements were made for a public baptism of the neophites in the old cathcdi-al of 
the village. Each of the youths wasadopted by a lady who gave him a name and was to 
stand godmother in the ceremony, and the lady patronesses with their respective 
friends were busily engaged forsome time inprepaiing dicoi ations for the lesti\ ities. 
There was quite a sensation in the village. Never were thice young men brouj-lit into 
notoriety more suddenly or more decidedly. The ladies talked of nothing else and all 
the needles in the village were emploved in f'C preparation of tinery for the occasion. 
Previous to the evening of hanging, the aboriginals gave the .iailer the slip mid es- 
caped, aided most probably by the ladies, who had planned the whole affair with a view- 
to thisend. Thelawisnot vindictive in new communities. The danger soon blew 
over: the young men again appeared in public and evinced their gratitude to their 
benefactors.] 

9 



130 HISTORY OF LLLINOIS. 

with good clieer and merry dauce beguiled the flying hours till the 
clock ou the mautle chimed the advent of the new born year. 
Another custom was, on the 0th of January, to choose by lot 4 kings, 
each of whom selected for himself a queen, after which the parties 
thus selected proceeded to make arrangements for an entertain- 
ment styled, in the parlance of the times, a king-ball. Toward the 
close of the first dance, the old queens selected new kings whom 
they kissed as the formality of introduction into oftice. lu a simi- 
lar manner, the newly selected kings chose new queens, and the 
lively and mirthful dauce continued during the carnival, or the 
week precedmg Lent. The numerous festivals of the Catholic 
church strongly tended to awaken and develope the social and 
friendly intercourse of the people. 

All were Catholics and revered the pope as the vicegerent of 
God, and respected their priests as spiritual guides and friendly 
counselors in the secular affaus of life. Mostly without schools 
or learning, the priest was the oracle in science and religion, and 
their enunciations on these subjects were received with an uuijues- 
tioning faith as true. Ignorant of creeds and logical disputations, 
their religion consisted, in the nmin, of gratitude to God and love 
for Jiiankind — (pialities by far more frequently foiuid in the unpre- 
tending walks of life than in the glare of wealth and power. 

As tlie result of these virtues, children were loving and obedient, 
husbands and wives kind and affectionate. The latter had the 
undivided control of domestic matters ; and as a further tribute to 
her moral worth, she was the chief umpire in cases of social ecjuity 
and propriety. None more than she, whose intuition could pene- 
trate at a glance the most subtle casuistry, was better qualified to 
detect and enforce it in a gentle and imi>artial manner. The peo- 
ple attended church in the morning, after which they collected and 
spent the remainder of the day in social intercourse and innocent 
pastimes. To the more sedate Protestant, such aniusements ou 
the Sabbath, seem unreasonable 5 but the French inhabitants of 
the country, in these early times, regarded them as a part of their 
religion, and conducted them with the utmost propriety. If ques- 
tioned as to their gaiety on the Sabbath, they replied, that man was 
made for happiness, aiul the more he enjoyed the innocent pleas- 
ures of life the moie acceptable he rendered himself to his crea- 
tor. They contended that those who, on the Sabbath, rei)ressed 
the expression of joyous feelings under the guise of sanctity, were 
the persons ready to cheat their neighbors duiing the remainder 
of the week. Such, were the religious sentiments of a- people prone 
to hosi)itality, urbanity of manners, and innocent recreation; who 
presented their daily orisons to the throne of grace with as much 
confidence of receiving a blessing, as that enjoyed by his most 
devout Puritan brother. 

The costume of the Illinois French, like their manners and cus- 
toms, was simple and peculiar. Too poor, and t'^»o remote to obtain 
finer fabrics, the men, during the summer, wore pantaloons made 
of coarse blue cloth, which, during winter, was sui)planted by 
buckskin. Over their shirts and long vests, a flannel cloak was 
worn, to the collar of which a hood was attached, which, in cold 
weather, was <lrawn over the head, but in warm weather it fell 
back on the shoulders after the nninner of a cape. Among voy- 
agers and hunters, the head was more frequently covered with a 



COSTUIMES Aa;D occupations. 131 

blue liandkercliief fol(le<l in tlie form of a tiubaii. In the sanic 
manner, but ta.stefully trimmed witli ril)bons, was formed thefaney 
bead dress which the women wore at balls and otlier festive occa- 
sions. The dress of the matron, though plain and of the antique 
short-waist, was frequently varied in its minor details to suit the 
diversities of taste. Both sexes wore moccasins which, on public 
occasions, were variously decorated with shells, beads, and ribbons, 
giving them a tasty and picturesque appearance. 

No nu^chanical vocation as a means of earning- a livelihood, was 
known. The principal occvq>ation was agriculture, which, owing 
to the extreme fertility of the soil, produced the most numilicent 
Imrvests. Young' men of enterprise, anxious to see the Avorld and 
to distinguish themselves, became voyagers, hunters, and agents 
of fur comi)anies, and in disclmrging- their duties, visited the remote 
sour(;esof the Missouri, jMississij>])i, ;uh1 their tributaries. After 
months of absence, s])entin this adventurous employnuMitamong'the 
most distant savage nations of the wilderness, they would retui-n to 
their native villages, laden with furs and peltries. These articles 
for a long time constituted the only medium of exchange, and the 
means whereby they procured guns, amnnuiition, and other impor- 
tant requisites of their primitive life. The re-union with their friends 
was signalized by the dance, the most important requisite of hos])i- 
tality, gaiety and happiness. The whole village would assemble on 
these occasions to see the renowed voyagers, a]id hear then^^ recount 
the stnmge sights and the adventures which they had encountered. 

No regular court was held in the country for more than a. hun- 
dred years, or till its occuinition by the English, evidencing that a 
virtuous and honest community can live in peace and harmony 
without the serious infraction of law. The governor, aided by the 
friendly advice of the commandants and priests of the villages, 
either pi'evented the existence of controversies, or settled them 
when they arose, without a resort to litigation. Althongh these 
civil functionaries were clothed with abscjlnte power, such was the 
l)aternal nmnnerin which it was exercised, it is said, that the "rod 
of domination fell on them so lightly ;is to hardly be felt.'' When, 
in ITG"), the country passed into the possession of the English, 
many of them, rather than submit to a change in the institutions 
to which they were accustomed and attached, preferred to leave 
their fields and homes, and seek a new abode on the west side of 
the Mississippi, still sui)posed to be under thedojninion of France. 
Upon the reception of assurances, however, from Great Britain, 
that they should be protected in their property and religion, many 
of them remained. Those who had removed to the west side of 
the river enjoyed but a brief interval of i)eace. Intelligence was 
received that France had ceded all western and southern Louisiana 
to S]>ain, and altliough Spanish authority was not extended over 
the territory for a peiiod of five years, it was a period of uncer- 
tainty and anxiety. The Spanish govennnent, like that of France, 
was mild and parental. Every indulgence was extended to her 
new subjects, aiul for thirty years they continued to enjoy their 
ancient customs and religion. The next inroads upon their anti- 
quated habits was the advance of the Americans to the ^lissis- 
sippi, in the region of Illinois. The luiwelcome news was received 
that all Louisiana was ceded to the United States and a new sys- 
tem of jiulsprudence was to be extended over them. Previous to 



132 HISTOEY OF ILLINOIS. 

tliis cession they Lad to a great extent become reconciled and 
attached to Spanisli rule, but when the uew regime ^yas extended 
over them, totally at a loss to comprehend the workings of repub- 
licanism, they asked to be relieved of the intolerable burden of 
self-government. 

Thus, in the heart of the continent, more than a thousand miles 
from either ocean, in a region styled by La Salle a territorial x>ara- 
dise, tlouiished these interesting communities, in the enjoyment 
of peace, contentment and happiness. It was, however, of a pas- 
sive character, wanting in that intensity of enjoyment which flows 
from fully developed i^owers and an energetic and progressive 
mode of life. The faculties of both uiiiul and body languish with- 
out labor, and that may be considered the normal condition of the 
race which brings into healthy play all the diversified springs of 
action and thought which make up the wonderful machinery of 
man. Without effort and useful industry he is the creature of 
languid enjoyments, and a stranger to the highly wrought sensi- 
bility and the exquisite delights lesulting from cultured mental 
and physical powers. Furthermore, without enterprise, the vast 
material forces which slumber in the crust of the earth, and its 
mantle of exhuberant soil, cannot be made available. While 
there was peace and contentment on the baidcs of the Illinois, the 
Wabash, and the Upper Mississippi, it was reserved for a different 
race to develop the vast coal fields and exhaustless soil of this 
favored region, and cause their life sustaining products to pulsate 
through the great commercial arteries of the continent. While this 
simple, virtuous and happy i^eople, dwelt in the granary of ISTortb 
America almost unconscious of its vast resources, there was cling- 
ing to the inhospitable shores of the Atlantic an intelligent and 
sinewy race, wdiich was destined to sweep over and occupy their 
fruitful lands as the floods of the great river overwhelms and 
imports fertility to its banks. Only a few remnants of them have 
escaped the inflowing tide of American population, who still retain 
to a great extent the ancient habits and customs of their fathers. 
With their decline came the do^\aifall of their tawny allies of the 
forest, and a new direction was given to American history. 
France, could she have remained supreme, with her far reaching* 
and adventurous genius, aided by Jesuit enterprise, would perhaps 
have partially civilized the savages and thus have arrested their 
destructioji. Populations would have si^rung up in the basins of 
the Great Lakes, and in the Valley of the JVIississippi, under the 
impress of a feudal monarchy, and controlled by a hierarchy of 
priests hostile to freedom of thought. The progress of civil and 
religious liberty would have been temporarily but not permanently 
suspended. The present free institutions of America would have 
been delayed till the shifting phases of luitioiml life furnished new 
opjiiortunities for exi)eriment and improvement. 

[Many curious anecdotes might l)e still picked up in relation to these early settlers, 
especially in Illinois and Missouri, where the Spanish, French, English and Americans, 
have had sway in rapid succession. At one time the French had possession of one side 
of the Mississippi river and the Spaniards the other; and a story is told of a Spaniard 
living on one shore, who, having a creditor residing on the other, seized a child, the 
daughter of thelatter, and having borne her across the river which formed the national 
boundary, held her a hostage for the payment of the debt. The civil authorities de- 
clined Interfering, and the military did not think the matter of sufficient importance to 
create a national war, and the Frenchman had to redeem the daughter by discharging 
his creditor's demand. The lady who was thus abducted was still living a few years 
ago near Cahokia, the mother of a numerous progeny of American French.] 



.JEALOUSIES AND ANIMOSITIES. 



Ill the year 1750 LaBiiissouier, governor of Illinois, was siiceeeded 
by ClievalierMaearty. The peaee which ha<lgiveii such nne.\aui[)le<l 
prosi)erity to Louisiana, was soon to be broken by the (ilaiigor and 
discord of war. Already, in the controversy between France and 
England in regard to their I'espective possessions, could be heard 
the flrst throes of the revolution which gave a new master an<l new 
institutions not only to Illinois, but to the whole continent. France 
clainied the whole valley of the Mississippi, which her missionaries 
and [)ioneers had explored and partially settled, and England the 
right to extend her possessions on the cVtlantic indefinitely west 
ward. The jealousies and animosities of the })arent countries soon 
crossed the Atlantic, and colonial intrigues were the result. 
Traders from South Carolina and (ieorgia again commenced inti'O- 
ducing large quantities of goods anujugthe Chickasaws and other 
tribes of southern Louisiana, and again end<'aA'oi'ed to alienate 
them from their treaty stii)ulations with the Fi-euch. As the 
result, depredations wer*^ renewed by the Cllicasa^^'s, and a third 
exj)edition was .sent to their forest fastnesses on theTombigbee, to 
reduce them to submission, but like its predecessors, it was sub- 
stantially a failure. Farther northward similar disturbances 
c'onnnenced. British merchants sent their agents to the Mianiis 
jind other western tribes, whose traffic had been previously nio- 
iH)j)olized by the French. A more grievous oftense was- the 
foiiuation of a company to whom the king of Englund granted a 
large tract of land on the Ohio, and conferred on it the i)ri\ilege 
of trading with the western Indians. 

The o])erations of the Ohio .com{)any soon drew the French and 
English colonial authorities into a controversy, and the mother 
coiujtries Avere ready to back aui,'effoit that either might nndce for 
the maintenence andextension of their respective possessions. As 
the traders, who were en(M)uraged by the Ohio com]>any, were 
mostly from Pennsylvania and Xew York, the governor of ( Janada 
informed the executives of these colonies that their tiaders had 
been trafficing with Indians dwelling on French territory, and 
unless they immediately desisted from this illicit commerce, he 
would cause them to be seized and i)unished. Notwithstanding 
this menace, the Ohio company employed an agent to survey their 
lands southwesterly to the Falls of the Ohio, and northwesterly 
some <listance up the JMiami and Scioto. Virginia, also seconding 
the effoits of the company, obtained from the Indians the ])ri\i]ege 
to form settlements on the s(mtheast side oftlu' Ohio, LS miles 
below the junction of the Alleghany and Monongahela. 

England and France now saw that their territorial contest could 
only be settled by a resort toarms, and each urged its colonial au- 
thorities to institute ])re]»arations for defending their resp<'ctive 
boundaries. In the coming contest the result coidd not be doubt- 
ful, lor the colonists of the former power numbered ^,{)')l,(H){). while 
those of the latter were oidy 52,000. Beside this grciit disjjarity 
of numbers, France had tran.sndtted to her possessions institutions 
which shackhMl their ])rog)ess. The English colonists brought 
with them advance<l ideas of government frcmi their native land, 
and left behind them, the monarch and the nobility. The Fn-nch 
emigTaut came with only the feudal ideas of the ])ast, an<l cared 
little for the innovations of modern fi^eedom. The former claiming 
the right of religious liberty, withdrew from the established church 



134: HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

and had a self-appointed ministry. The hitter was closed against 
every ray of theological liglit, and dominated by a foreign priest- 
hood, from whose teachings there was not a shigle dissenter. The 
one were self-reliant, self- sustaining, and energetic ; ever i)ressiiig 
their way against the receding forests ; always advancing, but 
never retreating The other were accustonjed to follow a leader, 
and depend upon the ])arent country for sui)plies, which they 
might have produced themselves. The inhabitants of British 
America had the]>ress, local legislatures, nninicipal disci])line, tiie 
benetit of free schools, and were accustomed to think and act for 
themselves. As the result, from tlie waters of the southern gulf to 
where ci^ ilization is stayed by barriers of perpetual frost, the con- 
tinent is their heritage. 

In response to the advice of the British government, Virginia 
raised a force for the protection of her frontier, and sent jMajor 
Washington with a letter to the French commandant on the CHiio^ 
requesting him to withdraw his trooi)S from the dominion of Great 
Britain. The officer courteously replied that *■' it was not his 
province to determine whether the land situated on the Ohio be- 
longed to his sovereign, but he would transmit the letter to his 
superior officer, and act in accordance with his instructions. In 
the meantime, he did not think it incumbent ui)on him to obey 
the summons of the British government, and would defend his 
position with all the skill and force at his comn^and." Washing- 
ton, after encountering much hardship, returned safely, and 
reported the reply of the French officer. The following year he 
received orders from the governor of Yii-ginia to proceed with 1*(K> 
men and'complete the erection of a fort at the junction of the Monf>n- 
gahela and the Alleghany, previously commenced by the Oliio 
company. Q'lie attempt to execute the order was defeated by tlie 
French officer, M. Contrecceur, who, anticii)ating the arrival of the 
Virginia forces, moved down to the mouth of the Monongahela in 
advance, with 18 pieces of cannon and a force of 1,000 French ami 
Indians. He drove away the small detachment of Virginia militia 
and some employes in the Ohio company, and completing the fort 
they had commenced, they called it DuQuesne, in honor of the 
governor ofXew France. In the meantinn^ a snudl detaclunent 
under Jummonville, was sent to notifv Washington to witlnlrnw 
from French tei'ritory. Tlie American officer, ](»arning beforehand 
the approach of Junnnonville, made arian gen tents to fall on him by 
suri)rise. At a i)lace called tlu^ Litth' J\Ieadows, the forces met, 
and Washington, ordering Ins men to fir<', set the exani])le by dis- 
charging his own musket. Its Hasli kindle<l the forests of America 
to a Hame, and scattered its tires over the kingdom of Furojie. It 
was the signal gun whose reverbrations followed tlie tliglit of years, 
anm)unced the revolution Avhich banished from the Xe\f World the 
institutions of the Middle Ages, and erected u})on their ruins the 
fabric of free government. The tidings of the renconter cairied the 
fame of Washington across the Atlantic, and while his name Avas 
execrated by the advocates of feudal monarchy, they chanted 
in heroic Averse the martyrdom of Jummonville, Avho had been slain 
in battle. " And at the very time AVashington became known to 
France, the child was born who was one day to stretch out his 
hand for the relief of America. How man v defeated interests bent 



MILITARY OPERATIONS. 135 

over the grave of Juminonville, aiul liow mauy hopes chistered 
about the cradle of the infant Louis. "* 

Fort Chartres was at this time the depot of sup])lies and the 
phiee of rendezvous for the united forces of Illinois and other 
posts of Louisiana. Shortly after the affray at the Little .Meadows, 
M. de Villiers, a brother of JuIunlon^■ille, and at the time an ol'iicer 
at Fort Chartres, solicited Macarty, the commandaid of tiui for- 
tress, to go and avenge the death of his relafive. Permission was 
granted, and with a force from the garrison and a large nninber 
of Lidians, he passed down the Mississipi>i and up the Ohio to 
Fort UuQuesne, of which he subsequently became the commander. 
From the fort he proceeded to the ground of the recent battle. 
Washington, finding himself confronted with greatly su])erior 
forces, fell back to Fort IS^ecessity, a rude stockade pre\'iously 
ere<'ted at the Great Meadows. Tlnther they were followed by De 
Villiers with a force of OOO French and a smaller number of ! iidians, 
who took possession of an adjacent eminence and commenced 
tiring from behind trees on the men in the fort beneath them. 
Animated by the cool determination of their connnander, the raw 
provincials, so unequal in nundjcrs and position to their assailants, 
for nine hours maintained their i)osition. At length the Fi-encli 
conuuander, tearing the exhaustion of his amnumition, pr()])()sed 
terms of capitulation, which Washington in his critical situation 
was compelled to accept. The terms were magnanimous, tlie 
besieged being permitted to retire with the honors of war and all 
their munitions, exwpt the artillery. Upon the defeat of the Vir- 
ginia forces, England and France took up the gauntlet, and the 
contest between the colonists became further intensitied. In 1755, 
General Braddock arrived in Virginia with two regiments of 
British regulars. Washington was made one of his aids-de-cani]), 
aud afterward his force was augmente<l by the addition of J, 000 
provincials. Thus strengthened he started for Fort I)u(^)uesne, 
and at the Little JMeudows received intelligence of the ex[>ected 
arrival of 500 troops to strengthen the garrison of the fort. 
Leaving Col. l)unl)ar with 800 men to bring up his stores, he 
hastened tbrward with the remainder to reach the fort in advance 
of the reinforcements. Crossing the Monongahela he ])nshed 
forward A\ith so much rapidity that he seldom took tinn^ to i-econ- 
noitre the woods and tiuigled thickets through which lie was 
passi]ig. In the meantime the commandant at Fort DnC^uesne, 
api)rised by the Fren<-h and Indian scouts of the a])proach of tin; 
British force, sent M. Beaujeu with a force of 250 French and 000 
Indians to check their advance. Seven miles from the fort they 
concealed themselves on the borders of a ravine through wliicli 
Braddock.niust pass, and awaited his arrival. As soon as his 
men entered the hollow, the concealed enemy o])ened ui>on those 
in front, and tlie rear forces ])uslied rajndly forward to su]»]>ort 
them. Before this could be effected, the advanced columns fell 
back in a heap on the artilleiy, and the army became greatly <'on- 
fused. At this juncture the Virginia foi'ces, (;ontrar\ to orders, 
took positions behind trees and fought till all were killed except 
thirty men. The regulars, remaining in a conq)act body, were 
terribly cut to pieces. Braddock received a nujrtal A\-ound and 

•Bancroft. 



130 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

died in the camp of Col. Diiubar, whither with the .shattered rem- 
uaiits of his army he retreated. Never before had the Indiaus 
received such a harvest of scali)S as that gathered froiu the fatal 
field. Dressed in the laced hats and scarlet coats of the dead, 
they celebrated the victory by exhibiting their personal decorations 
and firing guns, which were a.us\A ered by the artillery of the fort. 
When the news of the battle became known the two beUigerents 
increased their forces, and in 175-1 Fort Duquesne again became 
the objective pouit of an English army. Gen. Forbes, with a force 
of 7,000, approa(;hed it, and the garrison of Illinois and other 
troops being unable to cox>e with such a formidable army, dis- 
mantled the fort and retired to different parts of the West. A 
portion of the fugitives under M. Massac descended the Ohio river 
and built a fort on the Illinois side of the stream, forty miles from 
its month. The fort bore the name of its founder, and v^as fur- 
nished with a small garrison till the close of the war. Such was 
the origin of the last French fort built on the Ohio, divested of the 
roinance which fable has thrown around its name.* In the course 
of the struggle Ticonderoga, Crown Point and ]^iagara, fell 
before the victorious arms of England, and finally it terminated 
in 17o9 by the ca])ture of (Quebec. As the result of the contest on 
the Plains of Abraham, Illinois and its vast resources became the 
heritage of a different race. Anglo-Saxon eneigy and progress 
were now to gather from its prolific soil treasures far exceeding in 
value the exliaustless mines of gohl, which had haunted the imag- 
ination of its Gallic inhabitants, even if their dreams had been 
realized. In this closing battle the colossal power of France in 
North America received a fatal blow. From her first x>ermaneut 
settlement on the St. Lawrence she held dominion over its waters 
for a i)eriod of 150 years. The Teutonic race, with its partiality 
for individual rights, for self-government and freedom, now ob- 
tained the dominion of a continent from the Gulf of Mexico to tlse 
Pole, and the English tonguge, whose utterance 150 years l)efore 
was coniined to two small islands on the western verge of Europe, 
was now to become the language of a continent, aiul ultimately, 
perhaps, a universal vehicle for the expression of human thought. 



*lNoTE.— Jas. Hall, in his Sketches of the West, says : "The French had also a fort 
on the Ohio, about 36 miles above the junction of that river with the Mississippi, of 
which the Indians obtained possession by a singular stratagem. A number of them 
appeared in the day time on the opposite side of the river, each covered with a bear- 
skin, walking on all-fours, and imitating- the motions of that animal. The French sup- 
posed them to be bears, and a party crossed the river in pursuit of them. The 
remainder of the troops left their quarters and resorted to the bank of the river, in 
tront of the garrison, to observe the sport. In the meantime, a large body of warriors, 
who were concealed in the woods r>ear b.y, camesilentl.v up behind the fort, entci'ed it 
witliout opposition, and very few of the French escaped the carnage. They afterward 
built another fort on the same ground, which they called Massacre, in memory of this 
disastrous event, and which retained the name of Fort Massac after it passed into the 
hands of the American government." The Rev. ,T. M. Peek, in his "Annals of the 
AVest," thinks ''the foregoing statement is a truthful one, according to all the tradi- 
tional evidence we can collect." Dr. Lewis Beck's Gazeteer of Illinois and Missouri 
contains the same story, as also Reynold's Pioneer History of Illinois ; and in his Life 
and Times, the latter says : "Fort Massacre was established by the French about the year 
1711, and was also a missionary station It was only a small fortress until the war of 
1755 between the English and French . In 175(5 th fort was enlarged and made a respec- 
table fortres , considering the wilderness it was in. It was at this jAn e wiiere the 
Christian missionaries instructed the Southern Indians in the gospel precepts, and it 
was here also that the French soldiers made a resolute stand against the enemy." The 
place is also referred to some times as the "old Cherokee Fort." The Letters Edifl- 
antes indicate it to have been a mission and trading post about 1711 In 18(10 two com- 
paniesof U. S. troopswere stationed at Fort Massac and a few families resided in the 
vicinity. In 1855, ^ays Reynolds, he vistedthe site. The walls of the ruins were 135 
feet sqviare, pallisaded with earth between, and with strong bastions at each angle. 
Three or four acres were lieautifully gravelled with pebbles from the river, on the 
north of the fort, as a parade ground. The site is a beautiful one.] 



Chapter XIII. 

1750-1703— THE CONSPIKACY OF PONTIAC— ATTACK 
UrOX DETROIT— DESTEUCTION OF BlUTISH POSTS 
AND SETTLEMENTS. 



It has already beeu stated tliattlie downfall of (»)uebec was the ■ 
overthrow of French power iu North America. It was not, 
however, until 17(30, when the feeble and disheartened pirrison of 
Montreal capitulated without resistance, that Canada and its 
dependencies Avere surrendered to the British. The overthroM' of 
French suprcnuicy w<is now assured, but the recoil of the blow 
which had smitten it down was the cause of another ,nreat strniijile 
nu)r(i desolatiii.u' and widely extended than the first, but ended 
A\ ithout accomplish! Ill;- any [)olitical results. In the second contest 
the red man became the i)rincii)al actor and exhibited a, de.nree of 
sagacity and constancy of purpose never before witnessed in the 
history of his Avarfare. The English, to reap the fruits of their 
victory at Quebec, sent IMajor Pol)ert Powers to take possession of 
tlje outi)osts on the frontier. He was a initive of New Hamp- 
shire, and his startling adventures in the recent colonial struggle 
had made him the model hero of New England firesides. As he 
coasted along the southern shore of Lake Erie in the early part of 
November, 1700, on his way to Detroit, it suddenly became cold 
and stormy, ami he detennined to put ashore and wait the return 
of pleasant weather. A camp was soon formed in the adjacent 
forest, then clothed in the fading hues of Autumn, when a number 
of chiefs made their appearance and announced themselves as an 
embassy from Pontiac. The day did not pass away before the 
daring chief himself canie to the camp and denumded of Kogers 
his business in the coiinti-y. The latter replied that he was on his 
way to Detroit to make i)eace with the white men and Indians. 
Pontiac listened with attention and said he would stand in his path 
till morning, and after in([uiring if they needed anything wliich 
his country afforded witlnlrew. This was Eogers' first inti-rview 
with the Napoleon of his race, whose great conspiracy forms the 
subject of this cha]»ter. 

According to tradition, he was of medium height, commanding 
api)earance, an<l possessed a muscular frame of great symmetry and 
vigor. His (complexion was darker than usual with individuals of 
his race; his features stern, bold, and irregular, and his bearing 
that of a person accustomed to surmount all opposition by the 
force of an in)])erious will. He was generally clad in a scanty 
cincture girt about his lobis, Mith his long black hair flowing' 
loosely behind, but on public occasions he plumed and jjainted 

137 



138 HISTORY OP ILLINOIS. 

after the manner of liis tribe. On tlie following' morning', in com- 
pany ^yith liis' chiefs, he again visited tlie camp and told Rogers 
he was willing' to he at i)eacc with the English and sutfer them to 
remain in his country as long" as they treated him and his country- 
men with due deference and justice. Hitherto he had been the 
devoted friend of the French, and the moti^'e which now actuated 
him was ap])arent. Shrewd, politic, and ambitious, he sagaciouslj' 
concluded that the power of France was declining, and it might be 
best to secure the good will of the English. He hoped by the aid 
of such powerful allies to extend his intluence over the tribes of 
his own race, and flattered himself that they also would treat him 
with the deference which had i)reviously been accorded him by the 
French. Rogers had several interviews with him, and was sti'uck 
with the native a igor of his understanding' and the wonderful 
poAver he exercised over those about him. 

The storm abating, Rogers and his men resumed their voyage up 
the lake. A messenger had l)een sent in advance to notify 
Captain Beletre, the French Commandant at Detroit, that Canada 
had surrendered, and that an English force was on its way to 
relieve him. This oflicer was greatly incensed at the reception of 
the news ; treated it as an informal communication, and stirred ni) 
the Indians to resist the advance of Rogers. When, therefore, the 
latter arrived at the mouth of the Detroit, and was about to ascend 
it, he found four hundred Indian warriors ready to dispute his 
further progress. Pontiac however, whose vigilance was ever on 
the alert, interi)osed in behalf of his new friends, and they were 
permitted to I'cach Detroit without further o])position. Rogers 
immediately took possession of the fort, and the French garrison 
dehled out on the i>lain and laid down tlieir arms. As the French 
colors were lowered from the flagstaff, and those of England 
hoisted aloft, the spectacle was greeted by the yells of TOO Indian 
warriors. The Canadian militia were next disarmed, and the 
Indians, unable to com})rehen<l why so many should submit to so 
few, regarded with astonishment what they considered as obse- 
quious conduct on the part of their recent allies. oS^othing' is so 
etfective in winning' the respect of savages as an exhibition of 
power, and hence the Indians formed the most exalted conceptions 
of English prowess, but were greatly suri)rised at their sparing' the 
lives of the vanquished. 

Thus, on the liOth of November, 1700, Detroit i)assed into the 
hands of the English. The French garrison was sent juisoners 
down the lake, while the Canadian residents were suffered to retain 
their houses and lands on the condition of their swearing allegi- 
ance to the government. Oflicers were sent to the south\\ est to 
take i)ossession of Forts Miami and Watannon,* the flrst situated 
on the head waters of the Maumee, and the latter on the A^'abash 
not far from the site of the present town of Lafayette. Rogers 
next started to relieve tht' forts on the iq)i)er lakes, but was pre- 
vented by the gathering ice and storms of Lake Huron. The 
following season, however, the forts at the head of Green Bay and 
the mouth of the St. Joseph, and those on the straits of St. Mary 
and Mackinaw, were garrisoned by small detachments of English 
troops. The flag of France still waved over the i)lains of Illinois, 

•Quiatenon. 



PONTIAC'S 0O]^JSPIKACT. 139 

wliicli was not iiicliuled in the .stipulations entered into at 
JMoiitieal. 

Tlie country had not long- been in the ])ossessioii of l<iii,<;land 
before a wide-spread feeliii<;' of dissatisfaetion pervaded its iiiliab- 
itants. Tlie Freiu-li element of the i)0])nlatioji, luivinj;' their luitioiial 
hate of the Ihi^i^lisli iidensitied bN years of disastrous warfare, left 
tlieir homes in Canad;! and settled in Illinois. Here tliey eontin- 
ned toeherish tlieir ainiuosity, and whenever an oi»p()rtunily offered, 
were ever ready to einl)raee any scheme that nii.iilit injuria the 
obj<'cts of their ill will. In common with their brethren of Illinois, 
they still hoj)ed that Canada mij^ht be restored to Fraiu'c. and no 
effort was spared by either to brin_iiabout this much desired result. 
Canada Avas powerless, yet Illinois, her intimate neighbor and 
sympathizer, was still an untrameled province of France, and now 
became the depot of snppli(\s and thecentre of French intrigues ; tdl 
looking forward to the consummaf ion of this object. The Indians, 
Avhose good will they had long" since won by a conciliatory ]>olicy, 
they fonml ready instrunu'nts for the execntion of their <lesigns. 
Accordingly, swai-nis of French traders and Caimdian refugees 
issued from the head-waters of the Illinois and other i>oiuts of 
egress, and si)rea(ling over tlu^ conqnered territory, held councils 
with the Indians in the secret places of the forests. At these 
secluded lucetings they i.n'g'^'d the excited savages to take up arms 
against the English, who they declared were endeavoring rocomi)ass 
their destruction by hedging them in with forts and settlenuMits on 
one hand, and stirring u]> the Cherokees to attack them on the other. 
To gi\e eifect to these i'abrieations, they added more j)oteut inc<'n- 
tives of guns, ammunition and clothing, which the English had 
refused to grant them. These, long furnished by France, had now 
become a necessity, but England had incurred heavy expensi's in 
the re(;ent war, and it became necessary for her either to withhold 
or deal them out with scanty and reluctant hands. \\'ant, suffer- 
ing, and in some instances death, wasthe result which, withont the 
ai<l of French machinations, was snlBcient to make them dislike 
the English. Formerly, under the nnld sway of France, when the 
chiefs visited the forts they were received with the greatest polite- 
ness and hospitality by the officers, and the petty aniujyances of 
their men were disregarded. Kow, when in tlieir intrusive man- 
ner they came abont tlie])osts, they heard only words of reproach 
and abrupt orders to dei)art, frcipiently enlbrced by blows tVom 
nilhan soldiers. The intercourse of French traders had always 
been courte<ms and respectful, while those of the English treated 
them asinieriors, freipiently outraged their families, and in various 
ways gave them an iiniax oiable opinion of the nation which now 
laid claim to their country. 

Under thesecircumstancesPontiac., although he had wa\'ei'cd in 
liis allegiance to the French so far as to ])ermit Ivogers to occupy 
the fort at Detroit, began to feel his i)artiality for his old friends 
returning. The Sa^s, his native tribe,* nnder the immediate inllu- 
ence of the Illinois French, were among" the first to es]»ouse their 
canse, and it may safely be assumed that if he was not iustrumen- 

*In the Hist. Col, of Mnss..2ntl series, the rcpoitof Morse, 1823, on the Sac and Fox 
wars ag'ainst the Illinois, and the lifeol'Teoumseli, he is spoken ot as a Sao. Several tribes 
were ambitious to claim his lineagre. His residence among the Ottawasmay have beea 
due to his partiality for their reputation as warriors. 



140 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

tal in bringing about the result, he was not long in following their 
example. By his own inherent i)owers and assistance obtained 
from the French, he had become the acknowledged head of the 
tribes of Illinois, and the nations dwelling in the region of the great 
lakes and the Upper Mississippi. Says Captain Morris, who was 
sent West by General Gage to conciliate the tribes of Illinois: 
" This chief has a more extensive power than was ever known 
among the Indians, for every chief used to command his own 
tribe, but 18 nations by French intrigue have been brought to 
unite and choose him as their commander." Thus the flame kin- 
dled in Illinois, and linding material in many other localities uj^ou 
the eve of ignition, as we shall see, spread farther and wider, until 
all British America became involved in the iiery ordeal of war. 
Operated upon by so numy causes of irritation and apprehension, it 
was impossible for a people so excitable as the Indians to long 
remain quiet. Accordingly, as early as 1761, Maj. Campbell, then in 
command of Detroit, received hitimations that they meditated an 
tack upon his fort, and ui)on further inquiry learned that there was 
to be a- general uprising of allthetribes frojii Illinois toXova Scotia, 
and that Forts Pitt and Niagara were also to be attacked. Intelli- 
gence of this discovery was immediately transmitted to the com- 
nuindcrs of the threatened points, and the calamity averted. This 
and another similar plot detected and suppressed the followingsum- 
mer, were only the jnecursors of the coming storm that swept the 
whole country as with the besom of destruction. A plot was next 
conceived in the sclu'iaing brain of Pontiac to attack all tlie Eng- 
lish forts on the same day, and after having nmssacred their 
unsuspecting garrisons, to turn ui)on the defenseless settlements 
and continue the work of death until the entire English i)opula- 
tion, as the Indians fondly hoped and expected, should be driven 
into the sea. For comin-ehensiveness of design and su.ccessful 
execution, no similar conspiracy can be found in the annals of 
Indian warfare. 

I'ontiac was now 50 years of age and brought to the contest a 
judgment matured by the i)ast experience of his adventurous life. 
Before the breaking out of the French war, he had saved Detroit 
from the overwhelming attack of some discontented tribes of the 
North. Durhig the Avar he fought valiantly for France, and is said 
to have connnanded the Ottawas at the defeat of Braddock and 
jnaterially contributed to his overthrow. For his devotion and 
courage, he was presented with a- full French uniform by the Mar- 
quis iNlontcalm, only a short time before the famous battle on the 
Plains of Abraliam. After the defeat of the French and tlie arrival 
of llogers, as i)reviously intimated, he nuinifested a desire to culti- 
vate the friendship of the conipierors, but was greatly disai)pointed 
in the advantages he expected to derive from their inHuence. His 
sagacious mind discovered in the altered posture of affairs the great 
danger wiiich threatened his race. The equilibrium hitherto 
subsisting between the French and English, gave the Indians the 
balance of power, and both parties were comi)el led to some extent 
to res[)cct their rights. Under English domination their import- 
ance as allies was gone and their doom already senled, unless they 
could re-establish the power of the French and use it as a check to 
the encroachments of the English. Filled with this idea and Hred 
by i)atriotism and ambition, he now sent embassadors to the nations 



PONTIAC'S CONSPIRACY. 141 

of the upper lakes, to tlio.se on tlie Illinois, Mississippi ami Ohio, 
and as far southward as the Gulf of Mexico. His emissaries, bear- 
ing the war belt and bloody hatchet as einbleiiis of their mission, 
passed from tribe to tribe, and everywhere the dusky denizens of 
• the forest ea,i;erly asseml)led to hear the words of the yreat wnv 
chief. The principal of the embassy, holding;- aloft theend»lems of 
Avar, with violent gesticulations delivered the tiery message i)re- 
viously prepared by I'ontiac for this ])urpose. The attending chiefs 
and warriors, moved by these imi)assioned ap])eals, i>k'dged tlieiu- 
selves to assist in the war, and the fer\'or thus excited laitidiy 
spread till the whole Algoncaiin race was aglow with enthusiasm. 

The attack was to be made in May, ITf!;}, only one month after 
the treaty of Paris, by which Illinois and all the vast jiossessions 
of France, east of the Mississippi, passed under the dominion of 
Clreat Britain. This event was one of the three important steps 
by which Illinois passed from a French province to its present 
position as a member of the American republic, the first being- 
foreshadowed in the trinmi)h of Wolfe on the Plains of Abraham, 
the second in the conquests of Clark, and the last in the battle of 
Yorktown. In accordance with the requirements of the cession, 
the posts of southern Louisiana were surrendered to Biitish gairi- 
sons. In Illinois, owing to the im])enetrab]e barrier of hostile 
savages, Avhich surrounded it, this was impossible, and the French 
officers were empowered by Sir Jeffrey Andu'rst, the l>ritish Com- 
nmnd(H'-in-chief, to retain their position till this ditliculty could be 
overcome. In the exereise of this trust they betrayed the confi- 
dence reposed in them by furnishing the Indians with large sup- 
idies of guns and ammunition, and for a long tinu' concealed the 
transfer which had been made, lest the knowledge of it might 
cause the. Indians to relax their effcn-ts in the i)rosecution of the 
war. But for this neglect of duty, the war which followed might 
have been either averted or its virulent character greatly modified. 
The king, in parceling out his newly acquired donuiin among the 
colonists, retained tlu^ valley of the Ohio and the region adjai-ent 
as a reservation for the Indians. The timely publication of his 
order in this respect would have [)reYented the intrusion of the 
settlers upon these lands, ami thus have removed a i)rincix)al cause 
of irritation among the Indians dwelling along the English 
frontiers. But while the benevolent irdentions of the king slum- 
bered in the breasts of unfaithful stewards, the forests were alive 
with preparations tor strife and carnage. Indian maidens were 
chanting the war song; magicians were retiring to the gloom of 
rocky defiles and caverns to fast and learn the will of the Great 
Spirit in the coining struggle, while in the glari^ proceeding from 
hundreds of nightly camj) fires, chiefs and warriors were enacting 
the savage pantominu' of battle. 

The warlike spirit of the Indians gave great satisfaction to the 
French inhabitants of Illinois, who had so unwillingly been made 
subjects of Britain. To imi>art additional life to their prei>ara- 
tions, they declared that the King of France had of late years fallen 
asleep, and during his slumbers the English had taken possession 
of Canada, but that now he was awake again and his armies Avere 
adAiincing up the St. Lawren(;e and ^Mississippi, to driAe out the 
intruders from the homes of his red children. 



142 HTSTOKY OF ILLINOIS. 

lu accordance with the arrangement of Pontiac, the different 
I)Osts were to be attacked on the same day by the adjacent Indians. 
The arch conspirator himself with some of his tribes hved in the 
vicinity of Detroit, and tliat point soon became the focns of the 
bloody struggle. To institute preliminary arrangements, a place 
of rendezvous was selected on the river below the town, and mes- 
sengers sent to summon the tribes to meet him in council. In 
obedience to the call straggling bands of Ottawas, Wyandots, 
Chippewas, and Pottawatomies, of all ages, sexes and conditions, 
for scAcral days were seen emerging from the forests. Sipuiws 
accompanied by swarms of naked children, came to attend to the 
domestic arrangements of the camps; youthful gallants attended 
by maidens, bedecked with feathers and ruddy with paint, were 
present looking love at each other and enjoying the social amuse- 
ments of savage life. Bnt the most important personages were 
stalwart warriors, who, while waiting the arri^ al of tardy delega- 
gations, lounged the lazy hoiu'S away in feasting and gambling. 
At length, on the 27th of April, the last stragglers had arrived, 
when, variously costumed and armed after the manner of tlieii 
respective tril)es, they seated themselves in circles on the ground. 
Pontiac immediately appeared in their midst and with impassioned 
voice commenced his address. Contrasting the English with the 
French, he declared the former had treated himself with contempt 
and his countrymen with hijustice and violence. Presenting a 
broad belt of wamjuim, he informed his wild auditors that he had 
received it from the great father, the King of France, who had 
heard the voice of his red children ; had arisen from his slee]» and 
was sending his great war canoes up the St. Lawrence and the 
Mississippi to wreak vengeance on his enemies, ami that the French 
and their red brethren would again light side by side as when 
many moons since they destroyed the army of their enemies on 
the banks of the Monongahela. Having awakened in his hearers 
their native passion for war and T)lood, he next api)ealed to their 
snperstitions, by relating a legend composed by one of their magi- 
cians, which enjoined upon them as a dnty to drive the "dogs that 
wear red clothing into the sea," and made known to them the best 
method of doing it. In conclusion he told them that the work 
must commence at Detroit ; that he would gain admittance to the 
fort, and having tlms learned the situation ami strength of the 
garrison, at another conncil he wonld exidain to them thei)lan of 
attack. 

The object of the convocation was now consummated, and long- 
before the morning sun broke through the mists that hung over 
the river, the savage multitude had disapiieared in the gloomy re- 
cesses of the forest. Nothing remained to tell of the night's 
carousals and intrigues but the smouldering embers of camp fires 
and the slender frames of several hnndred Indian lodges. Pontiac, 
impatient for the execution of his design as previously announced, 
advanced with 40 warriors, and presenting himself at the gate of 
the fort asked permission to dance before the ofdcers of the 
garrison. After some hesitation permission was granted, ami he 
and 30 of his men filed up to the residence of Major Gladwyn, 
then in command of the fort. The dance was commenced, and 
while the officers and men gathered round to witness the perform- 
ance the remaining 10 Indians strolled about the premises to make 



PONTIAC'S CONSPIRACY. 143 

observations. Wlien the (lifltererit parts of the fort had been ex- 
ainiiied the 40 retired, withont e;uisin<i- the slij^htest snspieioii as to 
the object wliich iiuhiced tlie visit, ]Messeii^ii(M-s were aii;aiii sent 
to smianon the chiefs to meet in tlie village of the Pottawatoinies. 
Here a hnndred wily conspirators seated tiiemselves in the 
conueil hall of the town to perfect in the darkness of night the 
black scheme they had concocted for the destruction of tlie fort. 
Fitfnl flashes from the fire in the centre of the room fell ni)on 
featnres stolid and immovable as if cast in iron, des])ite the fierce 
passions that rankle<l in the breasts beneath them. As I'ontiax; in 
an exciting harrangne reiterated the wrongs they had snstained at 
the hands of the Englisli, and made known his plan of attack, 
deep gnttnral expressions of approval rose from his statue-like 
audience. Under pretense of holding a council he proposed 
to obtain admittan(;e to the fort for himself and principal chiefs, 
an<l while in c(airerence with the officers, with concealed weapons 
they would ]>ut them to death. Meanwhile the Indians loitering 
about the i)alisa(le were to rush on the unsuspecting garrison and 
infiict on tluMu a similar fate. 

Detroit, now threatened with destruction, was founded in 1701 
by La Mott Cadilac, who snbsecjuently became the (loNernor-den- 
eral of Louisiana and the partner of Crozat. Itogers, who visited 
it at the close of the French war, estimated its population and that 
of the adjacent settlements at 2o()() souls. The fort which sur- 
rounded the town was a i)alisade 25 feet high, furnished with 
l)astions at the tour angles and blockdumses over the gate ways. 
On the same side of the river, and a little below the fort, was the 
village of the Pottawatomies ; southeasterly, on the other side, 
was that of the Wyandots, M'hile on the same bank, 5 miles above, 
Avas the town of the Ottawas. The river, about half a- mile in 
width op]>osite the fort, flowed through a landscape of unrivaled 
beauty. In its pure waters were glassed the outlines of the noble 
forests that grew on its banks." Farther back white Canadian 
cottages looked cosily out of the dark green foliage, while in the 
distance Indian wigwams sentuj) wreathy columns of smoke high 
in the transparent northern atmosphere. Pontiac, the master 
spirit of this sylvan ])aradise, dwelt on an island at the outlet of 
Lake St. Clair,'^and like Satan of old revolved in his i)()werful mind 
schenu's for marring its beauty and innocence. Though he was 
friendly to tin' French they seemed to apprehend soiiu' coming 
disaster. The October preceding the outbreak dark clouds gath- 
ered over the town and settlement, and drops of rain fell of a 
strong snli)hurous odor, and so black the people are said to have 
colle('ted and used them for iidc. Many of the simple Canadians, 
refusing to accept a scientific explanati<m of the idienomenon, 
thought it was the precnrser of some great calanuty. 

Although breathing out vengeance and slaughter against the 
English, the designs of the chief were to be defeated. Accoiding 
to local tradition J on the afternoon of the 6th of May, the day i)re- 
ceding the intended assanlt, intelligence of the consi)iracy was 
communicated to Gladwyn by a beautiful Chippewa_ girl, who had 
formed for him an attaclunent and wished to save his life. Osten- 
sn)ly she visited the tort to deliver a pair of ornamental moccasins 
which he had requested her to nudvC. After deli\ering them, slie was 
seen, late in the afternoon, Lingering about the fort, with a dejected 



144 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

coiiiiteiiance. Gladwyn himself at length iioticed her altered nian- 
iier, and asked the canse of her tronble. When assured that she 
^\'Ouldnot be betrayed, she stated that on thefollowingday, I^ontiac 
and()0 chiefs, with guns concealed under their blankets, would visit 
the fort to hold a council, and that after he had piesented a peace 
belt iu a reversed position as a signal for attack, the chiefs weie to 
shoot down the ofhcers, and tlieir men in the streets ^^■ere to murder 
the garrison. Gladwyn immediately comnumicated what he had 
heard to the garrison, and prei)arations were commenced to avert 
the threatened calamity. Lest some wild impnlse should precip- 
itate an attack before morning, half the garrison was ordered 
under arms, the number of sentinels doubled, and the ofticers 
arranged to spend the night on the ramparts. Jn the immediate 
vicinity of the fort there was quiet, but the winds that swept 
across the river bore to the listening sentinels the distant boom 
of Indian drums, and the wild yells of savages performing the war 
dance. The following morning, when the mist had disapi)eared 
a fleet of canoes was seen nu)ving across the river, tilled 
with savages mostly in a recumbent position, lest if seen 
their numbers might excite suspicions. I'resently groups of tall 
warriors wrapt in blankets up to their throats were seen stalking 
across the common toward the fort. These were all admitted, for 
not oidythe garrison l)ut the whole i)opulati<m of fur traders were 
armed, and Gladwyn detied their treachery. It said that as 
Pontiac entered, he involuntarily uttered an exchunation of 
suri>rise and disappointment. liecovering from his (consternation, 
he started in the direction of the council house, followed by his 
chiefs, who, notwithstanding their usual stoicism, cast uneasy 
glances at the ranks of glittering steel on each side of their path- 
way. Passing into the hall they found the ofticers fully armed and 
waithig to receive them. Pontiac, observing with suspicion their 
swords and pistols, asked Gladwyn why so many of his young men 
were iu the attitude of war. The latter, ^Wth the dissimulation 
which his adversary was practicing, replied that he had ordered 
his soldiers under arms for the purpose of exercise and discipline. 
AYith evident distrust the chiefs at length sat down on mats pro- 
vided for their accomnu)dation, while Pontiac commenced speaking, 
holding in his hand the wampum which was to be the signal of 
attack. Though it was thought he would hardly attempt to carry 
out his design under ju'esent circumstances, yet during the 
delivery of his speech he was subjected to the most rigid scrutiny 
by the ofticers. Once, it is said, he was about to give the signal, 
when Gladwyn by a slight nH)vement of the hand made it known 
to the attending soldiers, and instantly the drum beat a charge 
and the clash of arms was heard in the jiassage leading to the 
room. Pontiac, confounded at these demonstrations, and seeing* 
the stern ej^e of Gladwyn fastened uijon him, in great perplexity 
took his seat. Gladwyn, in a brief reply, assured him that the 
friendly protection of the English would be extended to his people 
as long as they deserved it, but threatened the most condign pun- 
ishment for the first act of aggression. The council now broke up ; 
the gates were thro^^ni open, and the Indians departed. It has 
been a query why the chiefs were not detained as hostages, but 
the full extent of their intrigues was unknown. The whole affair 



PONTIAC'S CONSPIRACY. 145 

was regarded as a paroxysmal outbrealv wliicli would soon teriiii- 
nate if an o})en rupture eould be avoided. 

I'outiae, foiled in bis attempt against tlie fort, was enraged and 
moititied, but not discouraged. He considered bis eseai)e from 
tbe fort as evidence tliat liis designs were not fidly laiowii, and 
on tiie following morning' returned witb tliicc ('(»Mi}»anions and 
endeavored to rt'mo^■e tbe suspicions ^\ bicb be bad excited, imme- 
diately after bis interview with (Jladwyn, bowe\'er, be repaired to 
tbe \illag'e of tbe Pottawatomies and commenced considting' witb 
tbeir cbiefs in regard to anotlier attempt against tlie fort. As tbe 
result, on tbe'.>tli of ^lay, the common behind tbe fort was crowded 
Avitb savages, and tbeii- chief, ad\'ancing to the gate, asked that 
be and liis warriors might be admitted and enjoy with the garrison 
tbe fragrance of tbe friendly calumet, (iladwyn concisely but 
uncourteously replied, that "be might enter, but his rabble must 
renniiu Avitbout." Thus circumvented, be became livid witb bate 
and detiance, and stalked ojff in the direction of his warriors, 
large numbers of whom were prostrate on the ground, and sud- 
denly rising' up, the plain, as if by magic, se med alive witb yel[)ing- 
creatiu"es ]>art man, i)art wolf, and ])art devil, who rushed upon 
some English iidiabitaiits outside of the fort and i)ut them to <leatb. 
Pontiac, taking no part in the brutal butcheries of his men, imme- 
diately leai)ed into a canoe, and witb a speed commensurate witb 
liis rage and disappointment, forced his way up the riAer to the 
village of the Ottawas. Boiuiding ashore and pointing across tbe 
water, with im})erious voice be ordered tbe entire poi)nlation to 
move to the oi)posite side, that tbe riAernnght no longer intei])Ose 
a barrier between him and bis eiuMiiy. xVt nightfall be leai)ed 
into tbe central area of tbe village, and brandishing bis tomahawk, 
commenced tbe war dance. As warrior after warrior straggled in 
froju the day's carnage, they fell into the ring, and circling round 
and round, made the night hideous witb unearthly yells. Long 
bowever before juorning the tribe was on the opposite side of tbe 
river and pitclu'd tbeir camp above tbe mouth of tlu^ smajl stream 
known as P>lo(^dy Eun, from tbe tragedy wbicb was shortly after- 
ward enacte<l on its banks. In the early twilight of morning, 
with terrific yells, they bounded naked over tbe fields and com- 
menced firing' on the fort. Large numbers secured a position 
behind a low bill, and soon its sunnnit ])ecaimi wreathed witb 
pulfs of Avbite smoke from tbeir rajtidly discharging guns. Others 
gathered in tlie rear of some out-buildings, but a cannon, charged 
witb red-hot missiles was immediately brought to bear on tbe dry 
material, which, becoming' wrapt in fiames, soon caused tbe con- 
cealed savages to retreat witb precii)itation. For six hours tbe 
attack was unabated, but as the <lay wore away the fire slackened, 
and at last only a gun could be beard now and then in the direction 
of the retiring foe. 

After this discomfiture, Pontiac augmented bis forces and, on 
tbe 12tb of May, renewed the attack. " Day after day the fighting' 
was continued, till the rattle of bullets on the palisade and the 
discordant yells of savages became familiar sounds to tbe garrison 
within. Stealthy warriors -SN'ormed their Avay through the tall 
grass, and crouching' behind some slieltering' object, shot arrows 
tipped witb burning' toAv upon tbe bouses within tbe fort. These 
efforts, bowever, i)roved abortive. Cisterns were dug inside to 
10 



140 HISTOEY OF ILLINOIS. 



qiieiicb the tiames and sorties outside were made from time to time 
till all the adjacent orchards, fences and buildings, were leveled 
to the jiionnd, and no screen was left to conceal a lurking foe. 

The Indians, expectin<i to take the fort at a single blow, had 
failed to provide for a protracted siege. Their numbers daily 
augmenting' by the arrival of straggling bands of warriors from 
Illinois and other parts of the West and South, the question of 
food soon became an important consideration. To obtain it they 
had already irritated the Canadian farmers by conuuittuig de](re- 
dations upon their stock, and a delegation of their head men called 
on Poutiac to remonstrate against these outrages. He admitted 
the truth of the allegations, expressed regret for the injuiies they 
had sustained, and at once instituted means for obtaining su])plies 
without their repetition in the future. He visited the different 
Cainidian families, making a carefid estinuite of their inovisions, 
levied upon e;ich a proportionate amount tor the sustenance of the 
assembled tribes, now nundiering nearly 1,000 warriors and m(n^o 
than 2,000 women and children. The levies thus made were 
brought into camp, and a comunssary apjiointed to prevent the 
excessi\e eating and waste which the sa^■age always practices 
when unrestricted in his access to food. Poutiac, being imableto 
make immediate com]>ensation, gave promissory notes, drawn on 
birch bark and signed with the figure of an otter, the totem of 
his family. To his credit it is said these were all afterward hon- 
orably paid. This api)roach to the usages of civilized life was 
doubtless suggested by some of his Canadian allies, yet his ready 
adoi)tion of them indicates a sagacity which is without a parallel 
in the history of his race. In the prosecution of the siege he also 
endeavoied to obtain from the Canadians the method of making 
approaches to a fort as practiced in civilized warfare. Likewise, 
to aid his undisciplined warriors, he sent embassadors to M. Neyon, 
the comnjandant of Fort Chartres, for regular soldiers. This 
officer had no soldiers at his disposal, but abundantly furnished 
munitions in their stead. Says Sir William Johnson, Superin- 
perintendeut of Indian affairs : 

"It now appears from the very best authorities, and can be proven by tlie 
oatli of several respectable persons, prisoners among the Indians of Illinois, 
and from the account of the Indians themselves, that not only many French 
traders', but also the French officers, went among the Indians, as they said, fully 
authorized to assure them that tlie French King was determined to support 
them to the utmost, and not only invited them to visit Illinois, where they 
were plentifully supplied with ammunition and other necessaries, but also 
sent several cauoe loads at ditferent times up the Illinois river to the Miamis, 
as well as up the Ohio to the Shawuees and Delawares." 

Thus, while Detroit was the scene of the principal outbreak of 
the war, Illinois more largely than any other place furnished the 
means to put it in motion and keep it alive. But while other 
localities were bleeding and sore from the vengeful thrusts of the 
strife, the Illinois Frenchmen, caressed and protected by savage 
adnurers, hunted and fished as usual in the peacefid forests and 
genthi rivers of his western paradise. 

As the perils were thickening around Detroit, there came vague 
rumors from time to time of settlements destroyed, forts attacked 
and garrisons butchered. These Hying reports were soon followed 
by definite information that, with the exception of Detroit, all the 
posts scattered at wide intervals throughout the vast forests west 



PONTIAC'S CONSPIRACY. 147 

of Forts Pitt Hiid ISria<;ai"a, had fallen iiitotlie hands of the enemy. 
The first reliabk^ evidence of this kind was the apix'aranee of a 
party of warriors in the rear of Detroit, bearinji" ah)ft a nnniber of 
scalps taken from victims they had slain in tlie captnre of Fort 
Sandusky. Ensi!j,n Paully, in command of tlie fort at the time, 
and subsequently adopted by one of tlie tribes near Detroit, wrote 
to (lladwyn, jiiving an account of the captuie. Seven Indians 
called at the fort, and being- intimately acquainted with the garri- 
son, were readily admitted. Two of the i)arty seated themselves 
on each side of Paully, and after lighting their pipes, with feigned 
indifference commenced a conversation, during which they sud- 
denly seized and disarmed him. Simultaneously a discordant din of 
yells and theclasliing of arms was heard without, and when Paully 
afterward was taken from the room by his captors, he beheld the 
l)arade ground strewn with the mangled boslies of his men. At 
night he was conducted to the lake in the light of the burning fort 
and started over its still waters for Detroit. 

On the loth of June, a nundter of Pottawatondes with some pris- 
oners, who proved to be Ensign Schlosser, the commander of Fort 
St. Joseph,* and three of his ]»rivate soldiers. Their captors had 
come to exchange them for some of their own men, who for some 
tim<^ had been retained as i»risoners in the fort. After this was 
eliected, the Englishmen related the story of their capture. Early 
in the morning preceding the. attack, the m-ighborhood of the fort 
was enlivene(i by the appearance of a large nund)er of Pottawat- 
omies, who stated that tliey liad come to visit their relations resid- 
ing on the river St- Joseph. Hardly had the commandant time to 
sus]KH't danger Avhen he was iidbrmed that the fort was surrounded 
by hundreds of Indians, evidently intending to make an assault. 
Schlosser hastened to get his men uiuler arms, but before this could 
be effected an attack was made, and in a few nn'nutes the fort was 
plundered an<l all its garrison slahi, exce[)t himself and the priso- 
ners mentioned. 

Only three days later a Jesuit priest arrived at Detroit, bringing 
with him a letter from ra])tain Etherington detailing the capture 
of the fortat jMackinaw, of which he wascommaiuler. For several 
successive days the Chippewas had been assendjling on a plain 
near the fort and playing games of ball. Fin;dly, on the 11th of 
June, while engaged at tins pastime, the ball was intentionally 
thrown near the fort, and the Indians, rushing up as if to get it, 
seized Captain Etherington and Lieut. Lesley standing near the 
gate, and hurried them off" to the woods. At the same time, another 
l)arty rushed into the fort, and with hatchets furnished by their 
squaws, who had previously entered with them, concealed under 
their blankets, slew 15 of the garrison, while the remainder and 
all the English fur traders were made prisoners. 

The next disaster of this kind was the loss of Fort Watannon. 
A letter was received from Lieut. Jenkins, the commanding officer, 
informing- Cxladwyn that on the 1st of June he and several of his 
men were seized by strategy, and the rest of the garrison, being 
without a leader, surrendered. The Indians afterward apologized 
for their conduct by declaring the attack was not the result of their 
own inclinations but due to the pressure which had been brought- 

•Original) J' Miami. 



148 HISTOEY OF ILLINOIS 

to bear on tliciii by suiTOinidiiig: tribes. This plea may have beeu 
true, for tliey were farther removed from English intiuence than 
most of the other tribes and hence more paciiic. 

Fort Miami, on the Manmee, in command of Ensign Hobnes, 
added another to the list of captured forts. Though this oflicer 
had detected and circumvented a previous attenipt against the 
fort, his cunning adversaries at length triumi)hed over his vigi- 
lance. On the 27th of May an Indian girl, ^\ho was living with 
him, told him that a squaw lay sick in a neighboring wigwam, and 
desired him to administer medical relief. Placing the utmost con- 
fidence in the girl, he followed her till they came in sight of a 
number of lodges, when she pointed out to him the one containing 
the invalid ami withdrew. Holmes, unsuspicious of danger, con- 
tinued on his errand of mercy till as he neared the wigwam two 
guns flashed from behind it, and his lifeless body fell prostrate on 
the ground. Exultant yells of savages followed the report of the 
guns, and a Canadian soon came to the fort and demanded its 
surrender, informing the garrison that their lives would be si>ared 
if they complied, but in case of refusal their claims to mercy would 
be forfeited. Taken by surprise, and without a comnuiiuler to 
direct them, they threw open the gates and gave themselves up as 
prisoners. 

With the previous disasters fresh in the minds of the beleaguei ed 
garrison at Detroit, on the 22d of June, their attention was 
attracted to the oi)posite side of the river where they saw tlie sav- 
ages conducting Ensign Christie, the commandant of Presque Isle, 
and the prisoners to the camp of Pontiac. Christie afterward 
escaped and related the i)articulars of the seige and surrender of 
his post, situated near the i)resent town of Erie on the southern 
shore of the lake after which it was named. On the 15th of June 
it was surrounded by 200 Indians, and the garrisoix immediately 
retired to the blockhouse, the most imi>regnable part of the forti- 
fications. The savages, sheltered in a ravine, close by, sent volleys 
of bullets at the i)ort holes and burning balls of pitch ui)on the 
roof and against the sides of the building. Eepeatedly it took 
fire, and finally the barrels of water which had been provided for 
extinguishing the flames were all exhausted. There was a well in 
the parade ground, but it w^as instant death to approach it, and 
they were conq)elled to dig another in the blockhouse. Meanwhile 
the enemy had made a subternean passage to the house of the 
commandant and set it on fire, and the walls of the blockhouse 
near by were soon wrapt in a sheet of flame. The well was now 
comjilete and the fire subdued, but the men were almost suffocated 
by heat and smoke. While in this comlition they learned that 
another more eft'ectual attempt would soon be made to burn them, 
and at the instance of the enemy they agreed to cai»itulate. 
Parties met for this purpose, and after stipulating that the garri- 
son should march out and retire unmolested to the nearest post, 
the little fortress which had been defended with sonuich valor was 
surrendered. Notwithstanding the terms agreed upon, a part of 
the men were taken as prisoners to the camp of Pontiac, ami part 
l)ede(;ked as warriors were adojjted by the different tribes of the 
conquerers. 

The destruction of Laboeuf and Venango, on the head waters 
of the Alleghany, closes the black catalogue of caiJtured posts. 



PONTIAC'S CONSPIRACY. . 149 

On the IStli of June, a large number of Indians surrounded the 
former, the only available defence of which was a l)loek-house. 
Fire arrows were showered upon it, and by midnight, tlie upper 
story was wra])t in tlames. The assaiUiuts gathered in front and 
eagerly watched for the inmates to rush out of the burning build- 
ing, that they nnght shoot them. In the meantime, however, they 
hewed an opening; through the rear wall, and icissiiig out unper- 
ceived, left the savages exulting in the thought that they were 
perishing in the flames. But from Venango, destioyed about the 
same time, not a single i)erson escaped or was left ali\e to tell of 
their fate. Not long afterward it was learned from Indians who 
witnessed its destruction, that a i»arty of warriors entered it under 
the pretext of friendship, and closing' the gates behind them, 
butchered all the garrison except the principal oflicer, whom they 
tortured over a slow fire si'veral successive uights till life was ex- 
tinct. Forts Pitt and Niagara were itlso attacked, but like that 
of Detroit, their garrisons proved too strong for the savage assail- 
ants who songht their destruction. 

But the destruction of life and i)r()])i'rty hi the forts wns only a 
fraction of the h>sses. The storm of savage vengeiince fell with 
appiiUing fury on the frontiers of Virginia, Maryland, and Penn- 
sylvania, and for hundreds of miles north and south tliey became 
a c(»ntinuons theatre of rajunc, slaughters, and burnings, without 
apaialiel in all past and succeeding years. Bands of infuriated 
savnges skulking in the forests, suddenly bouiuhMl forth from their 
lurking places and surrounded the un])rotected homes of settlers. 
The startled inmates where scarcely a^^'are of danger before they 
became the victims of the most ferocious butcheries. jNIothers 
were compelled to stand by and witness the brains of theii' help- 
less innocents dashed out against the walls of their dwellings ; 
daughters were carried away into captivity to become the wiA^es of 
their savage captors, while fathers and sons were bound to trees 
and j-oasted over slow-burning tires to protract and intensify their 
snftVrings. Whole settlements in the valley retwats of the Alleg- 
hanics, where a prolitic soil and industry were ra])i(lly multiplying 
the necessaries of life, were entirely depopulated. Fields ripen- 
ing for Icarvest were laid waste; herds of domestic animals, like 
their owners, were kUled; dwellings were burnt to the ground, and 
where jilenty and h;)]»]»iness had once lived togetlicr in ])eace, there 
was now only desolation and <le;ith. Thousands of fugitives tied 
to the interior towns ;ind made known the feaiful tr;ig('di<'s they 
had witnesse<l, and such had been the dee]) dissimuhitiou of the 
savages, the story of their butcheries preceded even the faintest 
suspicions of danger. 



Chapter XIV. 

SIEGE OF DETROIT— PONTIAC RALLIES THE WESTERN 
TRIBES— HIS SUBMISSION AND DEATH. 



Detroit was still the bead of savage macliiuatioiisaiidtLe lioiise 
of the arch conspirator who, with the couiplaceiicy of a Nero, 
looked round on tlie constantly widening circle of ruin and death. 
The garrison of which he had the immediate custody was eontined, 
as if in a vice, to the narrow confines of the fort. The attempt of 
Cyler to reinforce it, terminated in the defeat and death of some 
60 of his men, jMost of the unfortunates taken alive were carried 
to the camp of Pontiac, where some were pierced with arrows, some 
had their hands and feet cut off, wliile others were fasteiuHl to 
trees and cliildren employed to roast th(Mu alive. For se\'eral days 
after death had ended their sutferings, their bodies were seen float- 
ing down the river by the fort, still ghastly with the l)ruttd ati'o- 
cities which had caused their death. No expedient was lett untiied 
which might injure the besieged. Huge tire rafts were set alloat 
down the river to burn two small scluH>ners oppi)site the fort. On 
one occasion a faint light was descried on the river above, which 
grew larger and brighter as it descended the stream. Presently 
it loomed up in a violent conflagration and, fortnnately passing 
between the vessels and the fort, revealed with the light of day 
the tracery of cordage and spars on one side, and the long line of pal- 
isades on the other. The distant outlines of the forest and a dark 
multitude of savages were plainly \isible on the oi>posite side of 
the stream, the latter watching tlie effects of their artitice as the 
crackling, glimmering mass floated down with the current of the 
waters, in which its tires were tiually rpieiiched. Though all the 
arts of savage warfares were employed to prevent the reinforce- 
ment of the fort, it was at length accomplished, and an assault 
made on the camp of Pontiac. In this tierce conflict, which rose 
to the dignity of a pitched battle, the English were defeated with 
a heavy loss, and c<^mpelled to retire to the fort for safety. 

Attracted by this success, large nuiiibers of warriors flocked to 
the standard of Pontiac, and the sjnrit of his men, previously begin- 
ning to flag, was revived and the siege prosecuted with unexam- 
pled vigor till the last of Septend)er. The Indian is naturally 
fickle and impulsive, and perhaps the history of his race does not 
furnish another instance of such protracted eflbrt and constancy 
as this. Their renuirkable perseverance must, nodcmbt, be attrib- 
uted to their intense hatred of the English, the hope of assistance 
from France, and t\w controllinginfluenceof Pontiac. Theirammu- 
nition, however, was now exhansted, and as intelligence had been 
received that jNIajor Wilkins, with a large force, was on his way to 

150 



PONTIAC'S CONSPIEACY. 151 

Detroit, many of them ^Yel•e inclined tosne for jieace. Tliey f<'nre(l 
tlie inime<liate consequences of an attack, and pro])osed by Inllinn' 
the En<ilish into security, to n'tire uinuolested to tlieii- winter hiiiir- 
ing: iii'ound and renew offensive oi)erationsintlie si>rin:n-. A chief of 
theChippewas, therefore, visited tliefortand informed Gl ad wyn tliat 
the I'ottawatomies, Wyandots and his own ])eoplewere sorry for 
what tliey had done, and desired tliereafter to \\\e in peace. The 
En^nlish ofticer well knew the emptiness of their pretentions, but 
granted their request that he might have an opportunity of rei>Ien- 
isliing the fort Avith provisions. The Ottawas, animated by tiie 
unconquerable spirit of Pontiac, continued n. disidtory warfare till 
the tirst of October, when an unex])ectedblow wasih'alt the imper- 
ious chief, and he, too, retired tVom the contest. 

General Andu'rst, uoav aware that the occupation of the forts in 
Illinois by French garrisons greatly served to ])rotra(*t and inten- 
sify th<' war, would fain have removed them, but still found it 
impossible to break through the cordon of savage tribes which girt 
it about. l*ontiac had derived thence not only luoral su]»i)ort, but 
large sup}>lies of guns and annuunition,* and the oidy I'cmedy of 
the British general was to write to M. Xeyon de Villiers, instriu;t- 
ing hiiu to make known to the Tiulians their altered i-elations under 
the treaty Ity which the country had been transfeiied to England. 
This ofticer, with evident reluctance and bad gra(;e, was now com- 
pelled to make known Avhat he had long concealed, and accordingly 
wrote to Pontiac that "he could not expect any assistance from the 
French; that they and the English werenow atpeaceand regarded 
each other as brothers, and that the Indians should abandon their 
hostilities, which could lead to no good result." The chieftain, 
enraged and mortitie<l at having his long cherished ho])e of assist- 
ance dashed to the ground, with a number of his countrymen 
immediately departed for the country of the ^Maunu'c, intending 
to stir up its inhabitants andrenew thecontest the ensuing sj)ring. 
With his withdrawal, Detroit lost its signiticauce in the war, 
and its leader was to return no more excei)t as an interceder for 
peace. 

The winter of 17(>.'>-lpasse(laway without the occurrence of any 
event of special interest. The ensuiug summer two exix'ditioiis 
Avere titte<l out by the English; one intended to oj)erate against 
the savages residing on the great lakes, and the other for the 
reduction of those living in the valley of the Ohio. l>ou(pu>t hav- 
ing charge of the latter, advanced from Fort Pitt, ami encounter- 
ing the warlike Shawnees and Dehi wares on the banks of the 
Muskingum, soon reduced them to an uiu-onditional peace. Anuuig 
the demands made by this eflicient officer, was the surren(h'r of 
all their i)risoners. Large numbers w'ere brought in from Illinois 
and the region eastward, sonui of whom had been captured as far 
back as the French and p]nglish wai-, and had now almost forgot- 
ten their homes and friends of childhood.t 

*8iiys Sir William Johnson : la au especial manner the French promote the inter- 
ests of Pontiac, whose influence has now become so considerable, as Genci-al (iagre 
observes in a letter to me, ttiat it extends even to the mouth of the Mississippi, and 
has been the principal cause of our not sfainin}? possession of fllinois, which the French, 
as well as the Indians, are interested in preventing?. " 

+0f the scenes atttiidiiis? the revmion of broken families and lonff sundered friends, 
a few incidents have been i)reserved and are worthy of relation A younjr Virjrinian, 
who had been robbed of his wife and child, enlisted in the army of noucpiet lor the 
purpose of recovering them. After sufterinj;' 'he most intense anxiety, he at len^'tli dis- 
covered her in a group of prisoners, bearing in her arms a child boni in captivity ; but 



152 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



Bradstreet, wlio commanded the other force, wrested from the 
sava.^es the military liosts, wliich cuiiuiug' and treachery had 
phiced in their power. As a part of his phui, while at Detroit, he 
sent Captain Moriis, and a number of friendly Canadians and 
Indians, to induce the savages of Illinois to make peace with the 
English. Having effected arrangements for this purpose, they 
ascended the Maumee in a canoe, and soon fell in with a party of 
some 200 Indians who treated Morris with great violence. They 
had come duectly from the camp of Pontiac, and soon led him 
into the presence of the great chief, who with a scrowling brow 
denounced the English as liars. He tlien displaced a letter written 
by some Frenchman, though puri)orting to be from the King of 
France, which Morris declares contained the greatest calumnies 
that ingenious malice could devise for prejudicing the minds of the 
Indians against the English. The party, after being stripi>ed of 
everything except their clothing, arms, and canoe, were suffered 
to de[»art. Ilesuming the ascent of the rivei', in seven days they 
reached Fort ^liami and effected a landing. This post not having 
been garrisoned since its capture the preceding year, the Cana- 
dians had built their houses within its palisades, and a few Indians 
made it a temporary abode. A Miami village was diiectly oi)po- 
site on the other side of the stream, while the meadows innuediately 
around it were dotted with lodges of the Kickapoos, who had re- 
cently arrived. After getting ashore they i)rocee<led through the 
meadows toward the fort, but before reaching it they were suddenly 
surroiuided by a mob of infuriated savages, bent on i)utting- them 
to death. Fortunately the chiefs inter])osed, and before any seri- 
ous violence was offered the sudden outbm'st of savage passion was 
checked. Threatened and insulted, however, ^Morris was con- 
ducted to the fort and there ordered to remain, while the Cana- 
dians were forbidden to shelter him in their lumses. He had not 
long been in this situation before two warriors entered, and 
with uplifted tomahawks seized and conducted him to the river. 
Supi)osing it was their intention to drown him, he was agreeably 
disappointed when they drew him into the water and led him safe 
to the opposite shore. Here he was strix)ped, and with his hands 
bound behind him, led to the Miami village, wheiv instantly a vast 
concourse of savages collected about him, the majority of whom 
were in favor of putting him to death. A tumultuous debate on 
tlie subject soon followed, during' which two of his Canadian 
followers made their appearance to induce the chiefs to spare his 
life. The nephew of Pontiac, who possessed the bold spirit of Ids 
uncle, was also present and pointed out to the rabble the impro- 

the pleasure of the meeting- was alloyed by the absence of another child, which had 
been talcen fi-om the mother and carried she knew not wither. Anxious days and 
weeks passed away, but no tidings of its fate were received. At lengtli the mother, 
almost frenzied with despair, discovered it in the arms of an Indian and seized it with 
irrepressible transports of joy. 

Young women, now the wives of warriors and the mothers of a mongrel offspring-, 
were re^luctantl.y brought into the presence of their white relatives ; and children 
whose long- residence among their captors had obliterated the remembrance of former 
associations, struggled lustily to escape. With the returning army tliey were carried 
to the East, where they were visited by hundreds whose relatives" had been abducted 
by the Uidians. Amon.g the fortunate seekers was a mother, who discovercu in the 
swarthy features of one of the rescued captives the altered lineaments of her daughter, 
The latter had almost forgotten her native tongue ; and making no response to the 
wordsof maternal endearment, the parent wept that the child she h:id so often sung 
to sleep on her knee had now forgotten her in old age. "The humanity of Bouquet 
suggested an expedient : 'Sing the songs you used to sing to her when a child.' The 
Old lady obeyed, and a sudden start, a look of bewilderment, and a passionate flood of 
tears restored the long lost daughter to the mother's arms."— Parkman.] 



PONTIAC'S CONSPIRACY. 153 

priety of puttiiiii' liiiu to deatli, when so many of their kindled 
"were in tlie hands of tlie Enjiiish at Detroit. He was accordiii<;ly 
released, bnt soon afterward aj^ain seized by a nunhh'ned cldefand 
bonnd to a post. Yoini";' L'ontiae, now more determined than ever, 
rode up and se\ erini^ tlie cords with his hatchet, exclaimed : '•'I yive 
this man his life. If any of you want En<;lish meat ji'o to ])etroit, 
or the lakes, and you will luive i)lenty of it. AVhat l)usiness have 
you Avitli the En<;lishman, who has come to speak with usf* 

The current of fcelinj;' now beiian to chan.^e in favor of si)aring' 
liis life, and after havin,i;- violently thrust him out of the villai;e, 
thej' suffered him to return to the fort. Here the ('amidians ^^()uld 
have treated him with kindiu'ss, but were unable to do so without 
exposing themselves to the tierce resentments of the savages. 
Despite the inauspicious commencement of the journey, Morris 
was still desirous of completing it, but was notified by the Kicka- 
poos if he atteni})ted to pass them they would certainly put him to 
death. He was also informed that a delegation of IShawnee war- 
riors was on its way to the ))()st for the same ]>ur])ose. The same 
party, with anund)er of J)elawares, had visited the ^liamis a short 
time before the arrival of the embassy, to urge upon them the 
necessity of renewing hostilities, and much of the bad treatment 
to which he had been subjected was due to the feeling which they 
had engendered. From tlie fort they proceeded westward, s[)read- 
ing the contagion of their hostile feelings among the tribes of 
Illinois, and other Indians, between the Ohio and .Alississippi, 
declaring that they would fight the English as long as the sun 
furnished light for the continuance of the conflict. Thus it became 
evident that the Shawnees and Delawares had two sets of embass- 
adors, and while one was sent to sue for peace with ]>ouquet, the 
other was urging the neighboring tribes to renew the atrocities of 
war. Under these circumstances the further prosecution of the 
journey was impracticable, and at the earnest soli(;itation of his 
Indian and Canadian attendants, INIorris decided to return. Sup- 
posing that Ibadstreet was still at Detroit, he made his way 
thither, but found that he had gone to Sandusky. Being too nuu*h 
exhausted to follow him, he sent a letter detailing his hardshii)s 
among the Indians, and the unfavorable issue of the expe- 
dition. 

Hardly had Morris escaped from the dark foiests of the IManmee 
before Pontiac was again in motion. Preceding his advance, a 
wave of tumultuous excitement swept westward to the jMississippi. 
M. IS^eyon, commandant of Fort Cliartres, in the meantime !iad 
retired, and St. Ange (FJU'llrive had taken ui)on himself the 
arduous duties of the vacated situation. Mobs of Illinois, and 
embassies from the Delawares, Shawnees, and Mianus, daily im- 
portuned him for arms and anununition, to be used against the 
English. The flag of Fiance, which they had been taught to 
revere, still clung to the stafif on the summit of the fort, and Illi- 
nois was now the only sanctuary which remained for them to 
defend. While thus actuated by "feelings of patriotism there were 
other causes which gave intensity to their zeal. The whole region 
boi'dering the jMississipi>i was filled with French traders, who re- 
garded the English as dangerous rivals and Avere ready to resort 
to any expedient which might be instrumental in their expulsion 

*Parkman . 



154 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

from the country. Using every calumny and tiil.seliood that malice 
could suggest, to excite oi)i)Osition to the objects of their jealousy, 
they now told the Indians that the English were endeavoring to 
stir up civil feuds among them, wheieby tliey might tight and 
destroy each other. They still insisted that the h>ng delayed 
armies of France would soon be in the countiy, and to keep alive 
this oft repeated falsehood the traders appeared fre<iuently in 
French uniforms, represeiiting themselves as embassadors of the 
King, and sent forged letters bearing the royal signature to 
Pontiac, urging him to persist in his efforts against the common 
enemy. 

As intimated, Pontiac, with 400 warriors, in the Autumn of 
1764 crossed the Wabash to visit these tribes and give direction to 
their efforts. Unshaken amidst the ruin which threatened his 
race, with tireless energy he entered the villages of the Miamis, 
Kickapoos, and Piankishas, and breathed into them his own 
un('on(]uerable spirit. Receiving from them ju'omisesof (M)-oi>era- 
tion, he next directed his course throngh trackless ex])anses of 
prairie verdure, to the homes of the Illinois. These Indians, repeat- 
edly subdued by surrounding nations, had lost their warlike 
spirit, and were reprimanded by Pontiac for their want of zeal. 
Hastily collecting an assemblage, he told the cowering multitude 
that "he would consume them as the fir<? consumes the dry grass 
on the prairies if they hesitated in offering assistance." This 
summary method of dealing with the tardy savages drew from 
them unanimous assent to his views, and i)romises of assistance 
which the most waiiike tribes would have been unable to perform. 
Leaving the Illinois, he hastened to Fort Chartres, and entered 
the council hall with a retinue of 400 warriors. Assuming the 
gravity and dignity characteristic of liis race on i)ublic occasions, 
he addressed the commandant, as follows : 

"Father, we have long desired to see J'ou, and enjoy tlie pleasure of taking 
3^ou by the hand. Wliili; we refresh ourselves with the soothing incense of tlie 
friendly calumet, we will recall the battles fought by our warriors against the 
enemy which still seeks our overthrow. But while we speak of their valor 
and victories, let us not forget our fallen Iieroes, and with renewed resolves and 
more constant endeavors strive to avenge their death by the downfall of our 
enemies. Father, I love the French, and have led liither my braves to main- 
tain your authority and vindicate the insulted honor of France. But you nmst 
not longer remain inactive and sutler your red brothers to contend alone against 
the foe, who seek our common destruction. We demand of you arms and 
warriors to assist us, and when the English dogs are driven into tlie sea, we 
will again in peace and happiness enjoy with you these fruitful forests and 
l)rairies, the noble heritage presented b}^ the Great Spirit to our ancestors." 

St. Ange', being unable to furnish hiniAvith men andnninitions, 
offered in their stead compliments and good will. But I'ontiac, 
regarding his mission too important to be thus rejected, com- 
plained l)itterly that he should receive such poor encouragement 
from those whose wrongs he was endeavoring to redress. His 
warriors pitched their lodges al)()nt the fort, and siu-h were the 
manifestations of disi)leasure that the commandant ai)prehened 
an attack. Pontiac had i>revi()usly caused his wives to pr(^}>ar(' a 
belt ot wampun more than six feet in length, interwoven with the 
totems of the ditt'erent tribes and villages still associated with him 
in the prosecution ot the war. While at the fort this was assigned 
to a chosen band of warriors who were instructed to descend the 



PONTIAC'S CONSPIEACY. L 



Missi.ssippi, and cxliibitiiiit:;- it to the mimerous nations liviiiji- on 
its baiilvs, exliort thvui to repel all attempts wiiieli the Eni;lisli 
niijiht make to ascend the river. They were turtlier recpiired to 
call on the governor of New Orleans and obtain the assistan('e 
Avhieh St. Angc had refused. I'ontiae, aware that the Mississii)pi 
on the south, and the Ohio on the east were the channels by wiiich 
Illinois vras most accessible to the English, wisely determined to 
inter})ose barriers to their api)r()aeh by these .yreat lii.niiways. 
Not lonji' after the departure of his warriors, tidinj^s were received 
at the fort which verihed the sai;acity and correctness of his anti- 
cii>ations. 

The previous s])rin<;- ^lajor Loftus, with a force of 400 men, 
sailed fioni J'ensacola to New Orleans, for the purpose of asceud- 
in<^' tlie Mississipi>i ami takini>' possession of Fort Chartres. iJehig 
end»arked in unwieldy boats, his progress was slow, and when 
only a short distance abo\e the town he was unexpectedly assailed 
by the warriors of I'oidiac. They were fired upon from both sides 
of tlie river, which, swollen by a freshet, had inundated its banks 
and formed swami)y labyrinths, from which it was impossible to 
dislodge the foe. Several soldiers were killed at the first discharge, 
and the terrified oftleers immediately deciding a farther advance 
impossible, fell back to New Orleans. Here they found the merri- 
ment of the French greatly excited at their discomfiture, which, 
it was alleged, had been caused by not more than ;>() warriors. 
Loftus. smarting under the ridicule, bohlly accused the governor 
of having been the autliorof his defeat, tlnrngh there was not the 
slightest ground for such suspicion. As the result of fear, from 
which he had not yet r<'covered, he likewise conceived the idea 
that the Indians intended to attack him on his return on the river 
below, and petitioned the governor, whom he had just accused of 
collusion with the savages, to interpose and prevent it. The 
French otficer, with a look of contempt, agreed to furnish him 
with an escort of French solders, but Loftus. rejecting this humil- 
iating offer, declared he only wanted an interpreter to confer with 
the Indians whom he should meet on the way. One was grante<l, 
and he sailed from Pensacola, leaving the forts of Illinois still in 
the hands of the Fren<'li, but virtually controlled and protected 
by the warriors of Pontiac. After this abortive effort to reach 
Foit Chartres, Captain l*itman sailed tixmi Mobile to make a sec- 
ond attempt. Hearing- in New Orleans the commotion excited 
among the saviig(\s l)y the messengers of Pontiac, he was deterred 
from proceeding ojx'idy without an escort. It however occurred 
to him that he might reach his destination in the guise of a 
Frenchman, by going- with a company of Creole tra<}ers, but owing 
to the great danger of detiH-tion, this also was abandoned. 

In the meantime the and)assadors of Pontiac, true to the trust 
reposed in them, had tra\ersed the imnu'use forest solitudes, 
-watered by the t(utuous wimlings of the Mississipi)i, reeking 
Avith the deadly exhalations of poisonous marshes. Visiting the 
tribes scatter<'d over this vast wilderiu'ss, even to the southern ex- 
tremeof Ijouisiana, whither the fame of Pontiac had preceded them, 
they infused into them a si)irit of resistance to Pritish encroach- 
ments. Next re])airing to New Orleans to denuind military aid, 
they found the inhabitatds excited over the transfer of their 
territory- to the dominion of Spain. By a special provision New 



156 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

Orleans had not been included in tbe cession made to England 
east of the Mississippi, and now they had just learned that tlieir 
parent country had transferred all her remaining i^ossessions to 
the crown of Spain, The inhabitants cordially hated the Span- 
iards, and their patriotic governor, inortitied at the disgrace, be 
came the victim of a disease that shortly afterward caused his 
death. BoAved with disease and sliame, he received the messen- 
gers of Pontiac in the council hall of the town. Besides the 
French officials, a nund)er of English officers Avere present at the 
interview. The orator of the Indian deputation Avas a SluiAvnee 
Avarrior, avIio, displaying- the great belt of Avampum and pointing 
to the English, said : 

" These red* dogs have crowded upon us more and more, and wlieu we ask wiiy 
tluy doit, we are lold that j^ou, our French fathers, have given them our huid. 
But we know they have lied. These lands are neither yours nor theirs, and 
no man shall give or sell them without our consent. Fathers, we have always 
been your faithful children, and we have come to obtain from you arms to aid 
us in this war." 

After an ineffectual attempt by tlie governor to allay the animos- 
ity expressed in the speech, and a promise to furnish them Avitli 
sup])]ies for their immediate Avants, the council adjourned till the 
next day, When, however, it again assembled, the dying gover- 
nor had breathed out his life. M. Aubrey, his successor, presided 
in his place. After one of the Indian orators, according to the 
solemn custom of his people, had expressed his regret for the sud- 
den death of the goA^ernor, a Miami chief arose and said : 

"Since we last sat on these seats we have heard strange words. We hare 
learned that you, whom we have loved and served so well, have given these 
lands on which we dwell to our common foe. We have also ascertained lliat 
the English have forbidden you to send traders to our villages, and that you, 
whom we thought so great and brave, have obeyed tlieir conmiands like 
women, leaving us to die and starve in misery. We now tell you again that 
these lands are ours, and moreover that we can live without your aid and hunt 
and tish -and fight as did our ancestors before us. All we ask is the guns, the 
knives, and the hatchets we have worn out in fighting your battles." 

To these home-thrusts of Indian invective, M. Aubrey could 
make but a feeble reply. Presents Avere distributed among them, 
but produced no effect on the imlignant Avarriors, ;ind on the mor- 
roAv they commenced their jiscent of the great river. 

The great intliience of Pontiac in Illinois convinced General 
Gage, the successor of (ileneral Amherst, thtit as long as the posts 
of Illinois remained in the hands of French officers tind the flag of 
France was recognized in any ]>art of the ceded territory, it Avould 
be impossible to eradicate from the minds of the Indians the i)han- 
tom of French assistance, lie therefore deteiinined to send a 
force A\'estward of sufficient magnitude to OAcrcome all opposition, 
and at once termimite the Avar, by removing the cause. After the 
repulse of Loftus the southern route to Illinois Avas regarded as 
impracticable, and it was decided to send the troops by way of the 
Ohio. George Croghan and Lieutentmt Frazer, accompanied by a 
small escort, Avere sent in advance to prepare the Iiulitmsfor the 
advent of the contemplated expedition. Croghan had for years 
been a trader among the Avestern tribes, and by the aid of his 
manly character had won the res]K'ct of the savages, and Avas Avell 
fitted for the discharge of this iini)ortant trust. The party set out 

•Alluding to the red coats of the British soldiers 



PONTIAC'S nOXSPIRACY. 157 

for Fort Pitt in February, 1765, and after having penetrated snow- 
bonnd forests and iiionntain detiles duriiifi' the rij^ors of a severe 
winter, they aiTived safely at the fort, llerc^ Cro.uli:in \v;is de- 
tained several weeks, for the pur[)ose of having a eonsultation 
with the Shawnees and Delawares, along whose southern bolder 
the expedition was to i)ass. In the meantime, fearing that the 
delay attending his negotiations might have a i)rejudieial effect 
upon the tribes of Illinois, he sent Frazer immediately forward to 
enter upon the im])ortant duties with which they had been en- 
trusted. The icy blockades which during the winter had obstructed 
the navigation of the Ohio, now disappeared, and the party em- 
barking in a canoe, descended with the current of the river near 
1,00(1 ndles without encountering opx)Osition. But when a landing 
was effected the followers of Pontiac were on hand, and he met 
with a rece])tion similar to that accorded to Morris the i>revious 
autumn. P>uffeted and threatened with death, he abandoned the 
object of his A'isit, and lied in disguise down the river to seek a 
refuge among the French. The universal overthrow which had 
attended the efforts of the Indians in all the surrounding regions, 
caused them to look upon Illinois as sacred ground, and iience 
their determined efforts to prevent its desecration by the intru- 
sion of their hated foe. 

The English, having thus far failed to effect an eidrance into the 
country by force and negotiations, now determined to try their 
hand at conciliation. They had heard of the Avonderful intluence 
exerted over the sa^'ages in this way by the French, and concluded 
that their own efforts might be attended with similar results. For 
this purpose they secured the services of a Frenchnuin, and sent 
him u}> the river with a boat load of goods, Avhich he was instructed 
to distribute among the Indians as presents from the English. 
Intelligence of this movement traveled far more rapidly than the 
supplies, and Pontiac deternnned that they should siibserve his 
OAvn interest and not that of his enemies. He. therefore, watched 
the arrival of the boat, and no sooner had a landing been effected 
than his men leaped aboard, and having flogged the Frenchnuin 
and his crew, distributed the goods among tliemselves. As was 
customary, these supplies were soon squandered with reckless 
prodigality, and the savages wheninessed with want turned to the 
French for assistance. But the latter were now expecting the 
arrival of a British force to take possession of the country, ami 
fearing that punishment might overtake them for past offences, 
concluded it best to withhold their assistance. St. Ange and other 
officers, also believing that their successors would soon arrive, 
informed them that henceforth they must look for supi)lies to the 
English, whose good will it was now their interest to cultivate. 

Hunger itself is more powerful than an "army Avith banneis, " 
and when the savag(\s saw other disasters equally appalling and 
imminent, the most resolute warriors began to hesitate in regaid to 
the further prolongation of the struggle. Even Pontiac, whose 
masculine fibre and enduring fortitude the ordinary vicissitudes of 
w^ar failed to affect, began to waver when he learned that the highest 
French dignitaries refused to grant him aid. The expectations 
which had so long nerved his arm were fast vanishing, ami 
with a sorrowful heart he beheld the vast civil and nnilitary com- 
binations he had formed, in a state of hopeless disintegration. 



158 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



Deserted by allies ou every haud, there was no place of refuge 
whither he might fly for safety. In the south and west were fierce 
tribes, the hereditary enemies of his peoi)le; from the east came 
an oN'erwhelmiiig foe to engulf him, while the north, the home of 
his children and the scenes of his youthful activities and aspi- 
rations, was under the guns of an impregnable fortress. At 
present, unable to extricate himself from the labyrinth of impend- 
ing dangers, he was compelled to submit and wait a future day of 
vengeance. 

Croghan, having completed his conference with the Indians at 
Fort Pitt, with hisow^n men and a number of Delaware and Shaw- 
net? warriors, ou the loth of jMay, 1705, started down the Ohio. 
With little detention, he landed on the Illinois shore, a short dis- 
tance below the mouth of the Wabash.* Soon after disembark- 
ing, he was uuexi)ectedly greeted by a shower of bullets proceed- 
ing from tangled thicki^ts on the banks of the river, whereby 5 of 
his men were killed and most of the reiuainder wouuded. Imme- 
diately following the exi)losion of nuisketry, 80 yclpiug Kickapoos 
rushed from their coverts, and disarming the English, took posses- 
sion of all their i)ersonal effects. When thus I'endered itowerless, 
the assailants began to apologize for the dastardly attack. They 
declared to Croglian that the French had told them that his escort 
consisted of Cherokees, their mortal enemies, and that under this 
false impression, they had made the assault. This i)retext was, 
however, another instance of the deception for which that tribe 
Avas distinguished. Though endeavoring to excuse their conduct 
on the plea of ignorance, it was afterward ascertained that they 
had dogged Croghan for several days, and knew well the charac- 
ter of his esc(ut. \Yith less government over themselves than 
children, and tilled with the instinct of devils, their real object was 
to wreak vengeance on the English and gratify a rabid desire for 
blood. 

Carefully guarded as a prisoner, Croghan was conducted uj) the 
Wabash to Vinceunes, where, fortunately, he met with a number 
of his former friends, who not only effected his release but sharply 
reprimanded his captors for their nujustifiable conduct. From 
Vincennes he was escorted farther up the river to Fort AVatanon 
an^gg^rtaiiied with nuicli apparent cordiality by Indians with 
w'fldiHe had been previously acquainted. Here he spent several 
days in receiving and shaking hands with deputations of chiefs 
and warriors from the surrounding region, all of whom were appar- 
ently anxious to be on friendly terms with the English, and 
expressed a desire for the return of peace. In contrast with these 
evidences of good will, a Frenchman arrived Avith a message from 
a chief living in Illinois, urging the Indians in the vicinity of the 
fort to put the English ambassador to death. Despite this mur- 
derous request, he was assured by his savage friends that they 
would not only protect his person, but assist in taking possession 
of the country where the hostile chief resided. Unexpectedly a 

*" On the 6th of June they arrived at the mouth of the Wabash. Here they found a 
breastwork, supposed to have been erected by Indians. Si.x miles further, they 
encamped at a place called the 'old Shawnee village,' upon or near the present site 
of Shawneetown, which perpetuates its name. At this place they remained 6 days for 
the purpose of opening' a friendly intercouse and trade with the Wabash tribes ; and 
while here, Col. Croghan sent messengers with dispatches tor Lord (Lieut. ?) Frazer 
who had gone from Fort Pitt as commandant at Fort Chartres, and also to M. St. Ange, 
the former French commandant."— MONNE' £,1,346. 



PONTIAC'S CONSPIRACY. J 59 

messenger next came from St. Aiige, requesting liim to visit Fort 
Cliartres and adjust affairs preparatory to his withdrawal from 
the fort. As this was in a(;cordance with his intentions, he imme- 
diately set out, but had not proceeded far before he was met by 
Pontiac and a numerous retinue of warriors. The chief liad come 
to offer terms of peace, and Croghan returned with him to the fort 
for consultation. The chiefs and warriors of the surrounding 
nations also met in council, and Pontiac, in the 2>resence of the 
ninltitnde, introduced the pipe of peace and ex])ressed his concur- 
rence in the friendly sentiments which had been interchanged at 
the fort befor<' his arrival. He declared that the French iiad misle<l 
him with the statement that the English pr()])()sed to stir u[) the 
Cherokees against his bi-ethren of Illinois, and thus recbu'c them 
to servitude. The English, he agreed, might take possession of 
Fort Cliartres and the other military posts, but sagaciously inti- 
mated that the French had never purchased the lands of the 
Illinois, and as they lived on them by sufferance only, their suc- 
cessors would have no legal right to their possession. The amicable 
feelings manifested by the Jllinois chiefs who Avere present, 
obviated the ]iecessity of his proceeding farther westward, and he 
next directed his attention to the tribes of the north-east. 

Accom])anied by Pontiac he crossed to Fort ]Miami, and descend- 
ing the Maumee, lield conferences with the different tribes dwelling 
in the immense forests which shelter the baid\S of the stream. 
Passing thence up the Detroit, he arrived at the fort on the ITtli 
of August, where he found a vast concourse of neighboring tribes. 
The fear of punishment, and the long })rivations they had suffered 
from the suspension of the fnr trade, had banished every thought 
of hostility, an,d all were anxious for peace audits attenchmtbless- 
ings. After numerous interviews with different tribes in the old 
town hall, where Pontiac first essayed the execution of his 
treachery, Croghan called a final meeting on the 27th of August. 
Imitating the forest eloquence with which he had long been 
familiar, he thus addressed the convocation : 

" Ciiil(U'eu, we are very glad to see so many of 3'ou present at your ancient 
council tire, wliicli lius been neglected for some time past. Since tlien liigh 
Avinds have blown and raised beavy clouds over your country. I now, by this 
belt, re-kindle j'our ancient tires, and throw dry wood upon it, that tlie blaze 
may ascend to heaven, so that all nations may see it and know that you'l^^/jyi 
peace with your fathers, the English, liy this b(-]t I disperse all the blitclc 
clouds from over your heads, that the sun may shine clear on your women 
and children, and that those unborn ma}' enjo}' the blessings of this general 
peace, now so happil}' settled between your fathers, tlie English, and 3'ou and 
all your younger brethren toward the sunsetting." 

Pontiac replied : 

"Fatiier, we have all smoked together out of this peace pipe, and as the 
Great Spirit has brought us togetlier for good, I declare to all the nations that 
1 have made peace with the English. lu the presence of all the tribes now 
asscml)led,I lake the King of England for my father, and dedicate this pipe to 
Jiis use, that thenceforth we may Adsit him and smoke together in peace." 

The object of Croghaii's visit was now consummated, but before 
he departed he exacted from Pontiac a promise that the following 
spring he would repair to Oswego and enter into a treaty with Sir 
AVilliain Johnson, in behalf of the western nations associated with 
him in the war. * 

''In the meantime a hundred Highlanders of the 4lM regiment, 
those veterans whose battle cry had echoed over the bloodiest 



160 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

fields of America, had left Foil Pitt iiiuler coimiiaiid of Captain 
Stirliii^'j and descending the Ohio niideterred l)y the rigor of the 
season, arrived at Chartres jnst as the snows of early winter began 
to Avhiten the naked forests. The tiag of FrancM' descended from 
the rampart, and with the stern courtesies of war St. Ange yielded 
up his [)ost, the citadel of Illinois, to its new masters. In that 
act was consummated the double trium}»h of British power in 
America. England had crashed her hereditary foe ', France in her 
fall had left to irretrievable ruin the savage tribes to whom her 
policy and self-interest had lent a transient sui)port."* The doomed 
nations were next to seal their submission to the i)ower which had 
wrought their ruin, and British sway wonld be complete. 

Keminded of his promise to Croglian by the leafy dra])ery of 
summer, Pontiac repaired to Oswego, and for the last time appeared 
before the representatives of English sovereignty. In the midst 
of a large concourse, which the im})(H'taiice of the occasion had 
drawn together, he arose and said : "Fatlier, we thank the Great 
Si)irit who has given us this day of bright skies and geiiial warmth 
to consider the great affairs now before us. In his presence, and 
in behalf of all the nations toward the sunsettiiig, of which I am 
the master, I now take you by the hand. I call ujjon him to wit- 
ness, that I have spoken from my heart, and in the name of the 
tribes which I represent, I i)ronuse to keep this covenant as long 
as I live." Having now fulfilled his promise, he retired from the 
scene of his humiliation with a sad heart. Before his fierce glance 
the vail Avhich hides the present from the future was witlulrawn, 
and he saw his people, deceiNed by intruding strangers, driven 
from the home of their ancestors and fleeing westward to perish 
on the desert with hunger. 

After the treaty he returned to the west, and for three years 
buried his disappointment in the seclusion of its dark forests, 
providing as a comiiu)n hunter for his family. In the earlier part 
of the year 176!), some slight disturl)ance occurred between the 
Indians of Illinois and some French traders living in and arcmnd 
St. Louis. Simultaneously Pontiac appeared in the excited region, 
but whether he was connected with the disturbance is not known. 
The English evidently' regarded him with distrust, and determined 
to take his life to prevent a repetition of the bloody drama he had 
formerly enacted. Soon after his arrival he went to St. Louis and 
called on his old friend St. Ange, then in command of the Spanish, 
garrison. For this purpose he arrayed himself in the uniform 
Avhich had been presented him l)y ]Montcalm,and which he had the 
good taste never to wear except on important occasions. St. Ange 
and the principal inhabitants of the place gave him a cordial wel- 
come, and exerted themselves to render his visit agreeable. He 
had been there but a few days when he heard that there was a 
social gathering of the Indians at Caliolda, on the oi)posite side 
of the river, and informed his friend that he ^\<)uld cross over and 
see what tliey were doing. St. Ange, aware of the danger he 
woidd encounter, endeavored to disuadehim from his purjwse, but 
the chief boasting that he was not afraid of the English, departed. 
At Cahokia he found the Indians engaged in a drunken carousal, 
and soon becoming intoxicated himself, started to the neighboring 
woods, and shortly afterward was heard singing magic songs, in 

♦Parkman. 



PONTIAC'S CONSPIRACY. 161 

the mystic influence of which he reposed the greatest confi- 
dence. 

There was an English trader in the village at the time, who, in 
common with the rest of his countrymen, regarded him with the 
greatest distrust, and while tlie oportunity was favorable deter- 
mined to effect liis destruction. He approaclied a vagabond Indian 
of theKaslcaskia tribe, and bribed him with a barrel of whiskey to 
execute his murderous intent. The assassin api)roached the woods, 
and at a favorable moment glided up behind the chief and buried 
his tonuihawk in his brain. Thus basely terminated the carreer 
of the warrior, whose great natural endowments nuule him the 
greatest hero of his race, and with him ended their last great struggle 
to resist tlie inroads of ci^'ilized nu^n. The Ixxly was soon found, 
and the village became a i)andemonimn of howling savages. His 
friends, worse than brutalized by their fiery potations, seized their 
arms to wreak vengeance on the perpetrator of thenuuder, but the 
Illinois, interposing in behalf of their c<mntrynuin, drove them 
from the town. Foiled in their attempt to obtain retribution, they 
fled to the neighboring nations, and making kno^ni the momentous 
intelligence, a war of extermination was de(;lared against the 
abettors of this crime. Swarms of Sacs, Foxes, Pottawatomies, 
and other northern tribes who had been fired by the eloquence of 
the nnirt^ red chief, descended to the plains of Illinois, and whole 
villages were extirpated to appease his shade.* St. Ange pro- 
cured the body of his guest, and mindful of his former friendship 
buried it with the honors of war near tlie fort under his command 
at St. Louis. His proud nmusoleum is the great city which has 
since risen above his unknown grave, and his loud requiem the diu 
of industry and the tramp of thousands descended from the race 
he hated with such remorseless rancor. The forest solitudes 
through which he loved to wander have been swept away, his 
warriors are no more, and the rusty relics of tlieir foimer existence 
can only be found in the cabinet of the antiquary, while the great 
river which floated only their frail canoes is now beat into foam by 
the powerful enginery of the passing steamboat. 

*It was at this time that the trag-edy before described on the Itock of St. Louis was 
enacted, which has since been known as "Starved Rock." 



11 



Chapter XV. 

1705-78— ILLmOIS AS A BRITISH PROVINCE— P«rf?«Z 

Exodus of the French — Their Dislike of English Laiv, and 
Restoration of their Oivn by the Quebec Bill — La7id Gra^its by 
British Commandants — Curious Indian Deeds — Conditon of the 
/Settlements in 1700, by Captain Pitman — Brady''s and Meillette^s 
Expeditions to the St. Joseph in 1777-78. 



It was on the 10th of October, 1705, that the ensign of France 
was rephiced on the ramparts of Fort Chartres by the tiag- of Great 
Britain. At the time the cokjnies of the Athiutic seaboard were 
assembled in prehminary congress at New York, dreaming of hb- 
erty and indei)eiidence for the continent, while the great valley 
east of the Mississippi, with its broad rivers rnshing from the 
monntaiiis and gathering in the plain, its vast prairies misnrpassed 
for their wealth of soil, its boundless primeval forests with their 
deep solitudes, into which were presently to be summoned the 
eager millions of many tongues to build their hapijy homes, passed 
finally from the dominion of France under the yoke of Great 
Britain.* Besides being constructively a part of Florida for over 
100 years, during which time no Spaniard set foot upon her soil 
or rested his eye upon her beantful plains, Illinois, for nearly DO 
years, had been in the actual occupation of the French, their ]>uny 
settlements slumbering quietly in colonial dependence on the far- 
off waters of tlie Kaskaskia, Illinois and Wabash. But the Anglo- 
Saxon had gained at last a peimanent foot-hold on the banks of 
the great river, and a new life, instinct with energy and progress, 
was about to be infused into the country. 

M. Neyon de Villiers, long the commandant of Fort Chartres, 
kept from the French, and particularly the Indians, so long as he 
could, a knowledge of the cession of the country to Great Britain 
by the treaty of Paris, and finally, when it had gained publicity 
and when the power and influence of the great Indian conspirator 
was broken, rather than dwell under the detested flag of the con- 
queror, he abandoned Illinois in the summer of 1701, followed by 
many of the inhabitants, to New Orleans. The comumnd of the 
fort and country then devolved upon ]\I.'St. Ange de Bellerive, a 
veteran Canadian officer of rare tact and large ex])erience, who, 40 
years prior, had escorted Charlevoix through the West, tlie Jesuit 
travelermentioning him with commendation. His position reqmred 

•Bancroft 

162 



BRITISH OCCUPATION. 1G3 

skill and address to save his feeble colony from a renewed war 
with the English, and from a general massacie by the incensed 
hordes of savages nnder Pontiac surrounding him. By the home 
go\'ernment he had been advised of the cession to the British, and 
ordered to surrender the country upon their arrival to claim it. 
By repeated embassies from Pontiac and from various warlike 
tribes toward the east, he was importuned for assistance against 
the English, and unceasingly tormented by the Illinois demand- 
ing arms and ammunition. Butiu various dexterous ways, he put 
off from time the importunate savages with fair speeches and occa- 
sional presents, wLile he anxiously awaited the coming of theBritish 
garrison to take possession and relieve him of his dilemna.* After 
the evacuati(m of Fort Chartres, he also retired from the country, 
conducting his feeble garrison of 21 soldiers to the infant settle- 
ment of 8t. Louis, where, in the absence of any S])anish rule as 
yet, he <'ontinued to exendse the fun(rtions of his otiice with great 
satisfaction to the peoi)le until Xoveml)er, 1770, when his authority 
was superceded l>y I'iernas, commandant under the Spanish gov- 
ernment. ]>>' a secret treaty, ratitied Xoveinber .'*>, 1702, the king 
of Prance had ceded to the king of Spain all the territory west of the 
JMississippi to its remotest tributaries, including Xew Orleans ; but 
the civil jurisdiction of S])ain was not enforced in Up]>er Louis- 
iana until 17()9.t Prior to his departure, with a fatherly care and 
benevolent intent, St. Ange instituted for those he left behind m 
Illinois some wise and salutory regulations regarding titles to 
their laiuls-l 

The exodus of the old Canadian French was large just prior and 
during the British occupation. LTnwilling to dwell under the flag 
of their hereditary enemy, many, including some of the wealth- 
iest families, removed witli their slaves and other persoiml effects, 
mostly to Up])er Louisiana, just across the Mississippi, and settled 
in the small handet of St. Genevieve. Others joined and aided 
Laclede in founding the present great city of St. Louis, the site of 
which had then but just been selected as a depot for the fur com- 
pany of Louisiana. The number of inhal)itants of foreign Uneage 
residing in the Illinois settlements were estimated as follows: 
AA'hite men able to bear arms, TOO; white women, 500 ; their chil- 
dren, S50; negroes of both sexes, 900 ; total, 2,050, Bythehegira, 
one-third of the whites and a greater proportion of the blacks 
removed, leaving probably less than 2,000 souls at the commence- 
ment of the British occupation, during whicli the influx did not 
more than keep pace with theetflux. Fcav English or Americans 
even visited the country under the British rule, and less settled. 
Scarcely au Anglo-Saxon (other than the British troops, traders, 
ofdcers and favored land speculators) was seen there during 
this time, and until the conquest of Clark in 1778. 

Captani Steiling, of the 4r2d Poyal Highlanders, brought out 
with him, and in taking x^ossession of Fort Chartres, published 
the following proclamation: 

" B}' His Excellency, TIkwhus Gage, Major-Gencrnl of the King's armies, 
Colonel of tlic 22d regiment, General commanding in chief all tlie forces of His 
Majesty in Nortli America, etc., etc: 

♦Seehis letter to Governor D'Abliadie, Sept. 9th. 
+Monette's Valley of the Mississippi. 
$Peck's Annals of the West. 



164 HISTORY OF ILXINOIS. 

"Whereas, by tlie peace concluded at Piiris, on tlie 10th of February, 1763, the 
country of tlie Illinois has been ceded to His Britannic Majesty, and the taking 
possession of the said country of the Illinois by troops of His Majesty, though 
delayed, has been determined upon, we have found it good to make known to 
the iiihnbilants — 

"That His Majesty grants to the inhabitants of the Illinois the liberty of the 
Catholic religion, as it lias already been granted to his subjects in Canada; he 
has consequently given tlie most precise and effective orders, to the end that 
his new Roman Catholic subjects of the Illinois may exercise the worship of 
their religion according to the rights of the Roman Church, in the same manner 
as in Canada; 

" That His Majesty, moreover, agrees. that the French inhabitants, or others, 
who have been subjects of the Most Christian King, may retire in full safety 
and freedom, whereverthey please, even to New Orleans, or any other part of 
Louisiana, altlKUigli it should liappen that the Spaniards take possession of it 
in the name of His Catholic Majesty ; and they may sell their estate, provided 
it be to subjects of His Majesty, and transport their effects, as well as persons, 
without restraint upon their emigration, under anj^ pretense whatever, except 
in consequence of debts or of criminal process; 

"That those who choose to retain their lands and become subjects of His 
Majesty, shall enjoy the same rights and privileges, the same security for their 
persons and efi'ects and liberty of trade, as the old subjects of the King; 

"That they are commanded, by these presents, to take the oath of fidelity 
and obedience to His Majesty, in presence of Sieur Sterling, Captain of the 
Higliland regiment, the bearer hereof, and furnislied with our full powers for 
this purpose; 

" That we recommend forcibly to the inhabitants, to conduct themselves like 
good and faithful subjects, avoiding by a wise and prudent demeanor all cause 
of complaint agaijist them ; 

" That they act in concert with His Majesty's officers, so that his troops may 
take peaceable possession of all the posts, and order be kept in the ccmntry ; by 
this means alone the}^ will spare His Majesty the necessity of recurring to force 
of arms, and Avill lind themselves saved from the scourge of a bloody war, and 
of all the evils which the march of an army into their country would draw 
after it." 

" We direct that these presents be read, published, and posted up in the 
usual places. 

" Done and given at Headquarters, New York. Signed with our hand, sealed 
with our seal at arms, and countersigned by our Secretary, this 30th of De- 
cember, 1764. 

"Thomas Gage, [L. S.] 

" By His Excellency: 

" G. Mattjrin." 

Witli sucli fair and liberal concessions, so well calculated to gain 
the favor and affection of the French, and stay their emigration, 
Captain Sterling- began the government of this isolated colony. 
Bnt it was destined to be of short duration. He died some three 
months after his arrival, leaving the ofUcc of commandant vacant. 
Under these circumstances theu- former beloved commandant, M. 
St. Ange, returned to Fort Chartres and discharged the duties of 
the office untd a successor to Captain Sterling should be sent out. 
Major Frazer was next sent out from Fort Pitt. He exercised a 
brief bat arbitrary power over the settlements, when he was re- 
lieved by a Colonel Eeed, who proved for the colonists a bad 
exchange. For 18 months he enacted the petty t;yTant by a series 
of milit.ary oppressions over these feeble settlements, which were, 
by reason of their isolation, entirely without redress. He was, how- 
ever, at last removed and succeeded by Lieutenant Colonel Wil- 
kins, who arrived September 5, 1708. He brought orders for the 
establishment of a court of justice in Illinois for the administra- 
tion of the laws and the adjustment and trial of all controversies 



BRITISH OCCUPATION. 105 

existing between the people relating to debts or property, either 
real or personal. 

On the lilst of aSTovember, 17G8, Col. Wilkins issned his procla- 
mation for a civil adniinistration of the laws of the conntry. For 
this purpose he appointed seven magistrates or jndges, from 
among the people, as a civil tribunal, to hold montldy terms of 
court. The names of these tirst exponents of the principles of the 
common law of England u])on the soil of Illinois, we are unable to 
transmit. A term of this court was held, commencing December 
C, 1708, at Fort Chartres, whicli was the first common law juris- 
diction ever exercised within the present limits of Illinois. Al- 
though we call this a common law court, it was in point of fact a 
vei;y nondescript affair. It was a court of first and last resort — no 
appeal lay from it. It ^\'as the highest, as well as lowest — the 
only court in the country. It i)r()ved anything but popular, and 
it is just x)Ossil)le that the honorable judges, themselves taken 
from among the people, may not have been the most enlightened 
exponents of t\w law. The i)eople were under the laws of England, 
but the trial by jury — that great l)uhvark of the subject's rigid, 
coeval with the common law ai*d reiterated in theUritish Consti- 
tution — the French mind was umible to api)reciate, particu- 
larly in civil trials. They thought it very inc(»nsistent that the 
English should refer nice questions relating to the rights of 
property to a tribunal consisting of tailors, shoemalcers or other 
artisans and tradesi>eople, for determination, rather than the 
judges learned in the law. While thus under the English admin- 
istratu)n civil jurisprudence was sought to be brought nearer to 
the people, where it should be, it failed, because, owing to the 
teachings and perhaps geinus of the French mind, it could not be 
made of the peo])le. For near 90 yeai's had these settlements been 
ruled by the dicta and decisions of theocratic and military tribu- 
nals, absolute in both civil and criunnal cases, but, as may well be 
imagined, in a i)ost so remote, where there was neither wealth, 
culture nor fashion, all incenfives tooppress the colony renuiined 
dormant, and the extraordiiuiry i)owers of the priests and com- 
mandants were exercised in a patriarchal spirit which gained the 
love and implicit confidence of the peo])le. Believing that their 
rulers were ever right, they gave themselves no trouble or i)ains 
to review tlieir acts. Indeed, many years later, Vthen Illinois had 
passed under the jurisdiction of the United States, the perplexed 
inhabitants, unable to comprehend the to them complicated ma- 
chinery of republicanism, begged to be deli\'ered from the intoler- 
able burden of self gov(^rnment and again subjected to the will of 
a military commandant. 

In 177-1 the English Parliament restored to tlie people their 
ancient laws in civil cases, without the trial by jui-y ; guaranteed 
the free exercise of their religion, and rehabilitated the Eomau 
Catholic clergy with the privileges stipulated in the articles of 
ca})ifulation of Montreal in 17(iO. The act was known as the 
"■((Quebec bill," which extended the boundaries of the proAance of 
Quebec to the Mississippi, including all the French inhabitants at 
Detroit, Mackinaw, on the Wabash, and in the Illinois country. 
Its object was to firmly attach these remote French coh)nies, as 
well as all ('anada, to the English government, and to thwart the 
rising oiiposition of the colonies on the Atlantic i^'aboard to its 



160 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS 

13olicy. The latter strongly disapprobated it, viewing" it as but 
another stroke of ministerial policy to secure the aid of the French 
toward tlieu" subjugation. Tlie colonists were then openlj' arrayed 
against the arbitrary acts of the home government. At a conven- 
tion held at Falmouth, Mass., ^September 22, 1774, it Avas resolved 
that "As the very extraordinary and alarming act for establishing 
the Eoman Catholic religion and French laws in Canada may 
introduce the French or Indians into our frontier towns, we recom- 
mend that every town and individual in this country shoidd be 
l)rovided with a ])roi)er stock of military stores," etc. The French 
colonists, a]>prised of the bitter opposition of the English colonists 
to the Quebec bill, and believing that Puritanism was inclined to 
deprive them of the religious ])rivileges granted by it, were bound 
the closer to the support of the government during tlie first years 
of the revolutionary war. It is asserted that the French supplied 
Indian war j^arties with arms and ammunition to commit depre- 
dations upon the western frontiers of the English settlements.* 
n/ After the acquisition of ISTew France by Great Britain, the king, 
by his proclamation of October 7th, 1703, forbade his subjects 
"making any i)urchases or settlcMuents whatever, or taking- pos- 
session of any of the lands beyond the sources of any of the rivers 
which fall into the Atlantic ocean from the west or northwest." 
The policy was to reserve this vast and fertile region as a hunting- 
ground for the Indians, and by means of the lakes place withiu 
British control their enormous fur and peltry trade ; to confine the 
English colonies to the seaboard within the reach of British sliip- 
ping, which would be more promotive of trade and commerce, 
while the granting of large bodies of land in the remote interior, it 
was apprehended, would tend to separate and render independent 
the people, who woidd want to set up for themselves.t 

iSfot withstanding this policy of the home government, the most 
noticeable feature of Colonel Wilkins' adnunistration was the won- 
derful Uberalit^' with which he parceled out the rich domain over 
which he ruled in large tracts to his favorites in Illinois, Philadel- 
phia and elsewhere, without other consideration than the 
re(iuiring of them to re-convey to him an interest. Under tlie 
proclamation of the king, dated October 7, 170o, the taking or pur- 
chasing of lands from the Indians in any of the American colonies 
was strictly forbidden, without special leave or license being first 
obtained. In view of this i)rohibiti(tn, Colonel AYilkins and some 
others of the commamlers during the British occuijation of Illinois, 
from 1705 to 1775, seem to have considered the property of the 
French absentees as actually forfeited, and granted it away. But 
this transaction never received the sanction of the king ; by no 
official act was this property in any manner annexed to the Brit- 
ish crown. True, under the laws of England, an alien could not 
hold land, yet to divest his title, and cause it to become escheated, 
a jnocess in the nature of an inquisition was necessary. Did m)t 
the same rule apply in the case of a conquered country before the 
forfeiture of the lands of an absentee became (;om})lete? 

Colonel Wilkins' grants amounted to many thousands of acres. 
One became afterwards somewhat notorious. This was made to 



'Dillon's Ind. 90, 

+See letter of the Royal Governor of Georgia to the British Lords of Trade, 1769. 



BRITISH OCCUPATION. 167 

Jolin Bayntoii, Samuel Wharton and George Morgan, inercliants 
of Pliiladelpliia — wLo, "trading in tliis country, liavc greatly con- 
tributed to lii.s uiajesty's service" — "for range of cattle and for 
tilling graiu," .said to contain 13,i)8(> acres, but the metes and 
bouiuls disclosed it to cover some 30, (>()() acres.* It was a mag- 
nificcut domain, lying between the villages of Kaskaskia and 
Prairie du Ivoclier, in the present county of Randolph. The con- 
veyance opens and closes with the flourishes of the period : " Joiui 
Wilkins, Esq., lieutenant colonel of his inajesty's 18th, or royal 
regiment of Ireland, governor and commandant throughout the 
Illinois country, sends greeting," etc., etc., whereunto he " set his 
hand and seal-at-arms at Fort Chartres, this l^th day of Ai)ril, in 
the ninth year of the reign of our sovereign, Lord George the Third, 
king- of Great Britain, France and Ireland," etc., etc., 1709. A 
condition is annexed that "Tlie foregoing be void if disapproved 
of by his majesty or the commander-in-chief." 

On the2oth of June following, at Fort Ohartres, George Morgan 
and J. Ramsey executed an instrument of writing, reciting a 
nund)er of grants besides the foregoing, together with the names 
of the grantees, wherein in consideration of ColonelJohn AVilkins, 
"the l)etter to j)romote the said service, has agreed to be interested 
one sixtli part therein," they "engage that each of the before men- 
tione<l persons shall assign over to the whole, and to Colonel 
Wilkins, five-sixth parts thereof," etc. For the better carrying 
out of their plans, tlie British officers, and their grantees perliai)S, 
committed a canton <nitrage on the records of the ancient I'rench 
grants at Kaskaskia, destroying to a great extent their regular 
chain of title and conveyances.! 

By act of congress of 1788, the Governor of the Northwestern 
territory was authorized to confirm the possessions and titles of 
the French aiul Canadian inhabitants and other settlers on the 
public lands, who, on or before 1788, had professed themsehes 
citizens of the United States, or any one of them. Governor St. 
Clair confirmed nnmy of these graids in a very loos** manner, 
sometinuNs by the bundle. But tliis British grant of 3(>,()0(> acres, 
which had been assigned to Jolin P^dgar, was i)atented by the 
Gov<'rnor to Edgar and his (the Govermjr's) son, John JMurray St. 
Clair, to whom Edgar, previtms to the confirmation, had conveyed a 
moiety by deed. Much fanlt was Ibnnd with this and many other 
transactions, and some grave charges weremadebyJMichael Jones 
and E. Backus, IT. S. laml commissioners for the district of Kas- 
kaskia, as to the manner of obtaining confirmation of innumerable 
old land grants. But the title to the claim in (piestion ^^'as after- 
ward confirmed by the U. S. GoveinnuMit to Edgar and St. Clair, 
notwithstanding the adverse report of the commissioners. Edgar 
was for nmny years the largest land holder and richest man in 
Illinois. He had deserted the British naval service, and in 1784 
came to Kaskaskia with a stock of goods. 

At an Indian council held at Kaskaskia, in 1773, an association 
of English traders and merchants, styUng themselves ''Illinois 
Land Comi)any," obtained, July 5th, from ten chiefs and head men 
of the Kaskaslvias, Cahokias, and Peorias, by a curiously signed 
deed, two immense tracts of land, the first 

♦American State Papers, vol. 11, Public Lands. 
tAm. State papers. 



168 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

" Bugiiiningat themoiilh of the Huron creek, called by the French the river 
of Marj^, being about a league below the raoiith of the Kaskaskia river; thence 
a northward of east course, in a direct line to the Hillj' Plains, eight leagues or 
thereabouts, be the Siime more or less; thence the same course, in a direct line 
to the Crabtree Plains, seventeen leagues, or thereabouts, bo the same more or 
less; thence the same course, in a direct line to a remarkable i)lace known by 
the name of the Big Bufialo Hoofs, seventeen leagues, or thereabouts, be the 
same more or less; thence the same course, in a direct line to the Salt Lick 
creek, about seven leagues, be the same more or less; thence crossing the said 
creek, about one league below the ancient Shawneestown, in an easterly 
or a to the north of east course, in a direct line to the river Ohio, about four 
leagues, be the same more or less; tlience down the Ohio, by the several 
courses thereof, until it empties itself into the Mississippi, about thirty-five 
leagues, be the same more or less; and then up the Mississippi, by the several 
courses thereof, to the place of beginning, thirly-tliree leagues, or thereabouts, 
be the same more or less." 

This, it will be perceived by tracing- the line, iucluded ten or 
twelve of the most southerly counties in the State. 
The other tract was bounded as follows : 

"Beginning at a place or point in a direct line opposite to the mouth of the 
Missouri river ; thence up the Mississippi, by the several courses thereof, to 
the mouth of the Illinois river, about six leagues, be the same more or less; 
and then up the Illinois river, by the several courses thereof, to Chicagou or 
Garlick creek, about ninety leagues or thereabouts, be the same more or less; 
then nearly a northerly course, in a direct line, to a certain place remarkable, 
being the ground on which an engagement (U- battle was fcjught, about forty 
or fifty years ago, between the Pewariaand Rinard Indians, about 50 leagues, 
be the same more or less ; thence by the same course, in a direct line, to two 
remarkable hills, close together, in the middle of a large prairie or plain, about 
forty leagues, be the same more or less ; thence a north-east course, in a direct 
line, to a remarkable spring, known by the Indians by the name of Foggy 
Spring, about fourteen leagues, be the same more or less; thence in the same 
course, in a direct line, to a great mountain to the northward of White Bufialo 
Plain, about fifteen leagues, be the same more or less; thence nearly a south- 
west course, in a direct line, to the place of beginning, about forty leagues, be 
the same more or less." 

The consideration recited in the deed of conveyance was : 250 
blankets, 200 stroudes, 350 shirts, 150 i)airs of stroud and half 
thicli stockings, 150 stroud breechclotlis, 500 lbs. of gunpowder, 
4,000 lbs. of lead, 1 gross of knives, 30 lbs. of vermilion, 2,000 
guntlints, 200 lbs. of brass kettles, 200 lbs. of tobacco, 3 doz. gilt 
looking-glasses, 1 gross gun wx)rms, 2 gross awls, 1 gross lire 
steels, 16 doz. of gartering, 10,000 lbs. of tiour, 500 bus. of Iiuliau 
corn, 12 horses, 12 horned cattle, 20 bus. of salt, 20 guns, and 5 
shillings in money. This deed was duly signed by the Indian 
chiefs and attested by the names of ten persons, and was recorded 
in the oftice of a notary ptiblic at Kaskaskia, September 2d, 1773. 
The transaction was effected for the Illinois Land Company by a 
member named William Murray, then a trader in the Illinois 
country. There belonged to it two members in London, ten in 
Philadelphia, two in Lancaster, three in various counties of l*enn- 
sylvania, one in Pittsburg, and George Castler and James liumsey, 
merchants of the Illinois cotmtry. The names indicate the members 
to have been mostly Jews. 

In 1775, Louis Viviat, a merchant of the Illinois country, acting 
as the agent of an association denominated the Wabash Land 
Company,* obtained by a deed dated October 18th, from eleven 
Piaunkeshaw chiefs, immense tracts of land lying on both sides of 

*We recognize in this company some of the same names as in the Illinois Company. 



BRITISH OCCUPATION. 169 



the Oiiabacli river, one coinmenciug at Cat river 52 leagues above 
Viiiceunes, to Point Coupee, with 40 leagues in width on the east 
side and 30 leagues (90 miles) on the west side — Illinois. Another 
tract, also on botli sides of the rivcjr, beginning at the mouth of 
White river, to the Ohio, 50 leagues, and extending 40 leagues into 
Indiana ami 30 into Illinois. The number of acres contained in 
these grants was about 37,41)7,(500. The consideration was much 
the same as recited in tlie other purchases. The deed was regis- 
tered, as the other, at Kaskaskia. 

The title thus acquired to enormous bodies of fertile lands, was 
contrary to the King's proclanuition, and at best imperfect. But 
it was the revolt of the colonies and the establishment of their 
iudepeudence that frustrated the schemes of these powerful com- 
panies. Their grants might otherwise have been perfected by the 
King. In 17>S0 (Ajtril I'Otli), the two land companies effected a 
consolidation under the style of "The United Illinois and Waliash 
Land Com])anies." Through their agents they now applied to 
congress repeatedly for a recognition and conlirmation of tlieir 
Imlian grants, in part at least, tlieir efforts running through a 
period of 30 years^l7<S7, 1701, 1707, 1804 and 1810; but thatltody 
was firm, and all their a])plications were rejected. 

We here give some valuable extracts from an old English report 
of 108 i)ages, entitled, "The present state of the European Settle- 
ments on the ]\Iississii)i)i," by Captain Phillip Pitman, i)ublislied 
at London in 1770. Captain Pitman was engineer in the British 
army and was sent out to make a survey of the forts and report 
the condition of the villages and improvements in these newly 
acquired territories of the British crown. This work is a docu- 
ment of rare value, filling up, as it does in a measure, a hiatus 
in Illinois history for which there are no other authentic sources 
of information. He visited Illinois iu 17G0. Of Kaskaskia, he 
gives the following description : 

"Tlie village of Notre Dame de Cascasquias is by far tlie most coiisidcral)le 
settlement in the country of the Illinois, as well from its uumber of inhabi- 
tants as from its advantageous situation. * * -x- * * 

" Mons. Paget was the first who introduced water-mills in this country, and 
he constructed a very fine one on the river Cascasquias, which was botji for 
grinding corn and sawing boards. It lies about one mile from the village. 
The mill proved fiital to him, being killed as he was working it, with two 
negroes, by a party of the Cherokees, in the year 1764. 

" The principal buildings are the church and Jesuits' House, which lias a 
small cliapel adjoining it; these, as well as some other liouses iu the village, 
are built of stone, ami, considering this part of the world, make a very good 
appearance. The Jesuits' plantation consisted of 240 arpents (an arpent is 
85-100 of an acre) of cultivated land, a very good stock of cattle, and a l)rew(!ry ; 
whicli was sold by tlie French commandant, after the country was ceded to the 
English, for the crown, in consequence of tlie suppression of the order. 

" Mons. Beauvais was the purchaser, who is the richest of the English sub- 
jects in this countiy ; he keeps 80 slaves; he furnishes 86,000 weight of fiour to 
the King's magazine, which was only part of the harvest he reaped in one year. 
Sixty-five families reside in this village, beside mercliants, other casual people, 
and slaves. The fort, which was burnt down in October, 1766, stood on the 
summit of a high rock opposite the village and on tlie opposite side of the 
river. It was an oblong quadrangle, of which the extreme polj'gon measured 
290 by 251 feet. It was built of very thick square timber, and dove-tailed at 
the angles. An officer and twenty soldiers are quartered in the village. The 
officer governs the inhabitants, under the direction of the commandant at 
Fort Cliartres. Here are also two companies of militia." 



170 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

Prairie dii Eocher — " La Prairie des Eoclies" — is described as 
being 

" About 17 [14] miles from Cascasquias. It is a small village, consisting- of 
22 dwelling houses, all of -which are inhabited by as many families. Here is a 
little chapel, formerly a chapel of ease to the church at Fort Chartres. Tlie 
inhabitants are very industrious, and raise a great deal of corn and every kind 
of stock. The village is two miles from Fort Chartres. [This was Little 
Village, which was a mile or more nearer than the Fort.] It takes its name 
from its situation, being built under a rock that runs parallel with the river 
Mississsippi at a league distance, for 40 miles up. Here is a company of militia, 
the Captain of which regulates the police of the village. 

" Saint Phillipe is a small village about five miles from Fort Chartres, on the 
road to Kaoquias. There are about sixteen houses and a small church standing ; 
all of the inhabitants, except the Captain of the militia, deserted it in 1765, and 
went to the French side, (Missouri.) The Captain of the militia has about 
twenty slaves, a good stock of cattle, and a water-mill for corn and planks. 
This village stands on a very fine meadow, about one naile from the Mis- 
sissippi." 

" The village of Saint Famille de Kaoquias (Cahokia) is generally reckoned 
fifteen leagues from Fort Chartres and six leagues below the mouth of the 
Missouri. It stands mar the side of the Mississippi, and is marked from 
,the river by an island (Duncan's) two leagues long. The village is opposite 
the center of this island ; it is long and straggling, being three-fourths of a mile 
from one end to the other. It contains forty-five dwelling houses, and a church 
near its center. The situation is not well chosen, as in the floods it is generally 
overflowed two or three feet deep. This was the first settlem nt on the Mis- 
sissipoi. The laud was purchased of the savages by a few Canadians, some of 
whom married women of the Kaoquias nation, and others brought wives from 
Canada, and then resided there, leaving their children to succeed them. The 
inhabitants of this place depend more on hunting and their Indian trade than 
on agriculture, as they scarcely raise corn enough for their own consumption ; 
they have a great plenty of poultry and good stocks of horned cattle. 

'• The mission of St. Sulpice had a very fine plantation here, and an excellent 
house built on it. They sold this estate, and a very good mill for corn and 
planks, to a Frenchman who chose to remain under the English government. 
They also disposed of thirty negroes and a good stock of cattle to difl'erent 
people in the country, and returned to France in 1764. What is called the 
fort, is a small house standing in the center of the village. It difl:'ers nothing 
from the other houses, except in being one of the poorest. It was formerly 
inclosed with high palisades, but these were torn down and burnt. Indeed a 
fort at this place could be of but little use." 

Kegardiiig tlie soil, products and commerce, of the colony, Pitt- 
mau says: 

" The soil of this country, in general, is very rich and luxuriant ; it produces 
all kinds of European grains, hops, hemp, flax, cotton and tobacco, and 
European fruits come to great perfection. The inhabitants make wine of the 
wild grapes, which is very inebriating, and is, in color and taste, very like the 
red wine of Provence. 

In the late wars. New Orleans and the lower parts of Louisiana were sup- 
plied with flour, beef, wines, hams and other provisions, from this country. At 
present its commerce is mostly confined to the peltry and furs, which are got 
in trattic from the Indians ; for which are received in return such European 
commodities as are necessary to carry onthbt commerce and the support of its 
inhabitants." 

Of the Indians, be says : 

" The principal Indian nations in this country are, the Cascasquias, Kaho- 
quias, Mitchigamias, and Peoyas; these four tribes are generally called the 
Illinois Indians. Except in the hunting seasons, they reside near the English 
settlements in this country. They are a poor, debauched, and detestable 
people. They count about 350 warriors. The Panquichas. Mascoutins, Mi- 
amies, Kickapous, and Pyatonons, though not very numerous, are a braveand 
warlike people." 

Of old Fort Chartres, the strongest fortress in the Mississippi 
valley, which was rebuilt by the French government in 1756, 



BRITISH OCCUPATION. 171 

•» ~ — ' ■ 

duriug' the French and English war in America, Captain Pitman 
furnislies the following descrii^tion : 

" Fort Chartres, when it belonged to France, was the seat of the o-overnment 
of the Illinois. The headquarters of tlie English commanding officer is now 
here, who, in fact, is the arbitrary governor of the country. The fort is an 
irregular quadrangle; the sides of the exterior polygon are 490 feet. It is 
built of stone, and plastered over, and is only designee! iis a defense against the 
Indians. The walls are two feet two inches thick, and are pierced with loop- 
holes at regular distances, and with two port-holes for cannon in the facies and 
two in the flanks of each btistion. The ditch has never been flnished. The 
entrance to the fort is through a very handsome rustic gate. Within the walls 
is a banquette raised three feet, for the men to stand on when they tire through 
the loop holes. The buildings within the fort are, a commandant's and a com- 
missary's house, the magazine of stores, corps de garde, and two barnicks ; 
these occupy the square. Within the gorges of the bastion are a powder mag- 
azine, a bake house, and a prison, in the floor of which are four dungeons, and 
in the upper, two rooms, and an out-house belonging to the commandant. The 
commandant's house is thirty-two yards long and ten broad, and contains a 
kitchen, a dining-room, a bed-chamber, one small room, five closets for serv- 
ants, and a cellar. The commissary's house (now occupied by oflicers) is built 
on the same line as this, and its proportion and the distribution of its apart- 
ments are the same. Opposite these are the store-house and the guard-house; 
they are each thirty yards long and eight broad. The former consist's of two 
large store-rooms, (under which is a la"ge vaulted cellar,) a large room, a bed- 
chamber, and a closet for the store-keeper ; the latter of a soldiers' and ofticers' 
guard-room, a chapel, a bedchamber, a closet for the chaplain, and an artillery 
store-room. The lines of barracks have never been finished ; they at present 
consist of two rooms each for oflicers, and three for soldiers; they are each 
twenty feet square, and have betwixt a small passage. There are fine spacious 
1( fts over eacli building which reach from end to end; these are made use of to 
lodge regimental stores, working and entrenching tools, &c. It is generally 
believed that this is the most convenient and best built fort in North America. 
* * * In theye:ir 1764, there were about forty families in the village near 
the fort, and a parish church, seived by a Franciscan friar, dedicated to St. 
Anne In the following year, when the English took possession of the coun- 
try, tliey abandoned their houses, except three or four families, and settled in 
the villages ( n the west side of the Mississippi, choosing to contmue under the 
French government." 

In 175G, when the fort was rebnilt, the intervening distance 
to the bank of the JMississippi was some 000 yards. A sand bar 
was forming opposite, to which tlie river was fordable. At the 
time of Captain Pitman's visit, the cnrient had cut the bank away 
to within 80 yards of the fort, the sand bar liad l)ec()me an island 
covered with a thick growtli of cottonwoods, and t]n^ intervening 
chantu'l was 40 feet deep. The great freshet of 1772, which inun- 
dated the American IJottom, produced such havoc u]>on the bank 
tliat ihi^ west walls and 2 bastions were i)re('i[>itated hito the rag- 
ing current of the mighty river. Tlie Pritish garrison abandoned 
it and and took up their quarters at Fort (xage, on the bluff of the 
Kaskaskia, opposite the ancient village of that nanu^, to which the 
seat of government was remoA'ed. Since then the great citadel of 
New France has been a ruin. Tlu)se of its walls winch escaped 
destruction by the flood, were in great part haided away by 
the neigld)oring villagers for buihling purposes. In 1820 the 
ruins were visited by Dr. Lewis C. Beck and Mr. Hanson of 
Illinois, who made an accurate drawing of the plan for the Illinois 
and Missouri (lazetter. Many of the rooms, cellars, ]>arts of the 
walls, showing the oi)ening for the large gate, i)ort-ho]es, &c., were 
still fouml in a tolerable state of preservation. The exterior line 
of the walls measured 1417 feet. Bv 1850, a dense forest siu*- 



172 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

rouuded and covered the ruins, and trees, 3 feet in diameter, bad 
grown up within the crumbling- walls.* 

Fort Ciage, which continued to be the headquarters of the Brit- 
ish while they occupied the country, was, in shape, an oblong par- 
allelogram, 280 by 251 feet, built of large squared timbers. In 1772 
the British garrison consisted of only 20 soldiers and an officer. 
In the village of Kaskaskia were organized 2 small companies of 
well disciplined French militia. When George liogers Clark, in 
1778, effected the bloodless conquest of Illinois, not a British sol- 
dier was on garrisou duty in the country. M. Rocheblave, a French- 
man, was in command as the British governor. He occupied Fort 
Gage, and in Kaskaskia the French militia was kept in good order. 
We iind no chronicle of how long Colonel Wilkiiis remained in 
command, or when the last remnant of the British garrison took up 
its line of dejiarture. It is highly probable that these withdrawals 
were made with the breaking out of the war of the revolution. 

Tlie Illinois French were remote from the nuiin theatre of the 
revolutionary war; and while they had perhaps little sympathy 
with the object for which the colonies straggled, their hatred of 
their hereditary foe was active. In 1777, Thomas Brady, Avhom 
they commonly called " Monsieur Tom, " a courageous and enter- 
prLsingFennsylvanianwlio had wandered outto Cahokia, organized 
there and at Prairie duPonta band of 1() volunteers, and ni Octo- 
ber, proceeding to the British post on the St. Joseph in Michigan, 
surprised and attacked the fort in the night time, defeating the 
garrison of 21 men. A negro . slave who had es<;a|(ed from the 
French in Illinois, was killed in his flight. A large quantity of 
goods for the Indian trade, fell into the hands of tlie victors, which 
doubtless had been one incentive to the expedition. With these, 
their homeward j(jurney was retarded, and the British traders, 
having rallied the soldiers and stirred up the Indians, Avith a large 
force made pursuit and fell upon the camp of the marauders on 
the Calumet in the night time, killing 2, wounding 2 more (who 
were afterward dispatched with the tomahawk) and made prisoners 
of the rest. Brady, in being sent East, effected his escaped, and 
later returned to Cahokia, where he uuxrried the celebrated widow 
LeComi)t. 

The following year, while Colonel Clark was conducting his 
expedition against Kaskaskia, Paulette Meillet, the founder 
of Peoria, which was then called L(U-ille a Meillet, who was 
a remarkable character for bravery, brutality and enteri)rise, 
burning to avenge the disaster of Brady's party, in which were 
many of his relatives, assembled about 300 warriors, red, white 
and mixed, and marclied thence to St. Joseph. On the way, 
through the broad praries on foot under the rays of the sunnner's 
sun, M. Andin, one of his men, exliaiisted with fatigue, gave out. 
Celerity and secrecy being essential to success, an<l unwilhng to be 
encumbered with the sick, the soldier lell a sacrifice to the toma- 
hawk, sunk in his brain by the brutal commander. Arriving at 
the post, the fort was surrounded, and, after an obstinate engage- 
ment, the garrison surrendered and was permitted to retire to Canada. 
Tiic i)risoners of Brady's party Avere released, and the stores of 
nuM-chandise, said to have amounted to $50,000, were brought away 
to Peoria.t 

*Koj'nold's Pioneer History. +See Pecli's Annals of the West. 



Chapter XVI, 

1778_COXQUEST OF ILLIXOTS, BY GEORGE ROGERS 

CLAlMv. 



Wliile the colonists of the east were uiaintaiuiiig- a fierce strnogle 
with the armies of England, tlieir western frontiers were ravaged 
by merciles?? butcheries of Indian warfare. The jealousy of the 
savage had been aroused to action by the rapid extension of 
American settlements westward and the imi)roper influence exerted 
by a number of military posts garrisoned by British troo]>s in 
difiVrent parts of the west. To prevent indiscriminate slaughters 
arising from tliese causes Illinois became the theatre of some of the 
most daring exploits connected with American history. The hero 
of these achievements by which this beautiful land was snatclied 
as a gem from the British crown, was George Rogers Clark. He 
was born in Albemarle county, Virginia, November 19, 1752, and 
like his great cotemporary of the Revolution in his youth studied 
and practiced the art of surveying land. The manly exercise con- 
nected with the original sur\'eys of the country seemed to create a 
partiality for the adventurous exposiu'e of military life. Little is 
known in regard to Clark's early history. It is said he became a 
l^roficieut in geography and devoted considerable time to the study 
of mathematics, but owing to the imperfect condition of the schools 
and the exciting times of his youth, the presumx^tiou is that his 
education was confined to the usefid rather than ornamental 
branches of learning. Shortly after attaining his majority he en- 
listed as a staff officer in Governor Uunmore's war and with many 
other daring spirits of the times was present in the campaign of 
1771 on the river Scioto. For meretorious conduct he was offered a 
commission in the royal service which, owing to the unfriendly feel- 
ing then existing between the colonists and the mother country and 
unsatisfactory termination of the war, he declined. Dunmore 
became api^rehensive that the colonists would rebel, and it was 
believed by Washington and others that he was instructed to so 
treat with the Indians that he could use them as allies in case of 
re\'oIt. 

A spirit for adventure being awakened in the mind of young 
Clark by the war in 1775 he visited the wilds of Kentucky. Here 
he found the pioneers in a state of excitement as to whether the 
country on the south side of the Kentucky river was a part, of the 
territory of Kentucky or Virginia. At the suggestion of Clark a 
meeting was called for considering the subject and devising 
the best means of remedying the perplexed state of affairs. The 
meeting was duly held and a paper prepared setting forth tlieir 
grievances, and Clark and Gabriel Jones were appointed to lav it 

173 ' 



174 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

before tbe legislature of Virginia. The envoys started on their 
journey, and after suffering the most distressing hardships arrived 
at the county of Bottetourt \Yhere they heard that the legislature 
hadjust adjourned. At the reception of this news Gabriel Jones 
returned to the settlement on the Holstein river and Clark pro- 
ceeded on his way to Hanover county, where he found Governor 
Henry lying sick at his private residence. Clark made known to 
him the object of his visit, which the executive cordially ap- 
proved, and to further his views gave him a letter to the council 
for further consideration. At the fall term of the Legislature of 
177(J, Clark and Jones presented their Kentucky petition to that 
body, and des])ite the efforts of Henderson and other I^Torth Caro- 
lina land si)eculators, the disi)uted territory was erected into the 
county of Kentucky, which embraced the limits of the present 
State of the same name. In addition to this political recognition, 
the parent State gave 500 lbs. of pow^ler for the defense of the 
isolated settlement, a gift wdiich now seems small, but flien looked 
large, for the tremendous struggle of the revolution deinanded all 
the energies of the donor to protect her own people and firesides 
from the ravages of tlie enemy. 

Clarlc's great services for Kentucky and the good w'ill inspired 
by his manly api)earance and genial manners induced the pioneers 
to i)lace him ut the head of their irregular militia, and he soon 
instituted such effective means of defense that in all the fierce 
conflicts with the savages, wliich gave Kentucky the name of 
"Bloody Ground," his valor was more than e(]ual to the emergency. 
Intimately acquainted with the progress of colonization west of 
the Alleghanies, he was the first to fully comprehend the advan- 
tages which would arise from the extension of American conquest 
to the banks of the Mississippi. While associated with the mili- 
tary operations in Kentucky, Ins sagacity enabled him to trace the 
Indian ravages to the instigations of British enussaries at Kas- 
kaskia, Vincennes, Detroit and other places in their possession. 
These remote posts furnished the Indians with clothing and mili- 
tary stores, and Clark believing that their capture was the only 
possible way to abate the evils caused by their savage allies, sent 
two spies by the name of Moore and Dunn, to learn the nature of 
their defences. They having made observations returned and re- 
ported that their militia was well organized and active ; that the 
predatory excairsions of the Indians were encouraged by the British 
authorities and thatnotwithstandingBritish agents had endeavored 
by misrepresentation to prejudice the minds of the French inhab- 
itants against the colonists many of them were CAidently in favor 
of their cause and interests. Clark, furnished with this informa- 
tion, again started to Virginia to make known to the government 
his plans respecting the subjugation of these British outposts. 
While on the road thither, fortunately for the enterprise which he 
had in view, the battle of Saratoga was fought, and resulting in 
victory to the Americans, prepared the public mind for a more 
spirited prosecution of the war. On reaching the cax)ital, Clark's 
im])ressive representations captivated the mind of Governor Henry 
with the idea of subduing these British strongholds in the centre 
of their savage confederates. The enterprise, however, was re- 
garded as extren)ely hazardous, and so great was secrecy indis- 
pensable to success that it was j '^t deemed prudent to entrust the 



BRITISH OCCUrATION. 175 

direction of it to the legislature. Being interrogated by Jetlerson as 
to wlnit lie would do in case of defeat, lie rei>lied "cross the INlissis- 
sippi and seek the protection of the Spaniards." The plan was so 
thoroughly digested thattlie approbation of the conned was readily 
obtained, and to secure men, George AVythe, Thonuis Jefferson and 
George Mason ])k'dged themselves, if theenteri)i'ise was successful, 
to use their inrtuence to secure a bounty of 300 acres of land for 
every one eiigaged in the service. Governor Henry gave him 11*00 
pounds in depreciated (currency, and an order on the connnaudant 
of Ft. Pitt for ammunition boats, aud other necessary equii)meuts. 
He also furnished instructions, one set authoriziug him to enlist 7 
compa-iues of 50 men each for the defense of Keutucky, and the 
other was drawn as foUoAVS : 

•' Lieut. CoUmel George Rogers Clark : 

"You are to proceed with all convenient speed to raise 7 companies of soldiers, 
to consist of 50 men eacli, officered in the usual manner, and armed most prop- 
erly for the enterprise; and with this force attack the British force at Kaskas- 
kia. It is conjectured tliat there are many pieces of cannon, and military' stores 
to a considerable amount at that place, the taking and preservation of which 
would be a valuable acquisition to the state. If you are so fortunate, tlu-refore, 
as to succeed in your expedition, you will take every possible measure to 
secure the artilkay and stores, and whatever may advantage the state. For the 
transportation of the troops, provisions, etc., down tiie Ohio, j'ou are to appl}' 
to tiie commanding officer at Fort Pitt for boats, and during the whole trans- 
action you are to take especial care to keep the true destination of your force 
secret ; its success depends upon this. Orders are, therefore, given to Captain 
Smith to secure the two men from Kaskaskia. It is earnestly desired liiat 
you show humanity to such British subjects and other persons as fall into your 
hands. If the white inhabitants of that post and neighborhood will give un- 
doubted evidence of their attachment to this state, for it is certain they 
live within its limits, by taking the test prescribed by law, and by ever}^ other 
way and means in their power, let them be treated as fellow-citizens, and their 
persons and property be duly respected. Assistance and protection against all 
enemies, wliatever, shall be atiorded tliem, and the commonwealth of Virginia 
is pledged to accomplish it. But if these i)eople will not accede to these reason- 
able demands, they must feel the consequences of war, under that direction of 
liumauity tliat has hitherto distinguished Americans, and whicli it is expected 
you will ever consider as the rule of your conduct, aud from wliich you are in no 
instance to depart. The corps you are to command are to receive the pay and 
allowance of militia, and to act under the laws and regulations of this state 
now in force as to militia. The inhabitants of this post will be informed b}^ you 
that iu case they accede to the ofl'ers of becoming citizens of this common- 
wealth, a proper garrison will be maintained amcng them, and every attention 
bestowed to render their commerce beneficial ; the fairest prospects being opened 
to the dominions of France and Spain. It is iu contemplation to estabiisli a 
post near the mouth of the Ohio. Cannon will be wanted to fortify it. Part 
of tiiose at Kaskaskia will be easily brought thither, or otherwise secured as 
circumstances make necessary. You are to appl}^ to General Hand, at Pitts- 
burg, for powder and lead necessary for this expedition. If he cannot supply 
it, the person who has that which Captain Sims brought from New Orleans 
can. Lead was sent to Hampshire, l)y mj' orders, and tliat may be delivered to 
you. Wishing you success, I am your humble servant, 

P. Henry. " 

These instructions breathe a generosity and humanity in strik- 
ing contrast with the spirit of the British government, whose 
minions were suffering our soldiers to i)erish by thousands in 
X)rison-ships for the want of food and offering bounties to encour- 
age the merciless savages to murder aud scalp our heli)less women 
aud children. It was thought best to raise the requisite number 
of troops west of the Alleghauies, as the colonies needed all the 



176 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

available forces of the east for the Atlautic defences. To eulist 
men Major William B. Smith went to the settlement of the llol- 
stein, and for the same imrpose Captains Leonard Helm and Joseph 
BoAvman visited other localities. Clark proposed to get assist- 
ance at Pittsburg, but on account of jealousy arising from the 
rival claims of Pennsylvania and Virginia to the dominion of the 
Kentucky settlements, he was unsuccessful, and the latter colony 
furnished the troops. His real destination being uidi;nown, many 
thought it would be better to remove the Kentuckians tlian to 
attempt their defence while their own citadels and the whole 
country rouiul them was threatened by the savage confederates of 
England. Clark in the meantime being informed that Major 
Smith had laised 4 companies, and that Captains Helm and Bow- 
man would join him with two others at Brownsville, on the 
Monongahela, made no further attempts to secure enlistments at 
Eort Pitt. Major Smith's men were to go by way of Cumberland 
Gap to Kentucky, and Clark, with the other troops, amounting to 
300 men and a number of private adventurers, commenced the 
descent of the Ohio. At the mouth of the great Kanawa he was 
besought by Captain Ai-buckle, commanding the fort at the junc- 
tion of the two rivers, for assistance in capturing a band of Indians 
who had attacked him the preceding day. Thinking, however, his 
own enterx>rise was of greater monvent, and wishing to strictly 
(;omply with his instructions, he continued on his course. He 
landed at the mouth of the Kentucky, with the intention of erect- 
ing a fortitication at that i)oint, but after mature consideration 
abandoned it for a more favorable i»()sition farther westward, at 
the falls of the Ohio. While here, learning that of the 4 compa- 
nies promised 1)5' Major Smith, Captain Dillard's alone had arrived 
in Kentucky, he wrote to Captain Bowman, infonning him of his 
intention to establish a fort at the falls, and having in view an 
enterprise of the greatest importance to the country, requested him 
to repair' thither with Major Smith's men, and as many more as 
could be spared from the frontier stations. At this i>lace he for- 
tified Corn Island, opposite Louisville, not only as a base of 
operations, but as a means of protecting boatmen, who, in i)ass- 
ing the rapids, were frequently attacked and plundered by the 
Indians. When joined by Captain Bowman's party from Ken- 
tucky, it was discovered that the withdrawal of his forces from the 
country left it to a great extent Avithout ijrotection, and therefore 
only a portion of them were engaged, with the understanding that 
when the remainder of Major Smith's men arrived the others should 
return for the defence of Kentucky. Clark now announced to his 
assembled forces the real destination of the expedition, and with 
the exception of Captain Dillard's com^jany, the project met the 
enthusiastic approbation of tlie men. Lest desertions might occur 
in the disaffected company, the boats were secured and sentinels 
stationed at different jioints where the Ohio was snjqiosed to be 
fordable. IS'otwithstanding these precautions, one of Captain 
Dillard's lieutenants and the most of the men, passing the senti- 
nels miperceived, waded to the opposite shore and disajipeared iu 
the woods. A mounted party the next day was sent in pursuit of 
the fugitives, with orders to kill all who refused to return, and 
although overtaken 20 miles from the river, such was their vigil- 
ance that only 8 were caught and brought back. " The disap- 



BRITISH OCCUPATION. 



jioiiitmeiit caused by tlic loss of tlie men," says Clark in his 
joiuiiiil, "was cruel, and in its conse(|uences alarming-." The 
reniaiiMler of tlie deserters, dispersed in the woods to elude pur- 
suit, sutfcred tlie most intense ]>rivations, and wIumi finally they 
reaclicd Harrodsl»ur,i;-, the bra\e Iventuekians were soexasj)erated 
at the l)as<'n^ss of their eondnet that for a lon<^' time they refused 
to admit tlieiii into their stations. The ibi'ces were now about to 
sepai'ate, and in a- day of rejoicing and mutual encouraiiement the 
heroes of the Kaskaskia exi)editiou took leave of their friends who 
"were to return for the defense of Kentucky. After the departure 
of the latter, Clark's little army, under the command of Ca|)tains 
Bowman, Helm, Ilarrod and ]Mont;j:omery, only numbered 153 
men. Everything being in readiness, on the 24th of June, 1778, 
while the sun was in a total eclipse, he left the position which he 
had foitified a)id fell down the liver. This phenomenon ftxes the 
tinu', of Clark's end)aikation, and by the same means other impor- 
tant events of history, the dates of vrhich were wholly unknown, 
have been determined with ]K'rfect precision. Science in nioderji 
tinu's has so far diveste<l (XM-nirences of this kind of the teirors 
which they excited in ancient armies, that among the men of the 
expeilition but little imi)ortauce was attached to the e(;lipse, as a 
]!a]l)inger for good (U' e^■il. 

All nimecessary ])aggage was left behind that they nught not be 
encun)be)ed in the difticult march which they proposed to make 
across the country, in order to reach unper(;eived the post which 
they designed to capture. Clark was anxious to make an assault 
upon the ])ost of Vincennes, but the greater extent of the French 
settlements in Illinois, the prospect of setairing them as allies if 
tliey were conquered, ami the facility of retreat to the Spanish 
possessions beyond the Mississip})i, in case of defeat, inclined him 
to the original ]>laii of the <;aini)aigu. While descending the river 
a letter was fortunately received from Colonel Campl)ell, of Fort 
Pitt, stating that an alliance had been entered into ])et\veen France 
and the United States, and that the army and navy of the fornun' 
were coming to our assistance. This infornuition was calculated 
to nuike a favoral)le im[)ression upon the French and Indians of 
Illinois, and theivfore of the greatest im|»ortance to the successful 
terniinati(m of the expedition. Lauding on an island at the mouth 
of the Tennessee, the guard stoppe<l a man by the mime of John 
Duff and a nund>er of other Ainerican hunters, from whom they 
also had the good fortune to obtain valuable information respect- 
ing the garrison at Kaskaskia. Duff and his party had recently 
been at that place, and he informed Clark that a French Cauadiau 
by the name of Eocheblave was iu command; that he kept the 
militia well drilled ; sentinels stationed on the Mississi])])!, and 
had ordered the hunters and Indians iu their excursions through 
the country to watch for the rebels, or '' Long Knives," as they 
designated the Virginians. They also stated the fort was kept in 
order as a place of retreat in case they were attacked; that its de- 
fence was attended to more for the purpose of military discipline 
than from any apprehensions of immediate danger, and that if 
any assault was anticipated, its great strength would enable the 
garrison to make a formidable resistance. The <leclaration of 
Moore and Dunn respecting the fearful apprehensions with which 
the inhabitauts regarded the Virgiuians was likewise coirobora- 
12 



178 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

ted. Ha^dng obtained the hunters for guides, Clark dro])ped 
down the stream, and hmdiiig near Fort Massac, conceakid the 
boats in a small creek emptying into the river. Tlie distance from 
this point to Kaskaskia is 120 miles, and at that time the inter- 
vening country was difficult to traverse, in consequence of streams, 
swamps and other obstructioiis. The expedition started across 
this tract in the direction of Kaskaskia, both leader and men 
sharing the vicissitudes incident to travel in the wilds of an un- 
cultivated region. Success depended entirely upon secrecy, ami 
to send out hunting parties in x>wi'suit of game, upon which they 
mostly depended for subsistence, it was feared might be the 
means of discovery. 

On the third day, John Saunders, the principal guide, becoming- 
bewildered and being unable to point out the course, suspicion was 
immediately excited in regard to his fidelity, and a cry arose among 
the men to put him to death. He, however, accomi)anied by a 
guard, was permitted to go to the adjoining prairie for fnrther 
search, and was told unless he directed them into the hunters' 
path leading to Kaskaskia, a road in consequence of having so fre- 
quently tra\eled lie could not easdy forget, he should certaiidy be 
hung. After spending some time in examining the featiues of the 
country, he exclaimed : " I know that point of timber, " and point- 
ing out the direction of Kaskaskia established his innocence. In 
the afternoon of the 4th of July, 1778, the invading party, with 
their garments worn and soiled, and beards of three weeks' 
growth, approached the village where their long and wearisome 
journey terminated, and concealed themselves among the hills east 
of the Kaskaskia river. Clark sent out jiarties to reconnoitre, and 
at night-fall, a detachment took possession of a house £ of a mile 
above the town, and on the west side of the river. From the family 
living in it, he learned that there were a great man 3' men in town, 
that but few of them were Indians, and that the militia had 
recently been under arms, but no danger being discovered 
they were dismissed. Boats having been procured for transport- 
ing the troops, the forces were divided into 3 parties ; 2 of which 
crossing to the west side of the river, were to proceed to different 
parts of the town, while the other, under Colonel Clark, was to 
capture the fort, on the east side. If Clark should be suc(;essful 
in securing the fort, at a given signal the other detachments, with 
a shout, were to take possession of the town and send heralds 
who could speak the French language, to warn the inhabitants 
that they would be shot down if they appeared in the street. 

Kaskaskia, at that time, contained about 250 houses, and the 
British officer, who had charge of the place after the revolt of the 
Atlantic colonies, endeavored to create in the minds of the unsus- 
pecting French the most dreadful apprehensions respecting the 
ferocity and brutality of the " Long Knives ; " telling them that 
they not only plundered property but indiscriminately murdered 
men, women and children when they fell into their hands. The 
object of these falsehoods was to stimulate the people of these 
remote outposts to make a determined resistance in case they were 
attacked, and to induce them to supply the Indians with guns, 
amuumition and scalping knives to aid them in their dei)redations 
upon the Americans. Clark now wisely concluded if he could sur- 
prise them fear would cause them to submit without resistance, 



BRITISH OCCUPATION. 170 

and tliey would afterward become friendly from gratitude if treateil 
with unexpected clemency. Tiie plan of attack was 8uccessfully 
executed. Clark witlioiit resistance entered the fort throngb a 
postern gate on the side next to the river, and the others, passing' 
into the village at both extremities with the most hideous outcries, 
alarmed the unsnspec-ting inhabitants, who commenced screaming 
"the Long Knives, " ^^ t])e Tjong Knives." In about two hours 
after the suiprise, the townsmen, jtiuiic stricken, delivered uj) their 
arms, and though the victory was comi)lete it had been obtained 
without shedding a dro].) of blood. The A'ictors, in oltedience 
orders, rendered tlie remainder of the night a pandemonium of 
tumult. This artifice as it prevented o])position and the effusion of 
blood, was the most innocent means that couldhave been resorted to 
to in ordertobe successful. M. llochel>lave, the British commadant, 
was not aware that he was a prisoner till anotticerof the detachment 
Avhich had eiiter(Ml the fort, penetrated to his bedroom and tapi)ed 
him on the shoulder. The public i)apers were either concealed or 
destroyed. It Avas supposed that the governor's lady, presunung 
upon the deference which would be extended to her sex and ra.nk, 
concealed them in her trunk, and such was the chivalry of these 
ancient Virginians that, although the papers were supi)Osed to be 
valuable, they suffered her trunic to be rt^moved without exauumi- 
tion. 

In seeking for information during the night, they learned that a 
consideral)le body of Indians was encamped near Cahokia, 50 
miles higher up the Mississippi, and that M. Cerre, the princi}>al 
merchant of Kaskaskia and an inveterate hater of the American 
cause, was at St. Louis on his way to Quebec. This inhuinatiou 
respecting the intensity of his hatred was, perhaps, a misrepre- 
sentation. None of the French iidiabitants of llliiu:>is were 
greatly attached to the British government, and it is probable that 
his unfriendly feeling Avas only the i^rejudice ho, in common with 
the rest of his countrymen, entertained against the Virginians. 
His fanuly and a large assortment of merchandise were then in 
Kaskaskia, and Clark thought that if these pledges were in his 
possession he could render the influence of this oi)ulent merchant 
available in case an emergency should occur in which he ndght 
need it. A guard was accordingly placed about his house and 
seals put on his property, and also on all the merchandise belong- 
ing to oth'^r citizens of the place. 

On the 5th day Clark withdrew his forces from the town to posi- 
tions around it, aud to augment the gloomy forebodings which had 
already unnerved the inhabitants, he sternly forbade all intercourse 
between them and his own men. After the renu)val of the troops 
the citizens were again permitted to appear in the streets, 
but when Clark perceived they assembled in groups and earnestly 
engaged m conversation, he caused some of the princix>al militia 
ofiicersto be put in irons, without assigning any cause for the arrest 
or granting any opportunity for defense. This exhil)ition of arbi- 
trar^' power did not spring from a desi)otic/ disposition or a 
disregard , for the principles of liberty. oSFo one exct^lled Clark in 
the resi)ect whicli he entf'rtained for the rights of others, and he 
keenly felt himself the hardships which the neticssities of his situ- 
ation compelled him to inflict upon those in his })ower. The terror 
hitherto intense now reached its climax, and when hope had nearly 



180 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

vaiiisliecl Clark, who of all commanders had the clearest insight 
into hnman nature, granted an audience to the priest and five or 
six elderly men of the village. The sliock which they received 
from the capture of their town, by an enemy which they regarded 
with so niucli horror, could ouly be equaled by their siu'prise when 
admitted to the i)resence of their captors. Their clothes were torn 
and soiled by tlie rough usage to which they had been exposed, and, 
as Clark says, they looked more friglitfiil than savages. Their 
appearance, uncouth in the extreme, doubtless to the sensibility 
and refinement of the ancient French, seemed worse than the 
reality. After admission the dei)utatation remained sometime 
unable to speak and when at length their business was demanded 
they could not determine who should be addressed as commander 
so effectually had the hardships of the ex})edition obliterated the 
distinction between the chieftain and his men. Colonel Clark 
being pointed out, the priest in the most submissive tone and 
posture, said that "the i^eople expected to be separated, perhaps 
never to meet again and they requested the j)rivilege of meeting- 
in the church to take leave of each other and commend their 
future lives to the protection of a mennful God.^ Clark, aware 
they suspected him of hostility to their religion, carelessly remarked 
that "the Americans did not interfere with the beliefs of otliers 
but let every one worship God accordijig to his convictions of 
duty," that they might assemble in the church "but on no account 
must a single person venture outside of the village." Some farther 
conversation was attempted, but that the alarm might not Jibate it 
was roughly repelled, Clark abru})tly informing tbem that he had 
not time for further intercourse. Tlie entire population immediately 
convened in the church, and the houses being deserted orders were 
given that they should not under any pretext be entered by the 
soldiers, and that all private proi)erty should be honorably 
respected. After remaining in church a longtime the priest and a 
few others again called upon Colonel Clark, and exjiressed their 
thanks for the great favor which he had granted them and also a 
desire that he would inform them what disiiosition he proposed to 
make of the people. They stated that, owing to the remoteness of 
their situation they did not fully com})rehend the nature of the 
contest between England and her colonies ; that their conduct had 
been influenced by British comuianders whom they were constrained 
to obey, and that some of then- citizens had expressed themselves 
in favor of the Americans, whenever the restraint to which they 
were subject would permit. They added, their present coiulition 
was the result of war and they were willing to submit to the loss 
of property, but begged that they might not be separated from 
their families, and that some food and clothing might be retained 
for their future sui)port. 

Clark having now sufficiently wrought upon their fear, resolved 
to try the efl'ect of lenity. "What !" said he, abrui)tly addressing 
them, "do you mistake us for savages? Do you think Americans 
will strip women and children and take the bread out of their 
mouths?" "My countrymen," said the gallant colonel, "disdain to 
make war ujxm lieli)less innocence. It was to protect our own 
Avives and children that we penetrated the wilderness and subju- 
gated this stronghold of British and Indian barbarity, and not the 
despicable object of plunder. We do not war against Frenchmen 



BRITISH OCCUPATION. 181 

The King of France, your former ruler, is the ally of the colonies; 
his fleets and anus are fighting our battles, and the war must shortly 
terminate. Embrace whicli ever side you deem best, and enjoy 
your religion, for Anu^rican law respects tlie beliexxns of every 
creed and i)rotects them in tlieir rights. Aiid now, to convince you 
of my sincerity, go and inform the inhabitantstlmttliey can dismiss 
their fears concerning their proiierty, and families that they can 
conduct thenjselves as usual, and that their frieuds who are in 
j'onflDemeut shall immediately be released." The revulsion of 
feeling which followed this speech can better be imagined than 
described. The village seniors endeavored to a])ologize for the 
suspicion they had entertained, upon the supposition that the 
l)ro})eTty of a captured town IxOongs to the (;onuuercrs, but Clark 
geiiliy dispensing with all explanations desired tliem immediately 
relieve the anxiety of tlieir friends and strictly com[)]y with the 
terms of a proclamation which he was al)out to issue. The 
good news soon spread throughout the village; the bell rang 
a merry peal and the peojtle alnsost frantic witli joy assembled in 
the church to thaidc God for their ha])py deli^•erance. Clark's 
iinticipfitions were fully ^'erifle<l, the inhabitants were allowed all 
tho. liberty they could desire and all clieertully submitted to him as 
the commandant of the village. 

An expedition was now plaimed against Cahokia, and several 
inlluentifd Kaskaskiiins volnntarily offered to acc<nnpany it. They 
assnred Clark that the C.rhokians were their kindred and frieuds, 
and that when the situation of Kaskaskia was exphiined to them 
they would be willing to change their political relations. Their 
offer was accepted, and Major Bowman and his comi)any were 
.selected as one party for the new concpiest, and the other the 
French militia comniiinded by their former oiiicers, the entire 
detachment being i;ut little inferior in nuud)ers to that wluch 
invaded the country. jNlounted on horseba<'k the expedition 
reached Cahokia before the suri-euder of Kaskaskiti was known to 
the inlial.fitaids, On iM'ing ]^)erceived, th<^ cry of ''the Long Knives, 
the Long Knives," as at Kaskaskia, created the most intens<^ con- 
sternation among the timid portion of the little community. As 
soon, howevei', as the new Fn'iich allies could notify them of the 
change of government, this formidable a^jpellation of the Virginians 
was changed to huzzas for freedom and the Americans. Major 
Bowman took possion of the fort without op])osition; the Indian 
force in the vicinity Avas dispersed, and the inhabitants a few days 
afterward took the oath of allegiance. 

The success which had hitherto attended the efibrts of Clark 
greatly exceeded the means employed, but such were the compli- 
cations of his position tliat he was compelled to use the greatest 
address in order to maintain it. He cultivated the nH)st intimate 
relations with the Spanish on the west bank of the IMississippi, 
and iiistrueted his men to create the im])ression that the head- 
cpiarters of his army was at the Falls of the Ohio ; that rehiforce- 
ments were daily expected to airive, and that when they came 
military o])erations aa oidd be resumed u])on a more exteiuled scale. 
This artilice enabled him to couideraet the extensive influence of 
his adversaries, and ultimately triumi)h over their superior 
strength. 



182 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

In tlie meantime M. Cerre, whose iiiflneuce Clark had endeav- 
ored to obtain by .seeming his property and family, became 
aiixions to retnrn to Kaskaskia. Feiiring to place himself in the 
hands of the American oflicer withont some protection, he pro- 
cnred letters of recommendation from the Spanish governor of St- 
Lonis, and the commandant of St. Genevieve, with a view to ob. 
taining a passport. Clark, however, refused his application, and 
intimated that it need not be rei>eated, as he understood that M. 
Cerre was a man of sense, and if he had not been guilty of encour- 
aging Indian barbarities, he need not ai)prehend any danger. 
These sentiments having been communicated to M. Cerre, he im- 
mediately repaired to Kaskaskia, and called upon Colonel Clark, 
who informed him that he was charged with inciting the Indiiins 
to plunder and murder the Americans, and tliat humanity required 
that such violators of honorable warfare should be punished 
according to the enormity of their crimes. The merchant, in reply 
to this accusation, said he challenged any num to prove that he 
had encouraged the depredations of the Indians, and that on the 
contrary, he could produce many witnesses who had heard hint 
repeatedly condemn sncli cruelties in decided terms. He further 
remarked that he never interfered in matters of state, except when 
liis business denmnded it; that he was not well acquainted Mith 
the nature of the contest in which the colonists were engaged, and 
that these charges were i)erhaps jtreferred by some of his debtors, 
who sought by this means a release from their obligations. Being 
willing to submit to an examination in the i)resence of his accus- 
ers, Clark requested him to retire to another room, while he sirm- 
moned them to api)ear. In a short time they came in, followed by 
a large part of the inhabitants, but when M. Cerre was brought 
into their midst they were confounded. Clark told them that he 
was nnwilling to condemn any one without a trial ; that M, Cerre 
was now in their presence, and if they found him guilty of tlie 
alleged crime he should be summarily X'lniished. At the conclu- 
sion of these remarks, the witnesses commenced A^hispering with 
each other and retiring, till only 1 out of 7 was left. He being 
called on for his proof, replied that he had none, and M, Ceire was 
thus honorably acquitted. His friends and neighbors congratn- 
lated him upon tiie happy termination of the trial, and Clark 
informed him that although it was desirable he should become an 
American citizen, yet if he was not inclined to do so, he was at 
libc^rty to dispose of his i)roperty ami i<Mnove from the village. 
M. Cerre was so pleased with the e(]uitable ami gener<ms treat- 
ment which he had received at the hands of the American com- 
mander, he imnu'diately took the oath of allegiance and thereafter 
renmined the staunch friend of the new i)olitical i>ower which he 
espoused. 

Clark never resorted to artifice or punishment except wlien he 
could make it condiu'ive to the pid)lic good. In the cases narra- 
ted he kept u}) the ai)i)eaTance of rigor wjth the view to enhancing 
the favors which ixdicy and the nmgnanijuity of his own disposi- 
tion inclined hhii to grant. So adroit had been his management 
that he snbdned without bloodshed all the French settlements 
within the present boundaries of Illinois. The cai)tures, as we 
shall have occasion to show, were fraught with great consequences 
to the nation, and does it speak less honorabl}' for him who, with 



BRITISH OCCUPATION. 183 

great skill, had accomplished them with few instead of thousands, 
or because lie had conquered without the slieddinu' of blood instead 
of milking' the plains of Illinois gory with the blood of the enemy 
and that of his friends ? The essence of true heroism is the same, 
whatever may be the scale of action, and although numbers are 
the standard l)y which military hoiu)rs are usually a\\arded, they 
are in reality only one of the extrinsic circumstances. So 
important were Clark's achievements considered, that on the 23d 
of November, 1778, he and his brave ofticers and men were voted 
the thanks of the Virginia House of Delegates for their extraordi- 
nary resolution and perseverance in so hazardous an enterprise, 
and the important services thereby rendered tlie country. In this 
extraordinary conquest the Americans were doubtless assisted by 
the affection which the French in]ml)itauts still retained for their 
ancient Fatherland, now allied with the colonies. 



Chapter XVII. 

CLARK OBTAINS POSSESSION OF VINCENNES— TREA- 
TIES WITH THE INDIANS— VINCENNES FALLS INTO 
THE HANDS OF THE ENGLISH, AND IS RE-CAPTURED 
BY CLARK. 



Clark now tnrued his attention to the British post of St. Yin- 
cents (Yincennes), the subju^atiou of which wonhl not only extend 
the dominion of his native State, bntfroni its contiguity render his 
own position and governnient more secure. He, therefore, sent for 
M. Gibanlt, who, being the Catholic priest both of Yincennes and 
Kaskaskia, could gi\'e him any information he desired. He 
inlbrjiied Clark that Governor Abbot had lately gone on business 
to Detroit, and that a military expedition against the place was 
wholly nnnecessary. Desirous of having' his parishioners free 
from the violence of war, he ottered to induce the people to transfer 
their allegiance to the Americans without the assistance of troops. 
This x>roposition was readily accei)ted, and DeLafont and a spj' 
Avere selected to accompany him. The embassy set off for Yincen- 
nes, and after a full explanation between the priest and his liock, 
the inhabitants conchuled to sever their relations with the British 
government and take the oath of allegiance to the commonwealth 
of Yirginia. A temporary governor was api»ointed, and the Amer- 
ican flag immediately displayed over the fort, to the great sur- 
prise of the Indians. The savages were told that their old father, 
the king of France, had come to life and was angry with them 
because they fought for the English, and that if they did not wish 
the land to be bloody with war they must make peace with the 
Americans. M. Gibault and party returned about the 1st of 
August, with the joyful intelligence that everything was peace- 
ably adjusted at Yincennes in favor of the Americans. This news 
was both a source of astonishment and gratification, as such a 
result was hardly to be expected. 

The 3 months for which Clark's men had enlisted was now ter- 
minated, and his instructions being indefinite, he was at first at a 
loss how to proceed. If the country was abandoned at this junc- 
tiu'e, the immense advantages already gained would be sacrificed, 
and, therefore, acting upon the discretion which necessity demanded, 
he re-enlisted as numy of his own men as were willing to continue 
in the service, and commissioned French oflQcers to raise a com- 
pany of the inhabitants. He established a garrison at Kaskaskia, 
under the command of Cai)tain Williams, another at Cahokia 
under Captain Bowman, and selected Captain Sims, who had 
accomi^anied the exj)edition as a volunteer, to take charge of the 
men who wished to return. The latter offlcer was also intiusted 

184 



AMERICAN OCCUPATION. 185 

with orders from Clark for the removal of the station from Coru 
Island, at the Falls of the Oliio, to the main land, and a .stockade 
fort was erected where Loiii.svide, the metroi)olis of Keiducky, 
has since been built. Captain John ]Mont<4omery, in charge of 
Eocheblave and tlie bearer of dispatches, \Yas sent to liichmond, 
Avhich had become the cai)ital of A'irgiuia. It had been the inten- 
tion to restore to the Britisli commander his (slaves, which had 
been seized as public property, and he and some of his friends 
were invited to dine with Clark and his officers, when the restitu- 
tion was to take place. M. Ilocheblave, however, called them a 
set of rebels and exliibited such bitteruess of feeling, that it was 
necessary to send him to the guard-honse and linally a prisoner 
to Virgiiua. The generous idea of returning the slaves to their 
former owner having been frustated by this provocation, they were 
subsequently sold for 500 pounds, which was divided among the 
troo[)s as piize money. 

The government of Virginia in the meanthne was informed of 
the reduction of the country and Clark desiring that a- civil govern- 
ment might be instituted, an act was i)assed in October, 1778, 
organizing the county of Illinois which included all the territory 
of the commonwealth west of the Ohio river. This immense region, 
exceeding in superhcial extent the whole of Great liritain and Ire- 
land, was at that time thelargest county in the XAorld, and contained 
the best section of farming lands on the continent. A bill was 
also passed to raise 500 men for oi»ening communication with I^ew 
Orleans, for the benetit of the isolated settlements, and Col. John 
Todd was appointed the princi[)al officer in the government of the 
new county, and justice Avas for the tirst time administered under 
the authority of Virginia. 

About the uuddle of August, Clark appointed Capt. Helm com- 
mandant of Vincennes and Indian agent for the department of the 
Wabash. His great prudence and intimate knowledge of Indian 
character eminently (pialilied him for the duties of this important 
trust. It was also the intention of Col. Clark to place a strong 
detachment under his command as soon as reinforcements should 
arrive from Virginia. 

At that time there lived in the vichiity of Vincennes a chief of 
the Piankashaw Indians, who i)Ossessed great influence over his 
people. He was comi>limented by his countrymen with the appel- 
lation of the Grand Door of the \\ abash, in inutatiim of the title 
of Pontiac, Avho was styled the Grand Door of St. Joseph. Clark 
had exchanged messages with him through Gibault, the catholic 
priest, and lie instructed Helm to secure his influence, as nothing 
could be done within the Indian confederacy of the Wabash without 
his approbation. The American agent arriving safe at Vincennes, 
and being received with acclamation by the inhabitants, he imme- 
diately invited the Grand Door to a conference. The proud and 
pompous chief was pleased with the courtesies of Capt. Helm, who, 
in a friendly talk, communicated to hiiu an invitation from Clark 
to unite with the "Long Knives" and his old master, the King of 
France. In rei)ly to this invitation, he said that he was glad to see 
a chief of the "Long Knives'' in town, but with the caution pecidiar 
to Indian character, declined giving a deiinite answer, until he 
could confer with the principal men of his tribe. In all their inter- 
course, the Grand Door observed the ceremonies of the most 



186 HISTORY OF ILI^INOIS. 

courtly dignity, aiul the American, to operate on liis vanity, 
exliibited tbe same pomposity, till after several days the interview 
was concluded. Finally, Capt. Helm was invited to attend a ('ouncil 
of chiefs, in which the Grand Door informed him, in a strain of 
Indian eloquence, that "the sky had been very dark in the war 
between the 'Long Knives' and English, but now the clouds were 
brushed away he could see the 'Ijong Knives' were in the right, 
and if the English conquered them, they might also treat the 
Indians in the same Avay." He then jum])ed up, struck his hands 
against his breast, and said, "he had always been a man and a 
warrior, and now he Avas a 'Long Knife' and would tell the 
red people to bloody the land no longer for the Euglish." He and 
his red brethren then took Capt. Helm by the hand, and during 
the remainder of his life, he remained the staunch friend of the 
Americans. Hying two years afterward, at his request he was 
buried with the honors of war, near the Fort of Cahokia. 

Maliy chiefs south of Lake Michigan followed the example of 
the Cxrand Door, and the British influence, wlii<'h had caused great 
mischief to the frontier settlements, daily declined. ]\Iuch of the 
success attending these negotiations was due to the influence of 
the French, for the Indians, relying imi)licitly upon their state- 
ments, became greatly alarmed at the growing poAver of the Ameri- 
cans. Clark's method of effecting treaties with them Avas attended 
with remarkable success. He had studied the French and .Spanish 
methods of intercourse, and tliought their })lan of urging them to 
make treaties was founded upon a mistaken estimate of their 
character. He was of opinion tliat such overtures were constnuxl 
b}' the savages as evidence of either fear or weakness, and there- 
fore studiously avoided making the first advances. Uidike the 
English, who endeavored to win their good will by freely granting 
them presents, he either bestowed them reluctantly, or fought 
them until they were compelled to seek refuge in treaties as a 
means of self-preservation. The ceremonies attending his coim- 
cils with these sons of tlie forest, as they illustrated their charac- 
ter, are Avorth recording. Tlie flrst convocation of this kind in 
which Colonel Clark was present, met at Cahokia about the 1st of 
Septend)er. The various parties had assembled, and as the Indians 
were the solicitors, one of the chiefs aitpioached the table where 
Colonel Clark was sitting, bearuig three belts, one of which was 
emblematical of peace, another contained the sacred pipe, and a 
third the fire to light it. After the pipe was lighted, it was first 
presented to the heavens, then to the earth, next forming a circle, 
it was oflered to all the spirits, invoking them to Avitness their 
proceedings, and finally to Colonel Clark and the other mend)ers 
of the council. At the conclusion of these formalities, a chief arose 
and spoke in favor of i)eace, after which he thrcAv down the bloody 
belt and flag, which had been given to him by the English, and 
stamped on them, as CAidence of their rejection. Clark coldly re- 
plied that he Avould consider what he had heard and give them an 
answer on the following day. He however intimated that their 
existence as a luition depended on the determination of the coun- 
cil, and as peace Avas not concluded, he cautioned the chief not to 
let any of liis countrymen shake hands with the Avhite people, 
saying it would be time to give the hand Avlien the heart also 
could be given Avith it. When he had ceased speaking, one of the 



AMERICAN OCCUPATTON. 187 

cliirfs remarked that such sentiments were like men wlio h-.ul but 
one lieart and wlio did not s])eak with a forked toii.iiue. The 
council then adjonrned till the next day, and ^Yhen, at the a|)[)oint- 
ed time the Indians reassembled, Clark thus addressed them: 

" Men and Warriors : Pay atteution to my words. You informed 
me yesterday that you hoj^ed the Great Spirit had brought us together 
for good. I have the same liojje, and trust each party will strictly udhei'e 
to whatever is agreed upon, whether it be peace or war. I am a man 
and warrior, not a councilor. I carry war in my right hand, peace in 
my left. I am sent by the great council of the Long Knives and their 
friends, to take possession of all the towns occupied by the English in 
this country, and to watch the red people; to bloody the paths of those 
who attempt to stop the course of the rivers, and to clear the roails for 
those who desire to be in peace. I am ordered to call upon the Great 
Fire for warriors enough to darken the laud, that the red people may 
hear no sound but of birds which live on blood. I know there is a mist 
before yom* eyes. I will dispel the clouds that you may cleax'ly see the 
causes of the war between the Long Knives and the English ; then you 
may judge which party is in the right, and if you are warriors, as you 
profess, prove it by adhering faithfully to the party which you shall be- 
lieve to be entitled to your friendship." 

xVfter Clark had explained in detail the cause and effect of the 
war existing be\\'een the English and the colonies, he thus con- 
cluded : 

" The whole land was dark ; the old men held down their heads for 
shame, because they (^ould not see the sun ; and thus thei-e was mourn- 
ing for many years over the land. At last the Great Spirit took pity on 
us, and kindled a great council fire at Philadelphia, planted a post, put 
a tomahawk by it and went away. The sun immediately broke out, the 
sky was blue again, and the old men held uii their lieads and assembled 
at the fii'e. They took up the hatchet, sharpened it, and inunediately 
put it in the hands of our young men, ordering them to strike the Eng- 
lisli as long as they could tlnd one on this side of the Great Water. The 
young men immediately struck the war post and blood was shed. In 
this way the war began, and the English were driven from one place to 
another, until they got weak, and then hired the red peojile to figiit for 
them. The Great Spirit got angry at this, and caused your old tather, 
the French King, and other great nations to join the Long Knives, and 
fight with them against all their enemies. So the English have become 
like deer in the woods, and you can see that it was the Great Spirit that 
troubled your waters, because you have fought for the people with whom 
he was displeased. You can now judge who is in tlie right. I have 
already told you who I am. Here is a bloody belt, and a peace belt; 
take which you please ; behave like meu, and do not let your being sur- 
rounded by Long Knives cause you to take up one belt with your hands 
while your hearts take up the other. If you take the bloody path, you 
can go in safety and join your friends, the English. We will then try 
like warriors who can stain our clothes the longest with blood. If, on 
tlie other hand, you take the path of peace, and are received as brothers 
by the Long Knives, and then listen to bad birds that are flying through 
the laud, you cannot longer be considered meu, but creatures with two 
tongues, which ought to be destroyed. As I am convinced that you 
never heard the truth before, I do uot wish you to answer me before you 
have taken time for consideration. We will therefore part this evening, 
and when the Great Spirit shall bring us together again, let us speak and 
think as men with but one heart and one tongue. " 

On the following day, the council fire was kindled with more 
than ordinary ceremou}', and one of the chiefs came forward and 
said : 

" We have listened with great attention to what the chief of the Long 
Knives told us, and are thankful that the Great Spirit has opened our 
ears and hearts to receive the truth. We believe you tell us the truth, 



188 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

for you do not speak like other people, and that our old men are right, 
who always said the English spake with double tongues. We will 
take the belt vf peace, and cast down the bloodly belt of war ; our war- 
riors shall be called home ; the tomahawk shall be thrown iuto the 
river, where it can never be found ; and we will carefully smooth the road 
for your brothers whenever they wish to come and see you. Our friends 
shall hear of the good talk you have given us, and we hope you will send 
chiefs among our countrymen, that they may see we are men, and 
adliere to all we have promised at this fire, which the Great Spirit has 
kindled for the good of all who attend." 

The pipe was again lighted, the .spirits were called on to witness 
the transactions, and the council concluded by shaking hands. 

In this manner alliances were formed with other tribes, and in 
a short time Clarlv's power was so well established that a siisgle 
soldier could be sent in safety as far nortli as the head waters of 
the streams emptying into the lakes. In the vicinity of the lakes 
the British retained their iutluence, some of tlie tribes being- 
divided between them and the Americans. This sudden and 
exteusive change of sentiment among the Indians, was due to tlie 
stern and commanding iutluence of Colonel Clark, supported l)y 
the alliance of the French with the colonies, and the regard wliicli 
the Indians still retained for their tirst Great Fatlier. it re(juired 
great skill on the part of Clarli, wliile in command of such dinnn- 
utive forces, to keep alive tlie impression which had originally 
been made respecting tlie arrival of forces from the Falls of the 
Oliio. To create a favorable impression, the fees connected with 
the adininistration of justi(ie were abated. The maintenance of 
friendly intercourse with the iSpanish authorities, and the per- 
mission of trade among the iidial)itants on both sides of the Mis- 
fc;issip[)i, was also productive of good will. 

In his uegotiatiou with the Indians, an incident occurred about 
this time w^hich, from its romantic character, is worthy of mention. 
A large reward was offered the Meadow or Mascoutin Indians, 
who accompanied the other tribes to the council, to assassinate 
the American commander. For this i)urpose they pitched their 
cam}) on the same side of Cahokia. creek occui)ied by Clark, dis- 
tant 100 yards from the fort and the Anu'rican heachjuarters. It 
was arranged that a part of their number should cross the creek, 
which could easily be waded, tire in the direction of the Indian 
encampment, and then tiee to the quarters of Clark, where, under 
the pretense of fear, they were to obtain admission and put 
the garrison to death. The attempt was made about 1 o'clock iu 
the morning. The flying party having discharged their guns in 
such a manner as to cast suspicion upon the Indians on the o]>po- 
site side of the creek, started directly to the American encampnuuit 
for protection. Clark was still awake with the midtiplied cares 
of his situation, and the guards being stronger than had been 
anticipated, i>resented their pieces and comi)elled the fugitives to 
bait. The town and garrison were immediately underarms; the 
Mascoutins, whom the guard had recognized by moonlight, were 
sent for, and being interrogated respecting their conduct, declared 
that they had been tired upon by em^mies on the o])})osite side of 
the (;reek, and that they had Hed to the Americans for refuge. The 
French, lu)wever, understanding them better than their concjuer- 
ors, called for a light, and on examination discovered that their 
leggings and moccasins were wet and muddy, which was evidence 



AMERICAN OCCUPATION. 189 

that tliey had crossed the creek and that the Indians they visited 
"vrere friends instead of enemies. The intended assassins were 
dismayed at this discovery, and Chirk, to convince the Indians of 
the coniidence whicli he reposed in tlie Frencli, lianded over the 
cnlprits to them to be dealt with as they thought proper. Inti- 
mations were, however, nnide to tliem privately, that they onjiht 
to be confined, and they were accordingly manacled and sent to 
the guardhouse. In this condition they were daily bronght into 
the council, where he whom they had endeavored to kill, was 
fonning- friendly relations with their red brethren of other tribes. 
When all the other business of the council was transacted, Clark 
ordered the irons to be struck off, and said : " Justice re<iuires 
that you die for your treacherous attempt upon my life during the 
sacred deliberations of a council. I had determined to intlct death 
upon you for your base designs, and you jnust be sensible that you 
ha^'e justly forfeited your lives ; but on considering the meanness 
of watching' a bear and catching him asleep, I have C(nichuled that 
you are not warriors, but old women, and too mean to be killed 
by the Long Knives. Since, however, you nnist be punished i'or 
wearing the apparel of men, it shall be taken away from yori, and 
you shall be furnished with ])lenty of provisions for your journey 
home, and while here you shall be treated in every respect as 
squaws." At the conclusion of these cutting remarks, Clark turned 
to converse with others. The offending Indians, exi>ecting anger 
and i>unishme]it, instead of eontesuitt and disgrace, were exceed- 
ingly agitated. After counseling with each other, <»ne of the chiefs 
came forward, and laying a pipe and belt of ])eace on the table, 
made some exi)lanatory remarks. The interpreter stood ready to 
translate these words of friendship, but Clark refused to hear 
them, and raising his SAvoid and shattering the pipe, declared that 
the Long Knives never treated with women. JSome of the other 
tribes with Avhom alliances had been formed, now interposing for 
thediscomtitted Indians, besought Clark to pity their families and 
grant them pardon. To this entreaty he coldly rei»lied, that '^the 
Long Knives never made war u]>on these Indians; they are of a 
kind which we shoot like wolves when we nu'ct them in the ^^■oods, 
lest they kill the deei'." This rebuke wrought more and nu)re rtpon 
the guilty i)arties, and, after again taking counsel, two of the 
young men came forwraxl, covered their heads with blankets, 
and sat down at the feet of the inexorable Clark. Two chiefs also 
arose, and standing by the side of the victims who thus offered 
their lives as an atonement for the crime of their tribe, again i)re- 
sented the pipe of i)eace, saying, we hope this saeritice will ai>pease 
the anger of tlie Long Knife. The American commander, not 
replying iunnediately, as if still unsatisfied, the most profound 
silence reigned in the assembly, and nothing was heard but 
the deep breathing of the multitude, all turning their eyes upon 
Clark, as if to read in the expression of his countenance the 
fate of the devoted Indians. The suddeu impulse caused by the 
heroism of this romantic; incident, almost overcaine the powerful 
nerve of Clark, who, from the first, had intended to grant tliese 
Indians peace, but wuth a reluctance, as he says, that should 
enhance its value. At length, to relieve the great suspense of the 
assembly, he advanced toward the young men and ordering them 
to uncover their heads and stand up, said : "I am rejoiced to find men 



190 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

among all natioiis ; these two yonug warriors who have offered 
their lives a sacrifice, are at least i)roof for their owu country in eu. 
Such men only are worthy to be chiefs, and with such I like to 
treiit." He then took them by the hand, and in honor of their 
magnanimity and courage, introduced them to the American ofiicers 
and other members of the assembly, after which all saluted them 
as the chiefs of their tribe. "The Koman Curtius leaped into the 
Gulf to save his countrymen, and Leonidas died in obedience to 
the laws of Greece ; but in neither of these iiistances Avas displayed 
greater heroism than that exhibited by these unsophisticated 
children of nature." They were ever after held in high esteem 
among the braves of their own tribe, and the fame of the white 
negotiator was correspondingly extended, A council was immedi- 
ately con\'ened for the benefit of the Meadow Indians; an alliance 
was formed with their chiefs, and neither party ever afterward had 
occasion to regret the reconciliation thus effected. 

Although it was Clark's general aim not to ask favors of the 
Indians, yet some of their chiefs were so intelligent and i)owerful 
he occasionally invited tliem to visit him and explan the nature of 
the contest betw cen tiie English and thecolonists. Anoted instance 
of this kind was his intercourse with Black Bird, a very distin- 
guishe<l cliief whose lands bordered on Lake Michigan, and A^ho 
had obtained such a reputution among his people that a departure 
from the usual policy was deemed advisable. Black Bird Vias in 
St. Louis when the country was first invaded, but having little 
confidence in Spanish protection, he wrote a letter to Clark apolo- 
gizing for his absence, and returned to his tribe. A special mes- 
senger Avas sent requsting him to come to Kaskaskia, and comply- 
ing Avith the invitation, he called upon Colonel Clark with only 8 
attendants. Greatpreparations were immediately made for hohl- 
ing a council, but the sagacious chief, disliking the usual formali- 
ties of Indian negotiation, informed Clark that he came on business 
of importance, and desired that no time mightbe Avastedin useless 
ceremonies. He stated that he wished to converse with him, and 
proffered Avithout ostentation to sit with him at the same table. A 
room was accordingly furnished and both, provided with interpret- 
ers, took their seats at the same stand and commenced the confer- 
ence. Black Bird said he had long Avished to have an interAiew 
with a chief of our nation ; he had souglit infornmtion from jjris- 
oners but couhl not confide in tlieir statements, for they seemed 
afraid to speak the truth. He admitted that he had fought against 
us, although doubts of its justice occasionally crossed his mind; 
some mystery hung OA'er the matter which he desired to have 
removed; he Avas anxious to hear both sides of the question, but 
hitherto he had only been able to h(;ar but one. Clark undertook 
to imi)art the desired information, but owing to the difiiculty of 
rendering himself intelligent, several hours Avere spent in answering 
his questions. At the conclusion, Black Bird, among other things, 
said that he Avas glad that their old friends, the French, hadunited 
their arms Avith ours, and that the Indians ought to do the same. 
He affirmed that his sentiments Avere fixed in our. favor ; that he 
Avould never again listen to the offers of the English, AAho nuist 
certainly be afiaid because they hire with merchandise the Ind- 
ians todo their fighting. He closed by saying that he Avould caU 
in his young men, and thus pnt an end to the Avar, as soon as he 



AMERICAN OCCUPATION. 191 

could get ail opportunity of explainiug to them the nature of the 
contest. This (leterniination of the chief was very agreeable to 
Clark, who informed him that he would write to the government of 
Virginia and have them registered among the friends of the white 
people. A few days afterward, thisintelligent Indian, supplied 
witii presents and aceom])anied, at his request, by an agent of 
Clark, set off for his native forests. His conduct afterward exem- 
pliiied the honesty of his professions, for he thereafter remained 
the faitlifnl friend of the Americans. 

Clark in his intercourse with the Indians, never blamed them 
for accepting the presents of the English, as the necessities of 
their condition and the inability of the Americans to supply their 
wants, rendered it unavoidable. Commerce had to some extent 
already introduced among them superior appliauces of civilizatiou. 
The rifle and its ammuintion had h»ng since superceded the bow 
and arrow, and blankets, cooking utensils, cutlery, and other im- 
plements manufactured in an advance state of arts, were as 
necessary to the savage as the civilized man. While, however, 
he forcbore to reproach them for receiving presents from the 
English, he endeavored to impress upon their minds the degrada- 
tion of lighting for hire. The "Long Knives," he said, "regarded 
the scalps taken while fighting in self-defence as the greatest of 
trophies, but those obtained in mercenary warfare, are thrown to 
the dogs or used as toys for the amusement of their children." 

Another chief by the name of Lages, about this time, sent a 
letter to Clark. He was also known by the appellation of Big 
Gate, a title which he received from ha^^ang shot ;\, British soldier, 
standing at the fort when Pontiac, with whom he was tlien associ- 
ated, besieged Detroit. ♦ Several marauding parties against our 
frontier settlements, had been successfully commanded by this 
warrior, who happened to fall in with a party of Piankeshaws 
going to Kaskaskia to make the Americans a visit. Gaudily decked 
in the full costume of war, and with the bloody belt, whi(di the 
British had given him, suspended about his neck, he daily came to 
the council and occupied one of the nu)st prominent seats. As a 
silent spectator he thus attended till all the i)ublic business was 
transacted, the American officer then accosted him with an apology 
for not having paid his respects during the deliberations of the 
assembly. Although we are enemies, said he, it is cnstoniary Avitli 
the wliite people to treat celebrated warriors with respect, in pro- 
portion to the exploits which they have performed against 
each other in war. Being a distinguished warrior, Clark invited 
him to dinner. Surprised at this civditj^ he at first endeavored to 
decline the invitation. The American ofiicer, however, when he 
attempted to offer an excuse, repeated with greater warmth his 
solicitations, till the feelings of the chief were wrought up to the 
highest pitch of excitement. Eoused in this manner he advanced 
to the center of the room, threw down the war belt, tore oft' the 
clothes and flag, which had been given him by his friends, the 
English. Despoiled of these presents, he struck himself violently 
on the breast, and said that he had been a warrior from his youth, 
and delighted in battles ; that he had fought three times against the 
Americans and was preparing another war party, when he heard 
of Colonel Clark's arrival ; that he had determined to visit the 
Americans, who he now thought were right, and that he was hence- 



192 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS 

forth a "Long Knife" and would war no longer for the English. He 
then concluded by shaking hands with Clark and his oliicers and 
saluthig them as brothers. The comical part of the affair was that 
the new brother was now naked, and since he nmst be clothed, a 
line laced suit Avas provided and he api)eared at the entertainment 
arrajed in all the trappings of military costume. After the re])ast 
was over, in a private interview, he disclosed to Chirk the situation 
of Detroit, and offered to obtain a scalp or i)risoner from its garri 
son. Clark not wishing to encourage the barbarities of the Indians, 
declined the former, but assured the warrior of his willingness to 
accept the latter, provided he treated tbe captive kindly when lie 
got liim in his power. This policy of api)ealing to the better feel- 
ings of hunmnity was little appreciated by the savages, and in 
some instances caused them to unite with the less scrupulous 
enemy Avho suffered them to phmder and nuirder without stint, 
provided British aggrandizement was the result. When the chief 
dei)arted Clark gave him a captain's connnission and a medal as 
evidence of the new relations and responsibilities which he had 
assumed. 

While the American commander was thus negotiating with the 
Indians, Hamilton, the British governorof Detroit heard of Clark's 
invasion, and was incensed that the country which he had in charge 
should be wrested fromhimbya few ragged militia from Virginia. 
He therefore hurriedly collected a force consisting of 30 regulars, 50 
French Caiuidians and 400 Indians, and marching by way of the 
Wabash appeared before the fort at Vincennes on the lotli of 
December, 1778. The inliabitauts made no efl'ort to defend the 
town, and when Hamilton's forces arrived Capt. Helm and a man 
by the name of Henry were the only Americans in the fort. Tlie 
hitter charging a cannqji, placed it in the open gatewaj^ and the 
captain standing by it with a lighted nmtch cried out as Hamilton 
came in hailing distance, "halt." The British officer, not knowing 
the strength of the garrison stopped and demanded the surrender 
of the fort. Helm exclaimed "no man shall enter here till I know 
the terms." Hamilton responded, "you shall have the honors of 
war." The entire garrison, consisting of one officer and one private, 
then capitulated, and receiving the cnstonuiry courtesies for their 
brave defense, marched out with tlie honors of war. Capt. Helm 
was retained a prisoner, the Fiench inhabitants were disarmed, 
and a large portion of Hamilton's troops were detached against the 
settlements on the Ohio and Mississipi)i. 

These movements transpired at Vincennes, 6 weeks before the 
intelligence reached Kaskaskia, thus verifying the serious ajipre- 
hensions which Clark, in the meantime, had entertained for the 
safety of the place. In consequence of these forebodings, he en- 
gaged Colonel Vigo to go and recon]U)itre tlie situation of the 
post. No choice could have been more fortunate. Although Vigo 
was an Italian by birth, no one excelled him in devotion to the 
cause of freedom and syiiii)athy for an oppressed people strug- 
gling for their rights. Associated as a merchant with the Spanish 
governor of St. Louis, he amassed a large fortune, which, with the 
greatest generosity, he expended during the revolution for the 
benefit of his adopted country. Having for a long time resided in 
Indiana, and died there, the State, in honor of his memory, called 
a county after his name, and Congress ultimately refunded a large 



AMERICAN OCCITPATION. 193 

part of the money which he had expended. After conferring with 
Chirk, he .started on hiis mission, and Avlien within five miles of his 
destination, he was captured by tlie Indians and fallen before 
Governor Hamilton. He was rei^arded as an Aniericsiu spy, but 
bein,n" a Spanish subject, and very popular with the iidiabitants of 
the town, the British ofticer did not dare to proceed aj^ainst him 
according' to his suspicions. The citizens threatened to sto]) his 
supplies if he was not sutfered to depart. Hamilton reluctantly 
proposed to let him go if, during the war, he would not do any 
act injurious to British interests. Colonel Vigo peremptorily 
refused to become a party to such a com})act. Agreeing, however, 
not to do anything prejudicial in his honu'ward j(mrney, he was 
permitted to return in a boat, down the Wabash and up the Mis- 
sissippi, to St. Louis. He remained neutral just long enough to 
comply with his stipulations, for, on his arrival home, he imme- 
diately changed his clothes, and set off for Kaskaskia to commu- 
nicate the infornmtion which he had obtained to Colonel Clark. 
After detailing the cai)itulation of Vincennes and the disposition 
of the British force, he made kno^\Ti Hamilton's intentions of re- 
compiering Illinois, and his meditated attack upon Kaskaskia, on 
the re-assend)ling of his forces in the spring, as the surest way of 
effe(;ting this oliject. AYlien this place was reduced, with his 
forces augmente(l by the addition of 700 warriors from Mackinaw, 
the Cherokees and Chickasaws, aiul other tribes, he proposed to 
penetrate as far as Fort Pitt, and subjugate in liis march all the 
intervening settlements. So elated was the British commander 
with his hopes of conquest, he inten<led, in a short time, to be 
master of all the territory of Virginia between the Alleghanies 
and the Mississipjji. 

Clark, in view of the critical condition of the country, and the 
extreme peril of Lis own situation, wrote to Governor Henry, of 
Virginia, acquainting him of Hamilton's designs, and asking him 
for troops. Parties of hostile Indians, sent out by the British 
governor, began to appear, and as assistance could not be obtained 
from the State in time, with the promptness which the emerg(mcy 
demanded, he resolved to help himself. Anticii)ating his rival, he 
commenced preparations with his own limited means to carry the 
war into the enemy's country, for, as he says, " f knew if 1 did 
not take him, he would take me." Colonel Vigo had informed 
him that, owing to the dispersion of the Biitish forces, tlie 
garrison at Vincennes was reduced to 80 men, three pieces of 
cannon and some swivels, and that if the town was attacked be- 
fore the troops were recalled, it might, witliout difficulty, be 
recaptured. Without a moment's delay, a galley was fitted up, 
mounting two 4-pounders and 4 swivels, and i)laced in charge 
of Capt. John Eogers, and a comiiany of 46 men, with orders after 
reaching the Wabash to force their way up the stream to the 
mouth of White Eiver, and remain there for further instructions. 
Clark next ordered Captain Bowman to evacuate the fort at Caho- 
kia for the purpose of organizing an expedition to proceed across 
by land, and co-oi)erate with the force under Captain Eogers. 
The French inhabitants of Cahokia and Kaskaskia raised two 
companies, commanded by Captains McCarty and Charleville, 
which, with the Americans, amounted to 170 men. On the 7th of 
February, 1779, just 8 days after the reception of the news from 
13 



194 HISTOEY OF ILLINOIS. 

Viuceiiiies, tliis forloru hope commenced its march in a northeast- 
erly direction, over the innnndated flats of the country, in a wet, 
but fortunately, not cold season. To relieve the hardshii)S of the 
journey, which was perhaps the most dreary one performed during 
the revolution, hunting-, game feasts, and Indian war dances were 
instituted for the amusement of the men. After incredible hard- 
shij^s, on the 13th they reached the forks of the Little Wabash, 
the low bottom lands of which were covered with water. At this 
part of the stream the opposite banks were 5 miles apart 
and the water so deep when Clark arrived as in many phujes 
to be waded with the greatest difliculty. Here, drenched in 
the rains which fell almost daily, thej' managed to construct a 
canoe, and ferry over their baggage to the opposite shore. Hith- 
erto they had borne their labors ^^'ith great fortitude, but now 
many became discouraged by the continued obstacles which beset 
the way. While wading the Wabash, and in some instances to 
the shoulders in mud and water, an incident occurred which, by 
its merriment, greatly relieved the desponding spirits of the men. 
There was in the service an Irish drummer, who was of small stat- 
ure, but possessed rare talent in singing comic songs. On coming 
to a depression beyond his depth, he put his drum into the water, 
and mounting on the head, requested one of the tallest men to 
pilot him across the stream, while he eidivened the comjiany by 
his wit and music. 

On the morning of the 18th, 11 days after leading Kaskaskia, 
they heard the signal guns of the fort, and during the evening of 
the same day, arrived at the Great Wabash, 9 miles below Viu- 
cennes. The galley had not arrived with the supplies, and the 
men being exhausted, destitute and almost in a starving con- 
tion, it required all of Clark's address to keep them from giving uj) 
in despair. The river was out of its banks, all the low lands 
were submerged, and before means of transportation could be pro- 
cured they might be discovered by the British and the entire party 
captured. On the 20th, a boat from Yincennes was hailed and 
brought to land, from the crew of which was received the cheer- 
ing intelligence of the friendly disi)Osition of the French inhabit- 
ants, and that no suspicion of Clark's movements was entertained 
by the British garrison. The last day of the march, the most 
fornddable difficulties were encountered. Says Colonel Clark, in 
his journal : 

" The nearest laud to us, in the direction of Vincennes, was a si:)ot 
called the 'Sugar Camp,' on the opposite side of a slough. I sounded the 
water, and finding it deep as uiy neck, returned with the design of liav- 
ingthe men transported on board the canoes to the camp, though I knew 
it would spend the whole day and the ensuing night, as tiie vessels would 
pass slowly through the bushes. The loss of so much time to men 
half-starved, was a matter of serious consequence, and I would now 
have given a great deal for a day's provisions or one of our horses. 
When I returned, all ran to hear the report. I uu fortunately' sjDoke in a 
serious manner to one of the officers; the whole were alarmed witbout 
knowing what I said. I viewed their confusion for a minute, and whis- 
pered for those near me to do as I did. I immediately put some water 
in my hand, poured powder on it, blackened my face, gave the war- 
whoop and marelied into the water. Tin? party immediately followed , 
one alter another, without uttering a word of complaint. I ordered those 
near me to sing a favorite song, which soon passed tlirough the line and 
all went cheerfully. I now intended to have them transported across 



AIMERICAN OCCUPATION. 105 

the deepest irAvt of tlie water, but wlien about waist-deep, one of the 
men informed me tliat he tliouglit lie liad discovered a path. We fol- 
lowed it, and finding that it kept on hig:her ground, without further dif- 
flc'ulty arrived at the camp, where there was dry ground on which to 
pitch our lodges. The Frenchmen that we had taken on the river, 
appeared to be uneasy at our situation, and liegged that they might be 
permitted, during the night, to visit the town in 2 canoes and bring, 
from their own houses, provisions. They said that some of our men 
could go with them as a surety for their conduct, and that it would l)e 
imi:)ossible to leave that place till the waters, which were too (iee]) 
for marching, subsided. Son1^■; of the officers believed that this might 
be done, but I would not sutibr it. I could never well account for my 
obstinacy on tliis occasion, or give satisfactory reasons to mj^self or any- 
body else why I denied a proposition apjiarently so easy to execute, and 
of so much advantage ; but something seemed to tell me it should not be 
done. 

" On the following morning, the finest we had experienced, I har- 
angued the men. What I saitl I am not now able to recall; but it may 
he easily imagined by a person who possesses the regard which I, at that 
time, entertained for them, I concluded by informing them, that pass- 
ing the sheet of water, which was then in full view and reaching the 
opposite woods, would put an end to their hardships ; that in a few hours 
they would have a sight of their long-wished for object, and immedi- 
ately stepped into the water without waiting for a reply. Before a third 
of the men had entered, I halted and called to Major Bowman, and 
ordered him to fall into the rear with 25 men and put to death any man 
who refused to march with us, as we did not wish to have any such 
among us. The whole gave a cry of approbation, and on we went. 
This was the most trying of all the difficulties we experienced. I gen- 
erally kept lo of the strongest men next myself, and judged from my 
own feelings, what must be that of the others. Getting near the middle 
of the inundated plain, I found myself sensibly failing, and as there were 
no trees for the men to support themselves, 1 feared that many of the 
weak would be drowned. 1 ordered the canoe to ply back and forth, and 
with all diligence to pick up the men ; and to encourage the party, sent 
some of the strongest forward with orders that, when tliey had advanced 
a certain distance, to pass the word back that the water was getting 
shallow, and when near the woods, to cry out land. This stratagem 
had the desired effect. The men, encouraged by it, exerted themselves 
almost beyond their abilities; the weak holding on the stronger. On 
reaching the woods where the men expected land, the water was up to 
their shoulders ; but gaining the timber was the greatest consequence, 
for the weakly hung to trees and floated on the drift till they were 
taken off by the canoes. The strong and tall got ashore and built tires ; 
but many of the feeble, unable to sujiport themselves on reaching land, 
would fall with their bodies half in the water. The latter were so 
benumbed with cold, we soon found that tires would not restore them, 
and the strong were compelled to exercise them with great severity to 
revive their circulation. 

" Fortunately, a canoe in charge of some squaws was going to town, 
which pur men captured, and which contained half a quarter of buffalo 
meat, some corn, tallow and kettles. Broth was made of this valuable 
prize and served out to the most weak l_y with great care. Most of the 
men got a small liortiou, but many of them gave part of theirs to the 
more famished, jocosely saying something cheering to their comrades. 
This little refreshment gave renewed life to the company. We next 
crossed a deep but narrow lake, in the canoes, and marching some dis- 
tance, came to a copse of timber called Warrior's Island. We were now 
distant only two miles from town, which, without a single tree to ob- 
struct the view, could be seen from the position we occupied. 

" The lower jwrtions of the laud between us and the town were cov- 
ered M itii water, which served at this season as a resort for ducks and 
other water fowl. We had observed several men out on horseback shoot- 
ing them, half a mile distant, and sent out as many of our active young 
Frenchmen to decoy and take one of them prisoner, in such a manner 
as not to alarm the others. Being successful, in addition to the informa- 



100 HISTORY OF ILLl]SrOTS. 



tiou which had been obtained from those taken on the river, the captive 
reported that the British liad that evening completed the wall of the 
fort, and that there were a good many Indians in town. Our situation 
was truly critical. No possibility of retreat in case of defeat, and in full 
view of the town, which, at this time, had 600 men in it — troops, 
inhabitants and Indians. The ci'ew of the galley, though not 50 men, 
would now have been a re-info rcement of immense magnitude to our 
little army, but we could not think of waiting for them. Each had for- 
gotten his suffering, and was ready for the fray, saying what he had 
suffered was nothing but what a man should bear for the good of his 
country. The idea of being made a prisoner was foreign to every man, 
as each expected nothing but torture if they fell into the hands of the 
Indians. Our fate was to be determined in a few hours, and nothing but 
the most daring conduct would insure success. I knew that a number 
of tlie inhabitants wished us well ; that many were lukewarm to the in- 
terests of either party. I also learned that the Grand Door had but a 
few days before openly declared, in council with the British, that he 
was a brother and friend of the Long Knives. These were favorable 
circumstances, and as there was little probability of our remaining unlil 
dark undiscovered, I determined to commence operations immediately, 
and wrote the following placard to the people of the town. ' To the in- 
habitants of Vincennes : Gentlemen, being now within two miles of 
your village with my army, determined to take your foi't this night, and 
not being willing to surprise you, I take this opportunity to request 
such of you as are true citizens, and willing to enjoy the liberty which I 
bring you, to remain still in your houses, and those, if any there be, who 
are friends of the king, let them instantly repair to the fort and join the 
hair-buyer general-*, and fight like men. And if any of the latter do 
not go to the fort, and shall be discovered afterward, they may depend 
upon severe punishment. On the contrary, those who are true friends 
to liberty, may depend upon being well treated, and I once more request 
them to keep out of the streets, for every one I find in arms on my arri- 
val shall be treated as an enemy.' " 

This forcible letter, wliicli sliows Clark's insight into human 
nature by insi)iring confidence in the friendly, and tilling the adverse 
party with dismay, was half the battle that followed. On the 
receipt of the letter, the people of the town supposed the invaders 
liad come from Kentucky as no one imagined it possible that an 
expedition could come from Illinois, in consequence of the freshets 
which prevailed at that season of the year. To deepeen this impres- 
sion, letters piu-porting to come from well known gentlemen 'in 
Kentucky, were written and sent to the inhabitants, and so well 
established was the conviction, that the presence of Clark could 
not be credited till his person was pointed out by one who knew 
him. The soldiers, as on i)revious oc(!asions, were directed to 
greatly exaggerate the strength of the American forces. 

About sunset on the 23d, they sallied forth to attack the fort- 
When in full view of it, they were divided into platoons, each dis. 
playing a different Hag, and by marching and counterm arching 
among some mounds between them and the town, their api)areut 
numbers greatly exceeded their real strength. Nearing the village 
and encamping on the adjacent heights, some commotion was per- 
ceptible in the streets, but no hostile demonstration ocicurred at 
the fort, and it was afterward ascertained that even the friends of 
the British were afraid to give notice of Clark's i^resence. The 
utmost impatience i)revailing in the American encampment, to 
know the cause of the silence, Lieut. Bailey, with 14 men was 
sent to make an attack upon the garrison. The fire of the party 

"I'hus named from having hired the Indiaas to murder the American prisoners, by 
paying so much per scalp. 



AMERICAN OCCUPATION. 197 

was attributed to some druiikeu Indians, who liad saluted the fort 
ill that iiiauner on previous occasions, and it was not till after one 
of tlie beseiged was shot tlirougli a port hole that the real character 
oftlie assailants was ascertahied, and the engagement counnenced 
ill earnest. Henry and Captain IJeim were still retained as 
prisoners in the fort. Through the wife of the former, wlio lived 
in Vincennes, und was permitted to visit her husband daily, Clark 
obtained minute information respecting the garrison. Learning in 
this way where Capt. Helm hjdged — knowing his fondness for 
apple-toddy, and believing he would have some on the hearth as 
usual, he suffered one of his men to tire on his quarters, with a 
view, as he said, to knock the mortar into the captain's favorite 
beverage. At the time he Avas playing cards with Hamilton, and 
when the bullets commenced rattling about the chimney, he Jumi)ed 
up and swore that it was Clark, that he would take all of them 
l»risoners, and that the d — d rascal had ruined his toddy. While 
thus conversing, Helm observed some of the soldiers looking out of 
thi^ port holes and cautioned them not to do so again as the Amer- 
icans would certainly shoot out their eyes. It so hai»{)eiied that 
one of the men afterward attempting to look out was shot in the 
eye, which Capt. Helm obser^'ing exclaimed, ''there, I told you so." 
These incidents, cliaracteristic of the men and the times, doubtless 
had tlieir effect upon the garrison. 

The ammnnition of the Americans, who had expected supplies 
from the galley, being now nearly exhausted, some of the inhabi- 
tants famished them with }>owder and ball, which had been buried 
to keep it from falling into the hands of the British. Had the 
Americans also needed assistance, the Grand Door, with whom a 
treaty had jn-eviously been concluded, a})peared with 100 warriors 
and offered his services to Clark, who, tlamgli declining his aid in 
the held, refjueste<l his [uesenc^ and intluence in council. 

The Americans had advanced behind a bank to within 30 yards 
of the fort, whose guns in consequence of their elevation, were 
useless, and no soont^r was a i)ort hole darkened than a dozen 
rifles discharged their contents into the apperture, and the British 
soldiers could no longer be kept at their i)Osts. Clark perceiving 
their difficulties, in the course ot the morning demanded the sur- 
render of the fort, which Hamilton refused, stating that he would 
not be awed into anything unbecoming a British officer. The men 
were urg«.'nt to take the fort by storm, but Clai-k knowing that he 
could gvt })ossession of it without the exjienditure of life result- 
ing from an assault, wisely opposed their desires. In the evening 
of the same day Hamilton, apj)rehensive that he would be com- 
pelled to surrender at discretion, sent a tlag to the beseigers 
desiring a truce of three days. This Clark refused, although <luring 
the armistice the galley might arrive with its men and munitions, 
which would greatly facilitate his operations for the reduction of 
the fort. He pi'oposedin return the unconditional surrciuler of the 
garrison, and informed the British commander if he wished to have 
an interview for that purpose, he might meet him at the church. In 
compliance with this offer, Gov. Hamilton, in comi)any with Capt. 
Helm and JNIajor Hay, waited on CoL Clark at the a[»i)ointed place. 
At the conference which ensued, the American comnnuider reject- 
ing all the overtures of his antagonist, resolutely adhered to his 
first proposition, and when Capt. Helm attempted to moderate his 



198 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

demands, lie informed him that a prisoner had no ri«^htto interfere. 
Hamilton thereupon replied, that lie was free from that moment, 
but Clark unmoved, would notaccei>t his release upou these terms, 
telling him he nnist return and abide his fate, and the British 
officers that the tiring would recommence in 15 minutes. The gen- 
tlemen were about to retire to their respective quarters, when 
Hamilton called Clark aside, and politely asked his reasons for 
rejecting the liberal terms which had been offered. The latter 
steridy replied, "1 am aware the principal Indian partisans from 
Detroit are in the fort, and I only want an honorable opi)ortunity 
of putting such instigators of Indian barbarities to death. The 
cries of widows and orphans made by their butcheries, require 
such blood at my hands. I consider this claim upon me for punish- 
ment next to divine, iind I would rather lose 50 men than not 
execute a vengeance demanded by so much innocent blood. If 
Gov. Hamilton is willing to risk his garrison for siu;h mi.screants, 
he is atperfect liberty to do so." Major Hay, who lieard this state- 
ment iiKiuired, "Pray, su', who do you mean by 'Indian partisans!'" 
Clark promptly replied, "I consider j\Iajor lla.}' one of the principal 
ones." The latter, as if guilty of the charge, immediately turned 
deadly pale, trendjled and could hardly staml. Gov. Hamilton 
blushed for this exhibition of cowaidice in ]>resence of the Ameri- 
can officer, and Capt. Helm could hardly refrain from expressing 
contempt. Clark's feelings now relented, and secretly resolving to 
deal more leniently with the British officers, before separating he 
told them he would reconsider the matter and let them know the 
result. After retiring, a council of war was held and milder terms 
being submitted to (jiov. Hamilton, he accei)ted them, and on the 
24th of February, 177t>, the garrison surrendered.* 

The following day Clark took possession of the fort, hoisted the 
American flag, and tired 13 guns to celebrate the recovery of this 
important stronghold. Seventy prisoners were captured, and a 
considerable quantity of military stores became the property of 
the victors. Most of the i)risoners were peiiuitted to return to 
Detroit on parol of honoi', but Ilauulton and a feW' others were 
sent to Virginia, where the council or<lered them into continement 
as a punishment for their idtra barbariism, in ottering re\^ ards 
for the scalps of those who were captured by the Indians. Geu. 
Phillips protesting against this rigid treatment, Jelferson referred 
the nuitter to Washington, who considering it a violation of the 
agreement made at the surrender of the fort, they were released. 

During the siege of the fort, a party of Indian warriors, bringing 
W'ith them two white persons, whom they had captured in a raid 
on the frontier of Kentucky, aiTi\'ed and cami)e(l in the vicinity 
of the village. Ignorant of Clark's presence, he sent against them 
a force which soon routed them, with a loss of nine warriors. The 
remainder precipitately fled, well pleased to escape Mith their lives 
from an enemy whose ju-owess on previous occasions they had 
learned to fear. A few days aiterward, Capt. Helm and 00 
men were detached to proceed uj) the Wabash and intercept val- 
uable military stores then on the way from Detndt to Vincennes. 
The expedition was suc(;essful, securing the convoying party and 
property to the amount of $50,000. On the return of the detach- 
ment laden with their spoils, the galley hove in sight, and was 

*Butler's KentuckJ^ 



AMERICAN OCCUPATION. 190 

prepariug for an attack on the little river fleet, when the ensign 
of freedom was discovered waving over the fort. The crew, 
although rejoicing in the trinui})!! of their brethren who liad pre- 
ceded them by land, regretted exceedingly the circumstances 
which had denied them the privilege of participating in the reduc- 
tion of the fort. 

After taking Viucennes under obstacles which, by any other 
commander except Clark, would have been deemed insurmount- 
able, this brilliant achievementwas only considered the stepping- 
stone to other and richer conquests. Detroit was nndoul)tedly 
within the reach of the enterprising Virginian. "Fortune has 
thus twice placed this point in my power," he writes to Gov. Henry. 
" Had I been able to raise oOO men when I first arrived in tlie 
country, or 300 Miien at Viucennes, I should have aUemi)t('<l its 
subjugation." Intelligence was brought to him that the g;r i-ison 
at that time contained but 80 men, many of whom were invalids, 
and that the inhabitants of the town were so partial to the Amer- 
icans as to rejoice exceedingly when they heard of Hnniilton's 
capture. In view of these facts, Clark deteimined to make an 
attack upon the place, when receiving dispatches from the gov- 
ernor of Virginia promisiiig a battalion of men, he deemed it most 
prudent to postpt)ne ox)erations till the reinforcements should 
arrive. 

Leading Cax)t. Helm in command at Viucennes, Clark embarked 
on board the galley and returned to Kaskaskia, where he found 
himself more embarrasse<l by the depreciated curicncy which had 
been advanced to him by the government of Virginia, than pre- 
viously by the British and IndiaJis. While adjusting these difd- 
culties, the war with England and the colonies terminated in the 
independence of the latter, and with it followed a suspension of 
the hostilities which had so long devastated the western frontier. 
Clark's services being no longer needed, at the instance of Gen. 
Harrison he was relieved of his command, receixing the most 
hearty encomiums of Virginia's noblest statesmen for the valuable 
services he had rendered the countrj^ 

The advantages resulting from the capture of the military sta- 
tions of Illinois cannot be over estimated. Hamilton, as intimated, 
had made arrangements to enlist all the southern and western 
Indians for his contemplated campaign the ensuing sjjring, luid 
had he not been intercepted, the entire country between the Alle- 
ghanies and the Mississippi might have been overrun, and thus 
have changed the whole current of American history. Jetferscm 
said, in a letter to Clark, '• Much solicitude will be felt for the 
result of your expedition to the Wabash ; if successful it will have 
an important bearing in determining (mr north-western bound::ry." 
Accordingly, as predicted by this great statesman, in the prelitn- 
inary negotiations ior peace ami boundary of 1782 between the 
colonies and the three great riAal poweis of Euroi)e, the conquest 
of Chirk had a controlling influence in their deliberations. S]»ain 
claimed the entire region between the Ohio and Mississip])! rivers, on 
the pretense, that in the winter of 1781, sixty-flve >S])aniar<ls and 
an equal number of Indians captured St. Joseph, a sumll English 
fort near the source of the Illinois, and took possession of the adja- 
cent country in the name of their sovereign. Dr. Franklin, one of 
the negotiators, referring to the claim of this power, said it was 



200 HISTORY OF LLLINOIS. 



the design of the Spanish court to restrict the United States to 
the Alleglianies, and he hoped that Congress woukl insist on the 
Mississippi as the western boundary. It was, however, found 
impossible to connect the Spanish possessions on the Lower Mis- 
sissippi with the disputed territory, for Clark had built Fort 
Jeft'ersou, belo\Y the mouth of the Ohio, and Virginia had actual 
possession between the two rivers. France, at the treaty of Paris, 
in 17G3, had transferred all this vast region to England, and could 
make no claim. She, however, objected to the right of the Amer- 
icans, hoping by this stroke of policy in favorof her jealous rivals, 
to gain some other point in the controversy Avbere she was more 
directly interested. 

Nor had England the presumption to contend, that it did not 
belong to the colonies, which had established themselves as the 
United States. The patent of Vii'ginia covered most of the dis- 
puted territory ; the army of Clark had subdued and permanently 
occupied it. Subsecpiently it had been organized as a county of 
the State, and consequently the English envoy could not claim it, 
with any more pro] aiety than other parts of the commonwealth 
after the battle of Yorktown. lie was too accurate a jurist to 
allow the claim of Si)ain, or to listen to the objections of France ; 
but what would have been his decision looking to British aggran- 
disement, had it not been for the civil and nulitary rule previously 
established by the Americans "? 

In estimating the debt of gratitude we owe to Clark and his 
sturdy Virgiuia veterans, let us consider whether the great country 
of Louisiana, subse<iuently i)urchased by Jelferson from the First 
Consul, could have been obtained but for the service whicli they 
rendered. Nay, but for their valor, the magnificent national 
domain now stretching away to the Pacific, and promising to 
absorb the whole continent, might have been broken at the moun- 
tain's summit or the river's shore; and the Pei)ublic, now exerting 
controlling iuHuence among the great nationalities of the world, 
would consequently have remained an inconsiderable power. 

After his campaigns in Illinois, Clark engaged in a number of 
expeditions against the Indians; fought under Baron Steuben in 
the East against the traitor Arnold, and finally enlisted as a brig- 
adier-general in the armies of France to operate against the 
Spanish possessions on the lower Mississippi. Before anything 
was effected. Genet, the French minister and leader of the enter- 
prise, Avas recalled, Clark's comndssion was annulled, and he 
retired to private life. During the latter years of his life he 
became an invalid, suffering intensely from rheumatic affections 
caused by exposure in his previous campaigns. With advancing 
age the disease assumed the form of paralysis, and terminated 
fatally, his death and burial occurring in 1818, at Locust Grove, 
near Louisville. 

The rippling waters of the beautiful Ohio still murmur a requiem 
over the grave which contains his dust, and his tireless energy 
still lives in the enterprise of the millions who dwell in the land 
he loved and defended. In other respects the innovations of time 
have ruthlessly effected a change. 

Only the relics of the race which contended with him for the 
empire of the wilderness, can be found in the cabinet of the 
antiquary ; forests, solitary and unproductive, have passed away, 



AJVEBKICAN OCCUPATION. 201 



and a new creation of fruitful fields and cultivated landscapes has 
taken their place ; the untrained energies and stationary condition 
of savage life have been sui)ereeded by a civilization whose ouAvard 
march is heard in the turmoil of rising cities, the din of railroad 
trains, or the panting steamboat lashinginto foam the watery high- 
ways which bear it on the errands of commerce. 



Chapter XYIII. 

1778-1787— ILLIJfOIS UNDEE VIEGINIA. 

The French Take the Oath of Allegiance — Illinois County — American 
Immigrants — La Balme's Expedition — The Cession of the Coun- 
try, and Delays Incident Thereto — No Regular Courts of Law 
— Curious Laud iS])eculation. 



The respect shown by Clark and liis followers for their property 
and religion, the news of an alliance between their mother conn- 
try, France, and the United States, and perhaps their hereditary 
hatred to the British, readily reconciled the French inhabitants of 
Kaskaskia and neighboring towns to the change of governinent 
over them. In October, 1778, the Virginia Assembly erected the 
conqnered country, end)racing all the territory northwest of the 
Ohio, claimed nnder this conquest and otherwise, into the County 
of Illinois, a i)retty extensive county, which has since been carved 
up into 5 large States, containing a i)0})nlation now exceeding* 
8, 000, 000 soids, A force of 500 men was ordered to be raised for 
its defence, an order which (lark had in part anticipated by en- 
listments nmde on his own reponsibility. Colonel Clark continued 
to be the military commander of all the western tei'ritory, both 
noith and south of the Ohio, including Illinois. 

Colonel John Todd, then residing in Fayette county, Kentucky, 
Avho, under Clark, had been the tirst man to enter Fort (iage, was 
api)ointed lieutenant-comiiiandant of the County of Illinois. Pat- 
rick Henry, governor of Virginia, in his letter, dated Williams- 
burg, Virginia, Decendjer lUth, 1778, a])prising Todd of his 
appointment, instructed him to cultivate and comdliate the affec- 
tions of the French and Indians, and inculcate the value of liberty; 
that on account of his want of acquaintance with the usages and 
mariners of the people, to advise with the intelligent and upright 
of the country ; to give particular attention to Colonel Clark and 
his corps, aiul co-operate with him in any military undertaking; to 
tell his peophi that peace could not be expected so long as the 
British occupied Detroit and incited the savages to deeds of rob- 
bery and murder; that, in the military line, it ^vould be expected 
of him to over-awe the Indians, that they might not war on the 
settlers southeast of the Ohio ; toconsiderhimself as thehead of the 
civil department, and see that the iidiabitants luxve justice done 
them for any injury received from the soldiery, and quell their 
licentiousness ; to touch not u])on the subject of boinularies and 
lands with the Indians and arouse their jealousy ; to punish every 
tresspass upon the same, and preserve ijeace with them ; to mani- 

202 



A COUNTY OF VIRGINIA. 203 

fest a liigh regard toward His Catholic Majosty, and tender tlie 
frieiidsliip aiul services of liis people to the Spanish conimandaiit 
at St. Louis. A lar,i;e discretion was given him in his administra- 
tion of civil affairs, and montldy re])<n-ts were asked. 

In the spring- of 1779, Colonel Todd visited Kaskaskia, and 
began at once to organize a tem])orary government for the colo- 
nies. On the loth of June, he issued the following proclamation : 
'■' IlUnins \_Ci))nitii'\ to-irit : 

" Whereas, from the fertility and beautiful sitnatiou of the lands bor- 
dering; upon the Mississippi, Oliio, Illinois and Wabash rivers, the taking 
up of the usual quantity of laud heretofore allowed for a settlement by 
the government of Virginia, would injure both the strength and com- 
merce of this country : I do, therefore, issue this })roelamation, strictly 
enjoining all persons, whatsoever, from making any new settlements 
upon the flat lauds of said rivers, or within one league of said lands, 
unless in manner and form of settlements heretofore made by French 
inhabitants, until further orders herein given. And, in order that all 
the claims to lauds, in said couuty, may be fully known, and some 
method provided for perpetuating, by record, the just claims, every 
iuliabitant is requii'ed, as soon as conveniently may be, to lay before the 
person, in each district appointed for that purpose, a memorandum of 
his or her land, with copies of all their vouchers ; and where vouchers 
have been given, or are lost, such de])Ositions or certificates as will tend 
to support their claims: — Tlie memorandum to mention the quantity 
of land, to whom originally granted, and when, deducing the title 
through various occupants to the present jDossessor. The number of 
adventurers wdio will shortly overrun this country, renders the above 
method necessary, as well as to ascertain the vacant lands, as to guard 
against tresspasses which will probably be committed on lands not on 
record. Given under my hand and seal, at Kaskaskia, theloth of June, 
ia the 3rd year of the commonwealth, 177'J. 

" John Todd, Ju. " 

Many of the French inhabitants at Kaskaskia, Cahokia and 
Vincennes, readily took the oath of allegiance to Virginia. Not 
only these, but numy of the chief men of the Indian tribes 
exi)ressed sentiments of friendship for the United States govern- 
ment. 

At the period of which we write, with the exception of tlie 
French along the Mississi})]>i, and a few fannlies scattered along' 
the Illinois and Wabash rivers, all within tlie present boundaries 
of Illinois was the abode of the nomadic savage. During the 
years 1779-80, the westward enngration from the Atlantic States, 
took a very considerable start. AnK)ng the circumstances which 
gave it impetus, were the brilliant achicivements of (Jol. Clark at 
Kaskaskia and Vinceniu^s, which were tlie 0(;casion of i)ublishing' 
abroad the fertile plains of Illinois ; the triunqdi of the Britisli arms 
in the south, and a threatened advance upon Virginia; and the 
liberal manner of the latter State, in inviting families to take pos- 
session of the pnl)lic lands (dainied by her in the w estern country. 
Three hundred fannly boats arrived at the Falls of Ohio in the 
spring of 1780, mostly destined for Kentucky.* Among the im- 
UHgrants to Illinois, we note the names of James Moore, Slnnlrach 
Bond, James Garrison, liol)ert Kidd and Larken Ilutlierford, the 
two latter having been with Clark. They were from Virginia and 
jNIaryland. With their families, they, without molestation in those 
perilous times, crossed the Alleghanies, descended the Ohio, 
stemmed the Mississippi, and landed safely at Kaskaskia. James 

♦Butler's Kentucky. 



204 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

Moore, tlie leader, aucl a portion of liis party, located on the hills 
near Bellefontaine, while Bond and the rest settled in the Ameri- 
can Bottom (from which circumstance that name is derived), near 
Harrison ville, afterwards known as the blockhouse fort. James 
Piggot, John Doyle, Robert Whitehead and a Mr. Bowen, soldiers 
in Clark's expediticni, also shortly after settled in Illinois. Doyle 
had a family and taught school. He was, perhaps, the first teacher 
to make tliat profession his business in Illinois. He also spoke 
French and Indian, ami in the latter language was frequently em- 
ployed as interi)reter. Not until 1785 was this little band of 
American pioneers reinforced. Then came Joseph Ogle, Joseph 
War ley and James xVndrews, all from Virginia and each with a 
large family. In the following- year the American settlements 
were again augmented by the arri\al of James Lemen, George 
Atcherson, and David Waddell with their families, besides several 
others.* 

While the country was under the A'irginia regime (but without 
the sanction of her authorities). La Balme, a native of France, in 
the fall of 17S0 during- the revolutionary war, made another attempt 
to lead an exi)editio]i from Kaskaskia against the British. It con- 
sisted of 30 men, and was ostensibly formed to capture the post 
of Detroit. At Vincennes it was reinforced by a iew men. The 
party moved up the Wabash, and at the liead of the Maumee 
attacked and destroyed a British trading- post (;alled Kekionga, on 
the site of the present Fort Wayne. After securing the booty, 
the party retired to the baidis of the small river Aboite, where 
they encamped. Here a party of Indians attacked tliem in the 
night, the leader and a few of his followers were killed, the re- 
mainder dispersed, and the expedition against Detroit failed. Its 
object, like those of Brady and Meillet, was doubtless ])lunder.t 

Col. Todd, the Virginia- commandant, was but littleof his tiiiu^ in 
our part of the Illinois county; he remained in conunand until the 
time of his death, which occurred at the battle of Blue Licks Lu 
Kentucky, August 18, 1782, where he was in command, not having" 
resigned as commander of the militia of that district in Kentucky. 
This was the bloodiest Indian battle ever fought in Kentucky. 
Cols. Todd, Trig, Harlan, and a son of Daniel Boone, all fell. It 
w^as a sad day ; the Kentuckians lost ()7 juen, more than a third of 
their force, mostly killed. Col. Todd had just returned from 
Virginia on business pertaiinng- to the Illinois county. His gov- 
ernment in Illinois was i)opnlar. 

The'successor of Col. Todd was a Frenchman, named Timothy 
deMontbrun, of Avhose administration, how long it lasted, or who 
was his successor, little or nothing is known. Montbrun's name 
appears to land grants and other documents among- the archives 
at Kaskaskia. 

The Cession of Illinois. — As we have seen, all of the ^North- 
western territory, by private conquest, passed under the dominion 
of Virginia at a time when all the States were engaged in a common 
war, defending- against the power of the mother countiy to reduce 
them to subjection ; and whatever was the right of a State to 
organize an individual war enterprise, and turn its success to 

*See Annals of the West. 
+lleyuold's Pioneer History. 



A COUNTY OF VIRGINIA. 205 

private advantage, by extending her jurisdiction over a vast and 
fertile region for her separate benefit and aggrandizement, the 
congress of the States, probably for the sake of harmony, acqui- 
esced in the validity of this. But Virginia and a number of other 
States asserted still another claim to these western lands, and 
during the revolutionary war these conflicting claims became quite 
a hindrance to the promi)t adoi)tion of the articles of confedera- 
tion. Many of the cniginal colonies had their boundaries exactly 
defined in their royal charters, bnt Virginia, Connecticut, jMassa- 
chusetts, and the Carolinas, claimed to extend westward to the 
farther ocean, or to the Mississii)pi; since, under the treaty of 
Paris, 1703, that river had become the established western 
boundary of Great Britain. ISTew York, too, under certain alleged 
concessions to her jurisdiction made by the Iroquois,or six nations, 
the conquerers of many Algonqnin tribes including the Illinois, 
claimed almost the whole of the western country from beyond the 
lakes on the north to the Cumberland mountains on tlie south, 
and Avest to the great river. 

Large ideas as to the pecuniarv value of the Avestern lands 
obtained at the time, from which vast revenues were anticii>ate<l. 
The prospective well-filled coffers of the States, as well as the 
broad expansion of their dominions, excited the envy of their land- 
less sisters. The latter liehl, therefore, that as these lands, as well 
as their own independence, had to be wrested from the British 
crown by joint effort, they ought to beconu> joint property. Still, 
the claimant States in congress had succeeded in getting a clause 
inserted into the proposed articles of confederation, that, no State 
should be deprived of any territory for the joint benefit of all. 
But Maryland, a non-claimant State, refusedher assent to the arti- 
cles with that provision. The adoption of the articles, which would 
make of the coloiues a union, was ver^' much desired. jS^ew lOrk 
now, whose claim was the most baseless, opened the way by allow- 
ing her delegates in congress, at discretion, to cede to the union all 
her interest west of a line drawn through the western extremity of 
Lake Ontario. Congress urged this example ujjon the <^tther 
claimant states, guaranteeing that the cede<l lands should be dis- 
posed of for the connnon benefit of all ; and as the territories became 
populated they should be divided into States and admitted into 
the Union on an equal footing with the origimd States. 

Connecticut nextproposed a cession of her indelinite due western 
extension, retaining, however, a tract of some o,(K)(),()()0 acres in 
IsTorthwestern Ohio, known since as the Western Eeserve. This 
she also relinquished in the year 1800. The Virginia asseujbly, 
hoping to reanimate the flagging cause of the South by a more 
thorough union, just prior to its adjournment, December 31, 1780, 
on the approach of Arnold, who sacked and burned Ilichmond 
within a few days after, ceded to the United States all her claim 
to the territory north-west of the river Ohio, requiring from con- 
gress, however, a guarantee of her right to the remainder south 
of the Ohio and east of the Mississippi. The New York delegates 
soon after exercised the discretion confided to them by their State, 
and executed a deed of cession, reserving the right of retraction 
unless the same guarantees were extended to New Y^ork a*s to any 
other ceding States. On the same day the delegates of ^Maryland, 
being thereunto empowered by act of the State, signed the articles 



206 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

of coiifederatioii, wliicli comiileted the ratification, and a nation 
was laiinclied. 

Tliis was early in tlie spiiig' of 1781; Virginia, however, did not 
execute lier deed of cession till Mar<:h 1, 1784. In the meantime 
peace had been made with Great Britain, by which nearly all this 
country passed to the ownersliip of the Nation, iu common, and 
Virginia modified her act of cession by omitting her demand to the 
territory soutli-east of the Oliio. The deed of cession was executed 
by her delegates in Congress, Thomas Jefferson, Samuel Hardy, 
Arthur Lee and James Monroe. It stipulated that the territory 
sliould be cut into States not less than lUU nor more than laOmiles 
square; to be republican in form, and to be admitted into the 
union with "the same rights of sovereignty, freedom and inde- 
pendence as the other States;" that indemnity for the expenses of 
her expeditions incurred in subduing the British posts in the west 
be allowed her; that land, not exceeding 150,000 acres, promised 
by her, should be allowed to George Kogers Clark, his officers and 
soldiers; that the proceeds of the sales of the lands ceded shall 
be considered a common fund for all the States, present and future; 
and that "the French and Canadian inhabitants, and other settlers 
of the Kaskaskias, Post Vincennes, and the neighlxning villages, 
who have professed themselves citizens of Vii-giiiia, shall have 
their possessions and titles confirmed to them, and be protcted in 
the enjoyment of their rights and liberties." 

Immediately after the execution of the deed of cession by Vir- 
ginia, Congress jn-oposed by ordinance, (April 23, 1784,) to establish 
a form of government for the entire western region, from the Gulf to 
the Lakes, though it was not yet wholly acquired. The plan proi)osed 
to divide the wljole into 17 States; a tier of 8 was to border on the 
Mississii)pi, whose eastern boundary was to be a north and south 
line through the falls of the Ohio, and each to contain two par- 
allels of latitude, except the northernuu^st, which was to extend 
from the 4oth ]»arallel to the iiorthern limits of the United States; 
to the east of these a corresponding tier of 8 more was to be laid 
off, whose eastern boundary was to be a north and south line run- 
ning through the mouth of the Great Kanawha; the remaining 
tract, to the east of this and north of the Ohio, was to constitute 
the 17th State. In these territories, the settlers, eitlier on their 
petition or by act of Congress, were to receive authority to create 
a temporary form of government; but when 20,000 free inhabi- 
tants had settled within any of them, they were authorized to call 
a convention, form a constitution, and establish for themselves a 
pernuxnent government, subject to the following requirements: to 
remain forever a part of the confederacy of the United States ; to 
be subject to the articles of confederation and the acts and ordi- 
nances of Congress like the original States; not to interfere \yith. 
the disposal of the soil by Congress; to be liable to their proportion 
of the federal debt, present ami prospective; not to tax the lands 
of the United States ; their respective governments to be repub- 
lican ; not to tax lands belonging to non-residents higher than 
those of residents; and when anyone got of free inhal)itants as 
many as the least numerous of the original Thirteen States, to be 
admitted into the Union on an equal footing with them. The com- 
mittee, of which Mr. Jefferson was chairman, reported also this 



A COUNTY OF VIRGINIA. 207 

remarkable provision, the adoption of whicli, and unalterable 
adherence to, would doubtless liave prevented the late re- 
bellion: "That after they ear 1800, of the Christian era, there 
shall be neither slavery nor involuntary ser\ itnde in any of the 
said States, otherwise than in punishment of crimes, whereof the 
party sliall have been duly convicted." But this proviso failed on 
account of not receiving a majority of the States. The four N^ew 
Eniiland States, with New York and Pennsylvania, voted for it; 
New Jersey, Delaware and Geori;ia, were unrei)resented; North 
Carolina was divided; Maryland, South Carolina and Virginia, 
(Mr. Jeflerson being: overboi'iie by his colleagnes.) voted against 
it. The anti-slavery clause was stricken out and the resolutions 
became an ordinance. 

While such was the law for these territories, it never received 
application to any of them ; no orji'anization was ever effected 
under it. Nor had IMassachusetts in the meantime relinquished 
her claim in the territories. In 1785, llnfus King- renewed the anti- 
slavery ])roviso in congress, as a condition upon which she would 
make a cession of her claim. The question was referred to a coni- 
mittee of eight States, where it slept the sleej) that knows no 
waking. Massachusetts, however, in accordance with the V'irginia 
scheme of dividing the western territory into small States, ceded 
her claim, April 10, 1785; and with the consent of Congress to 
accept the cession of Connecticut, with the reservation of o, 000,000 
acres, September 13th, 1780, the title of the confederated States to 
the lands north-west of the river Ohio became complete. In the 
meantime, by act of congress, surveys and explorations were 
going on in the territories which glaringly exposed the total disre- 
gard of natural })Oundaries, and the inconvenience resulting from 
cuttingup the western country into fourteen small States. Virginia 
and Massachusetts were now called upon to modify the conditions 
of their deeds, so as to allow that portion of the territory north- 
west of the Ohio to be divided up into three or five States, at the 
option of Congress, which was accordingly done, and the following 
year Congress passed the ordinance of 1787. 

This was a slow transition perio<l, which was doubly experienced 
in the settlements of Illinois which were the fartherest removed 
from tlie seat of power, be it Virginia or the United States. 
During all this time, and for three years after the adoption of 
the ordinance of 1787, and until the organization of the county 
of St. Clair, by Governor St. Clair, in 1790, there was a very 
imperfect administration of the law, which consisted of a mixture 
of the civil or the French, the English, as resulting from the pro- 
mulgations of the arbitrary acts of the British commaiulants at 
Fort Chartres, and such as had been instituted by the Virginia 
authorities. There were no regular courts of law in existence in 
the country, and no civil government worth mentioning. The peo- 
ple were a law unto themselves ; their morals were simple and 
pure, and the grosser vices were kept dormant. Crimes against 
the peace of society were rare, misdemeanors infrequent, and 
fraud and dishonest dealings seldom practiced. During part of 
this time, too, the Indians were hostile, committing many brutal 
murders, which engaged the settlers in constant waifare and 
mutual protection against the savages ; a state of afiairs not con- 



208 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

ducive to the civil administration of the law where even tne most 
perfect code exists. The following- curious kind Si[)eculation, on the 
part of a territorial court instituted by Colonel Todd, as it relates 
in part to Illinois, may not be amiss to transcribe, as it illustrates 
also the fallibility of men in office, and the necessity of the peo- 
ple to ever bold a watchful eye over their official servants. 

In June, 1779, Colonel Todd established a court of civil and 
criminal jurisdiction at Post Vincennes, composed of several mag- 
istrates. Colonel J. M. P. Legras, having been ai>pointed com- 
mandant of t\ui post, acted as president of the court, and exercised 
a controlling intluence over its proceediugs. Adopting in some 
measure the usages and custems of the early Prench command- 
ants, the court began to giant or concede tracts of land to the 
French and American iuhabitants, and to different civil and mili- 
tary officers of the country. ludeed, the court assumed tbe power 
of granting lands to e^'ery applicant, mostly in tracts varying froui 
the size of a house lot to 400 acres, thougli some were several 
leagues square. Before 1783, about 20,000 acres of land were thus 
grauted to different iiulividuals; aud from 1773 to 1787, when in 
the latter year the practice was stoi>ped by General Harmar, the 
grants amounted to 22,000 acres, making a total, first and last, 
of 48,000 acres. The commandant aud magistrates, after having 
exercised this power for some time, were easily led to believe that 
they had the right to disi)ose of all that large tract of land which, 
in 1742, had been granted by the Piankeshaw Indians, for the use 
of the French inhabitants at Post Vincennes. Once convinced of 
their supreuie dominion over this entire tract, the court was not 
long in arri\ing at the couclusion that they might make grants to 
themselves with as much i)ropriety as to others ; and if they could 
do this with small tracts, they jnight with the whole; hopiug, 
doubtless, that, as the country passed under the government of the 
United States, the grants would receive confirmation. Accord- 
ingly, all that tract of country extending on the Wabash 72 miles 
from Pointe La Coupee to the mouth of White river, westward into 
Illinois 120 miles aud east from the Wabash 90 miles (excluding 
lands already conceded), " to which the Indian title was supposed 
to be extinguished, was divided between the members of the 
court, and orders to that effect, entered on their journal ; each 
member [as a matter of delicacy] absenting himself from the 
court on the day that the order was made in his favor, so as to give 
it the appearance of being the [disiuterested] act of his fellows 
only."* 

This shameful transaction being totally illegal, as no agent or 
trustee can make sale to himself, fading to i^rove a source of profit 
to the grantees in open market, was in a measure abandoned. 
Still, as the grant was in due form, under the great seal and 
authority of Virginia, land speculators, spying out the matter, 
quietly purchased freely of the lands thus granted, which could 
be readily done for a song, and then dispersed themselves over all 
the United States, and for many years after, duped great numbers 
of ignorant aud credulous people, many of whom did not find out 
the swindle until moving out to their lands so purchased, they dis- 
covered their titles to be a myth. These swindling practices 

•Letter of Governor Harrison. 



A COOTiTY OP TmOINIA. 209 

never wholly ceased tmtil Governor Harrison in 1802 ^t v,-„ 
cennes fo-bid protbonotaries from anthentica™ g .uSlfe sS" 

4oordLa?,v''o^';r' '"f 1 ,""; *™'"°'-y' •™'^' ■■«='=«'>•='* from 
lecortlnig any of these fraudulent papers.* 



•Annals of the West. 



u 



Chapter XIX. 

1787— 1800— ILLINOIS UXDER THE GOVERKME:^rT OF THE 
NORTH- WESTEEX TEERITOEY. 

Ordinance of 1787 — Organization of St. Clair County — Bar of Illi- 
nois in 1790 — Impoverished Condition of the French — Indian 
Hostilities, 1783 to 1795 — Randolph County — American Immi- 
gration — Siclcness — Territorial Assemhly at Cincinnati — Xotable 
Women of the Olden Time — Witchcraft in Illinois. 



The celebrated ordinance of 1787 was passed by tbe congress 
of the confederated States on the loth of July of that year. By 
it, tlie whole of the country north-west of the river Ohio was con- 
stituted one district, for the x>"iT(>ses of temporary government. 
It provided for the descent of pioperty in equal shares, substan- 
tially as under our present laws, (a just jn'ovision, not then 
generally recognized in the States,) " saving, however, to the 
Fiench and Canadian inhabitants and other settlers of Kaskaskia, 
St. Vincents, and other neighboring villages, who have heretofore 
professed themselves citizens of Virginia, their laws and customs 
now in force among them, relative to the descent and conveyance 
of property." A governor was provided for, whose term of ofitice 
was three years, who was to reside in the district and own a freehold 
of 1,000 acres of land ; a secretary, whose commission was to run 
four years, subject to revocation: he was to reside in the district 
and own 500 acres of land. A court was provided for, to consist 
of three judges, two of them to constitute a court; they were to 
exercise common law jurisdiction, to reside in the district, own 
500 acres of laud, their commissions to last during good behavior. 
They, jointly with the governor, were to adoi>t such laws of the 
original States as were suitable to the conditions of the country, 
to remain in force until the organization of the general assembly, 
which might alter or re-adopt them ; congress, also, might dis- 
approve them. The governor was constituted commander-in-chief 
of the militia, with power to appoint all officers below the grade 
of general officers. Until the organization of the general assembly, 
the governor was to appoint all the civil officers in each county. 
He was to estabhsh counties from time to time, to whose limits 
legal process was to run. With 5,000 free male inhabitants of full 
age, the territory was entitled to a general assembly, the time and 
l^hu'e of election to be fixed by the governor; each 500 were 
entitled to one representative, till the number reached 25, after 
which the legislature was to regulate the number and proportion. 
The qualifications of a member were, either a residence in the 

210 



NORTHWESTERN TERRITORY. 211 

territory three years, or citizenship in a State for three yeara and 
present residence in the territory, and a fee simple right to 200 
acres of hind within the same; qualilication of an elector : freehold 
of 50 acres and citizenship in one of the States, or a like freehold 
and two years residence in the district. Eepresentatives were 
elected for the term of two years. The assembly was to consist 
of the governor, council and honseof representatives. The council 
was to consist of live members, three to constitute a <|uorum; 
time of service, Hve years. Congress was to select the council 
from ten men — residents of the territory, each having- a freehold 
of 500 acres — nominated by the house of i-epreseutatives. Bills, 
to become laws, nnist pass both houses by a uiajority and receive 
the signature of the governor, who possessed an absolute veto by 
simi)ly withhohling his approval. The two houses, by joint ballot, 
were to elect a delegafe to congress, who was allowed to debate, 
but not to vote. An oath of office of office was to be taken by all 
the officers. 

For extendin.g the fundamental principles of civil and religious 
liberty, and to tix the basis of government of future States to be 
formed out of said territory, it Avas further provided, in six unal- 
terable articles of perpetual compact between the i)eoi)le of the 
original states and the people of the territory : 

I. ]S]"o person, in j)eaceable demeanor, was to be molested on 
account of his mode of worship or religi<^)us sentiments. 

II. The inhabitants were gnaranteed tin? benelits of the writs 
of habeas cor[»us and trial by jury; a proportionate representation 
in the legislature and judicial proceedings according to the course 
of the common law. "All i)ersons shall be bailable, unless for 
capital offenses, where the proof shall be evidentorthe i)resumi)tion 
great. All fines shall be moderate; and no cruel or unusual pun- 
ishments shall be inflicted. Xo nuin shall be deprived of his liberty 
or his property, but by the judgment of his i)eers, or the law of 
the land; and should the public exigencies mi\kQ it lux-essary, for 
the common preser^^ation, to take any person's property, or to 
demand his particular services, full compensation shall be made 
for the same." No law o^lg•ht ever to be uuide or have force in 
said territory, that shall, in any manner, interfere Avith or affect 
private contracts or engagements made in good faith and without 
fraud. 

III. Religion, morality and knowledge being necessary to good 
government and the happiness of numkind, schools and the means 
of education shall forever be encouraged. Good faith, justice and 
humanity toward the Indians, was to be observed ; their lands and 
property not to be taken without consent, and peace and friend- 
ship to be cultivated. 

IV. The territory, and States to be formed therein, were to 
renmin forever a part of the United States, subject to her laws; 
the inhabitants to pay a just proportion of the public debt, con- 
tracted or to be contracted ; not to tax the lands of the United 
States, nor those of non-residents higher than those of residents; 
the navigable waters of the lakes to remain forever free to all 
citizens of the United States. 

V. The territory was not to be divided into less than three States, 
and, at its option, congress might "form one or two (more) States 
in that part which lies north of an east and west line drawn 



212 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



tbroiigh the southerly bend or extreme of Lake Michigan." With 
60,000 free inhabitants, snch States uere to be admitted into the 
union on im e<]ual footing with the original States. 

VI. " There sliall be neither slavery nor involuntary servitude 
in the said territory, otherwise than in the punishment of crimes, 
•whereof the party shall have been duly convicted;" this section 
providing also for the reclamation of fugitives from labor. 

Such was substantially the fundamental law of this vast territory, 
which has ever had a controlling inlluence upon the destiny of the 
States carved out of it, and saved some of them from the perma- 
nent blight of slavery. While the convention at Philadelphia 
w'as occupied witli framing the constitution of the United States, 
congress, sitting in New York, disposed of this subject, which was 
fraught witli an importance second only to the constitution itself. 
The anti-slavery clause, it will be observed, was substantially the 
same as that reported by Jetferson in 1784, for the organization of 
all the western territory, but which was then rejected. The ordi- 
nance was re])orted from committee by Mr. Dane, of Massachusetts, 
and unanimously adopted by the eight States then only repre- 
sented in congress. On October 5, 1787, Major General Arthur 
St. Clair was, by congress, elected governor of the ]S^ortli western 
territory. St. Clair was born in Scotland and emigrated to 
America in 1755. He served in the French and British war, 
under General Amherst, at the taking of Louisburg, in 1758, and 
at the storming of Quebec, under Wolfe, in 1759. After the peace 
of 1703, he settled in western Pennsylvania. In the war of the 
Eevolution he was first commissioned a colonel, raised a regiment 
of 750 men and was afterward promoted to the rank of major 
general. In 1788 he was tried by court-martial for evacuating 
Ticonderoga and Mt. Independence, but was honorably acquitted. 
He remained in the service until the close of the war. In 1786 he 
was elected to congress, and was chosen president of that body. 
Owing to his losses in the war of the revolution, his friends pressed 
him for the governorship of the ISforthwesteru Territory, that he 
might retrieve his fortune. But he "had neither taste nor genius 
for speculation in lands, nor did he think it consistent with the 
office."* 

The instructions from congress were, ineflect, to promote peace 
and harmony between the Indians and the United States, to defeat 
all combinations or confederations between them, and conciliate 
good feeling between them and the white settlers ; to regulate 
trade with them; to ascertain as far as possible the several tribes, 
their head men and number of warriors, and by every means 
attach them to the government of the United States; and to neg- 
lect no opportunity to extinguish the Indian titles to lands west- 
ward as far as the Mississippi, and north to the 41st degree of 
north latitude. 

In the summer of 1788, the governor and judges (Samuel Holden 
Parsons, James Mitchell Yarnum, and John Cleves Symmes), met 
at Marietta, the seat of government, and adoi)ted and i)ronudgated 
a code of laws for the whole territory. The governor immediately 
established some counties, except in Illinois, appointed the ci^^I 
officers for them, and thus, July 15th, the machinery of the terri- 
torial government under the U. S. was put into operation. These 

*His letter to W. B. Giles, of Virginia. 



NORTHWESTERN TERRITORY. 213 

steps by the judges and governor were commouly denominated the 
first grade ot" territorial goveruinent under the ordiiunice. 

As characteristic of the pericjd, Ave note tliat tlie punishment I'or 
crimes, owing to the want of prisons, were generally of a sum- 
mary character : Death for nuirder, treason, and arson, (if loss 
of life ensued therefrom) ; \vhii)piug with 39 laslies, and fine, lor 
larceny, bnrgiary and robbery ; for peijury, w]ii])piug-, fine, or 
standing in the i)illory ; for forgery, fine, disfrancliisement and 
standing in the pillory; drunkenness, fine, for non-payment of 
wliicli to stand in the stocks ; for non-payment of fines generally, 
the sheriff was empowered to bind out the convict for a terin not 
exceeding 7 years; obscene conversation and profane swearing 
were adiuonished against, and threatene<l with the loss of the gov- 
ernment's confifU'iice; nu)rality and piety were enjoyned, and the 
Sabbath pronounced sacred. 

Under date of October (Jth, 178!), president Washington wrote 
to Governor St. Clair: You will also })roceed, as soon as you can, 
with safety, to execute the orders of the late congress respecting 
the inhabitants at Post Vincenues and at the Kaskaskias, and the 
other villages on the j\Iississii>i)i. It is a circumstance of some im- 
l)ortance, that the said iidKibitants should, as soon as possible, 
possess the lands which they are entitled to, by some known and 
fixed pi-iucii)le. Accordingly in February, Gov. St. Clair and the 
Secretary, Winthroj) Sargent, arrived at Kaskaskia. The country 
within the boundaries of our jiresent State extending north Ward to 
the mouth of the Little Mackinaw creek on the Illinois was organ- 
ized into a county, which was named after His Excellency, St. 
Clair, and nujy be called the nn)ther of counties in llliiH)is. It 
was <livided into three judicial districts, a- court of common pleas 
established, 3 judges ap[)ointed, namely: John Edgar, of Kas- 
kaskia ; John ihibtiste Barbeau, of Prairie du Rocher, and John 
3). Moulin, of Cahokia, each to hold the courts for and in the dis- 
trict of his residence. The terms were fixed to be held evei'y three 
months, hence the name of (pnirter sessiojis, by Avhich the courts 
were generally known. William St. Clair, brother of the governor, 
w^as appointe<l clerk and recorder of deeds, and A\'illiani Biggs, 
sheriff. Cahokia became the county seat. While the clerk could 
issue proces.s for the county, and the sheriff serve the sanu', suit 
had to be bi-ought and entitled of the district where the defendant 
reside<l, and the writs to bear test of the judges of the respective 
districts, dated at the respective villages and run with the respec- 
i\\v districts. Grand juries were to be <piarterly organized in each 
district. The right of appeal was rendered practically nugatory, 
and in no case was it resorted to. The sessi(»ns of the U. 6. 
judges for the territory were held in banc at either Cincinmiti or 
Chillicothe, a distance so great from Illinois, by the then facilities 
of travel, as to render ap))eal impracticable. Of the judges, John 
de Moulin, a native of Switzerland, ])ossessing a good education 
ami fair knowledge of the civil law, was a large, fine looking man, 
a bachehn'. He was also colonel of the militia, and shoAved well 
on parade days. He Avas a ery popiilar. Jean Babtiste Barbeau, 
Avas of the original Caiuidian French stock, long settled in Illinois; 
euergetic, fair business talent, and extensive experience. John 
Eilgar was an Englishman. Justices of the iieace Avere also ap- 
pointed throughout the county. Then' jurisdiction Avas limited to 



214 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS 

$20 in civil cases ; in criminal, they possessed only examining 
l)Ower ; jnries before them were not conntenanced. Api)eal lay to 
the common pleas conrts.* Thns was lannclied the tirst county 
of Illinois upon its career of iisefnlness, witli all its political ma- 
chinery duly organized under the laws of the United States. Down 
to tliis period, a Inixture of the old Frencli, English and Virginia 
laws had maintained a sort of obsolete existence and operation. 

It may not be uninteresting to relate that the bar of Illinois, in 
1790, was illuminated by but a single member, who was, however, 
a host himself. This was John Eice Jones, a Welchman, born 
1750. He was an accomi^lished linguist, possessed of a classical 
education, and a thorough knowledge of the law. He was the 
earliest practitioner of law in Illinois and would have been con- 
spicuous at any bar. His practice extended frcmi Kaskaskia to 
Vincennes and Clarksville, (Louisville, Ky.) Contrary to the 
habits of frontier life, he was never idle. Asa speaker, his capacity 
for invective under excitement was extraordinary. Eemoving to 
Vincennes. he became a member of the territorial legislature, and 
in 1807 rendered important services in revisingthe statute Iav,"s for 
the territory of Indiana. t In 178G, news found currency in the 
western country that congress, whose meetings were in great part 
secret, had by treaty agreed with Spain to a temporary reiinquish- 
ment of the right to the free navigation of the jMississii)pi. The 
western people, who received these reports greatly magnitied, were 
bitterly incensed thereat. At Vincennes a body of men were en- 
listed without authority, known as the Wabash regin>ent, to be 
subsisted by imi)ressment or otherwise, of whom Geoige Eogers 
Clark took command, and by his orders the Spanish traders there 
and in the Illinois, were i)]undered and despoiled of their goods 
and merchandise in retaliation of similar alleged oft'ences by the 
Spaniards at ISTatchez. In these outrages John liice Jones took a 
leading part. He became the commissary general of the 
marauders, to the su])port of whom Illinois merchants contributed. 
Such goods as were unsuited to the use of the garrison were sold 
by Jones. These acts tended to embroil us with Si>ain. Jones 
later removed to Missouri, became a nu^mber of the constitutional 
convention, and was a candidate for U, S. Senator in oi)position to 
Mr. Benton. He held the oftice of judge of the Su})reme Court of 
Missouri until his death, in 1824. 

The second lawyer of Illinois, prior to 1800, was Isaac Dar- 
nielle. To a strong native intellect, (classical education and a 
tolerable knowledge of the law, he added an engaging manner^ 
free benevolent disposition, and a rather large, i)ortly and attractive 
person. He was an agreeable speaker, conspicious at the bar, and 
popular with the people. He was said to have been educated for 
the ministry and had occupied the pulpit. But his great forte lay 

*nrown, History ol Ills. p. 273, (with a confused idea as to boundary), to show the 
inconvenient size of St. Clair County, relates tlie following : 

Suit havin": been brought before a Justice of Cahokia to recover the value of a cow, 
and judgment liaving been rendered for $16, the case was appealed. The adverse 
party and witnesses resided at Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, distance 400 miles. The 
Sheriff, who was also an Indian trader, having received a summons for the party and 
subpoenas for the witnesses, fitted out a boat with a suitable stock of goods tor the 
Indian trade and proceeded thilherwith his papers Having served the summons and 
subpoenaed the witnesses, which included the greater part of the inhabitants of Prairie 
du Chien, he made his return charging mileage and svrvice for each, as he had a right 
to, his costs and the cost of the suit altogether, it is stated, exceeding $900. Whether 
the costs were ever paid or not, chroniclers have faijed to transmit. 

+See Reynold's Pioneer Hist, of Ills. 



NORTHWESTERN TERRITORY. 215 

ill the court of Yeiiiis, where he practiced with coiismiiinute art and 
with more stiidiousi assiiidity than his books received, lie never 
married and yet ai^pareutly was never without a wife. This course 
of life brought its inevitable consequences. \^^ile youth and 
vigor lasted all was well, but with advancing age, he was com- 
pelled to abandon his i>rofession, and finally died in western 
Kentucky, at the age of 00, a poor and neglected school-teaclier.* 

As to the practice of those times, ex-governor Reynolds relates 
seeing the records of a proceeding in court at Prairie du llocher, 
against a negro for the ''murder" of a hog. The case was mali- 
cious mischief, for wantonly <lestroyiiig a useful animal, which it 
was sought to bring before the court ; but in the absence of a pros- 
ecuting attorney, officers disallowed at that time, the grand jury, 
groping about in the law books, met with a precedent of an iudict- 
ment for mimler and applied it to the case in hand. 1\ rhaps 
justice was meted out as fully under this indictment as if drawn 
with the nicest precision as to the nature of the offence, and i)ros- 
ecuted by the ablest attorney hi the* country. 

In the dee<l of cession from Virginia, it was stipulated that the 
French and Canadian inliabitants, and other settlers, Avho had 
professed allegiance to Virginia, should have their titles con- 
firmed to them. By a law of congress of 1788, the go\'ernor of 
the territory was authorized to confirm the possessions and titles 
of the French to their lands (and those i)eoi)le in their rights,) 
who, on or before the year 1783, had professed themselves citizens 
of the United States, or any of them. But nothing had been 
done in this direction up to the arrival of Goveinor St. Olair at 
Kaskaskia. It was to this that Washington had called tlie gover- 
nor's attention, in his letter of October 0, 1789. In March, 1790, 
to cany the.se instructions into effect, the governor issued liis proc- 
lamation to the inliabitants, directing them to exhibit their titles 
and claims to the lands which they held, in order to be confirmed 
in th<'ir possessions. Numbers of these instruments were exhib- 
ited, and for those found to be authentic, orders of survey were 
issued, the expense whereof was to be paid by the owners. Such 
payment Avas anything but satisfactory to the people, as will be 
seen by the subjoined quotation from the governor's report to the 
secretary of state, in 1790 ; and from it may further be gh'aned 
the deplorable condition of the French, at the time of the gover- 
nor's visit in this oft-painted Eden of the Far AVest as if over- 
flowing with abundance : 

"Orders of survey were issued for all the claims at Kaskaskia, 
that ai)peared to be founded agreeably to the resolutions of con- 
gress ; and siu'veys were made of the greater part of them. A 
part of these surveys, however, have only been returned, because 
the people objected to paying tlie surveyor, and it is too true that 
they are ill able to pay. The Illinois c<mntry, as well as that ui)on 
the Wabash, has been involved in great distress ever since it fell 
under the American dominion. With great cheerfulness, the i>eo- 
ple furnished the troops under Colonel Clark, and the Illinois 
regiment, with everything they could spare, and often with much 
more than they could spare with any convenience to themselves. 
Most of these certificates for these supplies are stUl in theirhands, 

♦Reynold's Pioneer Hist. 



216 History of Illinois. 

uuliquidated aud unpaid ; aud iii many instances, where applica- 
tion lias been made for payment to the State of Virginia, under 
whose authority the certificates were granted, it has been refused. 
The Illinois regiment being disbanded, a set of men, jjretending 
the authority of Virginia, embodied themselves, and a scene of 
general depredation ensued. To this, succeeded three successive 
and extraordinary inundations from the Mississipi)i, which either 
swept away their crops, or prevented their being planted. The loss 
of the greater pai't of their trade with the Indians, which was a 
great resource, came iqiou them at this juncture, as well as the 
hostile incursions of some of the tribes which had ever been in 
friendshii) with them ; and to these was added the loss of their 
Avliole last crop of corn by an untimely frost. Extreme misery 
coidd not fail to be the consequence of such accumulated misfor- 
tunes. " 

The impoverished condition of the French settlements is fur- 
ther portrayed, and doubtless truly, in a memorial addressed to 
Governor St. Clair, while in Illinois, Avhich l)ears the date " JuneO, 
1790," and is signed by "P. Gibault, Priest," and 87 otliers. 
Gibaidt was the same ecclesiastic who, in 1788, conducted the suc- 
cessful embassy of Colonel Clark to Vincenues, severing the 
allegiance of that post from the British : 

" The naemorial humbly showeth, that by an act of congress of June 
20, 1788, it was declared that the lands heretofore possessed by the said 
inhabitants, should be surveyed at their expense; aud that this clause 
appears to tliem neither necessary nor adapted to quiet the minds of tlie 
people. It does not appear necessary, because from the establishment 
of the colony to this day, they have enjoyed their property and joosses- 
sions witliout disputes or law suits on tlie subject of their limits ; that 
the surveys of them were made at the time the concessions were obtained 
from their ancient kings, lords and commandants ; and that each of 
them knew what belonged to him without attempting an encroachment 
on liis neighbor, or fearing that his neighbor would encroach on him. It 
does not appear adapted to pacify tliem ; because, instead of assuring to 
them the peaceable possessions of their ancient inheritances, as they 
have enjoyed it till now, that clause obliges them to bear expenses which, 
in their present situation, they are absolutely incapable of paying, and 
for tlie failure of whicli they must be deprived of their lands. 

" Your Excellency is an eye-witness of the poverty to which the 
inhabitants are reduced, and of the total want of provisions to subsist 
on. Not knowing where to find a morsel of bread to nourish their fam- 
ilies, by what means can they support the expenses of a survey which 
has not been sought for on their parts, and for which, it is conceived by 
them, there is no necessity? Loaded with misery, and groaning under 
the weight of misfortunes, accumulated since the Virginia troops entered 
the country, the unhappy inhabitants throw themselves under the pro- 
tection of Your Excellency, and take the liberty to solicit you to lay 
their deplorable situation before congress ; and as it may be interesting 
for the IJnited States to know exactly the extent and limits of their 
ancient possesssion, in order to ascertain the lands which are yet at the 
disposal of congress, it appears to them, in their humble opinion, that 
the expenses of the survey ought more properly to be borne for whom 
alone it is useful, than by them who do not feel the necessity of it. Be- 
side, this is no object for the United States ; but it is great, too great, for 
a few unhappy beings, who, Your Excellency sees yourself, are scai'cely 
able to support their pitiful existence. " 

The French settlements steadily declined and melted away in pop- 
ulation from the time the coimtry passed under Anglo-Saxon rule, 
1765, until their exodus, many years later, became almost complete. 
After their tiist hegira, commencing with the EngUsh occupation, 



NORTHWESTERN TERRITORY. 217 

down to 1800, the iminigTatiou of the latter race scarcely conn terbal- 
ancedthe emigration of the former. Indeed, tliercAvas a time dnring 
the Indian tron))les, tliat tlie balance fell innchbeliind ; but after 
the treaty of Greenville, in 171)5, iinmi.i;ration was greatly increased. 
In 1800, the popnlation was little, if any, greater than in 17(35. 
Incapacity for conqnest or colonization, fin energy of charaeter, 
thrift, ingenions and labor-saving inventions, the Anglo-Saxon 
race snrpasses all others. It was that race which established the 
British constitntion ; which permanently colonized the shores of 
America and gave to it mnnicipal liberty, the gemot repnblicanism, 
and which fnrnished ji)nr ninivaled federative system, which may 
yet be the unmans of politically enfranchising' the world. To have 
his seclnded abode and remote qnietnde stirred up by snch a race, 
with whom he felt himself incapable to ent(a" the race of life, the 
Frenchman of these wilds lost his contentnu^iit, aiul he aban- 
doned his ancient villages in Illinois, to the new life, instin(;t with 
the progress opening all aronnd them, after an occupation of 
over a century. 

INDIAN HOSTILITIES — 1783 TO 1705. 

After the tide of European immigration had forced back the red 
men of America from the Athuitic slopes, they found their best 
hunting" grounds in the nnignihcient forests and grassy ])lains 
beyond tlu-, Alleghanies, north of the Oliio and east of the Missis- 
sippi. When, after the war of the lievolntion, this empire region, 
wrested from the grasp of the British crown, was thrown open to 
settlement and the pioneers of the pale faces began to i)onr oNcr 
the mountains and into the valley with a steadily augmenting' 
stream, the red men determined not to give back farther. Tliey 
resolved to wage a war of extermination for the retention of this 
vast ami rich domain. Here had gathered the most w arlike tiibes 
of the Algonipiin nations, who have given to known Indian histiny 
the al)lest chieftains and greatest Wiuriors, Pontiac, Little Tnrtle, 
Tecumseh, and his brother theone-eyed Prophet, Black Hawk, and 
Keokuk. 

During the war of the Bevolution all the most belligerent tribes 
residing within this regi(m, and the tisheries along the great lakes 
of the north, had adhered to the side of Great Britain. But by 
the treaty of peace, 178.'3, the territory was transferred to the U. 
S. withont any stipulations by England in favor of her savage 
allies. The British, during their twenty years rule, had not extin- 
guished the Indian title to any part of the conntrx'. The Fi-ench, 
dui-ing their long occui)ation, had made no considerable purchases 
of lands from the western Indians-; and by the treaty of Paris, 
1763, the English succeeded oidy to the small grants of the French 
about the various forts, Detroit, Kaskaskia, Yincennes, etc. True, 
in 1701, at Fort Stanwix, the Iroquois had ceded to Great Britain 
their shadowy claim over a part of tlu^ northwestern territory, ac- 
quired by their wars with the Ilurons and Illinois, and in 1708 the 
six nations had conceded to her their rights to the lands south of 
the Ohio, but tho conijuered tribes residing upon them and nniking 
them their hunting grounds, al)andoned them but temporarily, and 
returned and did not respect the transfers. An Indian conquest, 
unless foUowed by permanent occupation, was seldom nu)re than a 



218 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

mere raid, and could not be said to draw title after it. There- 
fore, by tlie treaty of peace of 1783, the U. S. received nothing 
from England bej'Oud the old small French grants, and the title of 
the six nations by conquest, such as it was, to the western teriitory. 
Indeed, the general government inthelVth article of the ordinance 
of 1787, seems to aeknowledge that it had yet to secure the title 
to the lands from the Indians. 

Tlie general government, on accoitnt of the adherence of the 
Indians to the side of tlie British during the war, if not deducing 
actual title, was inclined to regard the lamls of the hostile tribes 
as conquered and forfeited. But while it attempted to obtain 
treaties of cession from the several nations, it also immediately 
threw open the country to settlers, nuide sales to citizens, and in 
the exercise of supreme dominion, assigned reservations to some 
of the natives, dictating terms and prescribing boundaries. This 
at once produced a deep feeling of discontent among the Indians, 
and led directly to the formation of an extensive confederation 
among a great number of the northern tiibes. 

In October, 1781, the government Indian commissioners made a 
second treaty at Fort Stanwix with a portion only of the Iroqnois, 
which, on account of its not being made at a general congress of 
all the northern tribes, was refused to be acknowledged by their 
leading chiefs. Brant, Red Jacket, and others. The following 
jear, at Fort Mcintosh, the government again treated with a por- 
tion of the tribes — the Wyandot, Delaware, Chippewa, and 
Ottawa nations — only partly represented ; and in January, 1786, 
at the mouth of the Great Miami (Fort Kinney,) with the Shaw- 
auese, the Wabash tribes refusing to attend. 

We have seen that among tlie instructions issued to Gov. St. 
Clair, he was to carefully examine into the real temper of the 
Indians, and to use his best eftbrts to extinguish their titles to 
lands, westward as far as the Mississippi, and north to the lakes. 
In the tiill of 1788, he invited the nortliern tril)es to confirm the 
late treaties of Fort Stanwix and Fort Mcintosh, ceding lands; 
but the Indians, in general council assembled, refused to do so and 
informed the Governor "that no bargain or sale of any i)art of 
these Indian lands would be considered as valid or binding." The 
Go\ernor, nevertheless, persisted in collecting a few chiefs of two 
or three nations, at Fort Ilarmar, (mouth of the Muskingum), and 
from them obtained acts of contirniation to the treaties of J^'orts 
Stanwix and Mcintosh, ceding an inmiense conn try, in which tliey 
were interested only as a branch of the confederacy, and unauthor- 
ized to make any grant or cession whatever.* The nations, who 
tlius participated in the acts of contirnuition, were the Wyandots, 
Delawares, Ottawas, Chippewas, Fotawattomies, and Sacs ; but 
the confederation of the north claimed that it was done without 
authority, with the young men of the nation, alleged to have been 
intimidated and over-reached.t But aside from the fact that the 
government had treated with separate tribes, the grants obtained 
from the Iroquois and their kindred, the AVyandots, and the Dela- 
waresandShawanese, were ()i)en to scarcely any objectious.| Those 
most vehement in denouncing the validity of the concessions were 

'Proceedings of Indian Council 1793 -See American State papers, V. 357—7. 

+Idem. 

$Stoae, ii. 281. 



NORTHWESTEEN TERRITORY. 219 

the Miamis, Chippewas, Piankashaws, Eel River Iiuliau.s, Weas 
(Quias OuiateiioiKs,) Jiiid Kaskaskias, the latter lour making' tluMr 
residenee in great part in Illinois. 

Tlie ('onfederacy of Indians at all times streuuonsly insisted that 
the Ohio river should eonstitute a i)erpetual boundary between 
the red and white men ; and to maintain this line the former organ- 
ized a war against the latter, the ablest and most stupendous 
known to their annals, in the quelling of which the governnnMit 
was actively engaged for six years, and which was finally accom- 
plished only by the i)rowess of "iMad Anthony" Wayne. In their 
determination, eviden',;e is qnite abundant tliat the Indians were 
inspired and sup[»orted by the advice and encouragement of 
British agents and oflicials, sni)p]emented by the avarice of British 
tra<lers. It Avas to their interest to have this splendid country 
remain the abode of the savages, with whom to exchange their 
gewgaws for valuable pelts and furs ; a lucrative trade which would 
cease with the advances of American civilization. The British 
continued to hold the northwestern posts from which to supi)ly the 
Indians ; and the home cabinet entertained hopes that circum- 
stances nught yet compel the U. S. to recognize, the Uliio as its 
northwestern boundary.* ^luch of the dissatisfaction of the 
Indians was cleaily traced to the intluence and intrigues under the 
su[>erintenden(;e of Col. 3IcKee, the British agent at Detroit and 
the Ikapids of the Maumee.t The Indian discontent was openly 
encouraged, and their hostility fanned into a tlame of war ; the 
warrior bands obtained their outfit of arms and ammunition from 
tlie British traders; to trade with the Indians while at war with 
the U. S. they maintained as but fair ami just. 

As the main o])erations of this war occuired within the lindts 
of the present iStates of Ohio and Indiana, we shall not treat of 
them in detail, notwithstanding Illinois was united with them 
uiuler a common government. Indian depredations upon the settle- 
ments and murders of the whites became freijucnt, inspiring terror 
on every hand. In the fall of 171X), Gen. llarmar conducted a 
large, but fruitless, exi)edition of 151)0 men, mostly Kentucky and 
Pennsylvania militia, i)oorly armed a,nd without disci}>line, from 
Fort Washington, (Cincinnati) against the Mianu villages on the 
Maumee and head waters of the Wabash. Caution had foolishly 
been taken so notify the British at Detroit, tlnit the troops 
collected were to be used against the Indians alone.| The villages 
were found deserted. They were destroyed, together with 20,000 
bushels of corn. Two detachments of from oOO to 400 men each, 
the first under Col. Trotter and the next under Col. Hardin, rival 
Kentu(;kians, engaged the Indians, but owing to wretched manage- 
ment and worse discipline, both met with defeat and very heavy 
losses.jl The defeated army marched back to Fort Washington, 
and the Indians were only encouraged in their dastardly work of 
murder ui)on the settlements. 

In the spring of 1791, congress authorized Brig. Gen. Charles 
Scott, and others of Kentucky, to conduct an independent expe- 
dition against the Wabash Indians. It consisted of about 1,000 



*See Burnett's Letters, p. 100. 

lAin. State Papers— Wayne's Dispatches. 



tUiid 



IIAm State Papers, Asheton's Statement, and Cists' Cin. Miscellany 



220 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

mouuletl volunteers, who left tlie Ohio, May 23d. Early on the 
moiuiiig of June 1st they reached the Wabash at the old Wea 
towns, a few miles above the present Terre Haute. The villages 
were discovered by the ascending smoke from the lodges. The army 
was formed in order of battle and moved briskly forward; the in- 
habitants being in blissful ignorance of the stealthy a])proach of 
the foe. Gen Scott reports that the town was situated on the low 
ground bordering the Wabash below the plain across which they 
marched. " 0)i turning the point of woods, one house presented 
in my front. Capt. Price Avas ordered to assault that with 40 men. 
He executed the command with great gallantry, and killed two 
warriors." This remarkably "gallant" exploit doubtless was the 
means of saving many human lives, otherwise totally surprised on 
this early June morning. Gen. Scott continues : 

" When I gained the summit of the eminence which overlooks the 
villages on the banks of the Wabash, I discovered the enemy in great 
confusion, endeavoring to make their escape over tlie river in canoes. I 
instantly ordered Lieutenant Colonel commanding Wilkinson to rush 
forward with the first battalion. The order was executed with prompti- 
tude, and this detachment gained the bank of the river just as the rear 
of the enemy had embarked ; and, regardless of a brisk fire kept up from 
a Kickapoo town on the opposite bank, they, in a few minutes, by a well 
directed fire from the rifles, destroyed all the savages with which five 
canoes were crowded."* 

How tliis attack differed from a regular murderous Indian raid, 
is left to the discovery of the reader ; as also, how nuvny of the enemy 
were women and children. "JMany of the inhabitants of the village 
(Ouiatenon) were French and lived in a state of civilization. By 
the books, letters, and other documents found there, it is evident 
that the place was in close connection with and dependent on 
Detroit. A large quantity of corn, a variety of household goods, 
peltry, and other articles, were burned with this village, which 
consisted of about 70 houses, many of them well finished."! Col. 
John Hardin, "bnrning to retrieve his fame," was sent with a de- 
taclunent to a village six miles down the river, where he killed six 
warriors and took tifty-two prisoners. In the meantime another 
force under Col. Wilkinson had crossed the swollen river at a 
secluded place two nules above and proceeded on the opjiosite 
bank to dislodge the refractory Kiekapoos. On the following daj^ 
Col. ^V. was again detached with a force of oGO, on foot, to destroy 
the town of Kethtipenunk (Tippecanoe) which was done, no doubt 
"gallantly." Gen. t5t. Clair in a letter to Washington dated Sept. 
14, 171)8, says the Kentuckians were "in the hal>it of retaliating, 
perhaps, without attending precisely to the nations from which 
the injuries are receixed." 

In August, Col. Wilkinson, with an independent command, sur- 
prised the natives on Eel river. "The men," says Wilkinson, 
"forcing their way over every obstacle, plunged through the river 
witii vast intrepidity. The enemy was unable to nmke the smallest 
resistance. Six warriors, and (in the hurry and confnsion of the 
charge) two squaws and a child were killed, 34 prisoners (s(]uaAVs 
and children) were talcen, and an unfortunate captive released, 
with the loss of two men killed and one wounded." Four thousand 

*Aiii. Stiite Papers, V. 131. 
tScott's Report. 



NORTHWESTERN TERRITORY. 221 

acres of corn were destroyed, and the cabins burned.* lie was 
voted the thanks of congress. 

On tlie early morning of November 4, 1701, occurred that most 
disastrous defeat of Gen. St. Chiir, in western Oliio, on a small 
branch of the Wabash; by 1) o'clock a. m. his beaten and confused 
army, wliat little was left of it, was in a completii and precipitate 
rout toward Fort Jefterson, distance 29 miles. From the lirst 
onset, the troops were thrown into disorder and confusion by the 
murderous tire of the savages, and panic reigned supreme. f The 
loss was <S90 out of a forces of 1400 engaged in battle. "Six hundred 
skulls," writes (^icorge JMill from General Wayni^'s army which 
camped on the battle held tliree years later, "were gathered up 
and buried ; Avhen we went to lay down in our tents at iiight, we 
had to scrape the bones together and carry them out, to make our 
beds."| The Indians engaged were estimated at 1040. Liitle 
Turtle, jMechecuiKupia, cliief of the Miamis, was in conunand. 
The battle field was afterwards known as Fort Reco^ ery. 

The general government made repeated efforts, both before and 
during' thewai', to arrange a peace upon a fair e<piivalent for the 
lands of the aborigines. But the red men tluslu'd with victories, 
aiul intluenced by the artful whispers of the Ihitish emissaries, 
closed their ears to every aj)])eal for peace, and rejected i»roj)osition 
after pro])osition; nothing but the boundary line of the Ohio would 
be entertained as a basis for peace. At the foot of the ]\Iauiuee 
Rapids, August 13, 179.'>, 1(» of the confederated mvtions being- 
represented in council, replied to the American peace commis- 
sioners: 

"Brothers: We shall be persuaded that you mean to do us justice, if 
you agree that the Ohio shall remain the boundary line between us. * * 
Money to us is of no value ; and to most of us uukuown ; and, as no con- 
sideration whatever can induce us to sell the lands on which we get 
sustenance for our women and children, we hope we may be allowed to 
point out a mode by which your settlers may be easily removed, and 
peace thereby obtained. 

"Brothers: We know that these settlers are poor, or they would never 
have ventured to live in a country which has been in continual trouble 
ever since they crossed the Ohio. Divide, therefore, this large sum of 
money, which you have oftered to us, among these people. Give to each, 
also, a proportion of what you say you would give to us, annually, over 
and above this very large sum of money ; and as we are persuaded, they 
would most readily accept of it in lieu of the land you sold them. If you 
add, also, the great sums you must expend in raising and paying armies, 
with a view to force us to yield you our country, you will certainly have 
more than sufficient for the purpose of repaying these settlers for all tlieir 
labor and their improvements. * * We want peace. Eestore to us our 
country, and we shall be enemies no longer." 

It is a curious fact, illustrating- our dealings with the Indians, 
that a treaty of peace and friendship was entered into at Vin- 
cennes, Septend)er 27, 1792, by Brig-. Gen. Eufus Putnam, accom- 
panied by John Heckvelder and 31 Indians of the Wabash and 
Illinois tribes, the 4th article of which contamed the following* 
languag^e : 

"Art. 4. The United States solemtdy guaranty to the Wabash 
and Illinois nations or tribes of Indians, all the lands to which 
they have a just claim ; and no part shall ever be taken from them 

♦Wilkinson's Report. 

+Ani. State Papers, 

J Am. Pioneer— Wayne's Statement. 



222 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

but by a fair purcliase, and to tlieir satisfaction. That the lands 
originally belonged to the Indians; it is theirs, and theirs only. 
Tliat they have a right to sell, and a right to refuse to sell. And 
tliat the United States will i>roteet them in their said rights." 

When the treaty, which contained 7 articles, was laid before the 
United States Senate, the 4th article was objectionable, and after 
much deliberation, it was, Jan. 9, 1794, rejected by a vote of 21 to 
4._ Senate Jour. 1. 128 to 146. 

The Illinois settlements were fortnnately beyond the main 
theatre of this savage war; still, owing to the general hostility 
of nearly all the tribes, their depiedationswere each year extended 
to them, and a comparatively great number of barbarous murders 
were committed by the Kiekapoos. These we will give condensed 
from the "Annals of the West," i)ages 700 to 705 : 

In 1783, a single murder, that of James Flannory, was first committed 
while on a hunting excursion, but it was not accounted an act of war. 
In 1786 the Indians attacked the American settlements, killed James 
Andrews, his wife and daughter, James White and Samuel McClure, 
and two girls, daughters of Andrews were taken prisoners. One of these 
died with the Indians, and the other was ransomed by French traders. 
Slie is now (1850) alive, the mother of a large family, and resides in St. 
Clair county. The Indians iiad previously threatened the settlement, 
and the people had built and entered a blockhouse ; but tliis family was 
out and defenceless. 

1787. Early in tliis year, five families near Bellefountaiue, united and 
built a blockhouse, surrounded it with palisades, in which these families 
resided. While laboring in tlae corn field they were obliged to carry 
their rifles, and often at night had to keep guard. Under these embar- 
rasi-iineuts, and in daily alarm, they cultivated their corn-fields. 

1788. This year the war assumed a more tlireatening aspect. Early in 
the spring, William Biggs was taken prisoner. While himself, John 
Vallis, and .loseph and Benjamin Ogle, were passing from the station on 
the hills to the blockhouse fort in the bottom, they were attacked by the 
Indians. Biggs and Vallis were a few rods in advance of tlie party. 
Vallis was killed and Biggs taken prisoner. The others escaped unhurt. 
Biggs was taken through the prairies to the Kickapoo towns on the 
Wabash, from whence he was finally liberated by means of the French 
traders. The Indians treated him well, offered him the daughter of a 
brave for a wife, and pi'oiiosed to adopt him into their tribe. He after- 
wards became a resident of St. Clair county, was a member of the terri- 
torial legislature, judge of the county court, and wrote and published a 
narrative of his captivity among the Indians. 

On the 10th day of December, in the same year, James Garrison and 
Benjamin Ogle, while hauling hay from the bottom, were attacked by 
two Indians ; Ogle was shot in the shoulder, where the ball remained ; 
Garrison sprang from the load and escaped into the woods. The horses 
taking fright, carried Ogle safe to the settlement. In stacking the same 
hay, Samuel Garrison and Mr. Riddick were killed and scalped. 

1789. This was a period of considerable mischief. Three boys were 
attacked by six Indians, a few yards from the blockhouse, one of which, 
David Waddel, was struck with a tomahawk in three places, scalped, 
and yet recovered ; the others escaped unhurt. A short time previous, 
James Turner, a young man, was killed on the American bottom. Two 
men were afterwards killed and scalped while on their way to St. Louis. 
In another instant, two men were attacked on a load of hay, one was 
killed outright, the other was scalped, but recovered. The same year 
John Ferrel was killed, and John Demphsey was scalped and made his 
escape. The Indians frequently stole the horses and cattle of the 
settlers. 

1790. The embarrassments of these frontier people greatly increased, 
and tiiey lived in continual alarm. In the winter, a party of Osage In- 
dians, who had not molested hitlierto, came across the Mississippi, stole a 
number of horses and attempted t"^^ recross the river. The Americans 



NORTHWESTERN TERRITORY. 223 

followed and flred upon them. James Worley, an old settler, having 
got in advance of his party, was shot, scalped, and his head cut off and 
left on the sand-bar. 

The same year, James Smith, a Baptist preacher from Kentucky, while 
on a visit to' these frontiers, was taken prisoner by tlie Kickapoos. On 
tlie 19th of May. in company with Mrs. Huff and a Frenchman, he was 
proceeding: from the bloclvhouse to a settlement then known by the name 
of Little Village. The Kickapoos fired upon them from an ambuscade 
near Bellefountaine, killed the Frenchman's horse, sprang upon the 
woman and her child, whom they despatched with a tomahawk, and took 
Smitli prisoner. His horse being shot, he attempted to flee on foot ; and 
having some valuable papers in his saddle bags, he threw them into a 
thicket, where they were found next day by his friend. Having reti'eated 
a few yards down the hill, he fell on his knees in prayer for the poor 
woman they were buteliering, and who had been seriously impressed, 
for some days, about religion. Tlie' Frenchman escaped on foot in the 
thickets. The Indians soon had possession of Smith, loaded him with 
packs of plunder which they had collected, and took up their line of 
march through the prairies. Smith was a large, heavy man, and soon 
became tired under his heavy load, and with the hot sun. '' Several con- 
sultations were held by the Indians, how to dispose of their prisoner. 
Some were for despatching him outright, being fearful the whites would 
follow them from the settlement, and frequently pointing their guns at 
his breast. Knowing well the Indian ciiaraeter, he would bare liis 
breast as if in defiance, and point upwards to signify the (xreat Spirit 
was his protector. Seeing him in the attitude of prayer, and hearing 
him singing hymns on his marcli, which he did to relieve- his own mind 
of despondency, they came to the conclusion that he was a "great medi- 
cine," holding daily intercourse with the Good Spirit, and must not be 
put to death. After this, they took off his bunlens and treated him 
kindly. They took him to the Kickapoo towns on the Wabash, where, 
in a few months, he obtained his delivei'ance, the inhabitants of New 
Design paying $170 for his ransom. 

1791. In the spring of this year, the Indians again commenced their 
depredations by stealing horses. In May, John Dempsey was attacked, 
but made his escape. A party of eight men followed. The Indians 
were just double their number. A severe running fight was kept up for 
several hours, and conducted with great prudence and bravery on the 
part of the whites. Each party kept the trees for shelter, the Indians 
retreating, and the Americans pursuing, from tree to tree until night put 
an end to the conflict. Five Indians were killed without the loss of a 
man or a drop of blood on the other side. This party consisted of Capt. 
Hull, who commanded, Joseph Ogle, sen., Benjamin Ogle, James N. 
Semen, sen., J. Ryan, Wm. Bryson, John Porter, and D.Draper. 

1792. This was a period of comparative quietness. No Indian fight- 
ing ; and the only depredations committed, were in stealing a few 
horses. 

1793. This was a period of contention and alarm. The little settle- 
ments were strengthened this year by the addition of aband of emigrants 
from Kentucky ; among which was the family of Whiteside. In Feb- 
ruary, an Indian in ambuscade wounded Joel Whiteside, and was 
followed by John Moore, Andrew Kinney, Thos. Todd, and others, 
killed and scalped. Soon after, a party of Kickapoos, supposed to have 
been headed by the celebrated war chief, Old Pecan, made a predatary 
excursion into the American bottom, near the present residence of S. W. 
Miles, in Monroe county, and stole 9 horses from the citizens. A number 
of citizens rallied and commenced pursuit ; but many having started 
without preparation for long absence, and being ajJi^rehensive that an 
expedition into the Indian country would be attended with much 
danger, all returned but 8 men. This little band consisted of Samuel 
Judy, John Whiteside, Wm. L. Whiteside, Uel Whiteside, William 
Harrington, John Dempsey and John Porter, with Wm. Whiteside, a 
man of great prudence and unquestionable bravery in Indian warfare, 
whom they chose commander. 

They passed on the trail near the present site of Belleville, towards the 
Indian camps on Shoal Creek, where they found 3 of the stolen horses, 



224 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

which they secured, The party then, small as it was, divided into two 
parts of four men each, and approached the Indian camps from opposite 
sides. The signal for attack was the discharge of the captain's gun. 
One Indian, a sou of Old Pecan, was killed, another mortally, and others 
slightly wounded, as the Indians fled, leaving their guns. Such a display 
of courage by the whites, and being attacked on two sides at once, made 
them believe there was a large force, and the old chief approached and 
begged for quarter. But when he discovered his foes to be an insignificant 
number, and his own party numerous, he called aloud to h is braves to return 
and retrieve their honor. His own gun hesurrendered to the whites, but 
now he seized the gun of the captain, and exerted all his force to wrest 
it from him. Captain Whiteside was a powerful man, and a stranger to 
fear, but he compelled the Indian to retire, deeming it dishonorable to 
destroy an unarmed man, who had previously surrendered. This in- 
trepid band was now in the heart of the Indian country, where hundreds 
of warriors could be raised in a few hour's time. In this critical situa- 
tion, Capt. Whiteside, not less distinguished for prudence than bravery, 
did not long hesitate. With the horses they had recovered, they imme- 
diately started for home without the loss of time in hunting the 
remainder. 'They traveled night and day, without eating or sleeping, 
till they reached in safety Whiteside's station, in Monroe county. On 
the same night, Old Pecan, with 70 warriors, arrived in the vicinity 
of Cahokia. From that time the very name of Whiteside struck terror 
among the Kickapoos. Hazardous aud dax'ing as this expedition was, it 
met with great disapprobation from many of the settlers. Some alleged 
that Old Pecan was decidedly friendly to the whites ; that another party 
had stolen the horses ; that the attack upon his camp was clandestine 
and wanton ; and that it was the cause of much subsequent mischief. 
These nice jwints of casuistry are difRcult to be settled at this period. It 
has long been known, tliat one portion of a nation or tribe will be on 
the war path, while another party will pretend to be peaceable. Hence 
it has been found necessary to hold the tribe responsible for the conduct 
of its party. 

1794. The Indians, in revenge of the attack just narrated, shot Thos. 
Whiteside, a young man, near the 'station ;' tomahawked a son of Wm. 
Whiteside, so that he died, all in revenge for the death of Old Pecan's 
son. In February of the same year, the Indians killed Mr. Huff, one 
of the early settlers, while on his way to Kaskaskia. 

1795. Two men at one time, and some French negroes at another 
time were killed on the American bottom, and some i^risoners taken. 
The same year the family of Mr. McMahon was killed and himself and 
daughters taken prisoners. This man lived in the outskirts of the settle- 
ment. Four Indians attacked his house in day-light, killed his wife 
and four children before his eyes, laid their bodies in a row on the floor 
of the cabin, took him and his daughters, and marched for their towns. 
On the second night, Mr. McMahon, finding the Indians asleep, put on 
their moccasins and made his escape. He arrived in the settlement just 
after his neighbors had buried his family. They had inclosed their 
bodies in rude coffins, and covered them with earth as he came in sight. 
He looked at the newly formed hillock, and raising his eyes to Heaven 
in pious resignation, said, "they were lovely and pleasant in their lives, 
and in their death are not divided." 

His daughter, now Mrs. Catskill, of Ridge Prairie, was afterwards 
ransomed by the charitable contributions of the peoi^le. Not far from 
this period, the Whitesides and others to the number of 14 persons, made 
an attack upon an encampment of Indians of superior force, at the foot 
of the bluffs west of Belleville. Only one Indian ever returned to his 
nation to tell the story of their defeat. The graves of the rest were to be 
seen, a few years since, in the border of the thicket, near the battle 
ground. In this skirmish Capt. Wm. Whiteside was wounded, as 
thought, mortally, having received a shot in the side. As he fell, he 
exhorted his sons to fight valiantly, not yield an inch of ground, nor 
let the Indians touch his body, tjel Whiteside, who was shot in the 
arm, and disabled from using the rifle, examined the wound, and found 
the ball had glanced along the ribs and lodged against the spine. With 
that presence of mind which is sometimes characteristic of our backwoods 



NORTHWESTERN TERRITORY. 225 

hunters, he whipped out his knife, gashed the skin, extracted the ball, 
and holding it up, exultingly exclaimed, "Father, you are not dead!" 
The old man instantly jumped up on his feet, and renewed the tight, ex- 
claiming, "Come on, boys, I can fight them yet!" Such instances of 
desjjerate intrepidity and martial energy of character, distinguished the 
men who defended the frontiers of Illinois in those days of peril. 

After the defeat of St. Clair, the conduct of the war in the 
northwest was placed in the hands of Gen. Anthony Wayne. His 
campaign during- the summer of 1794:, which culminated in the 
victory of the 20th of August on the Maumee, proved a complete 
success. The confederated tribes, defeated and disheartened, now 
retired to wait the long promised supi)ort of the English. Brant, 
of the Iroquois, said : "A fort had been built in their country [by 
the English] under pretense of giving refuge in case of necessity, 
but when that time came, the gates were shut against them as 
enemies."* For several years difficulties had existed between 
Great Britain and the United States, which British Indian agents 
and traders had seduously taught to red men must speedily even- 
tuate in war, when they would become their oi)en and powerful 
all}'. But on the 19th of November, 1794, after protracted nego- 
tiations, Jay, at London, concluded a treaty of amity, commerce, 
and navigation between the United States and Great Britain, in 
which the King pledged a firm peace and agreed to withdraw, by 
the 1st of June, 179(), all his troops and garrisons from the i)osts 
within the boundary lines of the United States, as fixed by the 
treaty of 1783. This took away from the Indians the last hope of 
British aid, so long promised them, and the vast confederation of 
savage tribes, bending to their inevitable fate, hastened to the 
headquarters of Gen. Wayne during the winter, and signed prelim- 
inary articles of peace, which resulted in the trea,ty of Greenville, 
and which, after a protracted council with all the sax^hems, chiefs, 
and principal men of the confederacy, lasting from June to August 
3d, 1795, was finally signed. A vast body of land in Ohio and 
Indiana, large enough for a good sized State, was ceded by the 
confederate tribes, besides 10 tracts 6 miles square at various 
points in the northwest, among which Ave note, as being in Illinois, 
"one piece of land, G miles square, at the mouth of Chicagcj ri\ er, 
emptying into the south-west end of Lake Michigan, where a fort 
fonnerly stood ;" one piece 12 miles square, at or near the mouth 
of tlie Illinois river, and '^one piece G miles square, at the old 
Peorias fort and village, near the south end of the Illinois lake, on 
said Illinois river." The Indians also allowed free passage through 
their country, in Illinois from the mouth of the Chicago river and 
over the portage to the Illinois and down to the Mississippi, and 
do-uTi the Wabash. Under the treaty, of what may be considered 
Blinois tribes, the Pottawattomies were to receive an annual 
stipend of $1000 in goods (being as much as any tribes received,) 
and the Kickapoos, Piankeshaws, and Kaskaskias, $500 each.t 

And now, as the news of this important treaty spead abroad, 
the retarded tide of emigration began to flow with a steadily aug- 
menting stream into these territories ; apjirehension of danger 
from the Indians was banished, and friendly intercourse succeeded 
former enmity ; forts, stations, and stockades were abandoned to 
decay; the hardy pioneer pushed ever forward and extended the 

*Am. State Papers, V. 
tScott's Brant, 11, 390. 

15 



226 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

frontier; and men of capital and enterprise, securing titles to ex- 
tensive bodies of fertile lands, organized colonies for their occupa- 
tion, and thus the wilderness under the tread of civilization was 
made to blossom as the rose. 

By an act of congress, 1791, 400 acres of land were granted to 
all heads of families who made improvements in Illinois prior to 
1788, except village improvements. These rights were coinmoidy 
designated as "head-rights." A list of names of heads of families, 
who settled in Illinois previous to the year 1788, entitling them to 
these donations, which included also non-residents who should 
return in five year's time to occupj^ their claims, shows a total 
number of 214 claimants, 80 of whom were Americans. By allow- 
ing the usual number of 5 souls to the family, we have a popida- 
tioii in that year of 1220, This excluded negroes. Before 1701, 
under the militia law of the governor and judges, the muster roll 
gi^•es about 300 men capable of bearing arms, of which number 
Go only were Americans.* 

In 1707 a colony of 126 persons — the largest which had yet 
arrived — were most fatally stricken with disease. They were from 
Virginia, had descended the Ohio in the spring, and landed at Ft. 
Massac, from which they made their way across the land to the 
New Design. This jdace, in the present county of Monroe, Avas 
established in 1782. It was located on an elevated and beautiful 
plateau of ground, barren of timber, whicli commanded a view of 
both the Kaskaskia and Mississippi rivers. The season was ex; 
ceedingly wet, the w^eather extremely warm, and the roads heavy 
and muddy. The colonists toiled through the woods and swamps 
of Southern Illinois for 26 days, distance about 135 miles. They 
were worn down, sick, and almost famished. Arrived at their 
destination, they found among the old settlers long harrassed by 
Indian warfare, from which they had not recovered, but poor ac- 
commodations. There was no lack of hosi)itality in feeling, but 
that did not enlarge the cabins, which usually contained but one 
room, into many of which 3 and 4 families were now crowded with 
their sick and all. Food was insufficient, salt was very scarce, 
and medical aid was almost out of the question. A putrid and 
malignant fever broke outamong the newcomers, attended by such 
fatality as to sweep half of them into the grave by the a|iproacli 
of winter. No such fatal disease ever ai)peared before or since in 
the country.t The old inhabitants were not affected. The intelli- 
gence of this unwonted mortality produced abroad the wrongful 
imi)ression that Illinois was a sickly country, which tended no 
little to retard immigration. It is now well established that Illinois 
is far healthier than many of her western sisters. 

Among the first Americans who formed settlements remote from 
the French, a great want was mills. The latter had had their 
wind mills and water mills since a very early date; but with their 
hegira the wind mills fell into decay, and for the others the water 
frequently failed, and the Americans were compelled to have 
recourse to other means. The simplest modes of trituration was 
by means of the grater and the mortar. The first consisted in the 
brisk rubbing of an ear of corn over a piece of tin closely pierced 
with orifices. The mortar was extemporized by excavating with 

•Reynold's Pioneer Hist. 
tWestern Anuals. 



NORTHWESTERN TERRITORY. 



fire the butt of a good sized short log, up-euded, sufficieutly deep 
to hold a peck or more of corn. Over this was erected a sweep 
to lift, by comiter-traction, a piston with a firm, blunt end, 
whicli served to pound the corn into meal. To these primitive and 
laborious processes, succeeded, in the order of their simplicity and 
in due time, hand mills, band mills, horse mills, and last water 
mills. t 

From 1788 to 1795, Gov. St. Clair and the Judges of the north- 
western territory, in their legislative cai^acity, adopted (U stat- 
utes, 38 at Cincinnati in the last named year. In April, 1798, 11 
more were adopted.* Four-flftbs of tliese laws were imported 
from Pennslvania, and a few from Massachusetts and Virginia. 
This gave to the country a complete system of statute law, which 
was i)erhaps l)ut little inferior to that of any of the States at that 
early period. Among them was the common law of England and 
statutes of Parliament in aid thereof,of a generalnature and not local 
to that Kingdom, down to the Itli year of the reign of James I; which 
is the law in Illinois to this day, except as varied by statute. From 
it we derive all those fundamental principles of the British Consti- 
tution Avhich secure to the citizen personal liberty and protection 
to life and i)ro])erty — the habeas cori)us, trial by jury, &c. This 
was imported from Virginia; but the bill of rights is also in the 
ordinance of 1787. In 1795 the Governor also divided St. Clair 
county in Illinois by running aline through the New Design settle- 
' nient in the present JVEonroe county, due east to the Wabash — all 
that country lying south of it being established into the county of 
iiandolph, named in honor of Edmund Randoli)h, of Virginia. 

Before the close of the year 179(5, the white population of Ohio 
alone was ascertained to exceed 5,000. By the ordinance of 1787, 
the country was entitled to the 2d grade of territorial government 
so soon as it should contain 5,000 white inhabitants. There being 
no longer any doubt regarding this. Gov. St. Clair, October 29, 
1798, issued his proclamation directing the qualified voters to 
hold elections for territorial representatives on the 3d Monday of 
December, 1798. From Illinois, Shadrach Bond, subsequently the 
first governor of this State, was elected. The representatives 
elect were convened January 22d, 1799, at Cincinnati. In accord- 
ance with the provision of the ordinance of 1787, they nominated 10 
men to the President of the U. S. (Adams) to select 5 from, who 
were to constitute the legislative council. These were confirmed 
by the Senate of the U. S., March 22, 1799. The assembly, after 
making the nominations for the council, immediately adjourned to 
September IGth following, at which time both houses met, though 
they did not perfect their organization till the 21th. This was the 
first time that the people of this coiuitry, through their representa- 
tives, enacted their own laws for their own local government. The 
Legislature confirmed many of the laws enacted by the governor 
and judges, and passed 48 new ones, the governor vetoing 11. 
They were prorogued December 19, 1799.t 

+Re.vnold's Pioneer History. 
*DilIon'sInd. I. Chase's Stsitute 1790, 1795. 
tSee Dillons's Ind„ Vol. 11. 



228 HISTORY OF ILLESrOIS. 



NOTABLE WOMEN OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

Mrs. LeCompt. — Among the ladies of Illinois at the close of the 
last and the beginning of the present century, presenting such 
marked characteristics as to leave their impress upon the period 
of their existence, we cannot in justice forbear to mention a few. 
The first which we notice was the well known Mrs. LeConipt- 
She was born in 1734, of French parents, on the eastern shore of 
Lake Michigan, at the old station on the St. Joseph. This was the 
country of the warlike Pottawatomie tribe of Indians. Throughout 
her long life Mrs. LeCompt had ever the western savage for a 
neighbor. She early became proficient in the dialect of the 
Indians and gained a deep insight into their character. She was 
married at Mackinaw, settled with her husband, whose name was 
St. Ange, or Pelate, at Chicago, but subsequently removed to Ca- 
hokia, and, her husbaiul dying, she here married Mr. LeCompt, a 
Canadian. From this marriage sprung one of the largest French 
families in Illinois. Later in life, after the death of LeCompt, she 
married again, this time that Thomas Brady who conducted an un- 
fortunate marauding expedition against the Fort St. Joseph in 
1778. Of this union no issue resulted. This extraordinary woman 
was x^ossessed of an iron constitution, a strong mind and dauntless 
courage. Her jierson was attractive and her manner winning. 
She traveled much, took majiy long trips, and underwent much , 
exposure to the inclemencies of the weather, yet she was seldom 
sick. She lived a hardy and frugal life. By her knowledge of the 
Indian language, and a thorough appreciation of his character, she 
acquired a wonderful influence over the tribes,with which she was 
brought into contact. And this was turned to a blessed account 
for the benefit of the settlement where she lived. From the con- 
quest of Clark, the French, as we have seen, sided with the 
Americans, while the Indians adhered to the British. From that 
time down to the peace of Greenville, in 1795, the old kindly 
feeling between the French and Indians was more or less inter- 
rupted, and many a meditated attack upon Cahokia did Mrs. 
LeCompt frustrate by her rare sagacity and friendly counsel with 
the savages. It is said, that such was the infatuated friendship of 
the savages for her, that they would invariably advise her in 
advance of their meditated attack upon the village. It was upon 
such occasions that the heroine within her would become manifest. 
In the dead hour of night she would go forth from the village to 
meet the warrior hosts, often camped near the foot of the Quentin 
mound, at the foot of the bluffs, or wherever they might be ; in 
their "sicinity, dismiss her attendants, and solitary and alone pro- 
ceed on foot amid the savage horde. Such devotion to her people 
and such courage in a woman, joined by her ready wit, would 
awaken a chord of sympathy in the warrior's breast. At times she 
would remain among them for days, i>leading for the delivery of 
her village, counseling peace, and appeasing the anger of the 
savages. Her efforts ^^'^re not intermitted until she was well con- 
vinced that the storm was allayed and bloodshed averted. At 
such times the young men of the village were mostly away on the 
chase, or as boatmen down the river, Avhile the remaining inhabi- 
tants, terror strickeu, would arm themselves for such defence as 



NORTHWESTERN TERRITORY. 229 

•"liey were capable of. What would be tlieir joy to see this extraor- 
dinary woman escorting- a swarthy band of warriors to the village, 
changed from foes to friends ! (The Indians, upon such occasion, 
would paint themselves black to manifest tlieir sorrow for their 
infernal murderous intent upon their friends.) After a thorough 
feasting of the savages, sometimes for days, their reconciliation 
would usually last some time. Mrs. LeCompt, as slie was still 
called after Brady's death, lived to the extreme age of 109 years. 
She died in 1843, at Cahokia. Ex-Gov. Eeynolds, from whose 
pioneer history we are in great i)art indebted for the above 
account, says he knew her well for 30 years. 

Mrff. John Edgar. — This accomplished woman, the center of 
fashion for remote Illinois in the olden time, presided for many 
years with equal grace and dignity over her husband's splen<lid 
mansion at Kaskaskia, the abode of hospitality and resort of the 
elite for near a half century. It was in the spacious and elegantly 
fnriiislied parlors of this house that La Fayette, on his visit to 
Illinois in 18l.'5, was sumi^tuously entertained, by a banquet and 
ball. Mrs. Edgar's name merits high rank on the scroll of revolu- 
tionary heroines. By birth, education, and sympathy, she was 
American, but her husband, John Edgar, was an otlicer in the 
British navy, lighting against the colonies in their struggle for 
liberty and in(lei)endence. By her talent, shrewdness, and above 
all, her patriotic devotion to her country, she won over not only 
the heart of her husband to the American cause, but was the i^ro- 
jector of many plans by which soldiers in the British army were 
induced to quit and join the ranks of the patriots. She had, upon 
one occasion, arranged a plan of escape for three soldiers and was 
to furnish them guns, American uniforms, etc., and all needful in- 
fornjation to enable them to reach the patriot camp. When they 
came she was absent from home, but her husband, i\ covfidanfe of 
all her operations, notwithstandhig liis position in the enemy's 
navy, supplied them with the outtit prepared I'or them by her. 
But the deserters were ap})rehended, returned to the British camp, 
and compelIe<l to divulge the names of their abettors. This imi)li- 
cated Edgar and he fled; remaining a while in the American army 
lie deemed it safer for his life to seek greater seclusion and came 
to Kaskitskia, His property was contiscated; but the rare sagacity 
of his patriotic and devoted wife, who renmined back, enabled her 
to save from the wreck some $12,000, with which she joined her 
husband two .years afterwar<ls in his western home.* Their union 
was childless; but they were for many years the most wealthy 
family in Illinois. Edgar was a large, portly man. A count^s' of 
the State perpetuates his name. 

3Irs. Robert Morrison. — This talented lady was a rare acquisition 
to the society of Kaskaskia. Reared and educated in the monu- 
mental city, she, in 1805, accompanied her brother. Col. Donaldson, 
to St. Louis, in the far off Avilds of the west, whither he was sent 
as a commissioner to iiuestigate the land titles. Bnt the west 
became her permanent home. She was married the following year 
to llobert Morrison, of Kaskaskia, which place became her resi- 
dence thenceforth. Well educated, sprightly and energetic, her 
mind was gifted with originality and romance. ''Her delight was 

•See Hist. Sketch of Randolph &Co. and Reynold's Pioneer Hist. 
+Reyno!d's Pioneer Hist, of Ills. 



230 HISTOKY OF ILLINOIS 

in the rosy fields of poetry."t Her pen Avas seldom idle. She com- 
posed with a ready facility and her writings possessed a high 
degree of merit. Her contributions to the seieutitic publications 
of W. Walsh, of Philadelphia, and other periodicals of the time, 
both verse and prose, were much admired. Nor did the political 
qnestions of the day escape her ready i^en. The discussion of 
these topics in our newspapers were eagerly read by the politicians 
of Illinois. A feat of much ingenuity was her work of remoddling 
and converting into verse the Psalms of David. The volume was 
presented to the Philadelphia Presbytery and met with high com- 
mendation for many of its excellencies, though it was not adopted. 
Later in life, she gave a thorough investigation to the doctrines of 
religious sects, and after much retlection united with the Catholic 
church. Possessed of great force of character, and zealous and 
ardent in whatever she espoused, her exami)le and precepts con- 
tributed greatly toward proselyting members to that faith. She 
became the mother of an interesting family. Some of her sons 
have been quite conspicious in the affairs of this State. Mrs. 
Moriison lived to an advanced age, and died at Belleville in 
1843. 

VOUDOUISM OR WITCHCRAPT IN ILLINOIS. 

It is recorded| that at least two human lives have fallen a sacri- 
fice to the miserable superstition of witchcraft in Illinois in early 
times. An African slave by the name of Morean Wiis, about the 
year 1790, hung on a tree a little ways southeast of Cahokia, 
charged with and convicted of this imaginary crime. He had ac- 
knowledged, it is said, that by his power of devilisli incantatiou 
"he had poisoned his master, but that his mistress had proved too 
powerful for his necromancy," and this it seems was fully believed, 
and he was executed. The case was murder ; but there was at this 
period a \evy imperfect administration of the laws in Illinois. In 
the same village, ignorantly insi)ired by a belief in the existence 
of this dread power of diabolism, another negro's life was ofi'ered 
up to the Moloch of superstition, by being shot down in the jaiblic 
streets. An old negress of that vicinity, named Janette, commonly 
reputed to possess the siq)ernatural power of destroying life and 
property by the potency of her incantations, insjjired such terror 
by her appearance that adults as well as children woidd fiee at 
her approach. It was a very common feeling among the French 
to dread to incur in any way the displeasure of certain old coloreil 
people, xmder the vague belief ami fear that they possessed a 
clandestine power by whi(;h to invoke the aid of the evil one to 
Avork mischief or injury to person or property. Nor was this belief 
solely confined to the .French, or this power ascribed only to the 
colored people. An old wonum living on Silver Creek was almost 
generally accredited w ith the pow er of witchcraft, whieh, it was 
believed, she exercised in taking milk from her neigh boi-'s cows at 
X^leasure, without the aid of any physical agency. The African's 
belief in fetishes, and the jiower of their divination, is well-known. 
Many superstitious bhu-ks in this country have claimed the descent 
to them of fetish powei'j the infatuation regarding voudouism, 
formerly so wide spread, is not yet extinct among many ignorant 

JReynold's Pioneer Hist. 



NORTHWESTERN TERRITORY. 231 

blacks of Louisiana, as we read occasionally from New Orleans 
papers. Renault, agent of the "Conii)any of tlie West," bought 
in 1720, at San Domingo, 500 Nlaves wliieli lie brought to Illinois, 
many of« whom were direct from Africa, and thus was impoited 
the claim to this occult power, which, perhai)S, had no difHculty in 
Unding- lodgement in the minds of the superstitious French of 
Illinois. Mankind have ever been prone to superstitious beliefs ; 
there are very many ])ersons now who are daily governed in the 
multiplied affairs of life by some sign, omen, or auger3\ 

Nor were the red children of the foi-est in American free from 
superstition. The brother of the Shawanee warrior, Tecumseh, 
named Lawlelueskaw, the loud voiced, better known as tlie one 
eyed Proi)het, who commanded the Indians at the battle of Tii)i»e- 
canoe, seeking to reform his people, earnestly declaimed against 
the vice of witchcraft, as well as drunkenness, intermarrying with 
W'hite men, etc. In obedience to the commands of the maniteau, 
the Great Spirit, he fulminated the i)eualty of death against those 
who practiced the black art of witchcraft and magic. His vehe- 
ment harrangues e\'oked among' his follo\Yers a paroxysm of 
superstitious infatuation. An old Delaware chief, nanu'd Tate- 
bockoshe, was accused of witchcraft, tried, condemned, tomahawked 
and consumed on a pyre. This was enacted on the present siie of 
Yorktown, Delaware county, Indiana.* The chief's wife, his 
nephew, Billy Patterson, and an aged Indian named Joshua, were 
next accused of witchcraft and the two latter convicted, sentenced 
and burned to the stake; but a brother of the chief's wife boldly 
stepped forward, seized his sister ami led her from the council 
house, without oi)position from those present, and immediately re- 
turned, and in aloud tone harangued the savages, exclaiming: 
"Maiiiteau, the evil spirit has come in our midst and we are 
murdering one another." This, together with the earnest letter of 
Gov. Harrison, sent by special messenger in the spring- of ISOG, 
exhorting the Indians to spurn the pretended prophet, checked the 
horrid delusion. See Drake's Tecumseh, 88. 

*He had also offended by his influence in biinginff about the treaty of Aug-. 1804, by 
which the chiefs and head men of the Delawares ceded to the U. S. that large tract of 
land in southern Indiana, since known as the "pocket." 



Chapter XX. 

1800-1809— ILLINOIS AS PAET OF THE INDIANA TEEEI- 

TORY. 

Its Organization — ExtinguisMng Indian Titles to Lands — Gov. Har- 
risonh Facility in TJtis — Land. ISpeculations and Frauds in 
^^Improvement-rights^' arid '-'•Head-rights''' — Meeting of the Legisla- 
at Vincennes in 1805 — Statutes of 1807. 



By act of Congress, apx)roved May 7, 1800, the large aiul 
unwieldy territory of the Noitliwest was divided ; all that part of 
it lying westward of a. line beginning on the Ohio river opposite 
the mouth of the Kentucky, running thence north via Fort liecov- 
ery to the British possessions, was constituted a separate territory 
and called Indiana. It enclosed the present States of Illinois, 
Wisconsin, Michigan, and Indiana excei>t a little strip on the 
eastern side between the mouth of the Kentucky and Great Miami. 
The white population of the country was estimated at 4,875, and 
negro slaves 135, while the aggregate number of Indians within 
the extreme limits of the territory was fairly reckoned at 100,000. 
The seat of Government was tixed at Vincennes, and the ordinance 
of 1787 was applied to the territory in amodifieil form : that clause 
requiring 5,000 free white male inhabitants of the age of 21 years 
and upwards, before a general assembly could be organized, was 
changed to the wish of a simple majority of the fret^holders. The 
law was to go into effect on the 4th of July following. 

A chief reason for maldng this division was the large extent of 
the northwestern territory, which rendered the orduiary operations 
of government uncertain and the promx)t and efficient administra- 
tion of jnstice almost impossible. In the three western counties — 
Knox, St. Clair and Eaudolph, the latter two in Illinois, there had 
heen but one term of court, having cognizance of crimes, held in 
five years. Such imnuuiity to offenders offered a safe asylum to 
the vilest and most abandoned scoundrels. The law of 1791, con- 
firming titles and granting lands to certain persons for military 
services, and the laying out thereof, remained uuexcuted, causing 
great discontent;* and the unpopularity of Governor St. Clair was 
constantly on the increase. His unfortunate campaign against the 
Maumee towns, which had greatly shaken the confidence of the 
X)eople, had but rendered his conduct of civil affairs more arbitra- 
ry and defiant. He vetoed nearly every act of the legislature 
establishing new counties, to the great inconvenience of the people 

•See report of Committee in Congress— Am. State Pap. XX, 206. 

232 



INDIANA TERRITORY. 233 

in their trausactions witli clerks and recorders, and to the vexation 
of suitors at law. 

The territorial legislature sitting at Cincinnati, elected, on the 
3d of October, 1700, William Henry Harrison, then secretary of 
the territory, a delegate to congress, over Arthur St. Clair, jun., by 
a vote of 11 to 10. The contest elicited \Yide and unusual interest, 
and w as not unattended by much acrimony and ill blood. The 
St. Clairs were federalists, and party feeling ran extremely high 
in those days. Harrison was largely instrumental in Congress in 
obtaining the passage of the act of division. Up to this time the 
smallest tract of public lands which could be entered was 400 
acres, except fractional i>ieces cut by important streams. This 
was a great hindrance to settlement, and to the poor our land sys- 
tem was a curse rather than a blessing. Harrison, fully 
appreciating this gric^vance, urged through Congress a law 
authorizing the sale of the pul>lic lands in tracts of 320 acres, with 
a cash payment ot only one-fourth and the balance in one, two and 
three years. The passage of this law was regarded in the west as 
a public service of the greatest importance, rendering Harrison ex- 
tremely popular. He was. May 13, 1800, appointed Governor for 
the Indiana territory. John Gibson (he to whom in 1774, Logan, 
the great Indian chief had delivered his celebrated speech), was 
appointed secretary; and William Clark, John Griftin and Henry 
Yanderbiirgh, territorial judges. In the absence of the governor, 
secretary Gibson proceeded in July to put the machinery of teiri- 
torial government in motion by appointing the necessary local 
officers for the administration of the laws, &c. In January, ISOl, 
Governor Harrison, having arrived at his post of duty, immediate- 
ly convened the judges with himself at the seat of government, for 
the adoi)tion of "such laws as the exigency of the times" required, 
and to the discharge of such other duty for the government of the 
territory as congress had by law imposed upon them. They 
remained in session two weeks, passing several resolutions provi- 
ding paynu^nt for various ser^ices, and adoi)ted a number of laws, 
one i)roviding for the establishment of C(mrts of (quarter sessions 
of the peace in the counties of St. Clair, IJandolidi and Knox. A 
term of the general court for the territory at large, was commenced 
by the three judges on the 3d of March, 1801. Thus the tirst 
grade of territorial goN'erinnent was put in full working order. 

The purchase of Louisaiux from France having been consumma- 
ted in 1803, that vast domain lying west of the Mississi[)pi, was by 
act of Congress, March 20, 1804, annexed to the Indiana territory. 
Gov. Harrison and the judges, in October, 1804, adopted the 
necessary laws for the government of the district of Lousiana. 
The union was, however, of short duration; March 3, 1805, Louis- 
iana was detached and erected into a sei»arate territory. Shortly 
after this Aaron Biut entered ui)on his treasonable effort to wrest 
from the United States this large domain and to found his south- 
western empire. To organize an expedition for his enterpris(s he 
visited, among other places in the west, Vincennes and Kankaskia, 
and induced a few men of the territory to enroll their names on the 
list of his followers; but the scheme came speedily to naught — his 
men abandoned it, and he Avas arrested in Mississii)pi in the si)ring 
of 1807. After the purchase of Louisiana, it became desirable to 
learn something resijpctiug the vast region lying between the Mis- 



234 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

sissippi and the Pacific. Congress therefore anthorized an 
overland exploring- expedition, to the command of which the 
ipresident api)ointed Captains Merriweather Lewis and William 
Clark, the latter a brother of Gen. George liogers Clark. The 
party-, consisting of 34 men, encamped dnring the whiter of 
1803--4 in the American bottom, near the month of Wood ri^'er, 
below Alton — then the nltama tlinle of tlie white settlenu'nts in Illi- 
nois — and started thence njion their toilsome and perilous jonrney, 
May 14t]j, reaching the Pacific Noveniber 17, 1805. Tlie explorers 
retnrned in safety to St. Lonis abont a year the rg^ifter. The 
jieninsnla of Michigan was also, by act of Congress,'' J annary 11, 
1805, detached from Indiana and erected into a separate territory, 
the act to take effect Jnne 30, 1805. 

The main topics of interest dnring the 9 jears that Illinois con- 
stituted a part of the Indiana territory, were : the acqnisition of 
land titles from the resident Indian tribes, land speculations, and 
the adjustment of land tithes; negro slavery; organizaiion of the 
territorial legislature, extension of the right of suffrage antl the 
detachment of Illinois from the Indiana tcri'itory.* Captain Wil- 
liam Henry Harrison, besides his appointment as governor, was 
also constituted superintendent of Indian affairs, and vested 
wath plenaiy powers to negotiate treaties between the United 
States and the several tribes of Indians residing within his ofticial 
jurisdiction, lor the cession of lands. As the rai)idly advancing 
settlements of the whites i)euetrated farther daily, and crowded 
upon thedonuiin of the re<l man, it became desirable on the i)art 
of the general govenunent to enlarge the area of its landed acqui- 
sitions beyond the stipulations of the treaty of Greenville, by 
which 17,724,489 acres of land were obtained. By an active exer- 
cise of these powers, in which his Excellency discovered a 
remarkable aptitude, no less than ten treaties were concluded with 
various tribes by the close of the year 1805, extinguishing the In- 
dian titles to about 30,0()0,()00 acres more of land. We cite in 
brief the treaties of that period, l)y which lands lying either wholly 
or in part within Illinois, wererelin(iuished : 

Treaty of Fort Wayne, coiu-luded June 7, 1803, with certain 
chiefs and head men of thcDelawares, Shawanese, Pottawatomies, 
Eel Piver, Wea, Kickapoo, Piaidvcshaw, and Kaskaskia tiibes — 
ratified at Vincennes August 7, 1803, by thiee of the tribes and 
the Wyandots, by which there were ceded to the United States, 
1,034,000 acres of land, 330,128 of which were situated within 
Illinois. 

Treaty of Vincennes, concluded August 13, 1803, with certain 
chiefs and warriors of the Kaskaskias, in consideration of the pro- 
tecting care of the government, of $580 in cash, of an increase of 
their annuity nnder the treaty of Greenville to $1000, of $300 
toward building a church, and an annual pa.yment for seven years 
of $100 to a Catholic priest stationed among them, the tribe of 
Kaskaskias, reduced to a few hundred individuals, but still repre- 
senting the once powerful coidederacy of the Illinois, ceded to the 
United States, excej)! a small reser\ atit)n, all that tract included 
Avithin a line beginning below the mouth of the Illinois, deseeJid- 
ing the Mississippi to its junction with the Ohio, asc<'ndiug the 
latter to the Wabash, and from a point up the Wabash west to 

The subject of slavery is deferred to Gov. Cole's administration, 



INDIANA TERRITORY. 235 

tlie Mississip])i, embracing the gTeater jKirt of southern Illinois, 
some S,(!()8,107 acres, a magnilicient grant. 

Treaty of ISt. Louis, concluded Noveml)er .'id, 1804, by wliicli the 
cliiefs and head men of the united Sac and Fox nations ceded to 
the United States, a, gi-e;it ti'iict on both sides of the JVIississippi, 
extending on the east bank IVom the mouth of the Illinois to the 
liead of that I'iver and thence to the Wisconsin, and iiichidingon 
the west considerable portions of lowii and Missouri, fi'om the 
mouth of the Gascomule mn-thward. (In 1810 the government 
granted hack to the united tribes about r),0(K»,01)() acres in ](>\\a). 
Out of this tieaty, as we shall see, subse(juently grew the J Mack 
Hawk war. 

Tredti/ of Vinccrines, concluded Decend)er 3()tli, 1805, by wliich 
the chiefs and warriors of the I'iatdveshaw" tribe ceded to the United 
States their claim to a tract of country in Illinois, bordering on 
the Wabash river oi)])osite Vincennes, extending nortli and south 
for a considerable distance, and comi)rising U,(>1(),1)1!4 acres. 

Thus by successive treaties all the southern third of Illinois and 
a broad belt of hind between the lllin(.>is and :Mississip])i rivers, 
bordering on both strea-ms and running northward to the Wiscon- 
sin, was (li\'esred of the Indian titU', as early a.s 1805; but while 
much of the country was thus lawfully thi'own open to the advance 
of tiie enterprising pioneer, the children of the forest still lingered 
around theii- ancient hunting grounds, reluctant to abandon t!ie 
scenes of their youth and the graves of their ancestors, notwith- 
standing the solemn cession of their native land to the ])owei-ful 
goNcrnment of the ])a,le faces, the receipt of payment, and their 
])romises to retire. iN'or did they abstain from occasional maraud- 
ing excursions into the frontier settlements of the whites. The 
remoteness of Illinois from the Atlantic seaboard, its <lestitutiou 
of many of the comforts of civilized society, and exposure to the 
precarious amity of the savages, to a great extent deterred emi- 
grants from coming hither. Tliey found, aside from the quality of 
the soil, equal o])portunities in Kentucky, Ohio, and soutliei'n 
Indiaim, witli greater security from danger and more convenience 
of access in their slow^aiid toilsome mode of ti'avel. Hence, at this 
time the settlements on the Wabash, the Illinois, and the U])i)er 
jMississip])i, increased slowly, conii)aied with tlu^ regions above 
mentioned. 

Virginia, by lier deed of cession, had stipulated thaf'the Ui'cnch 
and Canaclian inhabitants, and all other settlers of the Kaskas- 
kias, St. Vincents, and the neighboring villages, Avho professed 
thenisehes citiztMis of Vii'ginia, shall liaAC their ])ossessions and 
titles coidirmed to them, and be protecte<l in the enjoyments of 
their rights and liberties." The congress of the old (ionfiideration, 
by resolutions of June 20th and August 20, 1788, ordained that 
ste|)s be immedhitely taken for (;onfirming in their j)ossessions and 
titles to hinds the French and Uanadian inhabitants, and other 
settlers, who, on or before 1783, had professed themselves citizens 
of the United States, or of any State; and that a donation should 
be given each of the families then living at either of the \illages 
of Kaskaskia, Prairie du Kocher, Cahokia, I^>rt ( Uiartres, or St. 
Phillips. Out of this grew the old "head-right" claims, of which 
it seems there were oidy a total of 24-1 in all the country. We 
have seen that in 1790 the French, in their impoverished condition, 



236 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS, 

objected strenuously to payiug- the expense of surveys. Congress 
passed a law March 3, 1791, i)roviding further, that where lands had 
been actually improved and cultivated, under a. supposed grant of 
the same by any conimaudant or court claiming authority to make 
such grant, the Governor of the territory was empowered and 
charged with the duty to confirm to the persons entitled thereto, 
as above, their heirs or assigns, the land sujtposed to have been 
granted to them, or such share of itas might be adjudged upon the 
proof to be reasonable, not exceeding 400 acres to any one person 
however. The benefits of this act were extended to persons enti- 
tled imder it, but who had removed out of the country, provided 
they or their heirs should return and occupy their lauds Avithin 5 
years. By the (Jth section of the same act, in the same numner, a 
grant of land not exceeding 100 acres was provided to each person 
who had not already obtained a donation as above from the United 
States, and who, on the first day of August, 1790, had been en- 
rolled in the militia and done militia duty. 

Governor St Clair had made many coiifinuations of these grants, 
but still a large number of claims remained unadjusted. The 
abeyance of these confirmations was a great hindrance to the set- 
tlement of that portion of the country where they were located. 
No one cared to in \ est a fair i>riee in lands, the title whereof was 
not estabhshedby survey and record. There was naturally much 
anxiety on the part of claimants, and those who desired to see the 
country fill up and prosper, to liave these obstacles cleared away. 
As a remedy, a law was passed by congress, March 15, 1801, estab- 
lishing land oflices at Kaskaskia, Vincennes and Detroit, for the 
saleof the public lands, ami constituting the registers and receivers 
a board of commissioners, upon which was devolved, for the 
respective districts at each place, the former ])owers and duties of 
the governor to exanune the validity of land claims, decide thereon 
according to justice and equity, and not confirm, but report their 
decisions to congress. The land otfice at Kaskaskia was author- 
ized to sell such of the lands included in the cession of the Kas- 
kaskia tribe of Indians, by treaty of August 13, 1S03, as were not 
claimed by any other tribes. 

Michael Jones and E. Backus were appointed register and re- 
ceiver, respectively, of the land ofitice at Kaskaskia. These 
gentlemen, in entering upon their duties as commissioners, soon 
learned that it would be necessary to proceed with great circum- 
spection, as many of the land claims presented discovered 
evidences of fraud, and hence their labor of investigation became 
immense, and they made but slow progress. They made an ehibo- 
rate report in 1810, which nuiy be seen in Vol, II, American State 
Papers — Public Lands, to which we are indebted for our facts in 
great part. See i)age 102, 

From a very early time these land claims of ancient grants, both 
French and Englisli — of donations to heads of families, "head 
rights," of improvement rights, and militia rights, became a rare 
field for the operation of specnlators. The French claims, owing 
to the poverty of this people, were in great part unconfirmed, 
and this circumstance, with others, contributed to force many of 
them into market. We have seen, also, with what facility the 
British commandant, Wilkins, made extensive grants to numerous 
favorites in various portions of the country, and these being 



INDIANA TERRITORY. 237 



apparently in coiitraYention of tlie King's proclamation of October 
7tli, 1703, were pnrcliased for a trifle-, and as for the militia rights 
of 100 acre tracts, while valid, they sold freely at 30 cents ])er 
acre, in high priced and triHiiig merchandise. Fr<nn the passage 
of the law of 1791 to the timetliat the commissioners took np the 
investigation of these claims, si»ecidation in them was rife, and very 
few of them renuiined in the hands of original claimants. The 
greed of specnlatorscansed nnmerous claims to x)ass current with- 
out close scrutiny as to the i)roofs npon which they rested, a 
circumstance which at the same time tended all the more to stimu- 
late the i)ro<luction of fraudulent claims. The number of 
fraudulent claims was comparatively great, but by purchase aiul 
assignment they, more than the genuine, became concentrated in 
the hands of a few speculators. The oflicial report of the commis- 
sioners for the district of Kaskaskia, made in ISIO to the secretary 
of the treasury, shows that tiiey rejected 800 land claims as either 
illegal or fraudulent, 370 being supported by perjuiy, and a 
considerable nund)er forged. The report further shows that the 
assignees were privy to l)oth these attempted frauds; the perjured 
depositions a|»i>eared in the handwriting of claimant speculators 
not unfrequently without a word changed by the sworn sigiuns. 
There are 14 names given, both English and French, who made it 
a regular business to furnish sworn certificates, professing an in- 
timate knowledge, in every case, of the settlers who had nmde 
certain improvements, and Allien and where they were located, 
upon which claims were predicated. In some cases these names 
were assumed and the dei>onent would never a|)]K*ar;in some they 
were real and well known ; while still in others, puri)ortingto come 
from a distance, well known names Avould be forged. In one case 
several hundred depositions poured in upon the commissioners 
from St. Charles, jMissouri, in the names of gentlemen formerly 
well known in Kaskaskia. The commissioners, having their 
susi»icions aroused that they were forgeries, summoned them to 
api)ear before them, which they readily did, though they c<mld not 
have been compelled to, and Avith tears in their eyes declared on 
oath that they lived in Upper Louisiana, that they had never l)een 
in St. Charles in their lives, and that tlu^ dei)ositions Avere des|)ic- 
able forgeries. A Frenchman, clerk of the I'arish of Praiiie du 
Eocher, "without property and fond of liquor," after having given 
some 200 (k'positions in favor of three certain land clainmnt si)ec- 
nlators, Avhose names Avould be familiarly recognized to-day, "was 
imluced either by compensation, fear, or the impossibility of 
obtaining absolution on any other terms, to declare on oath that 
the said des])ositions Avere false, and that in giving them in, he 
had a regard to something beyond the truth."* 

It is not i>leasant for an lllinoisan to read in the public archives 
of our country, note<l after the honored names of the first pronn- 
nent settlers of onr State, whose descendents haA^e become 
conspicuous in its subsequent history, by sworn and intelligent 
ofticials the danmging Avords of "perjury," "deed forged," " fraud 
and perjury," time and again, in support of land claims; but such 

[Note.— The forged and perjured depositions were mostly adduced to support claims 
presented by Robert Morrison, John Edfrar, Robert Reynolds, AVm. Morrison, Richard 
Lord, Wm. Kelley, and others. Am. State Papers, vol. ii, 104— Pub. Lands, 3, lb. 115— 
XoO.3 



238 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



is the fact. Well might a cotemporary, young at the time, snbse-- 
qiieiitly exclaim, tliat "])arties Vveie branded with peijury and 
foriicry to an alarming extent."! But when he further .says that 
"the best citizens in the country were stiginatized with the above 
crimes, Avithout cause," the facts appear against him. Much 
rancor and partisan feeling was engendered against the commis- 
sioners by the influential claimant speculators, who were thus 
thwarted to a great extent in their rascally schemes. The com- 
missioners close their report with these words: 

"We close this melancholy picture of human depravity, by ren- 
dering our devout acknowledgements that, in the awful alternative 
in which we have been placed, of either admitting i)eijured testi- 
mony in support of the claims before us, or having it turned 
against our characters and lives, it has, as yet, pleased Divine 
Providence wliich rules over the affairs of men, to preserve us both 
from legal murder and private assassination." 

The chiimants, particularly those who held by assignment, had 
met with little trouble in liavingtlieir claimscontirine(land])atents 
issued to them by Gov. St. Clair, while Illinois was part of the north- 
western territory. On the occasion of his visit to Illinois, in 1790, 
while the impoverislied French were unable to bear the expense 
of the government surveys, the rich and influential speculators 
readily met this difticnlty and obtained their patents. It seems 
that many of the goverm)r's conflrmations were made by the 
bundle. As but a single instance, cmt of many, we will cite his 
confirmation, in one bulk, of 90 donation rights to heads of fam- 
ilies, of 400 acres each, amounting to 3(1,000 acres of land, in the 
hands of John Edgar as assignee. We have already noted his 
confirmation of an English grant described as containing 
13,000, acres but which really contained 30,000, a moiety of which 
had been previously conveyed to his son. While this was the 
largest, there were many others in which his son shared, that 
r<'adily received his confirmation. Evident fraud and im])osition 
were also practi(;ed upon Governor Harrison in i)rocuring his con- 
firmation to land claims. 

As the report of the commissioners raised manifest doubts re- 
specting the validity or propriety of a number of confirmations by 
tlie governors, and as there was much dissatisfaction on the part 
of the claimants, congress, Feb. 20, 1812, passed an act for the 
revision of these land claims in the district of Kaskaskia. The 
commissioners under tliis law were Michael Jones, John Caldwell, 
and Thomas Sloo. Their investigations resulted in unearthing 
more facts and confirming many previous ones, damaging to the 
good name of gentlemen high in ofiticial life. Kegarding the 
English grant of 30,000 acres, which Governor St. Clair confirmed 
to his son, John Murray and John Edgar, they declared that the 
patent was issued after the governor's powders had ceased to exist 
and the Indiana Territory was stricken oft^ which rendered it a 
mdlity, and that the claim was founded neither in law nor equity, 
and ought not to be confirmed. It was, however, confirmed by 
congress. Governor St. Clair was empowered to make absolute 
coutirmations and issue patents for the lands ; but the land com- 
missioners imder the act of 1804 were not vested with the power 
of conlirmation — they were only an examining board for the in- 

+Reynold's Pioneer History. 



INDIANA TERRITORY. 239 

vestigation of tlie rights of claimants to aucient grants, head, 
improvement and militia riglits. 

A vote, talven September 11, 1804:, sliowed a majority of 138 
freeholders of the territory in favor of the second grade of terri- 
torial government, and in obedience to the will of the people. Gov- 
ernor Harrison ordered an election for re|)resentatives to the 
territoiial general assembly, for Jannary 3, 1805, which was to 
meet at Vincennes, Febrnary 7th following, and nominate ten men 
for the legislative coniicil. The members elect from Illinois were 
Shadracli Bond and AYilliani Biggs, of St. Clair, and George Fisher, 
of llan(loli)h. The names presented from Illinois for councilors, 
were Jean Francis l^errey and John Hay, of St. Glair, and Pierre 
Menard, of liandolph. Fresident Jefferson waived his right of 
selection in favor of Governor Harrison, asking only that he reject 
"land jobbers, dishonest men, and those who, thongh honest, 
might suffer themselves to be warped by party pri^jndice." Perrey 
and Menard were selected for Illinois. On the 7th of June follow- 
ing, the governor issued his proclamation convening the legislature 
for the 2yth of July, 180.5. Tins was the second time that the 
people of this country, through their represeidatives, exercised 
the law making power for their own local government. 

In his message, de]i^■ered the following day, the governor re- 
commended the passage of laws to prevent the saleof intoxicating 
liquors to the Indians, saying : " You have seen ovn- towns crowded 
M'ith drunken savages; our streets liowing with blood; their arms 
and clothing bait(U'ed for the liquor timt destroys them ; and their 
miserable women and children enduring all the extremities of cold 
and hunger; wholt^ villages have been swept away. A miserable 
renmantis all that remains to nmrk the situation of many warlike 
tribes." He recommended, also, a remodeling of the inferior 
courts, so a^ to insnre a more efticient administration of justice ; 
an improved militia system ; more efficient punishment for horse 
stealing; and ways and means for raising a revenue, saying, that 
this latter would be their most difficult and delicate duty; that while 
few were the objects of taxation in a new country, it must still be a 
burthen, and the commencement of our tinancial operations must 
be expected to be attended by some trilling, though he trusted, 
temporary embarrassments. The legislature, by joint ballot, 
elected Benjamin Parke, of Indiana, territorial delegate to con- 
gress. The levying of taxes, as was anticipated, created consid- 
able dissatisfaction among some of the people. The poll tax was 
particularly obnoxious to the French residents. Their indigiuition 
found vent at a public meeting, held at Vincennes, Sunday, Au- 
gust 10, 1807, where it was " resolved" that they would ''withdraw 
their contidence and support forever from those men who advocated, 
or in any manner promoted, the second grade of government."* 

The legislature re-enacted many of the general laws selected and 
adopted by the governors and judges of both the Northwestern 
and Indiana terri tori ties, under the first grade of their respective 
governments. Provision was made for a collection and thorough 
revision of the laws, by a commission. Accordingly, a volume was, 
two years later, produced, bearing the following title: "Laws of 
the Indiana Territory, comprising those acts formerly in force, and 
as revised by INIessrs. John Rice Jones and John Johnson, and 

♦Dillon's Indiana. 



240 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

passed (after araeudinents) by the legislature ; and the original 
acts passed at the first session of the second general assembly of 
the said territory — began and held at the boroiigh of Vincennes, 
on the 10th day of August, A. 1). 1807." Messrs. Stout and 
Smoot, "printers for the territory," were the publishers ; the paper, 
on wliicli it was i)rinted, was brought on horseback from George- 
town, Kentucky. 

Tliis collection of old statutes relates principally "to the organ- 
ization of superior and inferior courts of justice, the appoint- 
ment and duties of territorial and county officers, prison and 
prison bounds, real estate, interest and money, marriages, 
divorces, licenses, ferries, grist-mills, elections, militia, roads and 
highways, estrays, trespassing, animals, inclosure and cultivation 
of common fields, relief of poor, taverns, improving the breed of 
horses, taxes and revenues, negroes and mulattoes under inden- 
tures as servants, fees of officers, sale of intoxicating liipiors, 
relief of persons imprisoned for debt, Ivilling wolves, jirohibiting 
the sale of arms an<l ammunition to Indians and other pei'sous, 
the standard of weights and measures, vagrants, authorizing aliens 
to purchase and hold real estate in the territory,"* etc. The pen- 
alties provided for crimes and misdemeanors, were, death fur 
treason, murder, arson and horse-stealing ; manslaughter, i)unish- 
able as provided at common law; burglary and robbery, each by 
whipping, fine and, in some cases imprisonment not exceeding 40 
years ; riotous conduct, by fine and imprisonment ; larceny, by 
fine or whipping, and in certain cases, bound out to labor not 
ex(;eeding 7 years ; forgery, by fine, disfranchisement and stand- 
ing in the j^illory ; assault and battery, as a crime, by fine not 
exceeding $100; hog-stealing, by fine and whipping; gambling, 
profane swearing and Sabbath-breaking, each by fine ; bigamy, by 
fine, whipi)ing and disfranchisement. The disobedience of ser- 
A ants and children, a justice of the i)eace was entitled to i)unish 
by imprisonment in the jail until the culprit was " humbled," and 
if the offense was accompanied by assaidt, he might be whipped, 
not exceeding 10 stripes. 

*Dillon's Indiana. 

The laws, relating to indentured slaves, are treated under Governor Cole's adminis- 
tration. 



Chapter XXI. 

1809— ILLINOIS TEEEITOEY. 

Opposition to Division — Jesse B. Thomas— Gov. Udwards — Nathaniel 
Pope — Territorial Federal Judges — The Governor avoids the meshes 
of the Separationists and Anti-Separationists — Condition and Pop- 
nhition of the Territory. 



By act of congress, approved Febrnary 3, 1809, all that part 
of the Indiana Territory lying' "west of the Wabash river, and a 
direct line drawn from the said Wabash river and Post Vincennes, 
dne uortli to the territorial line between the L^'nited States and 
Canada,'' should, after the first of March following-, constitute a 
separate territory, and be called Illinois. This, it will he i)erceived, 
included the present State of Wisconsin. The population of the 
newly organized territory Avas estimated at about 9,000, leaving 
in Indiana about double tiiat number. 

There are many things which usually influence any American 
community in the desire to be inde})en(1ent. The main reasons 
advanc(Hl by Illinois in favor of a separation from Indiana were, 
the "wide extent of wilderness country" which intervened between 
the civilized settlements of the country on the Mississippi, about 
the only ones in Illinois, and the seat of government on the 
Wabash, rendering the ordinary protection of government to life 
and property almost nugatory; the inconvenience, expense and 
dangers of long journeys whose routes led through sections wholly 
inhabited l)y savages, which litigaiits in the superior courts of the 
territory were compelled to incur for themselves and witnesses; 
and the almost total obstruction to an efiicient administration of 
the laws in counties so distant from the seat of government as 
those of Illinois. Xotwithstanding the remoteness and isolation 
of this country from the centers of i)0])ulation in the United 
States at that early day, the tide of enngration i>ressed westward 
with a gradual but ever increasing flow. In 1805 IMicliigan was 
erected into a separate territory, and by this time Illinois contained 
a wliite population fully as great as that of the whole teiritory of 
Indiana when detached from Ohio five years before. The question 
of separation in Illinois grew apace from this time on; it was re- 
peatedly pressed upon the attention of congress by legislative 
memorials in 1806, 1807 and 1808, until that body finally disposed 
of the subject as above stated. But while the people of Vincennes 
and neighboring villages east of the Wabash opposed the separa- 
tion from interested motives, for a division would before many 
years elapsed take from them the seat of government and remove 
it to a more central locality, and would also increase the rates of 
10 ' 211 



242 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



taxation, what may appear difficult of solution was the fact that 
iu Illinois tliere was anything- hut unanimity in favtu" of division and 
indciK'ndence. A violent anti-separation party sprung up here, 
which, though greatly overhorne by nund)ers, by its activity 
aroused a deep and angry feeling which ultimately resulted iu 
bloodshed. l>y the machinations of the opposers to a division 
"one of the warmest friends and ablest advocates of the measure 
was assassinated at Kaskaskia in consequence."* The question 
of separation turned upon the ability of the Illinois members of 
the Legislature, in session at Vincennes in October 1808, to elect 
a delegate to congress in place of Benjamin Parke, resigned, Mho 
jshould be tavorable to the division. The Illinoisans found a suit- 
able candidate in anindiana mend)erof the House, who was also 
Speaker, by the luime of Jesse 13. Thomas, who, for the sake of 
going to congress, was read}* to violate the sentiments of his con- 
stituents upon this question. But the Illinois members, with a 
due appreciation of the i)romises of politicians, even at that early 
day, re(pured of this gentleiiuin, before they would vote for him, 
to sui)i)ort his pledges by his bond, conditioned that he would 
procure from congress a division, whereui)on he was triumphantly 
elected by a bare majorit}" with the aid of his own vote.f He was 
hung in effigy at Vincennes by the anti-separationists; but he dis- 
charged his pledges and his bond, by procuring the division from 
congress; and, as it was doubtless desmible to change his residence, 
he came home .with a commission for a federal judgeship of the 
new territory in his x>ocket and removed to Illinois. 

By the act of separation, the people of Illinois were also entitled 
to all and singular the rights, privileges and advantages granted 
and secured to the peo})le under the ordinance of 1787, which was 
a|)plied to the territory — fair words enough, but the ordinance con- 
ferred little political power; the i)revi(ms duties were imposed upon 
the new ofiticers, and the President \Aas enai)Owered to nuike 
appoiutments during the recess of congress; provision was nuule 
for the organization of the second grade of teiTitorial government, 
whenever the governor should at any time be satished that a nui- 
jority of the freeholders of the territory desired the same, 
notwithstanding there were less than 5,000 inhabitants, fixing the 
nund)er of representatives, in such case, at not less than seven iu)r 
more than nine, to be apportioned among the counties by the gov- 
ernor; the legislative council and delegates tocongress were made 
elective by the people; the old officers were continued in the exer- 
cise of their duties in Indiana, but prohibited in llhnois ; provision 
was made for the final disposition of all suits from Illinois pending 
in the court at Vincennes, for the collection of taxes levied and 
due; and the seat of government was fixed at Kaskaskia, until 
otherwise ordered by the legislature. 

•See address of citizens to Gov. Edwards, at Kaskaskia, June, 1809, 

+See Ford's Illinois, p. 30. 

rNoTE —A curious state of affairs obtained witb regard to Indiana after the separa- 
tion of Illinois. On the 2()tii of October, 1808, tiie governor had dissolved the legisla- 
ture : by act of congress, Februarys, 1809, Illinois Avas detached, taking with it five 
members, which would have dissolved the legislature had it notalready been dissolved; 
later in the same month, on the 27th, congress passed a law extending tlie right of 
suffrage and prescribing tlie nvuiiber of representatives for the territory, and further, 
directed the legislature to apportion the representatives ; but there was no legishitiu-e 
in existence to make the appurtionTiient. Indiana was in political chaos— something 
was required of a body that she did nt)t possess, and whicli it was impossible for her to 
legally create. livit Governor Harrison cut the gordean knot, and, legally or otherwise, 
appoitioned the territory, Issued writs of election for a new legislature, and in October 



ILLINOIS TEERITORY. 243 

Kiiiiaii Edwards, at the time chief justice of the Courtof Ap^ieals 
in Kentucky, became governor of the newly organized territory 
of Illinois. John Boyle, of the same State, at first received the 
appointment of Governor, but declined the office and accepted 
that of associate justice of the same court whereof Edwards was 
Chief Justice. Edwards was (h'sirous of liliing the vacancy, and at 
the recommendation of Henry Clay, received the ap[)ointment from 
President Madison, his commission bearing date April -J4, 1<S(M>. 

In his letter to the president, Henry Chiy spoke of Judge Ed- 
wards as follows: ''The honorable appointments which this 
gentleman has held (first as a judge of our Superior Court, and 
then promoted to his present station), evince how highly he is esti- 
mated among us." And in ai letter of the same date to the Hon. Eobt. 
Smith, he said: "His political principles accord with those of the 
Republican party. His good understanding, weight of character 
and conciliatory manners, give him very fair pretentions to the 
offi(;e alluded to. * * * I have no doubt that the whole repre- 
sentation froiu the State, when consulted, would concur in ascrib- 
ing to liiiu every qualification for the othce in question." 

Ninian Edwards was born in Montgomery county, Md., in 1775, 
and at the time of his iipi>ointinent as goverm>r was about .'H years 
old. He obtained his early education in company with and partly 
under the tuition of William Wirt, his senior by two years, and life 
long friend. After a collegiate course at Carlyle, Pa., he (•om- 
menced the study of law, but before finishing it was sent to 
Kentucky to select lands for his brothers and sisters and open a 
farm. He located in isTelson county, and being furnished with 
ample means in a new country where the character of society was 
as yet unformed, and surrounded by companions whose pleasures 
and pursuits were in sensual indulgences, he fell into indiscretions 
and excesses for two oi- three years.* But in the then standard of 
society, this did not prevent liis election to the Kentucky Legisla- 
ture. Subsequently he broke away from his dissolute companions 
and habits, removed to iiusselville, and devoted himself to lalxiri- 
ous study. He soon attaiiu'd eminence in his profession. Before 
lie was 32 years old he had tilled in succession the offices of pre- 
siding judge ot the general court, circuit judge, 4th judge of the 
court of appeals, and chief justice of the State, which last he hekl 
Avhen his associate justice, Boyle, received the appointment of 
territorial governor for lliiiiois. The two, to suit their respective 
inclinations, exchanged offices, Edwards, through the patronage 
of Mr. Clay, becoming governor, and Boyle chief justice. Governor 
Edwards was a large, fine looking man, with a distinguished air and 
courtly maiuners, who wielded a ready i)en and was fiuent of speech. 

The territorial judges ai)i)ointed, besides Thomas, were Alex- 
ander Stuart and William Sprigg. The former was a Virginian, a 
man of fine education and i^olished manners, who,t however, re- 

foUowing convened it for business. But that body, entertaining- doubts whetlier it was 
really a legislature or not, prepared a statement to congress, petitioning that power to 
constitue it a legal body, and adjourned temporarily to await action upon the case. 
Such are some of the inconveniences of government where original sovereignty does 
not reside in the people, but is derived from a power superior to them— an apparent 
anomoly in the theory of American government. — See Dillon's Ind.] 

*Gov. Edward's Life, by his son. 

+.ludge Creese, in the address of laying the corner stone of the new State House by 
Judge Caton, says: '"And withall a good liver, of whom it is said he esteemed the 
turkey the most inconvenient of the poultry tribe, as it was too large for one and not 
large enough for two." 



244. HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

maiiK'd on the bench in Illinois but a short time, being changed 
to Missouri. His successor was Stanley Griswold, a good lawyer 
and an honest man, who, as Gov. Reynolds says in his Pioneer 
History, "paid his debts and sung David's Psalms." He was after- 
W'ards transferred to Michigan, and Thomas Towles became his 
successor. William Spi'igg was born and reared in Maryland, where 
his brotlier attained to the high office of governor. His education 
was classical and he was deeply read in the law. He was a man 
of singular purity of heart and simplicity of manner — lacking 
totally in all the arts of the politician.* 

Nathaniel Pope, a relative of the governor, was appointed secre- 
tary of the territory. He was born in Kentu.cky, at the Falls of the 
Ohio, in 1784. His education was collegiate, being one of the early 
graduates of Transylvania University, at Lexington. His imtural 
endowments of head and heart, were very superior. To a fine 
analytical mind, he added a genial and benevolent disi)Osition, 
and great dignity of character. He selected the law for a profes- 
sion, and soon mastered its intricacies. At the age of 21, he emi- 
grated to St. Genevieve, then Upper Louisiana, where he learned 
to speak French (juite fluently. Five years later, he was appointed 
secretary of the Illinois territory. As such, in the absence of the 
governor, he was empowered, under the ordinance of 1787, to dis- 
charge the duties of the latter's office. On the 25th of April, 
1809, at St. Genevieve, before Judge Shrader, he took the oath of 
office, and coming to Illinois, inaugurated the new government on 
the 28th instant, by issuing his proclamation to that effect. The 
counties of St. Glair and Randolph were reinstated as the two coun- 
ties of the Illinois territory. On the 3d of May, he ai)X>oiiited and 
commissioned Elias Rector attorney-general, John Hay sherilf, 
Enoch Moore corojier, and 17 justices of the peace. 

On the 11th of Junefollowing, Governor Edwards assumed the 
duties of his office. He had taken tbe oath of office in Kentucky, 
before his departure. Upon his arrival at Kaskaski a, his Excel- 
lency was tendered a flattering public address by the citizens, in 
which he was asked to esi)ouse the side of the "virtuous majority" 
by whose i^atriotic exertions the territory had been tlivided 
and his Excellency attained his high station, and to whom ought 
to be distributed the offices in his gift, rather tlmn to those who 
never ceased to oppose the measure and heap calumnies and indig- 
nities ui)on its friends. The governor, unwilling to become a part- 
isan on either side, made a felicitous but non-committal reply. He 
re-appointed John Hay clerk of St. Clair county, and, as a curious 
instance of official self-succession to office in this country, we will 
mention that he held that public trust from thence on, luitil his 
decease, in 1845. In place of Rector, Benjamin H. Doyle had 
been appointed attorney-general, and he resigning, John J. Crit- 
tenden, of Kentucky, was apijointed; but the latter, after holding 
the office a few months, also resigned, when his brother, Thomas 
L., succeeded him. 

On the 10th of June, 1809, the governor, joined by Judges Stuaxt 
and Sprigg (Thomas being still absent in Washington), coustitut- 

*Reynolcls, in his Pioneer Histoi-y, says that Sprig-o- accompanied Governor Edwards in 
his canipaiorn against the Indians on Peoria Lai^o, in 181L', unencumbered by gxin or other 
weapon indicating- bellijierency. ''His pacific aiui sickly appearance, tosrether with his 
perfect philosopliic indifference as to war or jieace, life or death made him the subject 
of much discussion amons- the troops. He was the only savant in tliearniy." 



ILLINOIS TERRITORY. 245 

big a legislative body in the first grade of territorial government, 
under tlie 5tli section of the ordinance of 1787, met and re-enacted 
sncli of the laws of the Indiana- territory, with which the people, 
wlio for nine years liad formed a part thereof, were familiar, and 
as were snitableand applicable to Illinois, and not local or special 
to Indiana. JMany of these laws Avere those which, witbont change 
of phraseology, had either been originally imported or enacted by 
the authorities of the old N^orthwestern territory. 

Tims was i)nt into operation the machinery of civil government 
in the Territory of Illinois ; but Governor Edwards, owing to the 
local political dissensions, growing out of the question of territor- 
ial division, which had degenerated into personal animosities, met 
with no inconsiderable ditticulties in avoiding the meshes of these 
factions, struggling fiercely for respectix^e ascendancy. He re- 
solved not to be caught in the toils of either party, and for the 
interests and prosperity of the country, sought to ignore the entire 
question that it might i>ass into oblivion. At that day, the militia ' 
system, which had received the earnest recommendation of Gover- i 
nor Harrison, and which was also a necessity of the times, was in; 
full and eliective operation. AVith the dissolution of the Indiana i 
territory, it became the duty of Governor Edwards to re-organize 
the militia for the new territory of Illinois. The separatiouists 
urged his Excellency to appoint none to oftice in the militia who 
had ever opposed the division of the territory-; itut this would 
have committed him contrary to his judgment- The anti-separa- 
tionists pressed him to re-appoint all the old ofticers ; but as a new 
commission would have voided all otfenses for which any officer 
might have been tried and punished by dismissal, he refused to 
accede to that also. To steer clear of both Scylla and Charibdis, 
he referred t!ie question to the people, by directing the militia 
companies to elect the company officers, and the latter to choose 
the field officers. With tliese orders, his Excellency retired from 
the field of contention to Kentucky, to wind up some unfinished 
court business, and upon his return, late in the fall, he issued an 
address tothe people, explanatory of his course, and commissioned 
the militia offi('<'rs returned to him as elected. 

The poi>ulation of the territory, at the time of its organization, 
was estimated at OOUO; tliQ. census of 1810 returned it at a total of 
13,282 — 11,501 whites, 108 slaves, 013 of all others, except Indians 
— being an increase of some 400 percent duri)ig the preceding- 
decade. The frontiers had been steadily advanced by the adven- 
turous ]>ioneers. To the north, the settlements had extended 
to the Wood river country, in the present Madison county; east- 
ward, on Silver creek and up the Kaskaskia river; south and east, 
from Kaskaskia, some 15 miles out on the Fort Massac road; the 
Birds had located at the mouth of the Ohio; at old Massac and 
the Ohio salines, there had been nuclei of settlements for 
some time; Shawneetown,* the nearest point on the Ohio to the 
salt wells, 12 miles west, had contained a few straggling houses 

*Sha-wneetown. which derives its name from a dissatisfied band of tbat tribe of Ind- 
ians located there from l',o5 to about 1760, was laid out by the direction of the United 
States croverment, in 1813-1-i, and for a quarter of a century was the ijrineit)al town iu 
the State. The site, chosen with reference to its eontio-uity tothe United States salines, 
was an unfortunate one, beins suhject to repeated inundations. In 1S13, a tiood rose to 
the rid»e poles on the roofs of many of the logr houses, and swept 40 of them away, be- 
sides other damage to stock, feucinjr, etc, Petitions to chanae the Jocation tothe 
mouth of the Saline creek, 8 miles below, were disregarded. 



246 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

since 1805; along the west side of tlie Wabash, opposite Viu- 
ceuues, were scattered a few families, one McCawley iiaviug pen- 
etrated inland to the crossing of the Little Wabash by the Viu- 
cennes road, but the latter were mostly abandoned during tlie war 
of 1812. Indeed, the new settlements were very sparse and all 
feeble, and from 1810, until the close of the war, 4 years later, 
immigration was almost at a stand. Nine-tenths of the territory 
was a howling wilderness, over which red savages held domin- 
ion and roamed at will, outnumbering the whites at least three to 
one. 



Chapter XXII. 

IXDIAX TEOUBLES IX ILLIXOIS PKECEDIXG THE WAR 

OF 1812 

The Couniry put in a State of Defence by the Organization of Kang- 
ing Companies and the Building of Bloalc-house and Stoclcade 
Forts — Governor Edn-ards Sends an Envoy to Gonio\H Village — ■ 
Battle of Tippecanoe — Indian Council at Cahokia. 



The British, after the war of IiKlependeuce, relinquished witli 
great i^ehietaiiee, as we liiive seei), their hohl upon th(^ northwest- 
ern territory. The confederated tribes of the iiortliwe.st only 
ceased tlieir warfare wlien they found their last hope of British 
aid cut off by Jay's treaty at London, Xovend)er, 17i)l; but tliis 
treaty <lid not coA'er all the outra<ieous pretensions of Great ]>rit- 
ain. lu lier desperatewar with France, later, slie boldly boarded 
American vessels on the hi^h seas, searching for English-born 
seamen, impressing them into her marine service upon tlie ground 
of " once an Englishman, always an Englishman," and denying 
expatriation and American citizenshii) by naturalization. Xor did 
she scrutinize very closely as to the nationality of the seamen 
impr(\ssed, as in the case of the Chesapeake, boarded off the 
coast of Virginia, where, of four of the crew taken as deserters, 
three were of American birth. In the retaliatory measures 
between France and Engiainl, to x>i'tivent trade and commerce 
with either power, our vessels, as neutrals, became the prey of both, 
hostile nations. The affair of the Chesapeake intensitied the feel- 
ing already deep; Jefferson ordered all British ships-of-war out 
of the waters of the United States, and congress laid an embargo 
on American vessels, forbidding them to leave port, to the great 
injury of American commerce. 

In the West, Ibitish ennssaries were busy arousing the noith- 
western savages to war against the United States. Harrison's 
zeal and activity in divesting the Indian titles to western lauds, 
was no inconsiderable pro\'ocative. In September, ISOl), he had 
held a treaty at Fort Wayne with the Delawares, Potawattoniies, 
Miamis, Kickapoos, W<'as and Eel lliver Indians, who, in consid- 
eration of $2,350 as annuities, and 88,200 of presents in hand, 
ceded to the United States a large tract of country, coin])risiug 
near three million acres of land in Indiana, extending up the \Va- 
bash above Terre Haute, and interiorly to include the middle 
waters -of White river, and trenching upon the home and hunting 
ground of the great Shawnee warrior, Tecumseh, whose nation 

247 



248 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



was not a x)arty to the treaty, and who deuouuced it as imjust aud 
illegal. 

At a coimcil, invited by Governor Harrison and held at Vin- 
cennes, August 12, 1810, Tecuiuseh, followed by lOO warriors, 
maintained that all the northwestern tribes were one nation, hold- 
ing their lands in cojunion, and that without the consent of all 
the tribes concerned, no treaty of purchase and cession was a alid; 
that his purpose was to wrest power from the village chiefs 
and put it in the hands of the war chiefs. Xor did he deny having 
threatened to kill the chiefs who had treacherously signed the 
treaty. An angry discussion arose between Harrison and Tecum- 
seh, the latter boldly avowing his purpose to hold the lands con- 
veyed by the treaty, and resist the further intrusion of the 
W'liites. He made an impassioned and bitter recital of the wrongs 
and aggressions of the whites upon the Indians, declaring they 
had been driven back from the sea coast now to be pushed into 
the lakes. Harrison ridiculed his pretensions and the wrongs of 
his people, whereupon Tecumseh si>rang to his feet, and excitedly 
charged his Excellency with cheating and imposing upon the Ind- 
ians. His red warriors, inhamed by his vehement manner, sim- 
ultaneously siezed their tomahawks and brandished their war 
clubs, as if ready for the work of massacre. A moment of silent 
but awfid suspense to the whites, who were unarmed, followed. 
ISTo further demonstration was however made, and Tecumseh, 
spurned by Harrison, retired, determined to adhere to the old 
boundary. 

The ill-feeling, steadily on the increase, between the United 
States and Great Britain, w;is early api)rehende(l by the savages 
through tlie machinations of British agents and traders on the north- 
western frontier. Nicholas Jarrott, of Cahokia, having just 
returned from a trip to Prairie du Chien, made aftidavit, June 28, 
ISO',), that British agents and traders at that post, and on the fron- 
tiers of Canada, were inciting the Indians to hostility, and fitting 
them out with guns and amuRiiiition for demonstrations against 
the western settlers.* The savages were greatly emboldened by 
these friendly offers to commit dei)redations upon tlie American 
settlements. In July, 1810, a band of Potawattomies, from Illinois, 
made a raid upon a settlement in Missouri, opposite the mouth of 
the Gasconade, stealing horses and other property. The owners, 
with their friends to the nund)er of six, made pursuit. The Ind- 
ians, who were discovered at the distance of a few miles, to battle 
their pursuers, changed their course. The whites, after a latiguing 
march, went into camp, and neglecting to post a guard, fell soundly 
asleep. In the night, the Indians, with demoniac yells, ponnced 
upon the* sleepers and tomahawked all but two. The survivors 
speedily spread the dreadful tidings, which created great excite- 
ment at the time. The proof from various circumstances being- 
clear that the murderers were Potawattomies, the governor of 
Missouri made a requisition upon the governor of Illinois for them. 
During the same year, hostile demonstrations were made by the 
Sac and Fox nations, from Illinois, against Fort jMadison, situate 
on the west bank of the Mississippi, above theDesMoines Rai)ids. 
Hostilities also existed between the lowas and Osages, both resid- 

*Annals of the West,— Appendix. This was, however, denied by a communication 
from Messrs. Bleakly aud Portier,the parties implicatedj of Prairie du Chieu. 



ILLINOIS TERRITORY. 249 

iiig west ot the Mississippi. In 1811, the Iiuliaiis coininitted 
many murders upon tlie whites in Illinois. Near the forks of Shoal 
creek, on the 2(1 of June, the family of Mr. Cox being absent, 
except a young man and woman, a party of savages killed the 
former, mangling his body liorribly, stole tlie horses, and carried 
ofl" the gul a prisoner. The Coxes and neighbors, to the number 
of eight or ten, made i)ursuit, and some 50 miles north of the pres- 
ent Springfield, overtook the Indians, re-captured their property, 
and during the rand)ling tight, the girl, after being wounded by a 
tomahawk in the hip, made her escape and joined lier friends. In 
the same month, at the lower part of the present city of Alton, 
where a j\[r. Price and another named Pullis, were plowing corn, 
a party of Indians were observed approaching the spring in the 
viciidty, Avhere there was a cabin. The whites unhitched their 
horses and seized their guns; but the Indians declared themsehes 
friendly, and one of them, a tall, stout fellow, laid down his gun 
and gave Price his hand, but in so doing, held him fast while the 
others tomahawked him to death. At this, his comj>anion bounded 
on his horse and made good his escape, with a wounded thigh.* 
But Ave will not further detail these horrid Indian butclieries. 
The people saw their imniinence, and began to make preparations 
for defence. Forts and stockades began to be built, and in July 
of the same year, a conii>any of "rangers," oi; mounted riflemen, 
was raised and organized in the Goslien settement of Illinois. 

Congress, in 1811, passed an act for the organization of 10 com- 
panies of mounted rangers, to protect the frontiers of the AVest. 
These companies constituted the 17th United States regiment, 
and Colonel William Eussel, an old Indian lighter of Kentucky, 
was assigned to its command. The comiianies Avere generally 
made up of frontier citizens, who had the additicnial stimulus in 
their duties of imnuMliately defending their honu's, kindred and 
neigldnu-s. Each ranger had to furnish his own horse, provisions 
and equipments all complete, and the recompense from the govern- 
ment was one dollar per day. They ai)pointed their own company 
officers, and were eidisted for one year. Four com}>anies were 
allotted to the defence of Illinois, whose respective captains were, 
Sanuiel and William 1). Whitcsides, James P. ]Moore, and Jacob 
Short. Independent cavalry com])anies Avere also organized for 
the protection of the renu»te settlcuients in the loAA'er Wabasli 
country, of Avhich Willis ilargrave, William AlcIFenry, Nathaniel 
Journey, Captain Craig, at Sha^vneeto^\n, and William Poon, on 
the Big Muddy, Avere, respectively, connnanders, ready on short 
notice of Indian outrages, to nmke pursuit of the de])redators. 
These ranging companies performed most efficient service in the 
protection of the settkMuents in Illinois against the savage foe. 
The rangers and mounted militia, in times of su])i>osed ])eril, con- 
stantly scoured the country a considerable distance in advance of 
the frontier settlers ; and yet the savages Avould oiten prowl 
through the settlements, commit outrages, and elude succctisful 
pursuit. 

Great numl)ers of block-house forts, or stations for the security 
of families, Avere built, extending from the llIiiH)is i-iver to the 
Kaskaskia, thence to the United Stated salines, near the present 
town of E(pudity, up the Ohio aiul Wabash, and nearly to all set- 

•Keynold's Pioneer History. 



250 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

tlenieiits in Illinois. Some of these forts were situated as follows : 
One on the present site of tlie town of Carlyle; one a small dis- 
tance above the present town of Aviston, known as Journey's 
fort ; two on the east side of Shoal creek, known as Hill's and 
Jones' forts ; one a few miles soutlieast of the present town of 
Lebanon, on the west side of Looking-glass prairie, known as 
Chambers' fort; on the Kaskaskia river were MiddletoJi's and 
Going's forts; one on Doza creek, a few miles from its moutli, 
known as Nat. Hill's; two in the Jourdan settlement, eastern 
part of Franklin county, on the road to the salt works; one at 
the mouth of the Illinois river, and later, John Campbell, a United 
States officer, erected a small block-house on the west bank of the 
Illinois (Prairie Marcot), 19 miles above its mouth. More preten- 
tious military stations were established on the Mississippi, oppo- 
site the mouth of the Missouri, to guard the river; and on Silver 
creek, near Troy. But the main military depot was established 
about a mile and a half northwest of the present town of Edwards- 
ville, called Camp Kussell, in honor of the colonel commanding 
the 10 ranging companies. 

The simplest form of block-house forts consisted of a single 
house built of logs, comi)actly laid n]3 a story and a half or two 
stories high, with the corners closely trimmed, to prevent scaling. 
The walls of thelowerstory were provided with i)ort-holes ; the door 
was made of thick puncheons, and was strongly barred on the 
inside. The upper story projected over the lower three or four 
feet, Avith port-holes through the floor of the projecting irAii, 
which commanded the walls and sjtace below against any Indian 
attempts to force an entrance. They afforded entire sec^urity 
against the rude arts of savage war, but were only single 
family forts. A stockade fort consisted of four block-houses, 
as described above, or larger, pla<;ed one at ea(;h corner of a 
square piece of ground, of dimensions ample enough to accommo- 
date the number of peoi)le seeking shelter therein. The interven- 
ing space was tille<l u]) with timbers or logs, firmly set on end ui 
the ground, and extending upwards 1.5 or 15 feet. This was the 
stockade into whose sides port-holes were cut, high enough to be 
above the head, and to Avhich platforms were raised, from which 
to fire upon the enemy. There were also port-holes in the projecr- 
ing walls of the corner block -houses, which thus commanded the 
whole of the stockade walls on the outside. A^'ithin the stockade, 
cabins were built for the families to live in: Wells were dug for 
water, or, possibly, the site was selected over a spring. Tliere 
were usually two heavy entrance gates in the stockade walls, 
securely barred on the inside, and large enough to admit teams. 
In times of extra peril, horses, and sometimes other valuable do- 
mestic animals, were taken into the stockade over night for sai'ety. 
If the fort was not built out on thei>rairie, the woods was invaria- 
bly cleared back some distance, so as to affoi'd no i)lace of con- 
cealment to the stealthy enemy. It was often hazardous to iirst 
open the gates of a morning. JMilking jtarties, upon their errands, 
were not unfrequently attacked by the skulking red foe. At 
times, sentinels were often posted during the night, as in the case 
of regular garrisons. 

The most notable, as also the largest, strongest, and best 
appointed in every respect of the stockade forts, was Fort llussell, 



ILLINOIS TEEKITOEY. 251 

established by Governor Edwards early in 1812, about H- miles 
iioitliwestof the ]»reseiit Edwardsville, then on the extreme north- 
ern frontier. The eannon of Ijonis XIV, whieh had done service 
for many years in tlie ancient Fort (liartres, were remo^•ed thither 
and placed in position, where, if they served no other pur]>ose, 
their thundin' toiies reverberated over the broad ex])anse of wilder- 
ness prairie, and upon days of festivity, <U'ess parade, and other 
displays, added eclat to the occasions. Tliis stockade was made the 
main depot for military stores, and became also the general ren- 
dezvous for the nnlitia volunteers, rangers and regidars, as well as 
the great 2^'^V^f (Vapinii for the organization of expeditions into 
the country of savages on the Peoria lake. The only United States 
regulars, however, which cami)ed at this fort during the war, was 
a small coni])any, under tlie command of Captain iiamsey, early 
in the spring of 18J2. 

When Governor Edwards, during the perilous times of 1.S12, with 
Indian hostilities threatening on every haiul, assumed command 
of the Illinois forces, it A-\as here that he established his head- 
quarters. Here was gathered about him the beauty and chivalry 
of those days. AVithin the ]>rotecting walls of this stockade, 
defended without and within by brave, stouthearts, were attracted 
and fouiul shelter, much of the talent, fashion and wealtli of the 
country ; and here, his Excellency, not devoid of a mitural love for 
display and ])arade, presided with a courtly grace and stately dig- 
nity well belitting his tine i)ersonal appearance and his many 
accomplishnnMits. 

Early in the year 1811, numerous were thecom]»laints of horses 
being stolen, Inmses plundered, and alleged murders comnutted 
by the savages. Governor Clark, of Missouri, after the murder of 
the four citizens near the mouth of tlie (Sasconade, in August, 1810, 
made a, rcijuisition ui)on Governor Edwards for the authors of 
the crime. (Tovernor Edwards also wanti'd the tribes on the Illi- 
nois to STirrender the nuirderers of the Gox boy and Price, belV)re 
noticed, and to deliver \\\> the property stolen by the Indians for 
two years past. To effect these objects, he comnnssioned Gaptain 
Samuel Levering, an intelligent and discreet ofticer, who was fit- 
ted out with a boat by GoveriM)r (lark, duly jtrovisioned, nuinned 
and equipped. Levering was accompanied h\ ('a]>tain Herbert 
Henry Swearingen, a l*otawattonne named W'ish-Iia, and eight 
oarsmen, who signed articles to act as boatmen and soldiers, eacli 
armed with a gun. Tht'y started fiom Cahokia for Peoria, July 
25, 1811. Before leaving the IMississippi, they met (Japtain 
Whitesides with his rangers from the block-house, near the mouth 
of the Illinois, who informed them of firing on a party of Sacs 
ascending- the Illinois, but that their "summons" was disregarded. 
At Prairie Marcot, they found Lt. Cani})bell and his force of 17 
men. On the 3(1 of August they arrived at Peoria, and met 
Mr. Forsythe, the goverinnent Indian agent, Avho, by his long res- 
idence among the Indians, was thoroughly veiseil in their tongue. 
The princii)al chief of the Potawattomies there was Masseno, 
better knowji as Gomo. To him Mr. Forsythe had l)re^iously 
delivered a letter from Governor Clark, demanding a suirender 
of the Gasconade nuirderers. Gonu) was thought to be not unfa- 
vorable to tlie surrender, but claimed to not ha^'e power to enforce 
his solo will against so many. Here Captain Levering- learned, 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



fioin a Frenclinuiii, named Jacques Mettle, the whereabouts of the 
murderers ou Shoal creek, who were Potawattoiuies. A Freuch- 
mau, uanied Founder, was sent forward to ai)prise Gomo of the 
arrival of Captain Leverinj^' with a letter for him from Governor 
Edwards; but an Indian had preceded him, and reported that 
Levering was accompanied by a force of 50 men, and Gomo was 
unwilling to meet him Avithout an armed escort of 14 waniors. 
On the morning of the oth, however, the chief raised the Ameri- 
can Hag, and in answer to a message, called and received the 
governor's letter from the hands of Levering. He immediately 
sent out his young men to call together in council all his chiefs, 
who were mostly absent on distant journeys. Gomo professed 
his readiness to do justice to the Americans, so far as his power 
extended. Levering gave Gomo tobacco to be sent as a present 
with a message to tlie chiefs, and retired. The uuirderers of Price 
vrere found to be live brothers, Polsawines. 

Li the meantime, Capt. Levering and Mr. Fourniermade a visit 
to tlie Indian towns some L'O miles up the Illinois river. Gonio's 
town Avas still some 4 miles farther on and l)ack of the river 
bottom, where they arrived late one niglit. Tliey were hospitably 
entertained in the wigwnm of the cliief, which was built of bark 
an<l jiftbrded lodging room for 30 or more i)ersons. It was 25 by 
50 feet on the inside; sleeping banks, by 7, and 5 feet high were 
arranged around the lodge, upon which the Indians slept or 
lounged, with their lieads i)ointing toward the centre of the room 
and their feet toward the walls. Captain Levering and his 
comi)anions were honored A\ith one next to that of the chief and 
his fannly. Although it was late when the visitors arrived, a 
dish of new corn Avas set before them by the (ihief's squaAV, and 
while they were partaking of it, the chief smoked his pipe, as 
also the men, Avho generally quitted their sleeping i)la('es and 
squatted around the h)dge tires in the centre, "in all the solemnity 
of profound smoking," as a inark of etiquette due to strangers.* 

In his frequent informal communications Avith the Indians, 
Cai>taln Levering learned nuich of their internal polity and their 
feelings toward the Americans, Avhom they regarded as their ene- 
mies, notwithstanding their professions of i)ea('e and friendship 
for them. Their adroitiiess in di[)loniacy is Avell disclosed in the 
replies of the chiefs to Captain Levering; their most cnstoniary 
evasions to deliver up any of their braves, charged Avith crime^ 
being, that they had departed Avith snch and such chiefs on au 
expedition ; that they had no control over them ; that it Avas not 
their business, and did not concern them, etc. The ambition of 
the young braA^es to be able to exclaim, during their orgies, "I am 
a man: Avho can gainsay it I I have killed an Osage ! I have killed 
aAvhite!" stinudated them to the commission of outrages ; while 
their frequent immunity from i)unishment, led them to infer inac- 
tivity, if not fear, on the i)art of the Avhites. Gomo Avas anxious 
the chiefs should attend at the deliAcry of the governor's address, 
and hear for themselA^es, so that they could not afteiwaids charge 
him with fear or treachery, and denounce him as "sngar mouth." 
In a conversation, Gomo spoke of seeing Washington at Phila- 
delphia, in ITlKj, and his elder brother remembered the time Avheii 
the British put the Indians in the front of battle. 

*N. W. Edwards' Life of his Father. 



ILLINOIS TERRITORY. 253 



A number of chiefs and warriors Laving arrived, in obedience to 
Gomo's sniiiinons, they inibilged their eoiiteiiipt in a little art of 
oftensiveness by displaying' the American liag nnion down, ('ap- 
tain Levering, inclining to attribute tliis to tlieir ignorance, 
attempted to explain its meaning, to which they rei)lie(l that 
they knew it. But on the morning Ibllowing, the flag was dis- 
played union up. The Indians in council differed as to the jKjlicy 
to be adopted, regarding the demand of the Anu^ricans for the 
surrender of the nuirderers and the stolen proi)erty. The ofl'end- 
ers were greatly scattered, receiving the protection of chiefs liun- 
dreds of miles away. Gonu) favored the sending of an Indian 
connnission for them, but foresaw tliat it would be said to him 
that he belonged on tlie Illinois, and that he better attend to 
his own tribe ; and lie disliked the cowardly ai)pearance of hav- 
ing made the attempt and failed. Others opposed the surrender 
of anything but the stolen property. ]Meanwhile, the Ib-itish 
inspired the policy of sending Little Chief, who was a "talkative 
fellow," to give the Americans any amount of assurance to 
answer present i>urposes, with which these, like many jm'vious 
outrages, soon to be covered by i)assing events, wonld likewise 
directly blow over. Little Chief, in a preliminary' conversation 
with Captain Levering, indicated his dis})l('asiire i»y saying that 
lie hoped the letter of the governor would be fully told tiiem 
as it was written, at which insinuation Mr. Forsythe, the 
interpreter, became not a little incensed. 

On the morning of the 10th of August, 1811, Ca])taiu Levering 
being informed that the Indians were ready to i)roceed to the 
council chamber, prom^itly repaired thither, accom])anied by his 
leading men ami the iidiabitants of Peoria- whom he had invited. 
After a prelinnnary "talk" on the jiart of Captain Levering, and 
smokuig the pipe, the address of Governor Edwards, dated Kas- 
kaskia, July Ulst, was slowly delivered to them ami carefully 
interpreted. It was addressed "to the chiefs and ^^ arriors of 
the tribes of Potawattonnes, residing on the Illinois river and 
its waters, in the territcny of Illinois." The governor explained 
to them how faithfully th<^ })resi(U'nt Iiad carried out all treaty 
obligations with the Indians, and that it was his great desire to 
have his red and white children live in ]>eace and friendship; that 
the tomahawk and scali)ing-knife had been for a longtime buried, 
but that a storm seemed now to be gathering; that the AvhitcvS 
were being plundered and nuirdered ; citing a number of acts of 
hostility and giving the names of Indians who had committed 
them ; that the relatives and friends of these victims cried aloud to 
the Great Spirit, their hearts allanie with revenge, and who could 
onlj be repressed from instant war by showing them that these 
acts of barbarity were notajiproved by the nations of the authors 
of them, whom he demanded to be surrendered for trial. Allusion 
was also made to tlie British emissjiries among them, who tlat- 
tered, deceived and instigated them to the commission of these 
horrible acts ; concluding with a full explanation of the power and 
resources of the American nation. 

After the reading of the address the council dispersed, and on 
tlie following day Goino nmde the subjoim^d reply, which was 
interpreted and written down on the spot, and is not only very 
interesting to peruse but shows this chief to have been the pos- 



254 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

sessor of a high order of intellect. After inviting atteutiou to 
hi.s words, and expreysing gladness for the opportunity, Gonio 
spoke as follows : 

" You see the color of our skin. The Great Spirit, when he made 
and disposed of man, placed the red-slvins in tliis land, and those wlio 
wore hats, on the otlier side of the big waters. When the Great Spirit 
placed us on this ground, we l^new nothing but what was fur- 
nished to us by nature. We made use of our stone axes, stone knives 
and earthen vessels, and clotlied ourselves from the skins of the beasts 
of the Ibrest. Yet, we were contented ! When the French first made 
large canoes, they crossed the wide waters to this country, and on first 
seeing tlie red people, they were rejoiced. They told us that we must 
consider ourselves as the children of the French, and they would be 
our father ; the country was a good one, and tliey would change goods 
for sliins. 

"Formerly, we all lived in one large village. In that village there was 
only one chief, and all things went on well ; but since our intercourse 
with the whites, there are almost as many chiefs as we have young 
men. 

" At the the time of the taking of Canada, when the British and the 
Frencli were fighting for the same country, the Indians were solicited 
to take part in that war — since which time there have beeii among us a 
number of foolish young men. The whites ought to have staid on the 
other side of the waters, and not have troubled us on this side. If we 
are fools, the whites are the cause of it. From the commencement of 
their wars, they used many persuasions with the Indians ; they made 
tliem jiresents of merchandise in order to get them to join and assist in 
tlit'ir battles — since which time there have always been fools among us, 
and tlie whites are blameable for it. 

" The British asked the Indians to assist them in their wars with the 
Americans, telling them that if we allowed the Americans to remain 
upon our lands, they would in time take the wholecountry, and we would 
tl'jeu have no place to go to. Some of the Indians did join the British, but 
all did not; some of tins nation, in particular, did not join them. 
The British persisted in urging upon us tiiat if we did not assist them in 
driving the Americans from our lands, our wives and children would 
be miserable for tlie remainder of our days. In the course of that war, 
the American general, Clark, came to Kaskaskia, and sent for the 
chiefs on this river to meet him there. We attended, and he desired us 
to remain still and quiet in our own villages, saying tliat the Americans 
were able of themselves to fight the British. You Americans generally 
speak sensibly and plainly. At the treaty of Greenville, General Wayne 
spoke to us in the same sensible and clear manner. I have listened with 
attention to you both. At the treaty of Greenville, General Wayne told 
us that the tomahawk must be buried, and even thrown into the great 
lake; and should any white man murder an Indian, he should be 
clelivered up to the Jndians; and we on our part, should deliver up 
the red men who murdered a white i:)erson to the Americans. [Mis- 
take]. 

"A Potawattomie Indian, by the name of Turkey Foot, killed an 
American, for which he was demanded of us ; and although he was a 
great warrior, we killed him ourselves in satisfaction for his murders. 
Some of the Kickapoos killed an American. They were demanded, 
were given u]), and were tied up with ropes around their necks for 
the murders. This was not what the chief, who made the demand, 
promised, as they were put to death in another manner. Our custom is 
to tie up a dog that way when we make a sacrifice. Now, listen to me 
well in what 1 have to say to you, 

"Some time ago, one of our young men was drunk at St. Louis, and 
was killed by an American. At another time, some person stole a horse 
near Cahokia. The citizens of the village followeu the trail, met an 
innocent Kickapoo, on his way to Kaskaskia, and killed him. Last 
fall, on the other side, and not far from Fort Wayne, a Wyandot Indian 
set fire to the prairie ; a settler came out and asked him how he came 
to set fire. The Indian answered hat he was out hunting. The set- 



rLLINOIS TERRITORY. 255 

tier struck the ludian and continued to beat him till they were parted, 
when another settler shot the Indian. This summer, a Cliippewa Ind- 
ian, at Detroit, was looking at a gun, when it went off accidentally and 
shot an American. The Chippewa was demanded, delivered up and 
executed. Is this the way General Wayne exhibits his charity to the 
i-ed-skius? Wlienever an instance of this kind happens, it is usual for 
the red-skins to regard it as an accident. You Americans think that all 
the mischiefs that are committeol are known to the chiefs, and immedi- 
ately call on them for the surrender of the offenders. We know noth- 
ing of them ; our business is to hunt, in order to feed our women and 
children. It is generally supposed that we red-skins are always in the 
wrong. If we kill a hog, we are called fools or bad men ; the same, or 
worse, is said of us if we kill an horned animal; yet you do not take 
into considei'ation that, while the whites are hunting along our rivers, 
killing our deer and bears, we do not speak ill of them. When the 
French came to Nia'j^ara, Detroit, Mackinaw and Chicago, they built no 
forts or garrisons, nor did the English, who came after them ; but when 
the Americans came, all w as changed. They build forts, and garrisons 
and blockades wherever they go. From these facts, we infer that they 
intend to make war upon us. Whenever the United States make the 
Indians presents, they afterwards say that we must give them such a 
tract of land ; and after a good many presents, they ask for a larger 
piece. This is the way we have been served. This is the way of extend- 
ing to us charity. Formerly, when the French were here, they made 
us large presents ; so have the English ; but the Americans, in giving 
their presents, have asked a piece of land in return. Such has been the 
treatment of the Americans. 

" If the whites had kept on the other side of the waters, these acci- 
dents would not have happened ; we could not have crossed the wide 
waters to have killed them there ; but they came here and turned the 
Indians into confusion. If an Indian goes into their village, like a dog he 
is hunted and thi-eatened with death. The ideas of the Potawattomies, 
Ottawas and Chippewas are, that we wish to live peaceable with all man- 
kind, and attend to our hunting and other pursuits, that we may be 
able to provide for the wants of our women and children. But there 
remains a lurking dissatisfaction in the breasts and minds of some of 
our young men. This has occasioned the late mischiefs which, at the 
time, were unknown to the chiefs and warriors of the nation. I am sur- 
prised at such threatenings to the chiefs and warriors (old people), who 
are inclined entirely for peace. The desires of the chiefs and warriors 
are to plant corn and pursue the deer. Do you think it possible for us to 
deliver the murderers here to-day ? Think you, my friends, what would 
be the consequence of a war between the Americans and Indians. In 
times passed, when some of us were engaged in it, many women were 
left in a distressful condition. Should war now take place, the distress 
would be, in comparison, much more general. This is all I liave to say 
on the part of myself and warriors of my village. I thank you for your 
jDatient attention to my words."* 

Captain Levering replied to tlieni, giving a resume of the his- 
tory of the white settlers on this continent, and their contact witli 
the red men. He denied that the forts at Chicago, Fort AVayne, 
or the one opposite the moutli of the Missouri, were established to 
threaten or make war on the Indians, but tliat they Avere built to 
alford i)rotection to their friends; tliat the Americans, unlike the 
British, liad never taught nor employed the red men to join in wars 
and outrages ni)on the whites; that even in the' revolutionary 
struggle they had advised the Indians to lie on their skins at 
home, raise corn and kill deer, but not to engage on eitlieir side; 
lie showed them their mistake regarding tlu^ treaty of Greenville, 
that all murderers, on either side, should l)e deli\ered up tothe oppo- 
site party; that the government at Washington would not liave 

•See Edwards' Life of Edwards. 



250 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

permitted Wayiie to do tliis, but that all offenders against our 
laws nmstbe tried under tlie laws by a jury of 12 men, and tliat 
justice would be nutted out to Indians tlie same as the whites. 

At the conchision, Little Chief said : "I request you now to take 
the names of the chiefs and warriors, that you may show to your 
father in Kaskaskia, how ready we have been to atteml his words." 
Gomo, the day following', upon the finiil adjournment of the coun- 
cil, said : "We have listened with patient attention, and I hope 
that the great Master of Light was noticing it. When the Mas- 
ter of Light made man, he endowed those who Avear hats with 
every gift, art ami knowledge. The red-skins, as you see, live in 
lodges and on the wilds of nature." This sentiment evinced a 
high ai)i)reciation of the relative status of the two races. 

Two horses only were delivered up. Little Chief promising to 
return two more to Captain Heald, at Chicago, and Gomo prom- 
ised to try and return all, as soon as thej' could be found. The 
murderers of the Coles party in jMissouri, were revealed to be in a 
village about 20 miles west of the Proi>het's town — Tippecanoe; 
that by inviting them to Fort Wayne with others they might there 
be seized in the fall. But it is said that some of them were, in 
point of fact, with them then. So (^nded Levering's nnission. By 
the ex]iosure incurred on the Illinois, this clear headed soldier con- 
tracted disease and died soon after his return to Kaskaskia. 

A mission, in charge of Joseph Trotier, a sagacious French 
Creole of Cahokia, was also sent to the Kickapoos, who inhabited 
the country along Sugar Creek in the northern part of the present 
county of Logan. The usual "talks," or si^eeches, with many fair 
promises from this rather shrewd but treacherous and imj)lacable 
nation, were had, which were also written down as interpreted. 

But throughout the west English emissaries kept up the dastardly 
work of "setting the red men like dogs upon the Avhites," in the 
energetic language of Tecumseh to Harrison. That great warrior, 
the fit successor of Pontiac, having conceive<l the plan of bring- 
ing the southern tribes, the Creeks, Choctaws, and Chicasaws, 
into a league with the tribes of the north, to ujake war against the 
United States till their lands were restored to them, started thither 
on his errand in the spring of 1811. The ])nri)Oses of this chief- 
tain and his brother, the one-eyed Proi)het, being well understood 
by (tOV. Harrison, he determined, during the former's absence, to 
strike and disperse the hostile forces collected under the latter at 
Tippecanoe. He started from Yincennes in the fall of 1811 and 
arrived in the vicinity of the Prophet's town on the (Jth of jS'ov., 
with an effective force of something over 700 men. Here he was 
met by ambassadors from the Proxdiet, and a suspension of hostili- 
ties was arranged until an interview on the following day coidd be 
had. The governor, desiring a good jjiece of ground to camp 
upon, allowed the tieacherous foe to point it out; but the site was 
not selected without examimition and apitroval by his ofticers. 
Upon this spot, before the dawn of the following morning, the 
stealthy foe, with a superior force, attempted to re-enact the defeat 
of St. Clair 21 years before. Under cover of darkness he crept 
upon the American camp, and began a murderous attack with 
savage fury uncommon even to him, and maintained it with great 
obstinacy; but the surprise was not complete, and he was ulti- 
mately repulsed and put to flight, with a loss equaling that of the 



ILLINOIS TERRITORY. 



Americans. The loss of the hitter was, in killed, 37; nioi'tally 
"vvounded, 25; wounded, 12G. The loss in ofificers was particularly 
hea\'y. Of the Illinoisaus who fell here we may mention Isaac 
White, for some years the government agent of tlie Ohio salines, 
who, having received the appoijitment of captain of a militia com- 
pany from Gov. Edwards, in 1810, joined the expedition of Gov. 
Harrison. His death was much regretted, and the Territorial Leg- 
islature, in 1815, to perpetuate his nu^uiory, named the connty of 
"Wliite in honor of him. Here, too, fell the gifted and brilliant 
young Major Joe Daviess, whose deeds of valor have also been 
comniemorated in Illinois by naming- a county after him. The 
intelligence of the battle of Tii)pecanoe was peculiai-ly alarming- 
to tlie settlements of Illinois, so contiguous to these hordes of 
savages, and additional measures were concocted as speedily as 
circumstances permitted, to meet the exigency of the times. 

During the winter of 1811-12, the Indians on the Upi)er Missis- 
sippi were ^'ery hostile and committed many murders. In antici- 
pation of an early war with the United States, the British agent at 
Prairie du Ohien, Col. Dixon, it Avas reported by Indian traders, 
had engaged all the warriors of that region to descend the Missis- 
si[)pi and exterminate the settlements on botli sides of the river;* 
but upon the breaking out of actual hostilities in June of that 
year there was more pressing need for savage recruits in Canada, 
which doubtless saved tlie effusion of nuu'h blood in the denser 
settlements of Illinois; still many murders were committed. The 
Louisiana Gazette, March 21st, 1812, reports murders in the dis- 
trict of St. Charles; 1 at Fort Madison; 2 at the lead mines in 
Illinois, and a party of men who left the Fort in February for the 
mines, not liaving been heard from, were supjiosed to have fallen 
into the hands of the savages. Two hundred Winnebagoes from 
Illinois made a plundering raid upon a "factory st(ue" of the 
United States, situated on the west baidv of the Mississippi, the 
l)resent site of Bellevue. Lieutenants Hamilton and Vas(pu^s, with 
a small force of regulars, made a gallant defence and rei^ulsed the 
savages. 

A few marauding parties penetrated far down into Illinois. 
Andrew Moore and his son, on their way home from the Jourdan 
blockhouse, nuide camp near the middle fork of the Big Muddy, 
not far from the crossing of the old Massac road. Here they were 
attacked by the savages, and after a bloody encounter both 
father and son were killed and their horses stolen. Moore's 
Prairie in the present county of Jefferson, perpetuates their names. 
At Tom Jourdan's fort, on the road to E(]uality, three men ven- 
tured out after dark to gather firewood, when they were tired 
on by Indians concealed in the brush, killing Barbara, Avound- 
ing James Jourdan, but missing AValker. A nmranding band of 
Winnebagos attacked Lee's settlement at Hardscrabble, about 4 
miles from Fort Dearbon, near the present junction of tlie canal 
with the Chicago river, and killed a Mr. White and a Canadian in 
his employ. Two other men escaped. 

At Hill's Fort, later in the same year, a band of warriors ap- 
peared. They removed the mud from between the logs of a 
chimney of one of the blockhouses, inserted a gun, and shot a nuiu 
sitting inside by the fire. A soldier by the name of Lindley, iu 

•Reynolds' Own Times. 

17 



258 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

carryiug feed out to liis horses, left tlie stockade gate open, for 
wliicli the skulking- foe made an instant rush, but the occupants 
quickly slammed the gate shnt, leaving the soldier outside ^Yith 
the savages. lie sheltered himself from their missiles among the 
cattle, which directly stampeding, he managed by feats of great 
dexterity to ride on and under an ox, thus escaping the savages 
and saving his life. The Indians were meanwhile engaged in a 
fight at the fort over the pickets, and were rex)ulsed with loss, as 
indicated by the trails of blood, they, as nsual, carrying away the 
"wounded or dead.* 

In March, 1S12, Governor Edwards sent Capt. Edward Hebert 
with another friendly message to the Indians residing on the Illinois, 
inviting them to a council, j;ind reqnesting traders of every descri])- 
tion to withdraw till the Indian affairs became more settled, and if 
the latter did not instantly comply they need expect no further 
indulgence. 

On the 16th of April, 1812, His Excellency met in protracted 
council at Cahokia, with the chiefs and warriors of the following- 
nations : Of the Pottawatomies — Gomo, Pepper, White Hair, 
Little Sauk, Great Speaker, Yellow Son, Snake, Maukia, l>ull, 
leman, Neckkeenesskeesheck, Ignance, Pottawatomie Proi)liet, 
Pamonsa, Ishkeebee, Toad, Manwess, Pipe Bird, Out Branch, The 
South Whid, and the Black Bird; of the Kickapoos — Little Deer, 
Blue Eyes (representative of Pamawattau), Sun Fish, Blind of an 
Eye, Otter, Makkak, YelloAV Lips, Dog Bird, and Black Seed. Of 
the Ottawas — JMittitasse (representative of the Blackbird), Kees- 
kagon, and Malshwashewii. Of the Chippewas— the White 
Dog.t 

The Governor delivered in person a forcible address to tliem. 
He spoke of the ardent desire of the general government to main- 
tain peace and harmony with all the Indian nations; defended the 
United States against the charge of rapacity for their latuls; 
warned them against the arts and deceptions of the Shawanee 
Prophet and other "bad birds," or evil counselors, whom the 
British had sent among them; portrayed the power ami resources 
of the American nation, which desired not war but jteace; insisted 
that the murderers, whom they had harbored all the time, notwith- 
standing their denial to Levering, must be surrendered ; that he 
nnderstood well their unfriendly disposition and the efforts at com- 
binations attempted to be formed among the tribes; warned them 
that their depredations could not be laid to the Winnebagos, who 
were at open hostility; that he was prepared with energetic me?s- 
nres to protect the whites and punish tbe Indians, &c. 

The leading chiefs of the different tribes represented all deferred 
to Gomo as the one wlio was to answer the Governor's speech, 
wliich he did on the following day : He professed that the w(^)rds 
of the Go^'ernor had sunk deep into liis heart; that he spoke the 
sentiments of all the chiefs accordhig to their instruction. He 
declared the Great Spirit to be angry with the red men for selling 
their lands, which he had given them to live upon, and denied the 
power of a chief to sell lands; they wanted to live in peace; if 
there was a chief among them of iniluence enough to deliver up a 



*ReynoIf]s' Own Times. 
+Kdwards' Lifeof his Father. 



ILLINOIS TERRITORY. 259 

liuu'derer he would like to see Mm 5 if he attempted to secure the 
nnirderers -without the conseut of all the chiefs he would be killed, 
and that the Missouri murderers were Kickapoos; he denied being 
himself a great chief, and said he could not control his young men 
who were so scattered that it would be impossible to biing them 
together; they had no laws among theui lilce the whites to punish 
offenders: denied listening to evil birds or interfering between the 
British and Americans. They wouhl not join the Ikitish, for in 
the last war they had left them in the lurch nnd woidd do so again. 
When he wanted a blanket be bou.ght it. The British had invited 
them to aid them, but they had sent them word to fight their own 
battles, that they wanted to live in i)eace. He comi)lained that 
the Americans did not live up to their promises in supplying their 
wants, and that they had been fired upon by whites in coming- 
down to the council. Promised good behavior, which they hoi)ed 
the Good Spirit would help them to perform, and professed great 
humility.* 

The Indians had brought their women and children along to 
show his Excellency, as Gomo naively said, how ragged and needy 
they were. This, together with their fair promises of good be- 
havior and peaceable intentions, had the desired effect. They 
came away loaded Avith substantial i)resents. An early writer 
says: "The wild men exercised the most dii^lomacy, and nuide the 
governor believe the Indians were for i>eace, and that the whites 
need dread nothing from them. They promised enough to obtain 
presents, and went oif laughing at the credulity of the whites."! 
Some of them were in August following concerned in the horrible 
massacre at Chicago. 

The savages of tlie northwest, however, were thoroughly stirred 
up and did not desire i)eace; in this the reports of travelers, 
traders, and spies all concurred; the red wampum was constantly, 
passing between the ditterent tribes in all parts of the country, 
from the Sioux of the St. Peters to the tribes at the head of the 
Wabash, and a general combination was fast ripening. The 
British agents at Prairie du Chien, Fort Maiden, and other points, 
in anticipation of a war with the United States, sought to enlist 
tlie favor of the savages by the distribution of large supplies of 
goods, arms and amnjunition to them. The English continued their 
insults to our flag upon the high seas, and their government refus- 
ing to relinquish its offensive course, all hoi)e of a peaceful issue 
was abandoned, and congress, on the 19th of June, 1812, formally 
declared war against Great Britain. In Illinois the threatened 
Indian troubles had already caused a more thorough organization 
of the militia along the frontiers, from the mouth of the Illinois 
dovni the Mississippi to the Ohio, thence up that stream and the 
Wabash above Yincennes. Additional foi'ts were also built, one 
towards the mouth of the Little Wabash, and at the mouth of La 
Motte Creek. 

♦Edwards' Life of Edwards. 
tReynolds'' Own Times. 



Chapter XXIIL 

THE MASSACEE AT CHICAGO— EAELY HISTOEY OF 

THE PLACE. 



The greatest, as well the most revolting, massacre of whites 
that ever occurred in Illinois, was perpetrated by the Potawat- 
tomie tiihe of Indians, on the site of the present city of Chi- 
cago. 

Prom early Indian tradition, it has been gathered that the 
mouth of the Chicago river was a favorite resort of the Illinois 
tribes in very remote times. Besides its fisbing facilities, it was 
the only deep inlet from the lake on its southwesterly bend. The 
portage between the Chicago and the headwaters of the Illinois, 
offered but a narrow interruption to canoe travel from the great 
lakes on the north to the Gulf of Mexico. It is said, that the 
Tamaroas gave name to the river, derived from Checaqua, the 
title of a long succession of governing chiefs, which, by an easy 
transition, attached to the place. It was said also to mean thun- 
der, the voice of Manitou, and ''skunk," an appellation but too 
suggestive during a few years preceding the deepening of the 
canal, by which its current was reversed with the pure waters of 
the lake. But its most commonly accepted definition is "wild 
onion," from that rather odorous vegetable growing abundantly 
on its banks in early times.* 

A small French trading post was established there in the period 
of the French explorations. For the better possession of their 
western emiiire, the French built forts at various j^oints, from 
Canada, via Peoria, to New Orleans, including one at Chicago. 
On the earliest known map of this region, dated Quebec, 1688, a 
correct outline of the lake is given, and the river accurately loca- 
ted, with "Fort Chicago" marked at its mouth. Subsequently, the 
Ameiicans found no vestige of the early French settlers there. 
By the treaty of Greenville, to Avhich the Potawattomies from this 
region, with many others, were i^arties, "one piece of land 6 miles 
square, at the mouth of the Chekajo river, emptying into the 
south-west end of Lake Michigan, wltcrc a fort formerly stood," 
was relinquished. The tide of emigration setting into Indiana 
and Michigan after the treaty of Greenville, 1795, concentrated 
the Indians in greater numbers about this point, and largely in- 
creased tlie Indian trade, for which a number of traders were here 
located ; .lohn Kinzie being one whose descendants are residents 
of Chicago down to the present time. The general governnuMit, 
in 1804, built, on the south side of the river. Fort Dearborn, 

* Chicago and its great conflagration. 

260 



ILLINOIS TERRITORY. 2C1 

named after a general of the army, and garrisoned it with 50 men 
and 3 pieces of artillery. The fort consisted of 2 block-houses, 
with a parade ground and sall;y~port, or subterranean passage to 
the river, the whole surrounded by a stockade. With this pre- 
carious protection, the number of traders increased and a few set- 
tlers gathered around the post. 

For eight years, this isolated garrison and comnumity furnished 
scarcely an incident worthy of record. Friendly intercourse 
between the garrison and neighboring Indians grew apace. The 
attncliment of tlie Indians for tlie traders was particularly cordial. 
While iiearly all the chiefs visited Fort Maiden yearly, and 
received lai'ge amounts of presents, and many Potawattomies, 
Winiu?bagos and Ottawas were in the battle of Tippecanoe with 
the Sliawanese, the principal chiefs of the neighborhood were yet 
on amicable terms here with the Americans. Then our trouble 
with (heat Uritain threatened an open rupture; but the Indians, 
long before the declaration of hostilities, took the war-path, as we 
have seen. We have already noticed their attack on an out|)ost 
of this place called Hardscrabble. 

On the 7th of August, arrive<l the order of Governor Hull, 
commander-in-chief of the northwest, by the hand of a trusty 
chief of the Potawattomies, called AVinnemeg, or Cat-fish, "to 
evacuate the post if practicable, and in that event, to distribute 
the property belonging to the United States, in the fort and in 
the factory or agency, to the Indians in the ueighboiliood." The 
dispatches furtlier announced, that the British liad taken Mack- 
inaw, and that General Hull, with his army, was proceeding from 
Fort Wayne to Detroit. 

The garrison, at the time, consisted of 75 men, few of whom 
were effective soldiers. The ofticers were, Ca|)tain Heahl, the 
commander, Lieutenant Helm and Ensign Ronan (both very young 
men), and Doctor Yoorhees, the surgeon. John Kinzie was the 
principal trader. He and the first two named officers liad families 
there. So also some of the soldiers and other traders. Consider- 
able coolness existed between Ensign lionan, a brave and gallant 
soldier, but overbearing in his disi)osition, and Captain Ileald. 

Winnenieg, the bearer of the dispatches, well apprised of the 
hostile disposition of the treacherous savages, ad^ised strongly 
against the evacuation, which was discretionary. The fort was 
well supplied with amnmidtion and provisions for six months, and 
in the meantime succor might come. He sought to learn the 
intention of the connnander, and further urged, that if it should 
be decided to evacute, then let it be done immediately, and by 
forced marches elude the concentration of the savages before the 
news, of which they were yet ignorant, should circulate among 
them. To this most excellent advice, Cai)tain Heald gave no heed; 
he decided not only to evacuate, but deemed it obedience to orders 
to collect the neighboi'ing Indians and make an e(]uitab]edisti'ibu- 
tion of the property amongtlu'm. Again the sagacious Indian chief, 
strongly seconded by Mr. Kinzie, who had much at stake, sug- 
gested the expediency of promptly marching out, lea\ing all 
things standing, and while the Indians should be engaged in di's-id- 
ing the spoils, to effect an unmolested retreat. But the com- 
mander, not apprehending the murderous intent of the sa^'ages to 
the extent the advisers did, and imx)ressed with the dut}' of obedi- 



262 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

ence to orders, disregared tliis also, uotwitbstauding the discretion 
allowed him. On the following- morning, without consultation with 
the subordinate ofticers — with whom he was estranged — he jiub- 
lished on parade the order for evacuating the post. The ofticers 
whose council had been thus ignored in so important an emergency, 
remonstrated against this step, and pointed out the improbability 
of their party reaching Fort Wayne without molestation ; how 
the}" would be retarded in their marches by the women and chil- 
dren, and invalid and snpei'anuiited soldiers ; how the few friendly 
chiefs, who had from motives of private regard for the family of 
Mr. Kinzie, oi)posed successfully an attack upon the fort the pre- 
ceding antumn, were now, when the countiy was at war with 
Great Britain, powerless to restrain their tribes. They advised 
remaining and fortifying themselves till succor came ; at any rate, 
it was better to fall into the hands of the British, as prisoners, 
than a sacrifice to the brutal ferocity of the savages. CajUain 
Heald, however, dreading censure, stood npon his idea of obedi- 
ence to orders, and expressed confidence in the friendly profess- 
ions of the Indians. With this, the officers, who regarded the 
project as little short of madness, held themselves aloof from their 
commander, and dissatisfaction and insubordination si)read among 
the soldiers. The Indians, too, became daily more unruly. They 
entered the fort in defiance of the sentinels, and made their way 
without ceremony into the quarters of the ofticers. On one oc(;a- 
sion, an Indian tired a rifie in the parlor of the commanding ofti- 
cer. This was by some construed as a signal to the young braves 
for an attack. The old chiefs were i)assing to and fro among the 
assembled gr(mi)s witli much agitation, while the squaws were 
rushing hither and hither, as if looking for a fearful scene. Still 
Captain Heald clung to his conviction of having created a feeling 
so amicable among them, as would ensure the safe passage of the 
party to Fort Wayne. In the meantime, a runner had arrived 
with a message from Tecumseh, who had joined the British with 
a large force, couveyjjig the news to tlie Indians ot the capture of 
Fort Mackinaw in July, the defeat of Major Van Home at Browns- 
town, and the inglorious retreat of General Hull from Canada, 
saying further, that he had no doubt but that Hull would, in a 
short time, be comijelled to surrender ; and ni'ged them to arm 
immediately. 

The Indians from the neighboring villages having at length 
collected, a council was held on the i2th of August. Of the ofti- 
cers of tlie garrison, though requested, none attended beside the 
commander; the others, in anticipation of intended mischief, 
opened the port-holes of the blockhouses and with loaded cannons 
commanded the council. This action, it was supposed, prevented 
a massacre at the time. Capt. Heald promised the Indians to dis- 
tribute among thein all the goods in the United States factory, and 
the aramnnition and i)rov)si()ns in the fort, desiring an escort of 
the Pottawatomies to Fort Wayne in return, and promising them 
a further liberal reward upon arrival there. The Indians, with 
many professions of friendship, assented to all he proposed and 
promised all he required. 

Ko sooner had the commander made these indiscreet promises 
than he allowed hhnself to be persuaded to violate them. Mr. 
Kinzie, well knowing the treachery of the Indian character, repre- 



ILLINOIS TERRITOEY. 203 

seufedto him tlie danger to their party of finiiisliiiig- the savages 
with arms and ammnuition, and liqnor to fire their brains. Tliis 
argument, true and excellent in itself, was now certainly inoppor- 
tune, and, if acted ui)on could only incense the treacherous foe. 
But Capt. Heald, struck with the impolicy of his conduct and 
falling in with the advice, now resolved to break his indiscreet 
promise. Accordingly, on the 13th, all the goods in the factory 
store vrere duly distributed; but in tlie night time the arms were 
broken, the ammunition secretly thrown in a well, and the barrels 
of whisky, of which there was a large quantity, mostly belonging 
to traders, were rolled quietly through the sally-ijort, their heads 
knocked in and their contents emi)tied into the river. But the 
lurking redskins witnessed the breaking of the casks, and quickly 
apprehending how faith had been broken with them by the Avhites, 
were greatly exasperated at the loss of their fond "fire v. ater," 
which they asserted was destroyed in such al)undance as to make 
the river taste "groggy." At a second council held on the 14th, 
they exjiressed their iiulignation at this conduct, and their mnriiiurs 
aiid tlireats were loud and deei). Black Hawk, who lived maiiy 
years after, always maintained that this violation of promises ou 
the part of the whites precipitated the massacre ou the followuig 
day. 

While nearly all the Indians in alliance with the British partook 
of the hostility of their people against the Americans, there were 
still several chiefs and braACs who retained a personal regard for 
the inhabitants of this place. Among these was Black Partridge, 
a chief of some renown. He now entered the quarters of Capt. 
Heald and spoke as follows: "Father, I come to deliver up to you 
the nu'dal I wear. It was given me by the Americans, and I have 
long worn it in token of our mutual friendsliip. But our young 
men are resolved to imbrue their hands in the Wood of the 
whites. I cannot restrain them, and I will not wear a token of 
l^eace while I am compelled to act as an enemy." 

Ou the same day, the llth, the desi)ondency of the garrison was 
for a time dispelled by the arrival of Capt. Wells from Ft. Wayne, 
with 1.5 friendly Miamis. Capt. Wells was the son of Gen,. Wells, 
of Kentucky, and either a brother or uncle to Mrs. Capt. Heald. 
AVhen a child, he was taken prisoner by the Miamis and reared 
and adopted in the family of Little Turtle, who commanded the 
Indians in the defeat of St. Clair, in 1790, Wells leading 300 of the 
warriors in the very front of that battle. He subseqneiitly Joined 
the army of Gen. Wayne, and by his knowledge of tlie country, 
proved a powerful auxiliary. Later he rejoined his foster father. 
He was a brave and fearless warrior. Having learned tlie order 
of evacuation, and knowing well the hostile disposition of the 
Pottawatomies, he made a rapid march through the wilderness to 
save, if possible, hi.s sister and the garrison at Chicago, from their 
impending doom. But he (;ame too late. The ammunition was 
destroyed and the savages were rioting on the provisions. I're- 
paratioris were therefore made to march on the morrow. The 
reserved anununitiou, 25 rounds to the man, was now distributed. 
The baggage wagons for the sick, the women and the cliildren, con- 
taining also a box of cartridges, were got ready, and amid the 
pervading gloom, a fatiguing march through the wilderness in 
prospect, and the fears of disaster on the route, the Avhole party 



264 HISTOllY OF ILLINOIS. 



except the faithful sentinels retired for a little repose. The m'orii- 
iijg of the fatal loth of August, 1812, arrived. The suu shoue 
with its wonted s])lendor, and Lake Michigan "was a sheet of burn- 
ished gold." Early in the morning Mr. Ivinzie received a message 
from Topeneehe, a friendly chief of the St. Joseph band of Potta- 
watomies, warning him that his people, notwithstanding their 
promise of safe conduct, designed mischief. Mr. Kinzie with his 
eldest son, who had agreed to accompany the garrison, was urged 
to go with his family, for which a boat had been litted out to 
coast around the southerly end of the lake to the St. Joseph. 

At 9 a. m, the party quitted the tort amidst martial music and in 
military array. (Ja|>t. Wells, at the head of his band of Miamis, 
led the van. Ids face blackened after the manner of tlie Indians. 
The troops with loaded arms came next, followed by the wagons 
cont;;ining the women and children, the sick and the lame and the 
baggage. A little distance in the rear followed the escort of about 
500 l^ottawatomies. The party took the beach road southward with 
the lake upon their left. On reaching the range of san{l hills sepa- 
rating the bea(;h from the i)rairie, the Indians defiled to tlie right, 
bringing these shore elevations between them and the whites down 
on the beach. They had marched about a mile and half from the 
fort, when Capt. Wells rode furiously back, shouting: "They are 
about to attack us; form instantly and charge upon them." The 
words were scarcely uttered when the savages poured a volley of 
musketry from behind the hills upon the party. The troops were 
hastily formed into line and tliey charged up the bank. One 
veteran of 70 years fell as they ascended. The action became 
general. The IVIiamis tied at the outset; their chief rode up to the 
Pottawatomies, charged them with treachery, and branishing his 
tomahawk, declared "he would be the fiist to head a j^arty to 
return and punish them." He then turned his horse aud galloped 
after his cowardly companions. The troops behaved gallantly, 
but were overwhelmed by inimbers. The savages flaidxcd them, 
and "in about 15 minutes got possession of the horses, provisions, 
and baggage of every description."* Here the murderous work 
upon the helpless women and children was commenced. 

Mrs. Helm, wife of Lieutenant Helm, was in the action, aud 
furnished Mr. Kinzie, her step-father, many thrilling incidents.t 
Dr. Voorhees, who had been wounded at the first fire, was, while 
in a paroxysm of fear, cut down by her side. Ensign Eonan, a 
little ways off, though mortally wounded, was struggling with a 
j)owerful savage, but sank under his tomahawk. A young brave 
with uplifted tomahawk sought to cleave her skull; she sprang 
aside and the blow grazed her shoulder; she seized him around 
the neck and while grappling for his scali)ing kniie, was forcibly 
borne away by another and plunged into the lake and held down in 
the water. She soon found, however, that her captor did not design 
to drown her, and now for the first time recognized, through his 
disguise of paint and feathers, the frieiully chief, Black I'artridge. 
When the firing had somewhat subsided her i)reserver bore her 
safely to the shore. A soldier's wife, under the conviction that 
prisoners taken by Indians were subjected to tortures worse than 
death, though assured of immimity, fought a party of savages, 
who attempted to take her, with such desperation that she was 



*Heaid's Report. tSee J. H. Kinzie's Narative. 



ILLINOIS TEEIIITOKY. 2G5 

litterally cut to pieces and ber luaiigled remains left on tlie field. 
"Mrs. Ileald, too, fought life a perfect heroine and received several 
wounds. After she was in the boat, a savage assailed her with 
his tomahawk, when her life was saved by the interposition of a 
friendly chief." 

The troops having fought gallantly till over half of their number 
were slain, the remainder, but 27 out of GO, surrendered. And 
now the most heart-rendering and sickening butchery of this 
calanutous day was committed by a young brutal savage, who 
assailed one of the baggage wagons containing 12 children, ever^^ 
one of whom fell beneath his murderous tomahawk. When Capt. 
Wells, who with the othei's had become a i)risoner, beheld this 
scene at a distance, lie exclaimed in a tone loud enougli to be heard 
by the savages around him: "If this be your game, lean kill too !" 
and turning liis lujrse, started in full gallop for the Pottawatomie 
camp, located about what is now State street, near the crossing of 
Lake, where the squaws and pa]>pooseshad been left. Tlie Indians 
j^ursued, and he avoided the deadly aim of their ritles for a time by 
laying tiat on his horse's neck, but the animal was directly killed and 
he wounded. He again became a. prisoner ; ^Vinnemeg and Wabaii- 
see, both frieiuls of the whites, interceded to save him, but 
Peesotum, a Pottawatomie, while he was being supported along, 
gave him his death blow bj- a stab in the back. Thus fell Wm. 
Wayne Wells, a white man of excellent parentage and descent, 
reared among the Indians, and of as brave: and generous a nature 
as num ever possessed, a sacritice to his own rash imx)ulse inspiivd 
by a deed of most savage ferocity. His remains were terribly 
multilated ; the heart was cut in pieces and distributed among the 
tribes, as was their wont, for a. token of bravery. Billy Caldwell, 
a half-breed Wyandot, long well-known in Oliicago afterward, 
arriving next day, gathered u}) the several portions of the body 
and buried them in the sand. Wells street, in the present city of 
Chicago, perpetuates the memory of his name. 

The following is co[)ied from the oflicial report of Cai)tain 
Heald: 

"We proceeded about a mile aud a half, when it was discovered the 
Indians were prepared to attack us from behind tlie bank. I immediately 
marched tlie company up to the top of the bank, when the action com- 
menced ; after firin,<^ one round, recliarged, and tlie Indians gave way in 
front and joined tliose on our flanks. In about 15 minutes, .tliey got pos- 
session of all our horses, provision aud baggage of every description, aud 
finding tlie Mianiis did not assist us, I drew off the few men I had left, 
and took possession of a small elevation in the open prairie out of shot 
of the bank or any otlier cover. The Indians did not follow me, but 
assembled in a body on the top of the bank, and, after some consultation 
among themselves, made signs for me to approach them. I advanced 
towards them alone, and was met by one of the Pottawatomie chiefs, 
called the Blackbird, with an interpreter. After shaking hands, he re- 
quested me to surrender, promising to spare the lives of all the prisoners. 
On a few moments consideration I concluded it would be the most pru- 
dent to comply with his request, altiiougli I did not put en tire confidence 
in ills promise. After delivering up our arms, we were taken back to 
their encami3nient near the fort and distributed among the dilierent 
tribes. Tlie next morning they set fire to the fort, and left the place, 
taking the prisoners with tiiem. Their number of warriors was between 
400 and 500, mostly of the Pottawatomie nation, and their loss, from the 
best information I could get, was about 15. Our strength was o-l regulars 
and 12 militia, out of wqiicli 26 regulars, and all the militia, were killed 
in the action, with two women and 12 children. Ensign George Ronau 



266 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

and Dr. Isaac V. Van Voorhees, of my company, with Captain Wells, 
of Fort Wayne, are to my great sorrow, numbered among the dead. 
Lieut. L. T. Helm, with 25 non-commissioned officers and privates, and 11 
women and ehildieu, were prisoners, wlieu we separated. Mrs. Heald 
and myself were taken to the mouth of the river St. Joseph, and being 
both badly wounded, were permitted to reside with Mr. Burnet, an In- 
dian trader. lu a few days after our arrival there, the ludians all went 
off to take Fort Wayne, and in their absence I engaged a FreuchiUian to 
take us to Mackinaw, by water, where I gave myself up as a prisoner 
of war, with one of my sergeants. 

In the surreiuler, Captain Heald had stipulated for the safety of, 
the remnant of his force and the remaining' women and children. 
The wounded prisoners, in the hurry of the moment, were unfor- 
tunately omitted, or rather, not parti(;ular]y mentioned. These 
helpless snfferers, on reaching- the Potawattouiie camp, were there- 
fore regarded as proper subjects upon to wi-eak their savage 
and cowardly brutality A distinguishing trait of civilized 
humanity is, protection for the helpless ; with the savage, these 
become the objects of vengeance. Mrs. Helm writes : "An old 
squaAV, infuriated by the loss of friends or excited by the sangui- 
nary scenes around her, seemed possessed of demoniac fury. She 
seized a stable fork and assaulted one ]uiserable victim, who lay 
groaning and writhing in the agony of his wounds, aggravated by 
the scorching beams of the sun. With a delicacy of feeling 
scarcely to have been expected under such cir(;ircumstances, AVan- 
bee-uee-wau stretched a mat across two poles between me and this 
dreadful scene. I was thus spared, in some degree, a view of its 
horrors, although I could not entirely close uiy ears to the cries of 
the sufferer. The f(jllowiug night li^'e more of the wounded pris- 
oners were tomahawked."* 

When the Indians about the fort first learned of the intended 
evacuation, they dispatched runners to all the villages of the 
nation, apprising them of the news and their purpose to overpower 
the garrison. Eager to share in the act of bloodshed and plun- 
der, many warriors hastened forward, oidy to be too late. 

A band of Potawattomies, from the Wabash, weremet at the Aux 
Plains by a party from Chicago, bearing home a wounded chief. 
Being infornu'd that the battle had been fought and won, the 
l^risoners slain and scalped, and the spoils divided, their disap- 
pointment and rage knew no bounds. Tliey accelerated their 
march, and reaching Chicago, determined to glut their taste for 
blood on new victinis. They blackeiu^d their faces, and without 
ceremony entered the parlor of Mr. Kinzie and sullenly squatted 
upon the floor amidst the assembled family, who had been 
kindly restored to their home on the north side of the river 
by Black Patridge, Wabansee and others, and who now guarded 
them. Black Patridge, interpreting their looks and intent cor- 
rectly, observed to Wabansee in an undertone, that their white 
friends were lost. But at this moment the whooj) of another band 
of I)]diaus was heard on the opposite shore. Black Patridge hast- 
ily advanced and met their chief in the darkness, on the river's 
bank. "Who," said he, "are you?" "A man," ansAvered the 
chief, "who are you f "A man, like yourself," replied Bla<;k 
Patridge; "but tell me, who are you for!" "I am," said the 

*Brown, Hist. Ills., page 316, note 5, says: "Mrs. Heald and Mrs. Helm ha\lng 
eclipsed the most visionary taste of romance, with which modern literature abounds, 
lived lor many j'ears thereafter, highly respected." 



ILLINOIS TERRITOIIY. 267 

cliief, "tlie Sau-ga-uash" (tliat is, the Eiiglislimaii). "■Then make 
all speed to the house," Tvas the replj' ; "your liieuds are iu dau- 
ger, aud you alone cau save them." 

It was Billy Caldwell, the half-breed Wyandot, to whom we 
have referred as burying' the remains of Captain Wells. He hur- 
ried f<n*\vard, entered the house with a resolute step, deliberately 
removed his accoutrements, placed his ritle behind the door and 
saluted the Potawattomies : "How now, my friends, a good day to 
you. I was told there were enemies here ; but I am glad to tiiid 
only friends. Why have you blacked your faces °? Are you mourn- 
ing for friends lost in the battle? (adroitly mistaking the token 
of their evil intent), or, are you fasting ? If so, ask our friend 
and he Avill give you food. He is the Indian's friend, and never 
refused them in their need." 

Diverted by the coolness of his manner, they were ashamed to 
avow their nuirderous puri)ose, and simply asked for some cotton 
goods to wrap their dead, i)reparatory to burial. This, with other 
presents, was given them, and they quietly d(^i)arted. Thus, by 
his i)resence of mind, Caldwell averted the murder of the Kinzie 
family. 

The ])risoners, with their wives and children, were disi)ersed 
among the Potawattomie tribes on the Illinois, liock river, the 
Wabash, and some to JMilwaukee. The most of them were ran- 
somed at Detroit thefollowing spring. A part of them remained 
in cal)ti^ity, however, another year, but were more kindly treated 
than they expected. Lieutenant Helm was taken to the AnSable, 
thence to St. Louis, where he was liberated through the interven- 
tion of Thoums Forsythe, long the government Indian agent at 
Peoria.* 

*Brown'sHist. Ills. 



Chapter XXIV. 

ILLIXOIS IN THE WAR OF 1812.— GOVEEXOR EDWARDS' 
MILITARY CAMPAIGX TO PEORIA LAKE. 

Gen. HopWms tvitli 2000 Mounted Kentuchy Bifiemen Marches over the 
Prairies of Illinois — His Force Mutinies andMarches hach — Gapt. 
Craig Burns Peoria and talccs all its Inhabitants Prisoners. — iSec- 
ond Expedition to Peoria Lake — Indian Murders — Illinois and 
Missouri send tivo Expeditions up the Mississippi in 1814 — Their 
Battles and Disasters. 



After liis i«iiiomiuious retreat from Canada, Gen. Hull, in a most 
unaccountable manner, on the IGtli of August, the day after the 
Chicago massacre, at Detroit surrendered his army all the mili- 
tjuy stores, and the whole of Michigan, without a struggle, while 
his men, it is said, wept at the disgrace. Thus by the uuddle of 
August the British and their red allies were in i>ossession of the 
whole northwest, with the exception of Forts A¥ayne and Harrison. 
This activity and success of the enemy aroused the people of this 
region to a realization of their imminence. To the impulse of self- 
l)reser^'ation was added the i)atriotic desire to wipe out the dis- 
grace with which our arms were stained, stay the tide of savage 
desolation which menaced the frontiers, and retrieve our losses. 

The savages grew holder and penetrated dee})er into the settle- 
ments. Early in Se|»tember a large force from the Prophet's town 
made anight attack on Fort Harrison, located a few miles abo^■e 
the present city of Terre Haute, in command of Gapt. Zachary 
Taylor, afterwards president. They ingeniously tired one of the 
blocklumses, killed during the engagement three men and wounded 
several more. By the coolness of the commander and the energy of 
the garrison, though greatly reduced by sickness, the buildings were 
mostly saved, and the Indians at daylight repulsed. They, how- 
ever, shot, killed, or drove away, nearly all the hogs, cattle and 
work oxen belonging to the fort. 

Gov. Harrison superseded Gen. Hull, and was also a])pointed 
major-general by brevet in the Kentucky militia. This young- 
State, in the course of a few weeks, by the aid of Richard ]\L John- 
son and others, had raised a force of 7, 000 men, a portion of which 
was dii^ected to the aid of Indiana and Illinois, Vincennes being 
designated as the rendezvous* The British had descended the 
Mississi])pi to Rock Island, and were distributing loads of goods 
as presents to the Indians, through one Girty. 

In the m(?antime Governor Edwards was active in making })re- 
paratious for an exi)edition against the Kickajjoos and Potawat- 

*Lanmau Bio. Sketches. 

2C8 



ILLINOIS TERRITORY. 2G9 



toniies on the Illinois river. His excellency, "before congress liad 
adopted any measures on tlie subject of volunteer rangers, organ- 
ized companies, sni)plied tliem with arms, built stockade forts, 
and established a liuc of posts from tlie mouth of the Missouri to 
the Wabash." His commission had at this time expired and bis 
appointment had not been renewed, reiideriug him legally liable 
for the expenses of the expedition, a respousibility which, relying 
ui^on the justice of hisconntry, he did not hesitate to assume,* Col. 
William Eussell, of the ITtli regiment, on the 11th of October, 
started from the neighborhood of Vincennes with two small com- 
panies of U. S. Rangers, commanded by Captains Perry iind 
Modrell to join the expedition of Governor Edwards.t The place 
of rendezvous for these forces was Camp Kussell, already described. 

General Samuel Hopkins, a veteran officer of the Revolution, 
had been invested with the command of tlie Kentucky mounted 
volunteers, some 2,(HH) in nnniber, at Yincennes. His instructions 
were to break up the villages and disperse the Indians residing on 
the AVabash ami Illinois rivers. 

The plan was now suggested that the expedition of Edv/iirds, 
then in preparation, act in concert with that of Hopkins; tluit 
the latter, consisting of mounted Kentucky riliemen, should 
move up the AN'abash to Fort Harrison, destroy the villages in its 
course, pass over into Illinois, nuirch across the prairies via. the 
head waters of the Sangamon and Vermilion rivers to the Illinois, 
effect a junction with the Illinois forces nnder Edwards and Rus- 
sell, and sweep all the villages along the Illinois river.| The })lan 
thus arranged was sent by the hand of Col. Russell and readily ivc- 
ceded to by the Governor. But it was destined to meet with failure 
and disgrace on the partof theKentuckians. In that ill-compacted 
and nndiscii)lined crowd of horsemen there had already been dis- 
content and murmurs against proceeding further, at Vincennes 
and Bosseron. At Fort Harrison a number of the men and one 
officer " broke off' and returned." About the middle of October, 
however, the Waliash was crossed at this point, and great harmony 
prevailing the expedition \)ore promise of success. At the request 
of Gen. Hopkins, a council of the officers was now held, and the 
object and destination of the exi)edition considered, which were 
highly favored. In his letter to Gov. Shelby, of Kentncky, dated 
October 26, 1812, Gen. Hopkins writes : 

" Thinking myself secure in the confidence of my brother officers and 
the army, we proceeded on our march eaily on the loth, and continued 
it four days — our course lay north on the prairie — initil we came to au 
Indian house where some corn, &c., had been cultivated. The last day 
of the marcli to this place I liad been made acquainted with a return of 
that spirit of [discontent] that had, as I had hojjed, subsided; and M'hen 
I ordered a halt near sunset (for the first time that day), in a fine piece 
of grass in the jirairie, to aid our horses, I was addressed in the most 
rude and dictatorial manner, requiring me immediately to resume my 
march, or his battalion would break froiii the army and return. This 
was a Major * * * I mention him in justice to the other officers of that 
grade ; but, from every information, I began to fear that the army waited 
but for a pretext to return. This was afforded the next day by our guides, 
who thought they had discovered an Indian village at the site of a 
grove, about ten miles from where we had encamjied on the fourth night 
of our march, and turned us six or eight miles out of our way. Au almost 

^Edwards' Life of of Edwards 
tDiUon'sInd. 1. 
$Annals of the West. 



270 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

universal disconteut seemed to prevail, and we took our course in such a 
direction as we supposed would atone for the error in the morning. About 
or after suuset, we came to a thin trrove affording water. Here we toolc 
our camp ; and about tliis time arose one of the most violent gusts I ever 
remember to have seen, not proceeding from clouds. The Indians had 
set tire to the prairie, which drove on us so furiously that we were com- 
pelled to fire around our camp to protect ourselves. This seems to have 
decided the army to return. I was informed of it in so many ways, that, 
early the next morning, Oct. 20th, I requested the attendance of the 
general and field officers and stated to them my apprehensions — the ex- 
pectations of our country — the disgrace attending the measure — the ap- 
probation of our own consciences. Against this I stated the weary 
situation of our horses and the want of provisions — which to me seemed 
only partial — six days only having passed since every part of the army 
was furnished with ten days' rations in bacon, beef, or breadstuff". The 
reasons given for returning, I requested the commandants of each regi- 
ment, with the whole of the officers belonging to it, to take fully the 
sense of the army on this measure* * *and to report to me in writing — 
adding that if 500 volunteers would turn out, T would ]nit myself at their 
head, and proceed in quest of the towns ; and the balance of the army 
might retreat, under the conduct of the officers, in safety, to Fort Har- 
rison. In less than a hour the report was made, almost unanimously, 
to return. I then requested that I might dictate the course to be pur- 
sued that day only, which, I pledged, should not i)ut them more than six 
miles out of their way— my object being to cover the reconuoiteriug 
parties I wished to send out for the discovery of the Indian towns. About 
this time — the troops being paraded — I put myself in front, took my 
course, and directed them to follow me. The columns moving otf quite 
a contrary way, I sent Captain [Zachary] Taylor and Major Lee to api:)ly 
to the otficers to turn them. They were told that it was not in tlieir 
power — the army had taken their'own course, and would imrsue it. Dis- 
covering great coiifusion and disorder in their march, I threw myself in 
the rear, fearing an attack on those who were there from necessity, and 
continued in that position the whole day. The exhausted state of the 
horses, nor the hunger of the men, retarded that day's march. * * * The 
generals — Hay, Ramsey and Allen — lent all their aid and authority in 
restoring our march to order ; and so far succeeded as to bring on the 
whole with much less loss than I had feared." They were not followed 
or menaced by an enemy. They had "marched at least 80 or 90 miles 
into the heart of the enemy's coi;ntry." A Major Dubois commanded 
the corps of spies and guides. Messrs. Barron, Lasselie and Laplaute 
were the interpreters. Gen. Hopkins was certain they "were not 20 
miles from the Indian village when [they] were/orcaZ to retire." The 
exact point at which they commenced their retrograde march is not 
known. 

Governor Edwards had collected and was organizing all the 
disiK)sable forces of Illinois, ainouiitiugto about 350 men, at Camp 
Eussell, by the time C!ai)taiu Kussell arrived from Viucennes with 
a x>i^rt of two companies, consisting of 50 privates. The volun- 
teers were divided into two small regiments, commanded by 
Colonels Elias Eector and Benjamin Stei)bensou, respectively. 
Col. Eussell commanded the U. S. Eangers. Col. Besbaof the U. 
S. army, ]\[ajor John Moredock and others, Avere the field oflicers. 
The companies were commanded respectively by Captains Sanntel 
and AVilliam B. Whitesides, James B. Moore, Jacob Short, Willis 
Hargrave from the Ohio Salina, McHenry afterwards of White 
County, Janney, and Lieut, lioakson with a small independent 
company. Captain Samuel Judy had also organized an inde- 
pendent corps of spies, consisting of 21 men. The staff of 
Go\'ernor Edwards, who was in chief command, were Secretary 
Nathaniel Pope, Nelson Eector, and Lieut. EobertK. McLaughlin, 
of the U. S. Army. Col. Eut- -ell, an unpretending but very 



ILLINOIS TEERITORY. 271 

efficient officer, was next in command to his Excellency, but lie 
ueitlier bad nor wanted aids. Baggage wagons for the army were 
not i^rovided in this short campaign. The men were ordered to 
pack each on his horse 20 days' rations. The horses were to 
sustain themselves on prairie grass. Some of the officers employed 
extra jiack-horses. 

Captain Craig, of Shawneetown, was detached ^ith a sufficient 
force to man two boats, one laden with provisions and the neces- 
sary tools to build a fort, and the other armed Avitli blunderbusses 
and a swivel, both so fortified that the enemy's bullets could not 
penetrate their si<les. He was dispatched in advance up the Illinois 
river, with orders to wait at Peoria until further word from the 
army. He was also to make offensive war ui)on the French 
inhabitants of Peoria, who were suspected of inciting the savages 
to their murderous raids, and he possessed besides large discre- 
tionary powers. On the 18th of October, the defenses of the 
frontiers having been duly provided for, tliis crude army of about 
400 mounted men, took up its line of march from Camp Russell. 
Tlje privates, it seems, looked upon the expedition as affordimg 
them rare sport, not caring whether they were "marched into 
danger or frolic." The route pursued was upon the west side of 
Cahokia creek, thence to the Magoupin, which was crossed near 
the present site of Carlinville; thence northeasterly, crossing the 
Sangamon below the junction of the north and south forks, east 
of the present capital of the State; passing thence east of Elkhart 
grove, crossing Salt creek not far from the present city of Lincoln, 
and thence in a northward direction striking an old deserted 
Kickapoo village on Sugar creek. These tenantless bark wigwams, 
which were painted up here and there with rude savage devices, 
mostly representing the red-skins scalping whites, provoked the war- 
like indignation of the army. The town was assaulted, set on tire and 
reduced to ashes ! After this, fearing that their niylitly camp-fires 
would reveal their approach to the Indians, tlie marches were mostly 
continued after dark till midnight. The course was now directed y 
towards the upper end of Lake Peoria, where was located tlie 
Black Portridge village of the Potawattomies, on the eastern bluff 
of the river. A small i)arty in charge of Lieut. Pej'ton was dis- 
patched to Peoria on a direct west course, which, however, made 
110 discoveri(vs, and Capt. Craig liad not yet arrived thither. The 
army moved ra|)idly but cautiously forward, and late in the night 
preceding the attack encamped within a few miles of the 
village. It Avas now desirable to reconnoitre the position of the 
enemy, or rather the Indian town. Four men, namelv Thomas 
Carlin (subsequently governor), and three of the Whitesides — 
Eobert, Stephen and Davis — volunteered for this perilous service, 
and were entrusted by the governor with its delicate execution. 
They proceeded to the village, exiilored it and the approacluis to 
it, thoroughly, without starting an Indian or provoking the bark 
of a dog. The position of the town was ascertained to be about 
5 miles distant, situated on a bluff separated in great j)art from 
the high lands by a swampy glade, through which meandered a 
miry branch or creek, whose low banks were covered by a rank 
growth of tall grass and clumps of brush, so high and dense as to 
reatbly conceal an Indian on horseback until within a few feet of 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS 



him. Tlie ground liad become additionally yielding by recent 
rains, rendering it almost impassable to mounted n)en. 

In the lireless and cheerless camp all was silent as the grave. 
A deep gloom, with many misgivings, had settled ui^on the men. 
The fatiguing marches had ceased to be frolicsome. The troops 
felt jaded and snlky, and they were within the enemy's country. 
They reposed upon their arms, with their horses tethered near at 
hand, ready saddled to be instantly mounted for action. During 
the night a gnn in the hands of a trooper was carelessly discharged, 
Avhich caused great consternation in the camp. The stealthy foe, 
with gleaming tomahawk raised over his victim, was momentarily 
expected. All the horrors of the night attack at Tippecanoe, then 
fresh in the minds of every one, presented themselves to the active 
imaginations of the men. Every white coated soldier at that 
battle, it Avas said, had been singled out in the dusky morning and 
killed by the savages. In a moment now not a white coat 
remahied in sight. But directly the assuring voice of his Excel- 
lency cried out that the firing was an accident, and all became 
quiet again. 

Early on the following morning, with a dense fog prevailing, the 
army took up its line of march for the Indian town, Captain 
Judy with his corps of spies in advance. On the route in the tall grass 
they came up with an Indian and his squaw, both mounted. The 
Indian wanted to surrender, but Capt. Judy observed that he "did 
not leave home to take prisoners," and instantly shot one of them. 
"With the blood streaming from his nu)uth and nose, and in his 
agony "singing the death song," prompted by the ijistinctive 
emotion of self-defense which even a trodden worm will exercise, 
the dying ludiau raised his gun, shot and mortally wounded in 
the groin a Mr. Wright, and in a few minutes expired. Wiight 
was from the Wood river settlement, and died after he was 
brought home. The rest of those who had incautiously approiU'hed 
the wounded Indian, when they saw him seize his gun, quickly 
dismounted on the far sides of their horses, making of them, as 
it were, a breast-work. Many guns were immediately discharged 
at the other Indian, not then known to be a squaw, all of which, 
in the trepidation of the occasion, missed her. Badly scared, and 
her husband killed by her side, the agonizing wails of the squaw 
were heart-rending. She was taken prisoner, and subsequently 
restored to her nation. 

Owing to the fog, the army was misled into the si)ongy bottom, 
some three-fourths of a mile below the town, with the miry creek 
to cross, which deranged the plan of attack. The Aillage thus 
escaped a sm-prise ; and while a halt was made, preparatory to 
crossing, the Indians were observed running from the town, 
bounding thi'ough the tall grass on their horses, almost hid from 
view. An attack was every moment expected while crossing the 
treacherous stream, and the advanced corps, uiuler Judy, sat 
lightly in their saddles, expecting to draw the fire of the hidden 
foe. To their great satisfaction, no attack was made or meant; 
the Indians were fleeing from their village and impending death, 
liell-mell, women and children, some on horse-back and some ou 
foot, into the swamp among the tall grass, and toward a point of 
timber, in which the governor, disappointed in his charge upon 
the town, judged they intended to make a stand for battle. " I 



ILLINOIS TERRITORY. 



imiuediately changed my course," he writes, "ordered and led on a 
general charge upon them," but "owing" to tlie nnsoundness of the 
ground," tlie pursuers, liorses, riders, arms and baggage, fr(nn 
liis E.xeelh'ncy so valiantly leading the charge to the shouting 
subaltern and private, all shared in the common catastrophe alike, 
and were unhorse<l and overwhelmed in theinorass. It wascalle<l 
a democratic overthrow, in which all were literally "swamped." 

Upon this yielding grouml, into which a horse would sink and 
plunge without avail, a ]nounted force could not be moved. A 
pursuit on foot was ordered, which was both diiticult and extremely 
dangerous on account of the tall grass in which the Indians were 
lurking. Several parties on foot trailed in pursuit of the Indians, 
liowever, two or three miles across the saturated bottom to the 
river, killing some of the enemy while attemi)ting to cross to the 
farther .shore. To such a pitch of exciteinent were some of the 
men wrought, that Charles Kitchen, John Howard and Pierre St. 
Jean, finding soiiu' Indian canoes, in thefury of the chase, crossed 
the river alone in full view of the retreating foe, but without moles- 
taion. 

A Potawattomie town, called by the govtn'uor, ('hcquemd)oc, 
after a cliief, was here burned. The Indians Hed toward theinte- 
rioi- wilderness. Another party nnide ])ursuit of the fugitives in a 
difi'crcnt direction ; but the Indians making a stand in considerable 
force, these were compelled to retreat. Peinforcements were sent, 
when the savages entirely dispersed. Some of the trooi)s were 
wounded in this action it is reported, but none killed. In the 
meantime, the village was pillaged and buined by the main bodj'* 
of the troops. The Indians, in their precipitate flight, had left 
behind all of their winter's store of i)rovisions, whic-h was de- 
stroyed or taken away. Hiding about the burning embers of the 
ruins, were found sonu^ Indian children, left by the frightened 
fugitives ; also, some disabled adults, one of whom was in a starv- 
ing condition, ami ])artook of the bread given him with a vora- 
cious appetite. He is said to have been killed by a cowardly 
trooper straggling behind, after the main army had resumed its 
retrograde march, who wanted to be abh^ to assert or boast that 
he had killed an Indian. Governor Edwards reports that four 
prisoners were taken away, and some eighty head of horses ; of 
the Indian losses, gathered from their own account, between 2-4 
and 30 were killed; our loss being one wounded. The Indian 
losses, based entirely upon their own reports, made by the few 
prisoners taken, to please the vanity of the whites, Avere, doubt- 
less, apochryphal. To shoAV the reckless daring of the Indian 
character, it is mentioned that a warrior walked cabnly down the 
bluff some 200 yards distant, deliberately raised his gun and tired 
upon the troops in the town, then turned and strode slowly away 
amid a shower of bullets. 

jS^othing having been heard from General Hopkins and his 2000 
mounted Kentucky ritlemen, and apj)rehensive that a large force 
of warriors would be speedily collected, it was deemed prudent 
not to protract their stay, and accordingly, the retrograde march 
of the army was commenced that very day. A heavy and con- 
tinuous rain prevailed at the tinu^, but the dread of i)ursuit caused 
them not to intermit their travels till darkness overtook them, 
when, greatly exhausted and wet, without fire to dry their clothes, 
18 



274 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

or food to nourish their bodies, they sauk into sleep on the wet 
yrouiid, tlieir clothing covered with the mud of the morass. The 
dread warrior did not appear. " Our army returned home 
with all convenient si)eed," writes Governor Eeynohls, who in the 
canvpaign earned the soubriquet of " Old Ranger^" and to whose 
account we are largel}' indebted for this. 

On the juorrow, a detachment in cliarge of Lieutenant Peyton, 
was again sent over to Peoria with a message to Captain (Jraig 
in charge ot the provision boats, to return as speedily as possible. 
This party on tlieir way burnt a oNIiami village witliin a half-mile 
of Peoria. 

The force of Captain Craig, in charge of the provision boats 
for the armies of Hopkins and Edwards, and under instruction 
ti-om his Excellency to proceed to Peoria, '-and take prisoners those 
persons who were there for the purpose of assisting the savages to 
murder the frontier settlers," was not idle. His armed boat, by 
force of a gale liaving brolcen its cable and drifted ashore, it was 
in the night time lired upon by ten Indians, who immediately lied. 
Disc(n"ering at daylight their traclvs leading up into the town. 
Captain Craig inquired of the French their whereabouts. These 
denying all knowledge of them, said "they had heard or seen noth- 
ing," but he took the whole of them prisoners, burned and de- 
stroyed Peoria, and bore the captured inhabitants away on 
his boats to a point below the present Alton, where he landed 
and left them in the woods — men women and children — in the in- 
clement month of Novembei', Avithout shelter, and without food 
other than the slender stores they had themselves hurriedly gath- 
ered up before their departure. They found their way to JSt. Louis 
it is said, in almost a starving condition. They numbered perhaps 
75, the naTiies of the heads of families given exceeding a dozen.* 
Thomas Forsythe, the government Indian agent stationed at 
Peoria, was included among the number. This was owing to his 
true relation to the goverjunent not being disclosed to the Indians 
or others, tlnit he might have more influence with them in releas- 
ing or ransoming the prisoners cai»tured in the recent Chicago 
massacre. From his long residence among the Indians, he was 
very popular with them. The burning of Peoria and taking pris- 
oners its inhabitants, upon the mere suspicion that tln'y sympa- 
thized with tlie Indians, was generally regarded as a needless, if 
not wanton, act of military power.t 

After an absence of 13 days the gallant army of Governor 
Edwards returned to Camp Russell without loss. It was received 
Avith the honors of war, amidst the booming of the old but royal 
cannon which had done duty for many years at Fort Chartres, 
and the rattle of small arms. The troops were mostly dis- 
charged ; the governor, in a letter to the secretary of war, be- 
speaks for them a speedy payment as '' the reward due to their 



*Sce life of Governor Edwards, by his son. 

lAltor the building' of Fort Crevecoeur, in 16S0, Peoria lalve was ever familiar to wes- 
tern travel and history ; but there is no autheniic account of a permanent European 
S(^ttlement there until 1778, when Lavillo de Meillot, named after its founder, was 
started. On account of the quality of the water and its greater salubrity, the location 
was changed further down the lake to the present site of Peoria, and by 179G, the old 
had l)een entirely abandoned for the new village. After its destruction, in 1812, it was 
not settled agaii\ imtil 1819. and then by American pioneers, ttiough in 181;), Fort Clark 
was built there, wliicli gave a name to the place for several years. In 1818, the fort 
was destroyed by lire. In 1825, the county of Peoria was established and the county 
seat located. 



ILLINOIS TERRITORY. 275 

services." In liis address, to tlie St. Clair county militia, the j^ov- 
ernor said: "Your bravei'j lias enabled nie to repel hostile invas- 
ion and to wage war upon the enemy in their ow n country. * * 
Your intrepidity and patriotism have been equally honorable to 
yourselves, and useful to your country." Xot to be outdone in 
such flattering testimonials, the militia, through their officers, 
replied in as felicitous a vein, that his Excellency had "gr<'at]y 
increased his claims u])on the gratitude of theconntry for his wise 
measures," and tlmtthey had "witnessed his coolness, deliberation 
and promptitude in the hour of j)cril." It seems, howe\'er, that 
his Excellency was not without rivals for the laurels of this 
campaign. With much concern, he writes, under date of Decem- 
ber 25tli, 1812: "1 discover that some i)itiful attempts are nudcing 
to deprive nn^ of the credit I am entitled to, by gi\ing it to (Joloncd 
Eussell, who ha])})ened to join me (al)out three days before I com- 
menced my march) with oO I'angers. The injusticeof this is known 
and attested by the whole of my little army," etc.* 

1813. — Early in this year, the country was i)ut in such state of 
defense against the hostile Indians as its s])arse ])Opu!ation admit- 
ted of. Block house stations and stockade forts were repaired and 
strengthened along the entire frontier, and the reinote settlers 
and feeble garrisons were remoNcd to the denser settlements. 
New ranging- companies were formed and so stationed as to easily 
range through the settlements. 1^'rom the present Alton to Kas- 
kaskia, twenty-two family forts were scattered along. In sjiite of 
these precautions, the extent of the frontier was so great that no 
diligence in ranging afforded entire immunity from savage attacks. 
Numerous depredations and murders were committed by maraud- 
ing bands of the red foe. Of these, only a few will be men- 
tioned. 

The savages fell upon the fandly of Mr. Lively, four miles south- 
east of Covington, in the ])resent Washington c-ounty, and four 
were slain. The bodies of two women were shockingly mangled ; 
a little boy of seven years was borne away from the house, his 
head severed from his body, his enti'ails torn out, and both 
carried away, it was thought, for puiposes of cannibalism. Mr. 
Lively's body Avas iude(;ently mutilated. A son and a stranger 
stopj)ing there, were out in quest of their horses, and from a dis- 
tance saw the house attacked. These in their retreat to the 
settlements, bivouaced in a grove 6 ndles southeast of Fayette- 
ville on the Kaskaskia river, which perpetuates the name of the 
murdered family. Th(^ Indians, supposed to be Kicka])oos, were 
pursued by Captain Boon's company, but having 4 days the start, 
nui(h' good their escape. That a pursuing force should be 1 days 
behind, shows how incautiously icmote trom the denser settle- 
ments some families must have local(Ml. On the l)anks of Kas- 
kaskia, near the present Carlyle, a Mr. Young and a minister by 
the name of McLean, had a (h^sparatc^ struggle with a party of 
savages. The former having been killed, as also both horses, a 
single but powerful savage i)nrsued McLean, who was ujiarmed 
and on foot. IMcLean would come to a stand at times and in a 
menacing manner defy the savage to ap])roach with his tonudiawk. 
The Indian seeking the advantage, would hestitate. At such 
times, McLean would divest himself of a ])ortion of his surplus 

♦Edwards' Life of Edwards. 



276 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



clotliincj, and finally, tlie attention of the Indian having been 
arrested byliis cast off garments, McLean plunged into the river, 
swam to the further shore, and eft'ected his escape.* Some murders 
"were also committed on Cacheri^'er in the present Alexander county. 
On the Wabash, 30 miles above Vincenues, near Fort Lamotte, the 
■wife of a Mr. Houston and four children were killed. In a suiall 
l»rairie 2 or 3 miles from the present Albion, in Edwards county, a 
farmer by the name of Boltenhouse was killed, the prairie perpet- 
uating' his name. 

Considering the frequent murders and the fact that the general 
government had made no i)rovisi()n to sustain the militia and 
volunteers, which caused those of Illinois to be discharged from 
the service on the 8th of June, by the governor, it may be said 
that the year 1813 presented but a gloomy prospect for the exposed 
settlements in the west. 

/Second ExpedlHon to Peoria. — Large numbeis of hostile Indians 
"svere known to have collected among the Potawattomies aiul 
Kickapoos on Lake Peoria, whence marauding parties, which 
harrassed the frontiers of both Illinois and Missouri, were sent 
out. It became again an object therefore to penetrate their country 
with a military force, disperse them from their convenient location, 
and drive them far into the iuterior. In the latter part of the 
summer a joint expedition froui Illinois and Missouri, was projected 
for this purpose. An army of souie 900 men was collected and 
Gen. Howard, who had resigned the oftice of Governor of Missouri 
to accept a Brigader General's comnussion in the United States 
Army, was phu-ed in command. The Illinois troops were ordered 
to rendezvous at Camp Russell ; one comi)any was ordered to the 
y^ Mississipia at a point called the Piasa, opi)osite the Portage des 
Sioux, where it remained several weeks and became quite sickly. 
The Illinois troops were formed into the second regiment, and 
Benjamin Stei)henson, of Randolph county, was appointed colonel; 
"VY. B. AVhitesides and John Moredock were majors; and Joseph 
Phillips, Sanuiel Judy, ISIathauiel Journey, and Samuel White- 
sides, captains. There was some delay on account of the Missou- 
riaus, Avho were being collected at St. Louis. 

Finally the order for a forward movement arrived, and the 
Illinoisans marched up the Mississippi by coiupanies to the Illinois, 
which was crossed 2 or 3 miles above its mouth. The movement 
was slow ; in Calhoun County, where the bee-trees were very 
numerous, a few rangers, who rambled from the main body, got 
into a skirmish with some Indians, but no loss was sustained 
except that a gun-stock was shivered by an Indian bullet. The 
Missourians marched 100 luiles north, on the west side of the 
Mississippi to Fort Mason, where they swam the river nu)unted 
naked on their horses, while their garments were crossed on a 
platforui, bovue up by 2 canoes, and joined the Illinoisans. They 
Avcre commanded by Col. McXair, afterward governor of Missoiiri. 
Tlie whole force was re-organized into a brigade, of which General 
Howard was in chief command. The nuirch was continued uptlie 
Mis,sissii>pi. On the present site of Quincy they passed a recentl}' 
deserted camp and village, supposed to have contained 1,000 Sao 
warriors. Ata. point called the " Two rivers," they struck out east- 
ward and across the high prairies to the Illinois, which was reached 



♦Missouri Gazette, Marcli 1813. 



ILLINOIS TERRITORY. 



near tlie nioutli of Spoon river. Here their provision boats arrived 
and took on board the siek. The niarcli Avas continued up the 
Ilhnois to Peoria, where there was a. small stockade in charj^e of 
Captain Nicliolas of the U. S. Army. Two days before, the 
Indians had nuide an attack on the fort, but were repulsed. On 
the line of march from the jVfississippi, numerous fresh tiails indi- 
cated that the Indians, gaininy knowledi;e of the invadini;' ibrce, 
were fleeing' northward. 

IJeing iu the enemy's country, knowing his stealthy habits and 
the troops at no time observing a- high degree of disci[)]ine, many 
unnecx'ssary night alarms occurred; they were i)arade<l, fre(piently 
ordered to arnis, and under the general excitement incident to a 
constant diead of momentary attack, guns were incautiously lired, 
and one tine young Kentucky trooper, was shot <lead by a fear 
smitten sentiueL All this tiuu', the dread savages were far away. 

The army was niaiched u[) tlie lake, to Gomo's village, the v^ 
present site of (Miilicotlic, and finding that the enemy had asc<'n(led 
the Illinois, two deserted vilhiges were demolished under tlie shock 
of its onset, and burned, when it took up its retrograde march. 
At the outlet of the lake, the [)resent site of ]*eoria, the troops 
remained in cauip several weeks, building Fort Clark, named iu 
memory of Gen. George Kogers Clark. jNIaJor Christy, iu tlie 
meantime, was dispatched \\ith ai force in charge of two fortified 
keel-boats up the river to the foot of tlie rapids, to chastise and 
rout such of the enem3' as might have hxlged in that region. 
Major Boone was sent with a force to scour the 8poon river 
country, towaids IJock river. Both expeditions returned without 
other disc<)\'eries than signs of alarm on the [lart of the enemy, 
and his r<'treat into tlie interio]-. The army retuined by a dire('t; 
route to Ca!ii]> Bussell, where the volunteers and militia were dis- 
banded, OctolM'il^LM, 1S1;5. 

The campaign, though no battle was fought or enemy seen, was 
still fraught witli great beiu'fit in adbrding the frontiers immunity 
from tlie murderous incursions of the savages for the entire siu;- 
ceeding winter. To the foe was unfolded the ])ower and resources 
lie liad to contend witJi, and shaking his head he muttered, "pale 
faces like the leases in the forest — like the grass on the ])rairies — 
they grow everywhere !" 

1814. — The year 1811, was, however, also prolitic with hoi-rible 
deeds of savage butchery. Those fiends, with a natural aptitude 
for such work, received additional incentives from their British 
allies. Our naval victories on Lake Erie, the recovery of Detroit, 
and the (h'feat of the British at the battle of tiie Tliam(\s, where 
Tecnmseh fell, which was fought Ixdbie the close of I8I0, had the 
ett'ect to cause the savages to i-etreat from Canada, and <'oncentrate 
in great iiund>eis on the banks of the upper Mississippi; and 
maiaiiding bands again Aisited the settlements of Illinois and 
]Miss{)uri, committing many de)»redations and murders. We do 
not ]>retend to cite all. 

In .Inly, a band of Indians raiding in the Wood river settle- 
ment. (! miles east of th<' i»resent Alton, massacred a ]\Irs. licagan 
and her (> children. The husband a-ud father, absent at the time, 
was the first to discover the dreadful slaughter. On arri\'ing- 
home after night-fall, and opening the door of his cabin, he 

•Annals ot the West— Appendix. 



278 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



stepped into the gore of liis loved family, and beheld their stark 
and inaugled reiuauis. Captain Samuel Whitesides with his 
company of rangers pursued the savnges to the San gani on, where, 
in a thicket, all escaped except the leader of the band, who was 
shot out of a tree-top. In his belt he had dangling the scalp of 
Mrs. Keagau. 

In the westerji part of Clinton county, near the crossing of the 
present O. & ■Nl. 11. II. over a stream, Jesse Bailes and wife were 
looking for their hogs on a Sunday evening in the creek bottom, 
and the dogs bayingat a thicket, it was sup[)osed they were found; 
but on approaching the thicket, the Indians, concealed within, 
tired npou both, tiie lady only being liit. She was taken to her 
father's house, Mr. Bradley, an<l died in a short time. 

In August, while a^ company of Captain Short's rangers were 
encamped at the Lively cabins, a trail was discovered which led 
directly to the starting of 7 Indians with 14 stolen horses. AYheu 
overtaken a skirmish ensued, in which the rangers were rather 
worsted ; one was wounded, a horse killed, and another, Moses 
Short, received a bullet which lodged in a twist of tobacco in his 
X)Ocket. William Stout, with great sjjeed, went to camp for rein- 
forcements. Captain Short with 30 men now followed the trail all 
night, and next nunning overtook the marauders (m a fork of the 
Little Wabash. A lagging Indian here shot a turkey, ami the 
report of his gi u ai)prised the purstiers of their proximity. On 
discovering the whites, the rear Indian ran in great haste forward, 
and all i)re])ared for battle, in ignorauce probably of the number 
of the pursuing force, and assured doubtless by their previous 
success, for they might ha\'e easily nuide their escape. They were 
directly surrouiuled, aiul when they realized their situation, sang 
the death song, shouted defiance, aiul fought bravely to the last. 
All were killed. The i)ursuers lost one man, William O'lSTeal, 
who, while taking deliberate aim, met an adversary quicker than 
himself, and was shot. 

[Note. — The most desparate sinfrle-handed combat with Indians, ever fouohton the 
soil of Illinois, was that of Toin Hijij-ins, Auyust 21. 1814. Higgrins was 25 years old, of 
a muscular and compact build, not tall, but strong and active. Jn clanger he possessed 
a quiclt and discerning .iudg-ment, and was without fear. He was a member of .Tourney s 
rangers, consisting of 11 men, stationed at Hills Fort, 8 miles southwest of the present 
Greenville. Discovering Indian .'•igns near the fort, the company early the following- 
morning started on the trail. They had not gone far before they were in an ambus- 
cade of a larger party. At the first tire, their commander Journey and 3 men fell. Six 
retreatea to the fort ill flight, but Higgins stopped '• to have another pull at the red 
skins," and t'iking deliberate aim at a straggling savage, shot him down. Higgin's horse 
had been wounded at the first Are, as he supposed, mortally, but coming to, he was 
about to efiect his escape, when the familiar voice of Burgess hailed him from the long 
grass, " Tom don't leave me."' Higgins told him to come along, but Uurgess replied that 
his leg was smashed. Higgins attempted to raise him on his horse, bvit the animal took 
fright and ran away Higgins then directed Burgess to limp off as best he could, and 
tay crawling through the grass he reached the fort, while the former loaded his gun 
and remained behind to protect him against the pursuing enemy. When Burgess was 
well out of the way, to throw any wandering enemy off the trail, Higgins took another 
route which led by a small thicket. Here he was unexpectedly confronted by 8 savages 
approaching. He ran to a little ravine near at hand for shelter, but in the effort dis- 
covered for the first time that he was badly wounded in the leg. He was closely pressed 
by the largest, a powerful Indian, who lodged a ball in his thigh. He fell, but instantly 
rose again, only to draw the fire of the other two and again fell wounded. The 
Indians now advanced upon him with their tomahawks and scalping knives, but as he 
presented his gun first at one, then at another, from his place in the ravine, each 
wavered in his purpose. Neither party had time to load, and the large Indian, suppos- 
ing finally that Higgins' gun was empty, rushed forward with uplifted tomahawk and a 
yell, but as he came near enough, was shot down. At this, the others raised the war- 
whoop and rushed upon the wounded Higgins, and now a hand to hand conflict ensued. 
They darted at him with their knilos tinii- and a'-;ain,iiiflicting many ghastly flesh wounds 
which bled profusely, One of the assailents threw his tomahawk at him with such 
precision as to sever his ear and laj bare his skull, knocking him down. They now 
rushed in on him, but he kicked them off, and grasping one of their spears thrust at 



ILLINOIS TERRITORY. 279 

The military expeditions of 1814, in whicli Illinois participated, 
were by water on the Mississippi. The first projecteil in the west 
was tlnit of (lovernor Clark (in the absence of Genenvl Howard), 
which left St. Louis about the 1st of May. It comprised a force 
of some 200 men in live armed barues, its desiiuatiou being 
Prairie du Ohieu. The notorious Dickson, llritish agent and In- 
dian trader, a man of pleasing nninner and captivating address, 
had but a few days l)ef()re recruited for the British ai'uiy 300 
Sioux, Winnebagoes and Folsavoisns, whom he was conducting to 
Canada. A small garrison of "Mackinac fencil)lcs", in couiiuand 
of a iiritish officer, was left in charge of the i)lace, but being givatly 
outnumbered by Clark's forces, they joined the tleeing inhabitants. 
Clark's unopposed troopS' were quartered in the house of the 
Mackinaw Fur Company, and a fort, callcdShelby, was built. In 
June Grov. Clark returm'd to St. Louis, where the people temlered 
him a })nblic ovation in honor of his conquest. Thus easily did he 
win military glory. But in July a large force of British and Indians 
under Col. Mackey, came by water from Mackinaw, \'ia Green 
Bay and the Wisconsin, and after a short seige, (rov. Clark's entire 
garrison capitulated and was ]>aroled, leaving the British with the 
new fort in luuch better condition than two nK)nths before. Such 
are the fortunes of war. 

In the meantime, Gen. Howard, having returned to his ]K)st, 
deemed it advisable to strengthen so remote a ])ost as i'rairie du 
Chien, and to that end sent reinforcements to the number of 108 
men, in charge of Lieut. Canii)bell of the regular army, in three 
keel boats up the river. Of this force 00 men were Illinois Rang- 
ers, under Captaius Stephen liector, and Biggs, who occupied two 
boats. The remainder were Avith Cami>bell in the other boat. 
Bock Island, Avhere they laid up for a night, was i)assed without 
nudestation, but at the foot of the rapids great numbers of the 
Sacs and Fox IndiauvS visited the boats with professions of friend- 
ship. Some of the French boatmen were known to the Indians, 
and very much lik(^l by them. They would squeeze their hands 
with a pull down the river, indicating that it would be well for 
them to leave. It was rightly J udg<'d by them that the treacherous 
sa\ages meditated an attack, of whicli Lieut. Campbell was duly 
informed. He, however, disieganh^d these hints. The sutler's 
ami contractor's boats, and two barges with the Illinois rangers, 
had passed the rapids, and had got some two mdes ahead, when 
Campbell's barge was struck by a gale from the west so strong as 
to force her against a snnUl island, next to the Illinois shore. 
Thinking it advisable to lie to till the wind abated, sentiiuds were 
immediately stationed, while the men went ashore to cook break- 

him, was raised up by it. He quickly seized liis gun, and by a pciwerful blow crushed 
in the skull of one, but bruke his rifle. His' rem lininu- antationist still ueiit up the 
contest making thrusts with his knife at the blecdinji and exliavisted Hiasins, which lie 
parried with his broken gun as best he could. Must of this desperate engag-einent was 
in plain view of the Fort, but the rangers, having been in one ambuscade, saw in this 
fight only a ruse to draw out the balance of the garrison. But a Mrs. Purselj", residitig 
at the Fort, no longer able to see so brave a man contend unaided for liis lite, seized a 
gun, and mounting a horse, started to his rescue. At this the men took couraue and 
hastened along. The Indian seeing aid coming, fled. Higgins being nearlr hacked to 
pieces, fainted from loss of blood. He was carried to the Fort. There being no sur- 
geon, his comrades cut two balls from his flesh ; others remained in For davs his life 
was despaired of, but by tender nursing, he ultimately recovered his health, badly 
crippled. He resided in Fayette County for many years after, where he raised a large 
family, and died in 1839. He received a pension, pursued farming, and at one time 
was door-keeper of one of the houses of the General Assembly at Vandal ia . Reynold's 
Pio. Hist.— p. 321. 



280 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



fust. At this time a larye force of Indians on the main .shore, 
nnder the command of Black Hawk, commenced an attack. The 
savages, in canoes, i)assed rapidly to the island, and with a war 
whoop rushed upon the men, who retreated and souij;ht refuj^e in 
the barge. A battle of brisk musketry now ensued between the 
few regulars aboard the stranded barge and the hordes of Indians 
nnder cover of trees on the island, with severe loss to the former. 
Meanwhile, Captains Rector and Riggs, ahead with their barges, 
seing the smoke of battle, essayed to retnrn, bnt in the strong- 
gale Riggs' boat becaine unmanageable and was stranded on the 
rapids. Rector, to avoid a similar disaster, let go his anchor. The 
rangers, however, opened with good aim and telling effect on the 
sa\ages. 

The nnequal condiat having raged for some time, the command- 
er's barge, with many wonnded and several dead on board, among 
the former of whom, very badly, was Cami)bell himself, had almost 
ceased fighting when she was discovered to be on tire. And now 
Stephen Rector, and his brave crew of Illinois rangers, com}>i:e- 
hending the horrid situatiou, performed, without delay, as cool 
and heroic a deed, and did it well, as ever im})eriled the life of 
mortal man. In the howling gale, in fnll view of hundreds of the 
infuriate savages, and within range of their rities, they delilverati'ly 
raised anchor, lightened their barge by casting overboard quan- 
tities of provisions, an<l guided it with the ntmost labor down the 
swift current, to the windward of the burning barge, and, in the 
galling lire of the enemy, rescued the sur\'iv«_)rs, removed the 
wounded, the dying and all, to their vessel. This was as heroic a 
deed of noble daring as was performed dnring tlie war in the 
west. The island, in memory of the struggle, was named after 
Campbell, but witli Rector and his crew of Illinois rangers remains 
the glory of the action. 

The manner of effecting the rescue displays the resonrce of 
courageous minds in the crisis of iuiminent peril. Rector's ])arge 
was lirst quickly lightened by casting overboard the provisions, 
the crew (mostly experienced French boatmen,) got into the Avater 
on the windward side of the barge, which brought it between 
them and the Are of the enemy. In this manner it was guided in 
close proximity to the disabled barge, and held there till the re- 
moval was effected, when, aftei being hauled against the wind far 
out into the stream, it glided safely away. The loss was 1*5; 9 
killed — 4 rangers, 3 regulars, 1 woman, 1 child ; wounded 16, 
among whom were Lieut Cani])bell and Dr. Stewart, severely.* 
Rector's barge was uncomfortably crowded for the wounded, but 
as the force was large they rowed night and day until St. Louis was 
reached. The Indians, after the abandonment of Campbell's 
barge, feasted upon the contents of their prize. 

It was now feared that Riggs and his conq)any were captured 
and sacrificed by the savages. His vessel, which was strong and well 
armed, was for a time surrounded by the Indians, but tlie whites 
on the inside were Avell sheltered. The wind beconung allayed in 
the evening, the boat, under cover of the lught, glided safely down 
the river without the loss of a single man. At St. Louis there was 
great rejoicing on the arri\'al of Riggs and crew, all safe. Many 
fervent prayers had gone up, many anxious eyes had eagerly 



*Mo. Gazette, July 30, 1814 



ILLINOIS TEKRITORY. 281 

w;it(*lie<l the river, and many a patriot heart was made glad by tlie 
liiial tidings of tlieir safety. 

Still another expedition for the Upper Mississip})! was projected 
this season after tlie two foregoing disasters. It was fitted out at 
Cape an Grls, and old French hamlet on the left bank of the Mis- 
sissippi, a few miles above the mouth of tlie Illinois. It consisted 
of 334 effective men, 40 regulars and the rest rangers and volun- 
teers, in command of Major Zackary Taylor (afterwards president.) 
]^elson Hector, and Saiiuiel AVhitesides, with the lUinoisans, were 
in command of boats. It was generally regarded as of material 
imi)ortance to ha\'e a strong fort with a garrison well up the Mis- 
sissi]>pi in the heart of the Indian country. The plan was to 
proceed above the rapids, and in descending sweep both baid^s of 
the river of the Indian villages, destroy their corn down to 
Rock Island, and there build the fort. Tlu> expedition dei)arted 
its place of nMidezvous, August 23, 1814, and passed Hock Island 
and the Ka|)ids unmolested. It was now learned that the coiuitry 
was not only swarming with Indians, but that the English were 
there in command, with a detachment of regulars and artillery. 
The advanced boats in command of Ivcctor, Whitesides, and 
Hempstead, turned about and began to descend the Ivai)ids, tight- 
ing with great gallantry the hoardes of tlie enemy ])ouring their fire 
into them from the shore at eveiy step. A little way above the 
mouth of Rock river, not far from some willow ishuuls, Major 
Taylor anchored his lleet out in the Mississippi. During the night 
the English planted a battery of six pieces down at the water's 
edge to siidi: or disable the boats, and filled the islands with 
redskins to butcher our men, who might, unarmed, seek refuge 
there. But in this schenu^ they were frustrated. In the morning' 
Taylor ordered all the i'orce, except 20 boatmen on each vessel, to 
the u[)per island to dislodge the enemy. The order was executed 
with great gallantry, the island scoured and the savages, many of 
whom were killed, driven to the lower one. In the nu'antime the 
British cannon told with effect upon the tleet, ])iercing many of the 
boats. The men rushed back and the boats were (lrop]>ed down 
the stream out of range of the cannon. Captain Rector was 
now ordered with his company to make a sortie on the lower island, 
which he did, driving the Indians back among the willows, but 
they being reinforced, in turn hurled Rector back upon tlu^ saml 
beach. A council of officers called by Taylor had by this time 
decided that their force was insufficient to contend with the enemy, 
who outnuml)ered them three to one, and the boats were in full 
retreat down the river. As Rector attempted to get under way, 
his boat grounded, and the savages, with demoniac yells, sur- 
rouiuled it, when a most desi)erate hand to hand engagement 
ensued. The gallant ranger, ^Samuel Whitesides, observing the 
imminent i>eril of his brave Illinois comrade, went inun(Mliately 
to his rescue, who, but for his timely aid, would undoubtedly have 
been overpowered with all his force and murdered. Taylor's loss 
was 11 nu^n badlj wounded, 3 of whom had died at the date of 
his report to (len. Howard, Sei)t. (5, 1814. 

Opposite the mouth of the Des 3Ioiues, on the site of the present 
town of Warsaw, a fort w^as built by Taylor's men, called Edwards, 
which consisted of a rough stockade and blockhouses of unhewn 
logs. Fort Madison, on the W' est side of the Mississippi and farther 



282 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

up, after being repeatedly attacked by the enemy, was evacuted and 
bnrnt. A few weeks later (in October) Fort Edwards shared a 
similar fate; the troops got out of provisions, and nimble to sustain 
their position, retreated down the river to Cape au Gris. The 
people of Illinois and IMissouri were astonished at this extraordi- 
nary evacuatioii and destruction of the fort by our own trooi)s. 
The rangers and volunteers were discharged October IStli, 
1814.* 

Thus ended the last, lik(} the two previous exi>editi(iiis up tlie 
Mississippi during the war of 1812, in defeaf and disaster. The 
eneniy was in undisputed possession of all the country north of the 
Illinois river, and the ])rospect respecting these territories boded 
nothing but gloom. With the ajtproacli of winter, however, 
Indian dej)redations ceased to be committed, and the jjeace of 
Ghent, Dec. 21, 1811, closed the war. 

*The account of these expeditioas has beea in great part gathered from Reynolds' 
Own Times. 



Chapter XXY. 

CIVIL AFFAIRS OF THE ILLINOIS TEKRITOEY FEOM 

LSI 2 TO JS18. 

Meeting of the Legislature — T/ie ]\lemhcrs — Laws — Conflict hctiveen 
the Legislature and Judiciary — Curious Acts — Territorial Banhs 
— Cairo Bank — Commerce — First Steamboats — Fursuits of the 

Fcople. 



For iioarly four years after tlie orj^auizatioii of the territorial 
j;ovei'iiinciit no le<iislature existed in Illinois. The governor was 
both exe('llti^■e and, in ;L:reat ]»art, the law-making' power. These ex- 
traoi'dinary powers, authorized by the ordinance of 17S7, viewed at 
this day, seem strangely ineonsisteiit with our re})ubliean nc^tions of 
the necessity of co-oi'dinate branches of government. Under that 
celebrated ordinance, the political ])ri\ileges of the citizen were 
few or none. IL' could not exercise the elective franchise unless 
be was a freeholder of 50 acres, nor asi)ire to a seat in the territo- 
rial legislatuie unless he was a freeholder of from 200 to 500 acres. 
Those of the territorial officers whom the piesident did notapi)oint, 
were appointed by the governor. The i)eople could not elect jus- 
tices of the peace, county surveyors, treasurers, coroners, sheriffs, 
clerks, judges of the inferior courts, nor even choose the officers of 
the territorial militia; all this power and nuu'h more was vested 
in the governor. IJy the act establishing the Illinois territory, it 
was provided that whenever his Excellency was satistied that a 
majority of the freeholders desired it, tluMi he might authorize a 
legislaruie. While none of these extraordinary j'owers were per- 
haps ever arbitrarily exercised by any of the governors, unless it 
was St. Clair, the ]>eople were all the time clamorous for an exten- 
sion of suffrage. Congress (not the governor) finally, by act 
of J\Liy 21, LS12, raised Illinois to the second grade of territorial 
government, and further extended the right of suhrage to any 
white male person 21 years old, who had paid a territiuial tax and 
resided one year in the teiritory next])rece(lingany election, author- 
izing such elector to vote for representative, mend)er of the legis- 
lative council and delegate to congress. The property (puditication, 
under the. ordinance of 1787, was abolished. This was a very 
great concession to the peo})le. The goveinor was recjuired to 
apportion the territory. On the 14th of February, 181 2, accordingly, 
he issued his proclamation, ordering an election to take the sense 
of the people for or against enterifig upon the second grade of 
territorial government. The election was to beheld for three suc- 
cessive days in each county, commencing on the second Monday 
iu Ai)ril. The question, was decided iu the affirmati\e by a larue 

' 283 



284 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



majority. On September lOtli, following, the governor and judges 
liaving organized the new counties of 3Iadison, Gallatin and John- 
son, making' now, with the two old counties of St. Clair and Ifan- 
do]i>h, a total of five, a proclamation was issued, publishing their 
establishment. By another proclamation of the same date, an 
election for o mend)ers of the legislative council, 7 representatives 
and a delegate to congress, was ordered to be held in each county 
on the 8th, 9th and 10th days of October following. At this elec- 
tion, Shadrach B(jnd was elected to congress. The members elect 
of the legislative council were, Pierre Menard, of Eandolph — 
chosen to preside ; William Biggs, of St. Clair ; Samuel Judy, of 
IMadison; Thomas Ferguson, of Johnson, and Benjamin Talbot, 
of Gallatin. 

The members elect of the house of representatives were, George 
Fisher, of Eandol[)h; Joshua Oglesby and Jacob Sliort, of St. 
Clair; William Jones, of jMa<lis<»n ; i'liillip Trammel and Alexan- 
der Wilson, of Gallatin, and Jolin tirammar, of Johnson, 

We subjoin brief sketches of the mend)ers constituting the first 
general assembly of Illinois. Pierre Menard^ a Canadian French- 
man, settled at Kaskaskia in 171K). He was a merchant and 
enjoyed an extensive trade with the Indians, over whom he ex- 
erted a great influence and was for many years the government agent 
for them. He was well informed, energetic, frank and honest, 
and was very iK)pular with all classes. WiUii(m Biggs was an 
intelligent and respectalde member, who had been a soldier in 
Clark's expedition, and ten years afterward had been a i)risoner 
for several years anujng the Kickapoos, He Avrote and published a 
complete narrative of his Indian captivity, and in 181^0, congress 
voted him three sections of land. He was for many years county 
judg(\ iSa7}tuel Judy — the same who, in the fall preceding, com- 
manded the cori)s of spies in Governor Edwards' military ciuu- 
paign to Peoria lake — was a man of "energy, tV)rtitn<le and 
enteri)rise." Some of his descendants now reside in ^Madison 
county. Joshua Ogleshy was a local Methodist preacher of ordinary 
education, who lived on a farm and was greatly resi)ected by his 
neighbors. Jacob Short, the colleague of Oglesby, removed to 
Illinois with his father, Moses, in 171>0, and puisued farnjing. Dur- 
ing the war of 1812, he distinguished himself as a ranger. George 
Fisher \)osiiesiie(\ a fair education, and was by profession a physi- 
cian. He removed from Virgiina to Kaskaskia. in 1800, and en- 
gaged in merchandizing, but at this time he resided on a farm. He 
was afterward in public life. rhiUip Trammel was a man of dis- 
criminating miiul, inclined to the profession of arms. He was the 
lessee of the United States saline in Gallatin county. His col- 
league, Alexander Wilson, was a pojudar tavern keei)er at Sliaw- 
neetown, of fair abilities. William Jones was a Bai)tist i)reacher, 
grave in his deportment, and i>ossessed of moderate abilities. He 
was born in oS^orth Carolimi, removed to Illinois in 1800, and set- 
tled in the liattan prairie, east of Alton * This w as the first 
ai)pearance in public life of John Grammar. He afterwards rep- 
resented Union county frequently during a period of 20 years. 
He had no education, yet was a man of shrewdness. After his 
election, it is related that to procure the necessary ap])arel to 
appear at the seat of government, he and the family gathered a 

*Aauals of the West. 



ILLINOIS TERRITOEY. 2St) 

lav^e quantity of hickory nuts, which were taken to tlie Oliio 
saline and traded for bhie stroiidiiiii-, such as the Indians wore for 
breech-cloth. Wlien the iieiiihhoriii_i; women asseiiibk'd to nialco 
np the garments, it was found that he had not invested (inite 
enough nuts. The pattern was measured in every way possibhs 
but was unmistalcably scant. Wliereupon it was (h'cick^d to make 
a '*bob-tailed coat and a h)ngpair of k'ggings.''' Arrayed in these, 
he duly appeared at the seat of government, where he continued 
to wear Ids prinuti\'e suit for the greater ])art of the session. 
Notwithstanding his illiteracy, he had the honor of originating Uw. 
practi(;e much followed by public men since, of voting against all 
new measures — it being easier to conciliate jiublic opinion for 
being remiss in voting for a good measure, than to suffer arraign- 
ment for aiding in the passage of an unpopular one.* 

On the lOtli of Xovember, th<^ governor, by proclamation, or- 
dered the mend)ers elect to convene, on the -jr)th instant, at Jvas- 
kia, the seat of government. The two bodies met in a large, 
rough old building ot uniait limestoui', with steep roof and gahU^s 
of un])aintetl boards, situated in the centre of a square, which, 
after the ruin and aband<niment of Fort ( 'hartres, had served the 
French as the hea<l(iuarters of the military commandant. Tiie 
first floor, a large, low, cheerless room, was titted up for the house, 
and a small cham1)er above for the council chaiidxn'. The latter 
body chose John Thomas their secretary, and the former elected for 
clerk William C. (xreenup. The two houses had a do<a'-keeper in 
common. All the 12 members boarded with one family, and lodged, 
it is said, in one room. How unlike the present times ! Tlie 
members addressed themselves to the business in hand, without 
delay or circundocution. Windy speeches ov contention were 
uidieard of, and parliamentary tacticians, if any there were, met 
with no indulgence. It has bt'cn naively remarked that not a 
lawyer appears on the roll of names. 

The assend)ly effected a i)eaceful revolution of the civil i>olity 
of the territory, at a time when actual war was the all-absorbing 
public question. By act of December 13, 1812, all the laws 
liassed by the Indiana legislature, and in force IMarch 1, 180!), 
general in their luiture and not local to Indiana, which stood 
unrepealed by the governor and Judges of Illinois, and all laws 
originally adopted for Illinois under the first grade of territorial 
government, remaining unrepealed, were by them re-enacte<l. 
The idea nninifestly was, that by the assembling of the legislature, 
the territory stood forth in utter nakedness, divested of all law 
until re-invested by them. The enacting clause of the territorial 
laws was : "Be it enacted by the legislative council and house of 
representatives, and it is hereby enacted by the authority of the 
same." To the courts of common pleas was given the same juris- 
diction previously had under the Indiana territory. The general 
court, established at the seat of government, besides being a tril)- 
unal of oyer and ternuner for jail delivery on indictments found by 
the grand juries of the common i)leas court, was also constituted 
a court of original jurisdiction, of appeals, to correct eirors of 
inferior courts, and to i)unish the contempts, neglects, favors or 
corruptions of the justices of the peace, clerks, sheriffs, etc., its 
process running to any county, to the great inconvenience of the 

♦Ford's Illinois. 



28G HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

peoi)le. Sncli other laws as it was deemed tlie country required, 
were passed, and after a brief session, tlie first legislature ad- 
journed. 

The laws of the territory were afterward revised and digested, 
under the authority of the legislatue, by Nathaniel Pope, and 
printed in one volume by Matthew Duncan, printer of the terri- 
tory, wliicli bears the date June 2, 1815. There are besides, two 
small volumes, by the sanui })rinter, of the session laws of 1815-10 
and 181-718. While the laws are faithfully rendered, the mechan- 
ical appearance of these books, owing to the. great coarseness of 
the i)aper and the use of clumsy type, illy compares with work of 
the present time. Many of the laws imported, revised and 
adopted by the governor and judges, were well drawn but the 
great body of those origiiuited in the legislature present much 
crudity, both in composition and grasp of the subjects intended to 
be subserved. We will allude to some features of the territorial 
code, now happily obsolete, which give, by contrast with the i)res- 
ent, an idea to the reader of the progress and amelioration 
attained in criminal jurisprudence and the punishment for debt. 
Thus, in the punishment of crimes, both felonies and misdemean- 
ors, the barbarous practices of whipping on the bare back, con- 
finement in stocks, standing in the pillory, and branding with hot 
irons, were the i)eualties fre(piently prescribed; besides tines, 
imprisonment, and loss of citizenship. These sununary modes of 
chastisement grew, in part, out of the condition of the country. 
It was but sparsely settled, the people were poor, they hsul no gen- 
eral prison or penitentiary, and the few jails were so insecure as to 
present scarcely any barrier to the escape of prisoners. Whip- 
Xjing upon the bare back, besides other punishments at the 0]>tion 
of the couit, was X)rescribed in burglary or robbery, 39 stripes ; 
in perjury, larceny, the receiving of stolen goods, and obtaining 
goods by fraudulent pretenses, 31 stripes: horse-stealing, first 
oftence, from 50 to 100 lashes; hog-stealing, from 25 to 39 lashes ; 
altering and defacing marks or brands on domestic animals at 
large, 40 lashes "well laid on;" bigamy, punished with from 100 
to 300 stripes ; for sodomy, from 100 to 5((0 lashes were prescribed; 
forcibly taking away a female to marry against her consent, was 
declared a felony and might be punished by whi])i)ing ; children 
or servants for disobedience, might, ui)on comi)laintand conviction 
before a justice, be whipped not exceeding 10 stripes. In all these 
offences there were other penalties provided, alternatively or addi- 
tionally, at the option of the court — such as fines, imprisonment, 
restitution, etc. Fines were collected from those unable to pay, 
by the sheriff hiring or selliug them to any one who would pay the 
tine or costs, for such terms as the court might deem reasonable, 
and if the delinquent should abscond, the peualty was double the 
term of servitude and 39 stripes. Standing in pillory was pre- 
scribed, iu addition to other i^en allies, in perjury, forgery, and the 
altering or defacing of brands or marks on domestic animals. For 
this last offence, on secoiul conviction, the culprit was to have the 
letter T biauded in the lefthaiul with a red-hot iron. To prevent 
the conunon crime of killing stock running on the range, every one, 
iiuiluding the owners, was recpiired to exhibit the ears of hogs, or 
hides of cattle, killed, to a magistrate or two freeholders within 
three days, under a penalty of '10. For aiding the escape of a 



ILLINOIS TERRITORY. 287 

convict, the ijnni.slimeiit was the same as that of the culprit, ex- 
cept in capital cases, wlien stripes, standing in pillory, or sitting 
on the gallows with the rope adjusted about the neck, at the 0])tion 
of the court, was the penalty. Besides in treason and murder, 
the penalty of death l)y hanging was denounced against arson 
and rape, and horse stealiug on second conviction. For selling 
intoxicating liquors to Indians, slaves, apprentices and minors, 
severe penalties were euacted. For reveling, quarreling, fighting, 
profanely cursing, disorderly behavior at divine worship, and 
hunting on the Sal>bath, penalties by lines were prescribed. Cock- 
lighting, horse-racing on the highways, gambling, keeping E. O. 
tables, sending challenge to fight or box atfisticufl's, lotteries, etc., 
were punished by fines. In 1810, a- law was adopted to suppress 
dueling, which made the fatal result of a duel nuu-der, including 
the aiders, abettors or counselors as x>i'iii<'ipals in the criiiu'. 

In regard to the collection of debts, the principles of the com- 
mon law obtained, which wholly favored the creditor. All the pro- 
perty of the judgement debtor, both real and personal without any 
of the present humane features as to exemption, might be levied 
upon and sold under executi(m. The sale was absolute — no time 
of redemption, as at present, was allowed in the case of realty. 
If the land failed to sell for want of bidders, it was the judgment 
creditor's right, at his option, to take it absolutely at the appraised 
value made by 12 jurors. But this was not all. If the property 
was insufficient to pay the judgment, the body of the debtor might 
be seized ami cast into prison. Here he would l)e allowed the i)rison 
bounds, extending 200 yards from the jail in any direction, on con- 
dition only of giving bonds in double the sum of the debt, not 
to depart therefrom. 

The territorial revenue was raised by a tax upon lands. Those 
situated in the river bottoms of the Mississippi, Ohio and the 
Wabash were taxed at the rate of $1 on every 100 acres. The 
uplands were classed as second rate, and were taxed at the rate 
of 75 cents per 100 acres. Unlocated, but confirmed land (ilaims, 
were taxed at the rate of 37^ cents per 100 acres. The county 
revenue was raised chiefly by a tax upon personal property, in- 
cluding slaves or indentured servants between the ages of 10 and 
40, not to exceed $1 each. The only real property taxed was lots 
and houses in towns, and mansion houses in the country, worth 
$200 and upwards. There was levied also a cai)itation tax of $1 
on every able-bodied single man, having attained his majority 
and owning $200 worth of taxable property. This ought to have 
induced marriage. Two men were appointed to appraise the prop- 
erty required to be assessed. Merchants and terriers were licensed 
at ilo and |10 respectively. Horses and cattle were taxed by 
the head, not exceeding 50 and 10 cents, respectively — not accord- 
ing to value, as at preseut. 

The entire territorial revenue, between the 1st of ISTovendier, 
1811, and the 8th of November, 1814 (3 years), was reported by 
the legislative committee on finance, in 1814, to be $4,875 45. 
But of this amount, only $2,516 89 had actually been paid into the 
treasury ; the balance — nearly half — $2, 378 47 remaiued in the 
hands of delinquent sheriffs. The delinquencies of sheriffs, in 
their capacity as collectors of the revenues, remained a curse to 



288 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



Illinois not only during its territorial existence, but for many 
years after it became a State. 

In 1811 tlie legislature attempted to reorganize the judiciary by 
establishing the supreme court of tlie territory. The United States 
judges for the territory were assigned to circuit duty, each having 
a circuit composed of two counties in each of which two terms of 
court were to be hehl annually. The conrts possessed common 
law and chancery jurisdiction, and suits were to be tried in the 
counties in which they originated. Once a year the jmlges were 
to convene in banc at the seat of government, to hear appeals and 
revise erroneous decisions from the courts below. This arrange- 
nu'ut was w^ell calculated to give to the people in their 
counties a more thonuigh administration of the laws than the 
courts of common pleas afforded; but the idea of circuit duty was 
numifestly distasteful to the judges. In the legislature nuicli 
discussion arose as to its power to prescribe the duties of the 
appointees of the geiu'ral government. The judges were re<iuested 
to give a written opinion upon the merits and legality of the pro- 
])osed act. These gentlemen — Si)riggs and Thomas, Griswold 
being absent— wanted no better oi)i)ortnnity to assail it, which 
they did in a very em[)]iatic maimer, arguing at length the inva- 
lidity of the act; that "the court established l»y the ordinance of 
17S7 cannot be subjected to the revision or control of any tribunal 
established by the Territorial Legislature; and that an appeal from 
the same court to the same was a solicism." The governor, at the 
instance of the legislature, in his message ai)proving the bill, took 
U}) the question, elaborately argued the power of the legislature in 
the premises, and apparently demolished the i)osition of the judges. 
The bill without iinally be(;oming a law was by the legislature re- 
ferred to congress, together with the objections of the judges and 
thereply of the goveriu>r, with an address "requesting the i)assageof 
a law declaring the aforesaid act valid, or to pass some law nuu"e 
explanatory of the relative duties andi)owersof the judges aforesaid 
and of this legislature." Congress, by act of March 3, 1815, 
passed "an act regulating and defining the duties of the United 
States judges for the Territory of Illinois," which sul)stantially 
embodied the provisions required by the legislature. The judges 
were x'equired to do circuit duties and reside in their respective 
circuits, and to meet in banc twice a year at the seat of govern- 
ment, as a court of appeals. They were also subje(;ted to the 
regulations of the legislature as to the times of holding their 
terms. The governor appointed the clerks 

In the meantime by a suplemeutal act the legislature at the same 
session had abolished the general court, whose jiu'isdiction was to 
be superseded by the supreme corut ; and by another act the court 
of common pleas was abolished, and county courts (the germ of 
our present county system) which had no jurisdiction for the trial 
of ordinary cases, substituted. Until congress therefore acted, 
a period of some two months and a half, Illinois presented the 
anomalous condition of being without a judicial tribunal higher 
than that of a justice's court, whose civil jurisdiction, by another 
act of the same session, A\as enlarged to $20 in debt. Sitting as 
an examining tribunal, to what court could a justice of the peace 
have validly bound over a culprit during this period of partial 
judicial vacuum? However, we have nothing showing to the con- 



ILLINOIS TEERITORY. 289 



'trarv', but that the people got ahiiig- just as well as before and after. 
By act "of Jan. 0, 1810, the duties of the judges of the court of 
appeals were more clearly detined, and a law relatiug to this court 
was aineuded in 1817 and the circuits reorganized; next by an act 
of June 11*, 1818, a radical change was made. There being some 
obscurity in tlie county court act passed in 1814, its duties were 
monj clearly defined by a snp])lemental act of the same session. 
The civil jurisdiction of the justice's couit was in 1817 extended to 
$40. 

Tims it will be obser\'ed that at a very early ]>criod the Legis- 
hiture of Illinois fell into tlu^ habit, which Ix^came chronic, of 
changing and reorganizing the conrtsand mo(bfying their jurisdic- 
tion at alnu)st every session, down to the adoption of the constitu- 
tion of 1848. Since then this species of legishition seems to have 
ex[)ended itself in the frequent changes of the terms of court iu 
the various circuits. ISText to changing and shifting the well 
settled priiu'iples of the law in its relation to the rights of property 
and tiie multifarious trausactions of business, nothing is so per- 
nicious as the varying of the meaus and modes of obtaining 
redress iu our courts. Both ought to be pern'ianent. 

During the territorial existence of Illinois three general ass(MU- 
blies Avere elected by the peoi»]e — the council holding over the 
second term. In 1814 Col. Benjamin Stephenson, father of the 
late gallant James W. Stci)henson. of Gelena, was elected delegate 
to congress, and in 181() Xathaniel l*oi)e, who took his seat in 
congress l)e("('ml)er 1817. The legislature met every year at Kas- 
kaskia, but the sessions were short. New counties were established 
from time to time; in 1815, the flrst formed by the legislature, 
was named Edwards, in honor of the governor. In 181.">, White 
county was organized, uamed in honor of Capt. Isaac White, who 
fell at Tippecanoe; iu ISIO, jVIonroe, Crawford, Jackson, an(l 
Pope, the latter in honor of the newly elected delegate to congress; 
iu 181(5, Bond, in honor of Shadrack Bond, tirst Governor of the 
State afterward; and in 1818, Union, Franklin, and AVashingtoii 
counties were organized. 

We subjoin a few specimens of curious legislation during terri- 
torial times. It will be observed that the Solons of that period 
thundered considerably in the preandjle. By a law of September 
17, 1800, to regulate the elections, all commissioned officers, either 
federal or territorial, except justices of the peace and militia 
officers, were nnide ineligible to a seat iu either branch of the 
general assembly. The object of this law is not so clear, unless it 
was to avoid a nnmopoly of official dignity and imi)ortance; but 
such proscription could not be brooked, and accordingly it fell by 
act of December 14, 1814, the preamble of which, consisting of 3 
whereases, is as huge a specimen of gaseous buncond) to conceal a 
true intent, and make ita]>pearthat the law of 1800 was inunensely 
oppressive to the i)eople, as can be reclaimed from the early annals 
of political demagoguery in lUinois : 

"Whereas, The free jx'opleof this Territory areasoompetentas tlicir 
public servants to decide on whom it is their interest to elect to represent 
them in the geueral a sembly ; and are too enlightened and inde})endent 
to recognize tlie odious andaristocratieal doctrine that tliey are their own 
worst enemies,, or to admit that it is the duty of their representatives to 
save the people from themselves ; and 

19 



290 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

"Whereas, This legislature, being composed of the servants, not the ' 
masters of the people, cannot without an arbitrary assumption of power 
impose restrictions upon the latter as to tlie choice of their represeuta- 
tives, which are not warranted by the express words or necessary 
implications of the ordinance from which the legislature derives its 
powers ; and 

"Whereas, The duties of the judges of the county court established 
by law are such as have heretofore been performed in the territory by 
justices of the peace, by whom they are also usually performed in many 
of the States, and there being notliing in the ordinance, nor any reason 
to exclude from a seat in the legislature those judges of the county, or 
surveyors, or prosecuting attorneys, that do not apply with equal force 
to military otticers and justices of the peace, and tlie duties of the former 
being no more incompatable with a seat in the legislatui'e than those 
of the latter, therefore," &c. By one short section of two or three lines, 
laws inconsistent with the above sentiments were abolished. 

Anotlier specimen, whose object is disclosed in the preamble, we 
can not forbear to give : 

"Whereas, Voters have hitherto been obliged to vote by ballot, and 
the ignorant as well as those in embarassed circumstances are thereby 
subject to be imposed upon by electioneering zealots; and 

"Whereas, It is consistent with the spiritof representative republican 
government, since the opening for bribery is so manifest which should 
ever be suppressed in such a government, for remedy whereof, " &c., 
when follow the sections abolishing the ballot. These reasons would 
hardly be tenable at the present time, and were doubtless false then. 

"J>y an act of December 24, 1814, "To promote retaliation upon 
hostile Ijidiaus," we hud evidences of the extreme measures of 
defence to which the pioneers had to resort. This may be difhculi 
for lis at this time, with a population exceeding 2,500,000, and the 
Indians nuuiy hundreds of miles away, to appreciate. The pre 
amble refers to the "liostile incursions of savages, tlieir indiscrim- 
inate slaughter of men, women and children. Experience shows 
that notliing so much tends to check those blood-tliirsty monsters 
as retaliation," and "to encourage the bravery and enterprises of 
our fellow citizens and otlier persons hereafter engaged in frontier 
defences," it is enacted : 1. That when in such incursions into 
the settlements, the commission of murder or other depredations 
by Indians, citizens, rangers, or other persons who shall make 
prisoners of, or kill such Indians, shall receive a regard for each 
Indian taken or killed, of $50— if done by rangers or others 
enlisted in the defence of the country, $25 only, 2. That any 
person, having obtained permission from a comnumding ofticer on 
the frontier to go into the territory of hostile Indians, who shall 
kill a warrior, or take prisoner a squaw or child, is entitled to a 
reward of $100 for each warrior killed, or squaw or child taken 
prisoner. 3. Tluit any party of rangers, not exceeding 15, \\ho 
on leave granted make incursions into the country of hostile 
Indians, shall receive a reward of $50 for each warrior killed, or 
squaw or child taken prisoner. 

In 1810 a retaliatory act was i^assed to x)revent attorneys at law 
from Indiana i)racticing in any of the courts of Illinois, for the 
reason stated in the preamble, "Whereas, by a law now in force in 
the State of Indiana, persons who do not reside therein are not 
permitted to i»ractice in the courts of the said State; and whereas, 
that restriction is illiberal, unjust, and contrary to those princi])les 
of liberality and reciprocity by whi(;h each and every State or 
territory should be governed, therefore," &c. The young Hoosier 



ILLINOIS TERRITOKY. 201 

State onglit not to have put on such exalted airs; but, ]>erl]ni)s, 
slie was ri^ht after all, as we find that by act of January 9, 1818, 
Illinois oti'ered the following premiums for SHsfamed indict- 
ments. In section 4, fixing the salary of prosecuting- attorneys at 
1 100, it is proN ided that in addition to his salary he shall receive 
" in eacli and every case of felony where his indictment is sus- 
tained the sum of $15;" and for other "presentments in cases less 
than felony, "if the indi(;tnu'nt was sustained," he was to receive 
a i)ei(pusite of |5. But the most unaccountable feature of this 
law remains to be told. In section it was provided that if the 
indictment was sustained, notwithstanding the accused should be 
acquitted by the traverse Jury, the fee of the prosecuting attorney 
was to be paid by the prosecuting witness. What [)erson, though 
never so good a citizen, in view of the quirks of the law, the fin<'sse 
and the ability of counsel, and the notorious uncertainty of how 
any jury will (lecide, would, with the ])rospectof having such fee to 
pay, care to engage in an attempt to bring an offender to justice. 
A singular provision was contained in an act of Dec. 22, 1811, 
which did away with prosecution l)y an attorney, in cases of treason, 
murder, or other felony. 

By :in act of Dec. 31, 1817, the territory of Illinois was in a 
manner turned o\er to and parceled out between the medical 
doctors. It was divided into the east and west districts, the head 
quarters of the doctors being located at Carmi and Kasksakia, 
respectively. The incorporators comprised about all tlu' doctors 
in the territory, and they proposed and were empowered to hold 
these extensive fields of practice for their exclusixe nse and benefit, 
unless every ncAV comer, proposing to practice the healing art, 
should first be examined by their board and procure from them per- 
mission to do so, fV)r the sum of $10, failing to do which, he was 
disqualified fiom collecting his fees in any court or before any 
magistrate. The act was repealed by the first legislature under 
the State government. 

With the close of the war of 1812, and the cessation of Indian 
hostibties, the tide of emigration set into Illinois with a volume 
unequaled and strength unabated. To this prosperity contributed, 
in no small degree, the act of congress passed in 1813, granting the 
right of pre-emption to settle upon the public domain. This was the 
first great lev(>r to move Illinois forward in the path of empire. Prior 
to this, emigrants in four cases out of five " squatted" on the 
l)ublic lands, witlumt right or title to what they were improving 
by their labor, and with the ever harrassing doubt that some 
speculator might spy out and buy their homes before they coulddo it 
themselves. Small and inferior improvements were of course the 
result, and prosperity lagged. To stimulate a man to industry 
and enterpiise, let him be assured that his labor is not misapplied 
and his title is indisputable. Shadrach Bond, our delegate in 
congress at the time, contributed largely by his influence in pro- 
curing the passage of the act of i)re-emption. 

Prior to the close of the Avar of 1812, money was Aery scarce in 
the west. The i)elts of the deer, raccoon, &c., for which there was 
a ready market, were to a certain extent a staiidard of exchange, 
and supi)liedin a manner the circulating medium. This coiulition 
of the country was greatly impro\'ed by the money distributed in 
the x>ayment of the rangers and militia for their ser^■ices during 



292 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



the WiXYj and by the increased immigration aft^r its close. Besides, 
the territorial legislature, emulating the financial aspirations of 
Ohio and Kentucky, which had each authorized a number of banks, 
incorporated at its sessi<m of 1810, the Bank of Illinois, located at 
Shawneetowii, and at the succeeding session, tlie banks of 
Edwardsville and Kaskaskia. They were banks of issue. And 
the legishiture, not satisfied with this, very unjustly lent its aid in 
forcing the issue of these banks upon the people; not only these, 
but the issues of the banks of Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee and 
Missouri, by tlie enactment of laws postponing the collection of 
debts unless the creditor would receive the notes of these banks, 
were thus likewise forced ui)on the i)eople. Both became banks 
of deposit for the United States funds, arising from the sales of 
public lands, which they used as their own. The government lost 
by the Edwardsville bank, $54,000, for which judgment was 
obtained, l)ut ne\'er collected 5 the Shawneetown bank eventually 
accounted to the government in full. 

This made money, such as it was, abundant, times flush, and 
rendered a spirit of speculation rife, which was api)arently a 
desirable state of affairs, if it 'had been all. The circulation of 
bank notes among a people largely iguorant and uuused to them, 
afforded to the vicious a rare oi)portunity to set afloat quantities of 
counterfeit money. This evil became so great that, to restrain it, 
many ()f the best citizens of St. Clair county— did what no good 
citizen should ever do — organized themselves into "Regulating com- 
panies," as they designated themselves, to visit swift judgment 
and condign punishment in the forum of Judge Lynch, upon such 
offenders as weie to their secret cabal proven guilty. A Br. Estes, 
of Belleville, was chosen as their captain. Many makers or 
utterers of the base currency, and for other crimes, fell under their 
ban and we're iiunished. It created great excitement in the country. 
Public opinion soon withdrew its countenance and condemned the 
order. After a- few months time its organization ceased to exist. 

The visionary schemes of banking operations during territorial 
times culminated in the Cairo City charter, granted at the session 
of 1817-18. The low tongue of land between the Ohio and Mis- 
sissippi rivers at their confluence, was at a very early period re- 
garded as the best position in the west for a great and important 
city, " as it res]iccts commercial advantages and local sni)i)ly," as 
the preamble had it. Such a city, it was argued, must become of 
vast consequence to the prosijeritj' of the territory. But this low 
point of land was frequently inimdated ; in answer to which it 
was further argued, that as the ordinary inundations of the 
two great rivers rarely happened simultarieously, an embankment 
might be constructed to effectually obviate the injurious conse- 
quences of floods. The proprietors and incorporators of the city 
an<l bank of Cairo were John G. Comyges, Thomas II. Harris, 
Charles Slade (afterwards member of Congress), Shadrach Bond 
(nfterwards Governor), Michael Jones, Warren Brown, Edward 
Humphries, and Charles W. Hunter. These gentlemen proposed 
the following self-execmting scheme to build up a large city there, 
l)our wealth into their coffers, and at the same time render them- 
selves public benefactors. The basis or cai)ital of the banking in- 
stitution was 2000 Cairo city lots, 00 by 120 feet, valued and lim- 
ited at $150 each. The streets were to be 80 feet in width. As fast 



ILLINOIS TEKKITORY. 293 



as tlie lots Avere sold$50oftlie proceeds of each Avas to be devoted 
to the construction of a levee to secure them against the floods, 
and to the iininovement of the city by the building- of public edi- 
flces. The residue — being $100 per lot — was to constitute the cap- 
ital of the bank, amounting to $-00,000. Thus Avas a great city 
to be founded ! Could Utopia go fnrther "I Of course the scheme 
l)roved a failure. Cairo langnislied for many years, but at the 
present, with actual ca])ital, the power of nerve and muscle, and 
the concentration of railroads, she is making ra|)id strides toward 
the realization of her early dreams. During the intei'nal improve- 
mejit mania of 1837 tliis Cairo Bank was gahanized into life, but 
after flonrishing a short period expired. 

Another Utopia was the incorporation of acomi)any, at the same 
session, for tlie cutting- ot a canal a few miles north of Cairo to 
unite the waters of the Mississippi with the Ohio, via the town of 
America, then in Johnson connty, owned by the compauy. Tolls, 
wharfage charges, etc., under certain restrictions, were permitted 
to this comi)any ; but nothing" came of it. The s(;heme was some 
15 or 18 years since revived, in connection A>ith the present 
Mound City. 

Coinnu']-ce tlu-oiighout the early and territorial period of Illinois, 
and to no inconsiderable extent for some time afterward, was in its 
helpless infancy. All foreign products consumed here, eithei- nat- 
ural or maniifactnred, were brought to Illinois via Xew Orleans, 
in keel-boats, [)nshed at great labor, with hnjg poles, ami towed at 
points with long ro])es, a proci'ss called "cordelling," against the 
strong- cnrrent of the ]Mississii)pi, by the hardy boatmen of that 
da-Vj or wagoned over the Alleghany monntains from rhiladclphia 
to Pittsburg-, or from Baltimore to Wheeling, thence in tlat-boats 
floated down tlie Ohio ami landed at convenient points, whence it 
wajs again taken by wagons to the final points of destination. A 
trip from St. Louis to l!^ew Orleans and back, with keel-boats, 
was a six months voyage. But a revolution in the carrybig busi- 
lu^ss of the world, was at hand. The power of steam had been 
utilized, and by Fulton successfully applied to the propulsion 
of vessels, which produced a wonderful effect upon the western 
country in contrast between steam as a motor for conveyance and 
the ordinary mode by keel or flat boat, which inaugurated a new era. 

The flrst steand)oat to ascend the Upper Mississip[»i, reached 
St. Louis August 2, 1817. It was named the " General Pike," and 
was conimauded by Captain Jacob Reed. 
• 

[Of tlie first steam V)oat on the Ohio, the "New Orleans," which was launciied at 
Pittsburgh in the summer of 1811, it is related that, ''The novel appearance of the 
vessel, and the learful rapidity with which the passage was made over the broad 
reaches of the rivOr, excited a mixture of terror and surprise amons many of the 
settlers on the banks, whom the rumor of such an invention had never reached : and 
it is related that on the unexpected arrival of the boat before Louisville, in the course 
of a fine, still moonlight night, the extraordinary sound which tilled the air as the pent 
up steam was allowed to escape from the valves, on rounding- to, prcduceda general 
alarm, and multitudes in the t«wn rose from their beds to asccrtstin tlie cause. * * 
The general impression among- the good Kentuckians was, that the comet [of 1811, visi- 
ble at the time with its immense fierj' tail, and by the superstitious believed to be the 
harbinger of war and all sorts of dire evill, had fallen into the Ohio." 
'•She walked the waters like a thing of life, 
And seemed to dare the elements of strife." 
At Louisville, owing to the small depth of water on the falls, the boat was detained 3 
•weeks, during which time several trips were made bj- her between that place and Cin- 
cinnati. The waters finally rose, and the trip to New Orleans was resumed. On reach- 
ing the Lower Mississippi, the boat was nearly overwhelmed by the earthquakes which 
rocked the waters of the great river to and fro, and which continued for several days, 



204 HISTOEY OF ILLINOIS. 

The pursuits of the people during territorial times, were mainly 
agricultural, varied by hunting and trap])iiig. Few merchants 
were required to supply the ordinary articles of consumption not 
jiroduced or manufactured at home. Coffee, tea, and sugar did 
not then generally enter into the daily meals of the family. Ma- 
terials for personal wear were either grown, or taken in the 
chase, and manufactured into garments by wife or daughter, the 
merchant supplying only some of the dye stuff to color the wool, 
flax or cotton. Foreign nninufactured boots and shoes, or hats 
and caps, were worn but by few — home-made moccasins and rac- 
coon caps supplying the place. Me(;hanics in pursuit of their 
trades, are seldom pioneers, and every settler was his own carpen- 
ter. The houses, mostly log cabins, were binlt without glass, 
nails, hinges or locks ; the furniture, too, mod(ded in the same 
rude fashion, was made by the same hand. Yokes for oxen, and 
harness for horses, the carts and wagons in daily use — without 
tires, boxes or iron — ^whose woeful creakiugs, for the want of tar, 
which was not imported, might be heard at a great distance, all 
were manufactured as occasou reipiired by self-taught artifi- 
cers.* 



commencing on the morning' of the 16th of December, 1811. They were severest in the 
neig-hborhood of New Madrid, where, on the Tennessee side, a few miles back o f the 
river, the earth sunk in many places 50 and 60 feet, carrying- with it great trees left 
standing- ei'ect, producing- what is known as the Reel-foot Jake — Rambler in North 
America. 

*As an instance of the ready ing-enuity of the times, it is related of James Lemon, a 
well known pioneer of Monroe connty, an old style Baptist preacher, and a farmer Ijy 
occupation, who manufactured the harness for his teams as occasion required, that 
being' employed plowing- a piece of stubbie g'round one day, on turning' out tor dinner 
he left the harness on the beam of the plougrh, as was his wont. His son, not dittering: 
from the proverbial minister's boys perhaps, who hai assisted him by i-enioving- the 
straw from the cl.:)gg'ing' plow with a pitchfork, remained behind long enough to 
conceal one of the collars, that he might have a playing spell while his father was 
occupied in making another. But his plot failed; on returning- after dinner and miss- 
ing the collar, his lather, reflecting for a few minutes, jironiptly divested himself of 
his leather breeches, stuffed the legs with stubble, straddled them acr iss the neck of 
the horse for a collar, and plowed the remainder of the day bare-legged requiring 
the assistance of the truantly inclined boy all tho time. At this day, to provide for 
such a mispap, half day would have been spent in going- to town after another col- 
lar, and the boy would" probaby have gained his point. — From Ford's History of Illi- 
nois. 



Chapter XXVI. 

OEGAXIZATION OF THP] STATE GOVERNMENT— AD- 
MINISTRATIOX OF GOVEEXOR BOND. 

Our JSforthern Box ndary — First (Jo)istitHfional Convention ami iSome- 
tJti)i<j of the In.strinnent Framed — Governor Bond — Lientenant- 
governor Menard — Meeting of the Begislature and, Fleetion of 
State Officers — First Supreme Court — Hard Times and First State 
Banl- — Organization of Counties. 



By the year 1S18, owing to her ra])i(l increase of ])0})ii]atioii, 
Illinois aspired to a i)osition anioni^' the sisterhood of sovereign 
States. Accordingly, the territorial legislature, in session at Kas- 
kaskia in January of that year, i)re])ared and sent to Xathaniel 
Pope, our delegate in co/ingrcss, their petition jnaying for the 
admission of Illinois into the Union on an ecjual footing with the 
original States. Tlie i>etition was proni]»tly jn-esentcd, and tlie 
comniitteeon territoi'ics in duetinie reported a bill for the admission 
of Illinois with a population of 40, 000. The ordinance of 1787 
required 00.000. Mr. l'(>]>e, looking to the future of tliis State, 
succeeding in ..mending the bill as it came from the hands of the 
comnnttee, in several essential features. One of these was to ex- 
tend the northern boundary of the Stat<' to the i)arallel of 40 
degrees 30 nnnutes north latitude. The oth section of the ordi- 
nance of 1787, required that at least three States be fornu'd out 
of the Northwest territory — detining the boundary of the western 
State by the Mississii)pi, the Ohio and the Wabash rivers, and a 
line running due north from Post Viucennes, on the last n;imed 
stream, to Canada. This included the present States of Illinois 
and Wisconsin. But, by a i)roviso, it was reserved "that if con- 
gress shall hereafter find it e\i)edient, they shall have authority 
to form one or two States in that p;irt of said territory which lies 
north of an east und west line drawn through the soutlu'rly bend of 
Lake Michigan.'' The line of 10 deg..">0 nun. extended the boundary 
50 miles farther north. To the vigilance of Nathanii'l Pope, 
therefore, are we in del )ted for a coast ou Lake Michigan to this 
extent: for the site ocxaipied l)y the present luighty city of Chi- 
cago ; for the northern terminus of the Illinois and jMichigan 
canal, and for the lead mines of Galena — all of which coiue 
Avithiu that extension. It was npon the above quoted language 
of the ordinance of 1787, which was declared a com]!)act to renutin 

295 



296 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

forever unalterable, that Wisconsin subsequently based lier claim 
to tlie 14 northern counties of this State. 

While the foregoing were paramount considerations with the 
people of Illinois, others were urged with nuich force and entire 
effectiveness upon congress, acting for the nation at large. Even 
at that day statesmen had not failed to mark the inherent weak- 
ness, and consequent easy dissolution, of confederated republics. 
The late civil war had not then demonstrated the strength and 
unity of the American confederation through the loyalty of the 
people. European statesmen had entertained no other thought 
than that at the tirst internal hostile trouble, the bonds of the 
Union would be broken and scattered to the winds. It was easily 
shown that the geographical i)osition of Illinois made her the key 
in the western arch of States. The southern extremity of Illinois 
l^enet rated far between the slaves States down to the main Mis- 
sissii)pi, alibrding an outlet to the Gulf the year round, and 
skirted with hundreds of miles of navigable rivers on either side ; 
to give her, therefore, a fair coast on the lake would also unite 
her interests through the strong bonds of trade and commerce 
with the north and east. Linking thus the north and the south 
by her geographical position and the ties of intercourse, her in- 
terests nuist be conservative, and she would ever exert a controll- 
ing intluence ui)on the perpetuity of the Union. This view has 
been amply verified in the late war b^' the pronqjt occui)ation of 
Cairo, and the rally of her near 200,000 sous to the national 
standard. 

Another amendment was, that the three-fifths of the o per cent 
fund from the sale of i)ublic lands, applied to the construction of 
public works in other States carved out of the northwest territory, 
should instead be devoted by the legislature to the encouragement 
of education ; one-sixth of which to be exclusively bestowed on a 
college or university. These inq)ortant amendments were sug- 
gested and urged by Mr. Tope without instruction, but they re- 
ceived the ready sanction of the people, and to-day we are 
realizing the full fruition of his foresight.* The bill became a law 
April 18, 1818. 

'Nathaniel Pope was an able lawyer, and in his olHcial relations was ever faith tul to 
his trusts. His first appearance in Illinois, as we have seen, was as secretary of the 
te-ritory. In 1816, he was elected delegate to congress and procured the enabling 
act lor the admission of Ilhnois as a State Subsequently he was appointed United 
States district judge, in Avhich capacity heserved for many years, residing- in Spring- 
field. He died in 1850, 

[Note —The question of our northern boundary agitated the people of the section 
concerned for man.y years, entering into their political conflicts and exercising an 
important influence upon their local affairs. Many of the old settlers down to a 
late date, condemned this striking departure from the ordinance of 1T87, which li.\-ed 
the present line 50 miks further north. Boundary meetings at various places in the 
14 northern counties continued to be held from time to time, showing the feeling to 
be deep and wide spread. vVe note the proceedings of a large meeting held at Ore- 
gon City, January 22, 1843, as showing the grounds of complaint, and the purpose of 
the people to either belong to Wisconsin or set up for themselves: 

" iJesotved, That in the opinion of this meeting, that part of the northwest territory, 
which lies north of an 'east and west line through the southerly bend or extreme of Lake 
Michigan,' belongs to and of right ought to be a part of the State or States which 
have been or may be formed north of said line." 

Wisconsin was yet a territory. They resolved further that the ordinance of 1781 
could not be altered or changed without the consent of the people of the original 
States and of the northwest territory ; that as jiart of the people of said territory, 
they would not so consent ; that the lines designated in the orainance were better 
suited to the geographical situation and local interests of their region ; that they 
were decidedl.y opposed to place any of the territory north of said line within the 
jurisdiction of a State south of it : that they recommended the legislature of Wis- 
consin to apply for admission into the Union, claiming the line of the ordinance as 



bond's administration. 297 



III pursuance of the enabling act a^ convention was called to <liaft 
•the tirst constitution of the State of Illinois, whicli assembled at 
Kaslcaskia in July, 1818, and completed its labors by signing the 
constitution on the 2Gt]i of August following. We subjoin the 
names of the delegates, and the counties whicli they represented, 
in the order of their organization : 

St. Clair county — Jesse U. Thonuis, John Messinger, James 
Lemon, jr. 

I\andol[»h — George Fisher, Elias Kent Kane. 

IMadison — Benjamin Stephenson, Joseph Borough, Abraham 
Prickett. 

Gallatin — Michael Jones, Leonard White, Adolphus Frederick 
Hubbard. 

Johnson — Hezekiah AVest, Win. McFatridge. 

]*]d\vards — Scth (Jard, Levi Comi)ton. 

^Vl)ite_^^'illis Hargrave, Wm. Mrllenry. 

Monroe — GaldwcU Cams, Enoch Moore. "*^ 

Pope — Samuel O'Melveny, llandet Ferguson. 

Jackson — Conrad Will, James Hall, jr. 

Crawford — Joseph Jvitchell, Edward N. Cullom. 

]>ond — Thomas Kil[)atrick, Samuel G. Morse. 

Union — Win. Echols, John Whitaker. 

Washington — Andrew Bankson.* 

Franklin — Isham Harrison, Thomas Roberts. 

Jesse B. Thomas was chosen president, and Wm. C. Greenui> 
secretary of the convention. 

The constitution was not submitted to a vote of the people for 
their approval or rejection; nor did the people have much to <lo 
with the choice or election of ofticers g(Mierally under it, other than 
that of governors, the general assemblies, sheriffs and coroners, 
i^otwithstandiug the elective franc-hise was in a blazon manner 
extended to all white male inhabitants abo\e the age of 21, having 
a residence in the State of G months next preceding any election, 
Avhich it will be perceived included aliens and possibly in\ited 
immigration, there was scarcely an office left to be filled by its 
exercise. • 

The electors or })eople were not trusted with the choice of State 
officers, other than mentioned; nor of theii- judges, either su[)reme, 
circuit, or probate; nor of their prosecuting attorneys, county or 
circuit clerks, recorders, or justices of the peace; the appointnu'ut 
of nearly all these being vested in the general assembly, which 
body was not slow to avail itself of the })owers thus conferred to 
their full extent. The language of the schedule was, "an aiUditt)r 
of public accounts, an attorne}- general, and such other officers of 
the State as may be necessary, may be ai)pointed by the geneial 
assembly, whose duties may be regulated !)>' law'." It is said to 
have been a (piestion for many years, in x'ww of this language, 



their southern boundary : that they tlisclaiinerl any intention to absolve tlicnisolves 
from any pecuniary responsibility created by the lefiislature of Illinois on acoount of 
the inter iiai iinprovemSnt system, etc. The resolutions were adopt(id unanimously. 
A committee of '.(was appointed to proceed to Madison, with full power to consult 
with the g:overnor and the legislature of Wisconsin territory. Governor Dot.v and the 
legislature gave them their assuraneesof earnest co-opei'ation in petitiotiingconuress 
toward the end in view. Rut nothinfr ever came of all the clamor. The essential 
point was, whether the acts of the conjrross of the confederated States are of such 
binding force that a con.gre.ss of the United States cannot annul or amend them 
— whether the former possessed a higher power than the latter. 
*Bunkson's colleague died during the session of the couveution. 



298 HISTOEY OP ILLINOIS. 



what was "an officer of the State." The governors were for a time 
allowed to ai>i)oint State's attorneys, recorders, State coiumis* 
sioners, bank directors, &c., bnt the legislatures afterward vested 
by law the ap})ointiueiitof all these and many more in themselves. 
Occasionally, when in fall political accord, tlie governor wonhl 
be allowed the apixjintiiig ])ower pretty freely, to perhaps be 
shorn of by a succeeding legislature. In the administiation of 
Duncan, wlio had forsaken Jackson and incurred the displeasure 
of the dominant party, the governor was tinally stripped of all 
patronage, except the appointment of notaries public and public 
administrators. It was a bad feature of the constitution ; it not 
only deprived the people of their just rights to elect the various 
officers as at present, but led hordes of place hunters to repair to 
the seat of government at every session of the legislature, to 
besiege and torment members for office. Indeed, this was the 
chief occu})ation of many an honorable member. Innumerable in- 
trigues and corruptions for place and power were thus indulged. 

To the governor was denied the veto power; but he, Jointly with 
the four supreme judges, was constituted a council to revise all 
bills passed, before they should become laws. For this purpose 
the judges were required to attend at the seat of government 
during the sessions of the legislature, without compensation. The 
validity of all laws was thus decided in advance. If the council 
of revision, or a nmjority, deemed itim])roperforany bill to become 
a law, their objections were to be noted in writing; but the bill 
might, notwithstanding, l)e passed over their objections by a ma- 
jority and become a law. While the executive is commonly 
a co-ordinate branch of the law-making power, here he was entirely 
stripped; and while the judicial department is never thus vested, 
here it was clothe<l with a quasi, legislative prerogative. 

The (;onstitution was about the tirst organic law of any State in 
the Union to abolish imi)risonment for debt. It did not prohibit 
the legislature from grant ing divorces; and this was a fnutful 
source of legislation, as the old statutes abundantly testily. i>ut 
its worst feature, perhaps, was the want of a limitation against 
the legislature loaning or pledging the faith and credit of the State 
in aid of, or to the undertaking of, any i)ublic or i)rivate <'nter- 
prise; or to the aid of any individuals, associations, or coipora- 
tions. The absence of such most necessary limitations, caused 
her repeated connections afterward with baidcing schemes, and 
her undertaking the vast system of internal improvement in 18o7, 
all of W'liich proved detrimental to her credit, harrassing and 
expensive to her linances, and came near bankrupting and com- 
l^leting her ruin. Of the members of the convention, Elias Kent 
Kane, afterward a senator in congress, is mentioned with commenda- 
tion as a leading spirit, and as largely stamj)ing the constitution 
with its many excellencies. 

["Dui-ing- the sitting' of tlie convention the Rev. Mr. Wiley and congrcfration, of a sect 
called Covenanters, in Randolph county, sent in their petition asking: that body to 
declare in the constitution, that "Jesus Christ was the head of the government, and that 
the Holy Scriptures were the only rule of iiaith and practice." The petition was not 
treated with any attention, wherefore tlie Covenanters have never fully recognized 
the State government. Thej' have loolied upon it as "an heathen and unbaptized 
government," which denies Christ; lor which reason they have constantly refused to 
worlf the roads, serve on juries, hold any office, or do any other act showing that they 
recognized the government. For a long time they refused to vote, and never did until 
the election of 1824, when the question was. whetlier Illinois should be made a slave 
State, when they voted tor the tirst time, and unanimously againstslavery."— Governor 
Ford's History.] 



bond's administration. 299 



The first election under tlie (jonstitution, for governor, lieat. \ 
•governor, and members of the general assend)].v, was. aceor<ling t 
to the appointment of the convention, held on the third Thursday, 
and the two succeeding days, in September, 1818. All white male 
inhabitants 21 years old, residing in the State at the adoption of 
the constitution were permitted to vote. The general assend)ly was 
to meet at Kaskaskia on the tirst Monday (being the 5th) of Oct. 
following, to set the machinery of the new government in motion. 
After that, regular sessions were to commence on the first Mondays 
of December. Sha,(lra(di Bond was elected goxcrnor and Pierre 
Memird lieutiMiaut governoi', as had been e\i)ected even before 
the formation of tlie ('onstitution; they had no opposition. Tlieir 
terms of service wei'e till 1822, four years. 

Governor l>ond was born in Frederick county, Mai-yh^'id, in 1773, 
and was raised a farmer on his father's i)iantation, and agricnlture 
was his })ursuit in Illinois, whither he emigrated in 1794. He had 
received but a ])laiii English education. To a convivial, benevolent 
disi)osition, he joined a naturally shrewd observation of men and 
a clear ai)preciation of events. His person was erect, standing (I 
feet in hight, and after middle life he became portly, weiginng 
200 pounds. His features were strongly masculine, complexion 
dark, hair jet, and eyes hazel. He was a. f\n'orite with the ladies.f 
His jovial disposition, thorough honesty and unostentatious inter- 
course with the i)eoi)le, made him the most po[>ular man of his 
day. He had been a member of the general assembly under the 
Indiana Territory, a <lelegate to congress in 1812, and in tlie latter 
cai)acity he ]>r()cured the right of pre-emi)tion on the public 
domain ; in 1814 he was appointed receiver of the })ublic moneys 
at Ivaskaskia. After his gubernatoi-ial term expired he ran in 
1824, for congress against Daniel P. Cook, but was beaten. Sub- 
se(pu^ntly he was a[)i)ointed register of the laud ottice at Kas- 
kaskia; where he died, in peace and contentment, Ai)ril 11, 1830. 
The county of Pond was named in honor of his memoiy. 

Pierre .Alenard was born at Quebec in 17(57. At the age of 19, 
inspired by adventure, he came to Yincennes and entered tlie 
eini)loy of Col. Vigo, a nu'rchant. In 1790 he removed to Ivaskaskia 
aiul engaged in merchandising with DuBois, of Vincennes. By 
liis trade with the Indians, and in various public (^iipacities, he soon 
becanu' well known. Xature nunle him frank, kind and honest; 
his mind, with l)ut an ordinary education, was strong, and his 
judgment quick and unerring. His industry was wonderful, being 
iie\er idle. For many years he was government agent for the 
Indians, and that race had the most implicit eoufidence in his in- 
tegrity. As a merchant, it is said, he could buy their peltries 
at half the i)rice a ''Long- Knife" would have to pay. He 
liad been a member of the lower house of the legislature while 
Illinois was under the Indiana regime, and a member of the Illinois 
legislative council from 1812 to 1818, being the president of that 
body. In the framing of the constitution the (]ualittcations for 
liculenant govermu' were first fixed the sanu^ as those of the gov- 
ernor — one of which was citizenshii) of the United States for .30 
years; but as that would exclude Col. ^Menard, who had been natur- 
alized only some two years, the convention change<l this ])rovisiou 
in the shedule as a special favor to him, he being generally looked 

+Keynold's Pioneer History. 



)00 HLSTOE,Y OF ILLINOIS. 



forward to for that i)Ositioii. After the expiration of his term of 
ofitice he declined all fnrther tenders of oftice, accepting only that 
of United States Commissioner to treat with the Indians, whose 
character he knew so well. He accnmulated qnite a fortnne, bnt 
it was greatly impaired by that kindness of heart which allowed 
him to become secnrity for his friends. In 1839 the legislature 
honored his name by establishing the county of Menard. He died 
in 1844: at the ripe age of 77 years. 

Tlie State legislature met at the appointed time, October 5th, 
1818. Mnian Edwards, the retiring executive of the defuncit 
territorial government, and Jesse B. Thomas, one of the federal 
judges for the territory, who had also been president of the con- 
stitutional convention, both looked forward to the United States 
seniitorship, and were not disappointed in their aspirations. Our 
member to the lower house of congress at the time, was John 
McLean, elected in the September previous, in one of the nu)st 
memorable political campaigns ever had in Illinois, Daniel P. 
Cook being his opponent. Elijah 0. Berry was elected auditor of 
public, accounts, John Thomas, State treasurer, Daniel P. Cook, 
attorney general, and Messrs. Bhuikwell & Berry State printers. 
Elias Kent Kane was appointed Secretary of State. The supreme 
court, the judges whereof were required also to do circuit duty, 
was to consist of one chief justice and three associate justices. 
Both houses again met in johit session on the 8th, and on the first 
ballot Joseph Pliillii)s was elected chief justi('e by 31 out of 40 
votes cast; Thomas C. Brown receiving 1, and Henry S. Dodge 3. 
F(n" associate justices, Wm. P. Foster aiul Thonuis C. Brown were 
chosen on the first ballot, Henry S. Dodge receiving at the same 
time 18 votes, William Wilson 15, C. E. ^latheny 9, John Warnock 
1, James W. Whiting 1, and Joseph Kitcliell 7. On balloting 
again, a new candidate, John Reynolds, atterwards governor, was 
brought forward and on the second ballot elected by 22 out of the 
40 votes cast. Phillii)s was a lawyer of fine intellectual endow- 
ment. He had been a captain in the regular army, and during the 
war of 1812 had seen service in Illinois; afterward he was appointed 
secretary of the territory in place of jSTathaiiicl Pope. Being 
ambitious, he aspired above the dull routine of the court at that 
day, and in 1822, becoming a candidate for governor against 
Coles, r(5signing his i)lace upon the bench on the 4th of July, but 
was defeated. This was more than his high-strung miture would 
brook, and with feelings of disgust at the ingratitude of the people, 
afterward quitted the State and removed to Tennessee. On the 3Ist 
of August, 1822, Thonnis Reynolds was api)<)inted in his i)lace. 
Brown was a large, somewhat stately looking, affable man, yielding 
in his disposition, with little industry tor study, and few of the 
higher qualities for a judge. He r<'mained on the bench till the 
constitution of 1848 went into effect, a period exceeding thirty 
years. 

Reynolds, in his "Own Times," written nmny years later, tells 
how lui came to be chosen a mend)er of that exalted tribunal, the 
sni»reme court. At the time he resided at Cahokia and had no 
intention of visiting the session of the legislature, which was <lis- 
pensing so many fat things on the first organization of the State 
government. He cared little who obtained office, and certaiidy 
wanted none for himself. But being urged by his friends, he 



bond's administration. 301 

joined tliem in a visit to Kaskaskia. Upon arrival tlioy found 
much excitement and coiniiiotion at tlie capital, incident to the 
selection of State otiticers. In ;i few days lie was urged to i;i\'e 
liis assent to beconu.' a candidate for sn[)reme judge. Tliis request, 
he says, broke npon Inni lilce a clap of thunder. His consent was 
yielded, he was elected. His experience in the law was four years 
jn-actice of "commerce inland." * "1 speculated, sold land and 
bonght two stores of dry goods, amonnting to $10,000." His tii-st 
term of court was to him a "strange and novel business," This was 
at Covington, Washington county, among his former comrades 
of Indian rangers, who now failed to draw the line of distinction due 
him as a supreme judge. The sheriff, unmindful of the exalted 
position of his old comrade in arms, on (>})ening court, nuulc proc- 
lamation of the fact, without rising from the rude bench in the 
court room which he occupied astride, saying, in a familiar tone, 
"Boys, the court is now open, John is on the bench." These 
omissions of ceremony were not distasteful to his honor, for he 
nttei'ly detested any kind of mo(;k dignity, though he says he was 
not regardless of the "solemn, serious dignity and decorum" pro])(U' 
in the proceedings of court.* 

Foster, another of the supreme judges, resigned within a 
year — June 22, 1810. He " was almost a total stanger in the coun- 
try. He was a great rascal, but no one knew it then, he Invving 
been a citizen of the State only for about three weeks befoic he, 
was elected. He was no lawyer, never having either studied or 
j)racti(!ed law; but a man of winning, polished nmnners, and 
withal a gentlemanly swindler, from some part of Virginia. * * 
He was believed to be a clever fellow, in the American sense of 
that phrase, and a good hearted soul. He was assigned to hold 
courts in the circuit on the Wabash ; but being fearful of exi>os- 
ing his utter incompetency, he never went near any of them. 
In the course of one year he resigned his high ottice, but took care 
first to pocket his salary, and then removed out of the State. He 

*Gov. Ford in his histoi-y, writes: "This same judge presided at a court in which a 
man named Green was convicted of murder; and it became his unpleasant duty to pro- 
nounce sentence of death upon the culprit. He called the prisoner before him, and 
said to him: 'Mr. Green, the jury in their verdict say you are guilty of murder, and the 
law says you are to be hung. Now I want you and all your friends down on Indian Creek, 
to know that it is not I who condemns j ou, but it is the jury and the law. Mr. Green, 
the lawallows you time for preparation, and so the court wants to know what time you 
would like to be hung.' To this the prisoner replied, 'May it please the court, I am 
read;,' at any time; those wlio kill the body have no power to kill the soul ; my prepara- 
tion is made, and I am ready to suffer at any time the court may appoint.' The judge 
then said, 'Mr. Green, you must know that it is a very serious matter to be hung; it 
can't happen to a man more than once in his life, and you had better take all tlie time 
you can get; the court will give you until this day four weeks. Mr. Clerk, look at the 
almanac, and see whether this day four weeks comes on Sunday.' The clerk looked 
at the almanac, as directed, and reported that 'thatday four weeks came on Thursday.' 
The judge then said, 'Mr. Green, the court gives you until this day four weeks, at 
which time you are to be hung.' The case was prosecuted by James Turney, Esq., the 
attornej- general of the State, who here interposed and said : 'May it please the court, 
on solemn occasions like the present, when the life of a human being is to l)e sentenced 
away for crime, by an earthly tribunal . it is usual and proper for courts to pronounce a 
formal sentence, in which the leading features of the crime shall be brought to the re- 
collection of the prisoner, a sense of his guilt impressed upon his conscience, and in 
which the prisoner should be duly exhorted to repentance, and warned against the 
judgment in the world to come.' To this the judge replied. 'O! Mr. Turney, Mr. 
Green understands the whole matter as well as if I had preached to him a month. He 
knows he has got to be hung this day four weeks. You understand it in that way, Mr. 
Green, don't you?' 'Yes,' said the prisoner; upon which the judge remanded him to 
jail, and the court tlien adjourned." 

Reynolds, in his work entitled "My Own Times," takes pains to deny the "silly fabri- 
cation recorded In history," and says : 'T may not have acted in that frigid, unfeeliiYg 
and mechanical manner that would please heartless and superficial men, who gen- 
erally write and detail these tea-pot slanders. * * I considered them both [alluding 
to the case of one Bennet also] guilt.y. and the judgment of the court was so under- 
Stood, that they were both to be executed." 



302 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

afterwards became a noted swindler, moving- from city to city, 
and living by swindling strangers, and in'ostituting his danghters, 
who were very beantifnl."* 

On the 7tli of Angnst, 1819, William Wilson was appointed to 
fill the vacancy creiited by the resignation of Foster. Wilson 
was a young man, scarcely 25 years old, of spotless character, 
good education (though not collegiate), and fair attainments as a 
lawyer. He was social in his disi)ositi()n, candid and artless by 
nature, witli a manner pleasant and winning. He proved a sound 
judge, and i)reside<l with a dignity which ins})ired the utmost 
respect in the bar and attendants. Thus organized, and with 
these men to guide her helm of State, was Illinois launched on 
her career of independeiu'C among the sisterhood of sovereign 
States. The men who, a little over a half century ago, assisted 
at the i)olitical birth of this now great State, were, many of them, 
the equals in sturdy virtues of the heroes of the Ivevolution, 
and the peers in commanding intellect of the founders of any 
the States ; but, without exception, they have passed to the land 
ot sliadows, and many of them lie buried in obscure graves, their 
deeds of greatness unknown to tlu^ great majority of the busy 
throng of to-day. 

But Illinois had not yet been declared admitted into the Union; 
congress was not in session. At the October meeting of the 
assembly therefore, no legislation or business other than the elec- 
tion of officers, was attempted, for obvious reasons. After a 
session of eight days a recess was taken till the first Monday in 
January, 181i». In the meantime congress met, and by resolution 
ot l)ecend)er od, 1818, declared Illinois to be '• one of the United 
States of America, and admitted into the Union on an equal foot- 
ing with the original States in all respects." 

Of the 15 counties organized at tlie adoi)tion of the constitution, 
the farthest north was i>oml. Only about one-fourth of tlie terri- 
tory of the State was embraced in these 15 counties. The settled 
portions of the State were all south of a line drawn from xilton, 
via Carlyle, to Palestine on the Wabash; but within this area 
were large tracts of wilderness country of several days journe>' in 
extent ; the settlements being mostly scattered along the borders 
of the great rivers. All the vast prairies north of this line, com- 
prising the most fertile lands of the State, and nearly every acre 
of ^A'hicli was susceptible of cultivation, ready cleared and pre- 
pared, as it were, for the hand of the husbandman, was a howling 
wilderness, uninliabited save by the red savage and the prairie 
wolf. 

The population of the new State for admission into (lie Union 
was required to be 40,000; the census of 1820 showed 55,211. 
This was ai remarkable ratio of increase — exceeding 300 per cen- 
tum within the preceding decade — the greater part of which had 
come hither since the close of the war of 1812. Of this population, 
scarcely a twentieth ]>art were the descendants of the old French or 
Canadian settlers, whose blood, by their long isolation, had become 
freely intermingled with that of tlie Indians. Nineteen-twentietlis 
of the residue were Americans, and with the excei)tion of some 
from Pennsylvania, were almost wholly from the southern States. 
The latter stamped their peculiar characteristics of manners and 

Word's History Illinois, 



bond's administration. 303 

customs, in business and social relations, u])(>n all of soutliern 
Illinois, which are in great part retained to this day. Tlie means 
of education were extremely limited, and with the exce[)tion of 
« one school for surveying;' and l)ook-keei»in<;', the only branches of 
learning' taught at that tinu^ were spelling, reading, writing and 
arithmetic. iSTor were the latter generally taught, or without ])rice. 
Professional men came almost invariably from abroad, unless they 
were ministers of the gospel, who, at that day, more than i)ei'haps 
at the present, in obediemte to the voice of the Lord, entered at 
once upon their sacred <;alling without other i)reparations than a 
diligent reading of the scriptures — the free (pu)tation of which, 
often without })oint or a|)plication, and their vehement exhorta- 
tions being about all that was expected of them by the ])eople. 

In his nu'ssage to the general assembly, J aiuniry, 1810, Governor 
Bond reported the treasury of the new State in an eml)arrassed 
condition, and advised a temporary loan. The total revenue of 
the State, due December 1st, 1818, was reported by the auditor 
at $7,510 41, [)art of which was in the hands of delinquent col- 
lectors, while for still another part, the sheriffs of St. Clair and 
Gallatin connties had refnsed to receive the warrants. A tempo- 
rary loan of $:ir),000 was therefore authorized by the legislature. 
The governor also advised a revision and inoditicafion of the ter- 
ritorial laws for the puiushment of crimes, the ptMuilties whereof 
were unnecessarily severe. But this the legislature did not view 
in the same light, and no amelioration in the barbarous penalties 
of the territorial code was nuule. They were re-enacted verbatim 
(the enacting clause alone being changed to conform to the new 
government), with all the whippings, the stocks and pillory, and 
death by hanging for rape, arson, horse-stealing, etc., left intact. 
They were, however, moditied at tin; session of 1821 ; and not only 
the criminal code, but all the standard laws were regularly altered 
at every session down to the re\ ision of 18137.* 

The building of Jails and a penitenitary was also reconnnended 
by the governor; so also the leasing of the school sections — the 
proceeds to be exi)ended for education, and those from the town- 
ship of seminary lands, to be reserved for subse(ptent use. The 
goverm)r also recommended at that early day, the taking of some 
steps toward the construction of the Illinois ami ^Michigan canal, 
a work which was not accomplished, however, for thirty years 
after, but throngh which, at this writing, by the enterprise, of Chi- 
cago, the limpid waters of Lake Michigan course their way to the 
Gulf of jNIexico. 

The legislature fixed the salaries of the State officers as follows : 
Governor and supreme jiulges, $1000 each; auditor, $700 ; sec- 
retary of State, $000; treasurer, $500; payable quarterly ont of 
the State treasury. The per diem compensation allowed to mem- 
bers of the legislature, and also to the delegates who franuMl the 
constitution, was $4, and to each of the i)residing otii(H'rs $5. 

The State revenue was chietiy raised by a tax up(ui lands owned 
by non-residents, whi('h at an early day fell almost wholly ui)on 
the military tract between the Illinois and Mississippi rivers, while 

•" For a long time the raare for amendinn' and altei-ing- was so sTfat, that it was saifl to 
be a goofl thing- that the Holy Scriptures iliii not have to come before the legislature, tor 
that bod J- would be certain to alter or amend them, so that no one i^ould tell what was 
or was not the word of God, any more than could be told what was or was not the law 
of the State. "—Ford's History lil. 



304 / HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



tlie connty revenues were raised by a tax on personal j)roperty, 
including slaves or indentured servants, and by a resident land 
tax. Unlike as at present, the vabiation of binds were then fixed 
by law, in tbree classes, of $2, $3 and -$4: per acre, respectively. 
The levies of taxes were nuide according to tlie estimates of the 
sums reqnired to defray accruing exjienses, either State or county. 
I^on-residents were required to enter their lands for taxation 
directly with the auditor, under oath as to class; jnid the taxes 
on tlieir lands were i)ayable directly to this officer. The collection 
of the State revenue on <lelinquent lands was enforced by sending 
lists thereof to the sheriffs of counties where situated to be ex- 
posed at x)ublic sale. The penalty for failure of piiyment was 
three times the tax imposed and costs. 

A peculiar feature in the legislation of the times was the mak- 
ing of important pid)lic improvcmen.ts bj means of private lot- 
tery schemes. Thus, the navigation of tlie Big Wabash at the 
Grand liapids, near Palmyra, by the digging of a canal, was 
to be accomplished by a lottery. rerhai>s a snpertluous i»rovision 
in the law was, that the overplus of any moneys arising from the 
sclieiiie, should, at the discretion of the managers, be laid out in 
farther improvements. Other like schemes had for their object 
the drainage of poiuls in the American J3ottom, the building of 
levees, and the reclannition of lands; all of them most woithy 
objects, bnt, as might have been expected, tlie means provided 
were very inadequate to the accomiilishment of the ends. The 
session of 1819, was the last ever held at the ancient village of 
Kaskaskia. 

We have noted the fact that the legislature, during the latter 
years of territorial existence, granted charters to several banks. 
Prior to that, Ohio and Kentucky had each a large nuniber in oi»er- 
ation. Missouri also authoiized two at St. Louis. The result was 
that paper money became very abundant, times Hush, credit un- 
limited, the throng of inunigrants, all with more or less nutans to 
invest large, and property' rose rai)idly in value. A s])irit of spec- 
ulation became rife. Towns were mimerously platted, lots pur- 
chased on credit, houses built on promises, government lands 
entered in large quantities — the price at the time being $-5 i)er 
acre, one-fourth cash (the x>aper money of the banks being re- 
ceived at the land offices, which also dei)osited with tlie bank), 
and three-fourths on 5 years tune, under penalty of forfeitnre for 
non-iiayment at maturity of contracts. Eveiybody invested to 
the utmost limit of his credit, with the confident expectation of 
realizing a handsome advance before the expiration of his credit, 
from the coming immigrant. The merchants, ever enterprising, 
bought vast quantities of goods on time, transported hither by the 
increased facilities of steam navigation, while the ready credit 
obtained at the stores, begot extravagance among the peoi)le. 
Everybody was inextricably in debt to everybody. 

P>y 1819, it became apparent that a day of reckoning would 
approach before their dreams of fortune could bei-ealized. Banks 
everywhere began to waver, pai)er money became dejireciated, 
while gold and silver were driven out of circulation by the irre- 
deemable currency. The legislature, at its session of 1819, sought 
to bolster up the times, or stem the tide of approaching disaster, 
bj incorporating a new Bank of Illinois, a monster concern, with 



bond's administration. 305 

a ciipital of $2,000,000; stock was divided into shams of $100, 
Avhicli might be subscribed by coi-porations or iiidi\i<hia]s, the 
State reserving the right to take part or all that should reniaiji, as 
the condition of the treasury might warrant, whenever the legisla- 
ture shoidd deem it i)roper to do so. The charter was to run 1'7 
years. When 15 ])ercent of the stock was paid in, it was to go 
into oi>eration. The total amount of its debts was never to exceed 
twiee the amount of paid up stock, beyond which oftieers were to 
become liable indivi(bmlly. It might deal in six'cie, exchange, or 
pai>er ple<lged l)y goods sold, or goods which might l)e the ])ro- 
cceds of its lands. This last was a very objectionable feature. 
Book.s were opened for subscription in div(»rs towns, but not a (h)l- 
lar of stock was ever taken, ami it utterly failed to meet the 
exigency of the times. 

J5y IS1*0, the I>anks of neighboring States were broken, and those 
of Illinois suspended; specie had tied the country; immigrants 
came as moneyless as were those who had looked forward to their 
well lilled i)urses ; paper towns failed to grow into nourishing vil- 
lages; trade flagged; there was no commerce to bring money into 
the country ; real estate was uiisaleable ; while contracts wildly 
entered into, nmtured. As the folly of the people became ap])ar- 
ent, ruin stared them in the face. Enormous sacrifices of proi)erty 
under prospective executions must ensue, unless some scheme for 
relief could be devised. In August, 1S20, a new legislature was 
elected. The genius of this body was invoked on the behalf of 
the endvarassed people. At its session of 1820-21, it willingly 
addressed itself to this work, and evolved the " Illinois State 
Bank" with a capital of half a million dollars, based entirely upon 
the credit of the State. 

The l»ills of this baidc, issued in from $1 to $20 notes, were, by 
section 12, directed to be loaned to the people in sums of $100 on 
personal security, deemed to be, in the (^pinion of the board, good 
and sufficient; and all sums over $100 — not to exceed $1,000 to 
any one borrower — on real estate security of double value. In- V/ 
terest was six per cent. To bring the bank nearer to the people, 
a mother bank was located at Vandalia with branches well distrib- 
uted — at Edwardsville, Brownsville, Shawneetown and the county 
seat of Edwards county — the State, for the convenience of the 
public, being apportioned into 4 baidc districts. Each county was 
entitled to a director, who with the Xnmk officers, were all elected 
by the legislature. The notes weremade receivable in payment of all 
State and county taxes, costs and fees, and the salaries of the ])ub- 
lic officers were payable in them. They were also made a species 
of legal tender, for unless an execution creditor endorsed his exe- 
cution ''The bills of the State Bank of Illinois, or eithtir of the 
branches, will be received in discharge of this execution," the de- 
fendant was entitled to three years stay by replevy and personal 
security, a most unjust feature. Three hundred thousand dollars 
"were ordered to be issued innnediately, to be distribiited among tiie 
respective districts in proportion to the inhabitants thereof. AVheu 
the banks commenced o])eration, every one who was able to fur- 
nish security, borrowed his $100, and those with lands unencum- 
bered, took tlieir $1000 on mortgages ; and as both officers and 
directors were mostly politicians looking forward to place or pol il- 
eal advancement, few apj)licants, it has been inferred, were denied 
20 



306 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

or liad tlieir endorsers closely scrutinized ; thus the $300,000 were 
v/ soon absorbed by the people, and little of it was ever paid back. 
Many of those who received acconuiiodations, regarded it from the 
start as " «oinuch clear gain," and neither did nor intended to pay. 
although at the subsequent depreciation of the currency it was 
not difficult to do so. 
^ The issues bore 2 per cent annual interest, and were redeemable 
by the State in 10 years time, which constituted them in fact bills 
of credit, whose emission is inimical to the constitution of the 
United States.* About this x)oint, no trouble was made howe\ er, 
other than that the council of revision pointed out this among 
other objections to the bill ; but it was pronsptly passed notwith- 
standing. Although no provision was made for the conversion of 
the notes into specie at any time, it was, nevertheless, confidently 
believed that the bills m oidd keep at par with gohl and silver, and 
our delegatiim in congress was gravely instructed to use their 
utmost exertion to procure them to be made receivable at the land 
offices in this State. " When this resolution was put to a vote in 
the senate, the old French lieutenant-governor. Colonel Menard, 
presiding over that body, did u}) the business as follows: Gentic- 
men of de senate, it is moved and seconded dat de notes of dis 
bank be made land office money. All in favor of dat motion say 
aye ; all against it, say no. It is decided in de affirmative. And 
now, gentlemen, I bet you $100 he never he made land office money.''''] 
Such i)ro\'ed to be the fact. 

The legislature were not unadvised of their infatuation. John 
McLean, subsequently a senator in congress, was speaker of 
the house. He was opposed to the measure, and his power as 
a forcible debater was justly dreaded by the bank men. It is 
rulable to debate all important bills in committee of the whole, 
that the speaker may participate. To avoid an arraignment of 
their bantling by him, the bank majority resorted to the trick of 
refusing to go into committee of the whole. Burning with indig- 
nation at such treatment, he promptly resigned the speakership, 
and taking the floor, denounced in scathing terms the exi)ensive 
folly of the scheme, presaging the injurious results which must 
inevitably flow from its passage, involving creditors in ruin and 
the State in bankruptcy. But it was pre-determined to pass the 
bill, which was done over the veto by the requisite majority. The 
issues of the bank did not long remain at par ; as their worthless- 
uess became apparent, good money was driven out of circulation. 
This was particularly so with small coins, and it became so diffi- 
cult to make change that bills had to be cut in two. By various 
steps, they depreciated to 25 cents on the dollar; and with this 
worthless State currency were the people cursed for a period ex- 
ceeding four years. By the year 1824, their depreciation had the 
effect to almost impede the wheels of government. The ordinary 
revenue for State imrposes, amounting to some $30,000 annually, 
wasraisedbya tax on lauds belonging to non-residents; the expen- 
ditures in good money equaled the re\enue. As taxes might be 
paid in bills of the State baidv, non-residents, as well as residents, 
availed themselves of the depreciated currency for this purpose. 
Taxes from non-residents were collected biennially — an unfair ad- 

*Craiff vs. the State of Missouri.— Supreme court of the U. S. 
fFord's Illinois. 



bojNd's administration. 307 

vantage over residents whose tax went into tlie eounty treasuries. 
But the latter, in many instances, resorted to the artifice of listing 
their lands in the names of unknown or fictitious persons sup- 
posed to be non-residents, gaining- thus the same advantages, 
which was a prolific source of injury to many counties. While 
the State thus nominally received its full revenue, it was in i)oint 
of fact Avorth only one-fourth, or one-third, as much as good money. 
Under these circumstances, the legislature, the department of the 
government that had made the bills a quasi legal-tender which an 
execution creditor was comi)elled to take or wait three yearw for 
his pay — than which notliing could be more unjust- hesitated not 
to commit the enormity of voting themselves, the State ofticials, 
judges, and for otlier expenses, their per diem compensation, sala- 
ries, etc., in treble the amount of auditor's warrants, rated with the 
dei)reciated stulf to e<pud in vabu' good money. Thus while the 
ordinary ex])enses of the State government were $'>(>,(K)0 annually, 
by these }»ra('tics they Avere sw(»llen to .$1)0,000, which the tax-pay- 
ers had ultimately to foot. Xever was law more dishonorable. 
With such exam])les from tlieir hiw makers, what would have been 
the moral effect upon the people had they been influenced by them. 
A crumb was, however, thrown to the latter. It \\ as enacted for 
the accommodation of the debtors — the larger class, but again 
most unjustly to the creditors — authorizing the rendering of judg- 
ments against them for only one-third of tlu'ir debts, and exempting, 
by another act, all real property, other tliau mortgaged himls, "from 
liability to satisfy judgments for said debts." 

This banking folly, not to charac'terize it worse, is said to have 
cost the State, first and last, during the ten years for which its 
charter was to run, the full amount of the autliorized issue, -$500,- 
000, though f ;-)00,000 was all that was e^'er actually issued. Its 
pernicious influence on the general prosi)erity of the IState. and 
its damaging eftects u])on the revenue, became speedily so i)alpa- 
ble that no legislature possessed hardihood enough to encounter 
the ])ublic resentment by proposing that the State issue the 
remaiming $L'w'(M) 000 ])rovided for in the charter. Still issuing 
auditor's warrants and i)aying them out at $o for $1 to defray 
State expenses generally, as authorized by the legislature, was 
infinitely worse. In 182.")^ the State thus paid out $107,000 in au- 
ditor's waiTants when its ordinary annual expenses in good nu)ney 
would not at the uttermost have exceedeil $35,000. This was 
equivalent to borrowing money at 200 per centum interest — a most 
ruinous i)olicy if well followed. 

The current expenses of the principal bank for the year 1824, 
exceeded the discounts by $2,403 00. Without ever meeting the 
fond expectations of its friends — unless it was in the contrivance 
of robbing the creditor class for the benefit and lelief of •the 
debtoi' class — without observing any of its promises, the old bank, 
a frightful source of legislation all its life, lingered out the allotted 
time of charter, and was finally wound up by the State in 1831. 
This was done by means of the " Wiggins loan" of $100,000, 
which gave to the State the requisite funds. This loan was ibr 
a long time, unpopular in many sections of the State, whei^e it 
was currently believed, it is said, that the State was sold to Wig- 
gins. It has been asserted that if the State had originally 
assumed dii'ectly and gratuitously the obligations of tlu; clamorous 



308 HISTORY OF TLLINOIS. 

debtors, it would have proved less expensive to the treasury ; cer- 
tainly less injurious to its credit. 

At the session of 1821, the counties of Greene, Fayette, Mont- 
gomery, Lawrence, Hamilton, Sangamon and Pike, the latter 
including all the State north and west of the Illinois river and 
whiit is now Cook, were established. Applications for the author- 
ity to form new counties poured in so rapidly that the legislature 
provided for 12 weeks publication of their intentions before the 
petitions of parties would in future be entertained. A joint reso- 
lution was passed requesting of Kentucky concurrent jurisdiction 
on the Ohio river, so far as the same forms a common boundary to 
both States, which has been conceded by that State. 



L*''. 

^ 



Chapter XXVII. 

1822-1826— ADMIXISTEATION OF GOVEENOR COLES. 

A resunvs of Slavery in Illinois from its earliest date — Indentured 
Slaves — BUick Laws — Kidnapping — Life and Character of Gov. 
Coles — The effort to malce Illinois a Slave State in 1824. »^/ cv^ 

The general election of An_2,nst, 1822, resulted in the choice of 
Edwai'd Coles as ^oxernor, by a. i)lurality of votes over his prin- 
cipal opponent, Joseph P]iilhi)s, then chief justice of the State. 
Tliere were two otlier candidates in the held, Thomas C. Brown, 
associate justice of the supreme court, and INlajor General James 
B. Moore, of the State mihtia. Adolpluis Frederick Hubbard was 
elected lieutenant governor. The otlier candidates for lieutenant 
governor were James Lemon, jr., John G. Loften, Wm. Pine, and 
James A. Peacoclv. 

Into this election the question of slavery entered to a very con- 
siderable extent. Coles and Moore being anti, and Phillips and 
Brown pro-slavery. The country had but just emerged from the 
angry contest over that su])ject as connected with the admission 
of Missouri into the Union, in which our senators in congress, 
Messrs. Edwards and Thonnis, had taken a leading part, being the 
originators of the compromise line of 30 degress and oO minutes, 
"while our member of the House, Daniel P. Cook, with luuch vigor 
Lad opposed the admission of Missouri as a slave State. Thonuis' 
term as senator would ex|)ire with the existing congress, and he 
looked forward to an ap[)roval of his course in congiess and a re- 
election. Of the legislature chosen at the same election, a nnijority 
was against the governor in his anti-slavery views. But the sub- 
ject of princii)al interest during his administration was the 
convention struggling to make Illinois a slave State. To give the 
reader a more connected ideu , we have heretofore purposely omitted 
to present in chronological ord«?r the kindred subjects constituting 
the heading of this chapter, and noAv group them together. 

African slaves were tirst brought to Illinois in 1720 b^' I\<Miault, 
agent and business manager of the "Company of St. Philli])s." 
The belief obtained in France at that time that the wealth of the 
M-estern world consisted in its i)earl fisheries, its mines of gold and 
silver, and the wool of its wild cattle.* A monopoly of these 
resources with nvaiiy others, was lii-st granted by the King to Cro/at 
in 1812, and upon his resignation in 1717, to the great ''Com])any 
of the West," of which the St. Plullips was a branch. Beiiault 
left France in 1719 with a cargo of mechanics, miners and laborers 

•Charlevoix, iii, 389. 

309 



310 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

nuuibering- some 200, and on his way hither touched Avith his vessels 
at Sau Domingo, where he purchased 500 shives, and thus j^re- 
pared to prosecute the objects of the comi)any, he arrived in 
lUinois. He founded tlie vilhige of "St. ThiHips,'' in what is now 
the southeast comer of Monroe county, whence lie sent out exi)k)r- 
ing' parties to various secticms in Illinois and Missouri, to i)iosi)ect 
for the precious metals. In 1744, before his return to France, 
Eenault sold these slaves to the French colonists of Illinois. 
Vivier, a missionary among the Illinois, six leagues from Fort 
Chartres, under date of June 8, 1750, writes: "We have here, 
whites^ negroes, and Indians, to say nothing of the cross breeds. 
There are live Fi-ench villages, and three of the natives, within a 
space of 21 leagues, situated between the Mississi})pi and another 
river called the Kaskaskia. In the five French villages are, 
perhaps, 1,100 whites, 300 blacks, and some 00 red slaves or 
savages. The three Illinois [Indian] towns do not contain more 
than 800 souls, all told." These San Domingo slaves thus intro- 
duced became the progenitors of the Fi-en(;h slaves in 
Illinois. 

The edict of Louis the XIII, dated April 23, 1015, first recognized 
slavery in the French possessions of America, and the French 
settlers of Illinois brought with them from Canada the French 
laws and customs, among them the law which tolerated slavery. 
In March, 1724, Louis XV published an ordinance reenatrting the 
edict of XIII, and for the "regulation of the government and 
administration of juvstice, police, disei[>le, and traffic in negro slaves 
in the province of Louisiana," which included Illinois. It i>rovides 
that the slaves be baptized and instructed in the Koman Catholic 
religion and that they observe the Sabbath : prohibits the inter- 
marriage of whites and blacks, under i»enalties, and the priests 
from solemnizing such marriages; provides that the children of 
slaves shall be bondsmen, or if one parent is free the children shall 
follow the condition of the mother; that slaves enfeebled by age or 
inliriwity shall be nuiintained by the master; allows the master to 
pursue and recapture fugitives; i)rohibits their severe treatment, 
and the separate sale of husband or wife, or children under age, 
of a family, either by bill or execution ; ]>rovides that no slave 
over forty years old attached to lands, shall be sold from the land, 
unless for the debt of his purchase; enjoins their parental treat- 
ment upon the masters, &c. The edict contains 55 articles, and 
may be found at large in Dillon's History of Indiana, i, 31. It 
was more just, and tempered with greater mercy, than most laws 
of that character. 

Thus was slavery originally established in Illinois, By the peace 
concluded at Paris, Feb. 10, 1703, this country, as a dejiendency of 
Canada, was ceded to Great Britain, and when General Gage took 
possession of Illinois, he promised in his proclanuition of Dec. 30, 
1704, to the late subjects of France, "that those wlio choose to 
retain their lands and become sulyects of his [Biitanic] majesty, 
shall enjoy the same rights and i)rivileges, the sauie security for 
their persons and efteets, and libeity of trade, as the old subjects 
of the king." At this jieriod England recognized slavery in all 
her American colonies, and the ac(]uisition of Canada and its 
dependencies oi)erated to extend her colonial laws and customs to 
these. 



coles' ADSnNISTEATION. 311 

Next, Virginia, 1778, tlirongli lier expedition under tlie eonunand 
of George Kogers Claili:, made tlieconciuest of Illinois, and as soon 
as the news was received, her house of burgesses further declared as 
Avithin her chartered limits the whole of the northwest territoi y, and 
proceeded by act to erect it into a county which A^as called Illinois, 
an<l extended over this country her laws and jurisdiction. The 
prcainl)le of the act recites, "that the inhabitants had acknowledged 
themselves citizens of the commonwealth of Virginia, and had 
talceu the oath of fidelity to the Statti," M'iierefore it was declared 
"that they should enjoy their own religion, with all their civil rights 
and ]>roi>erty." Qtlier Strifes came forward with charter claims, 
bnt that of Virginia was as broad as these; added to which was 
her title by comiuest, going i^ack to the first principles by which 
all titles are originally deduced, and lier actual occn])ation con- 
stituting the best of tenures; and while it was urged thatthe latter 
could not operate against her confederate claimant sister ^States, 
engaged in a common war jointly with her, congress did not deny 
the right of her separate conquest. After some hesitation, Vir- 
ginia finally authorized her delegates in congress to convey all of 
the northwestern territory to the llidted States. The deed 
of cession was executed March 1st, 1784, the same day accepted 
ajud by congress ordered to be enrolled among the ])ubli(; archives. 
In the meantinie, by the treaty of peace with Great Britain, in 
1783, the whole of this country was ceded to the United States. 

The following stii>ulation in the <leed of cession has given rise 
to much controversy in the history of slavery in Illinois : '• That 
the French and Canadian iulmbitaiits ami other settlers of the 
Kaskaskias, St. Vincents, and the neighboring villages, who have 
professed themselves citizens of the State of Virginia, shall have 
their ]>ossessions and titles confirmed to them, and be protected in 
thv enjoyment of their rights and liberties." 

The first effort made by congress to organize the northwestern 
territory was as early as 1784. The bill contained the provision, 
"that after the year 1800 there shall be neither slavery nor invol- 
untary servitude in any of the said States," to be formed out of the 
territory. When the bill came up for action, the pioviso, on a 
separate vote, failed, although States voted for it to 3 against ; 
but under the articles of confederation the vote of 9 States was 
recpiired to carry a measure. 

On the 13th of July, 1787, congress adoi)ted the ordinance for 
the government of the territories northwest of tiie river Ohio, the 
6th article whereof reads as follows : "There shall be neither 
slavery nor involuntary serxitude in the said territor\', otherwise 
than in punishment of crinu'S whereof the i>arty shall have been 
duly convicted." The ordinance was subsequently ai)proved under 
the constitution, when the latter went into operation. The acts of 
congress dividing tlie territory, both in the case of Indiana and 
Illinois, extended to the inhabitants of each, all and singular the 
rights, in-ivileges, and advantages granted by the ordinam^e 
originally, as we have seen. The census of 1800 gave the number 
of slaves in the Indiana territory, which then included Illinois, as 
133. In 1810 Illinois separately had 1(38 slaves; in 18l'0, !)17, whicdi 
probably included in dentm^ed and registered servants, and in 1830, 
746. 



312 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

The (5tli article of the ordinance of 1787, prohibiting' slavery, 
became at an early i)eriod a subject of repeated complaints. In 
1790 four i)ersons in Kaskaskia, doubtless picturiu!^' to themselves 
in golden colors the ease and attiuence incident to slave labor, 
petitioned congress to suspend the restriction of the ordinance. 
November 22, 1802, Gov. Harrison, in compliance with the wishes 
of a lumiber of inhabitants, but with what legal right it is diflficult 
to conceive, issued his proclamation directing the people to liold 
an election in the several cojinties of the territory on the 11th of 
December and choose delegates, who were to meet in convention at 
Vincennes on the 20tli instant, to deliberate on "territorial inter- 
ests." From Illinois, for the county of St. Clair, Shadrach Bond, 
John IMoredock, and Jean F. Perry were returned, and for 
Ean(lol[)li, liobert JMorrison, Pierre Menard, andPobert lieynolds; 
Gov. Harrison presided. The object \\as to obtain frtmi congress 
a re})eal or nioditieation of the Gth article of the organic act, 
prohibiting the introduction of slaves into this territory. 

A memorial was prei)ared and transmitted to congress, declaring' 
the consent of the i)eople to a susi)ension of the prohibitory 
clause; that such suspension would be highly advantageous to the 
territory and would meet the ai)p]obation of nine-tenths of the 
good citizens" thereof; that "inasmuch as the number of slaves 
in the United States would not be augmented by the measure," 
the abstract question of liberty and slavery was not involved; 
that the introduction of slaves into the territory where labor was 
scarce, from the States Avhereitwas abundant, would i)rove equally 
advantageous to both sections; that slavery was prohibited in the 
territory by congress when "they were not represented in that 
body — witlnmt their being consulted and without their knowledge 
or approbation;" that the number of slaves could never bear such 
a ratit) to the white poi>ulation "as to endanger the internal peace 
or prosperity of the country; that slaves were tolerated in other 
territories; that among their small farmers they would be "better 
fed and clothed than where they were crowded on large i)lantations 
by hundreds," etc.* 

In March, 1803, Mr. Pandol])h, of Virginia, as chairman of the 
special committee, reported that "the rapidly increasing popula- 
tion of the State of Ohio sufficiently evinces, in the opinion of your 
committee, that the labor of slaves is not necessary to promote 
the growth and settlement of colonies in that region. That this 
labor, demonstrabl.A' the dearest of any, can only be employed to 
advantage in the cultivation of products more valuable than any 
known to that quarter of the United States ; that the committee 
deem it highly dangerous and inexpedient to impair a provision 
"wisely calculated to promote the happiness and prosi>erity of the 
northwestern country, and to gi\'e strength and security to that 
extensive frontier. In the salutary operation of this sagacious 
and benevolent restraint, it is believed that the inhabitants will, 
at no very distant day, find ample reuumeration for a temporary 
privation of labor and immigration." How prophetically true ! 
A resolution embodying these views was also reported. 

This report, made just before the close of the session, was not 
acted upon, and at the next session was referi-ed to a new com- 
mittee, with Mr. Eodney, of Delaware, as chairman, who reported 

*aee Annals oi Congress, House, Nov. 1807. 



COLES ADMINISTRATION. 313 



Feb. 4, 1804, lii\oviibly to the ineinoi-ialists, .suspciKliug- tlie (ith 
article for teu years, allowing' the importation of slaves from States 
only, and that the male descendeiits slioidd be free at 25 and the 
females at 21; but no action was had on the report. Again, at 
the legislative session of l.SOa-O, additional memorials of similar 
import were prepared and submitted to congress, and in the House 
referred to a select committee, with IVlr. Garnett, of Virginia, as 
chairman; and again a favorable repoit to the prayer of the 
iiu'Uiorialists was made, Feb. 14, concluding with a- resolution sub- 
stantially like tlie one of Mr. llodney. The report was nuule the 
special order for a certain day, but it was ne^'er called up. AVith 
the 0]>ening" of the next congress, more resolutions from the Indiana 
legislature transmitted by Gov. Harrison, were presented, urging 
in a long ])reand)le a suspension of the (ith article of the ordinance. 
The subject was tinally referred to a special committee, this time 
with Mr. I'arke, the territorial delegate, as chairman, and for the 
third time a favorable report was nuule, together with a resolution 
suspending the obnoxious article; but no action was had and the 
rei)ort slept with its i)r(Hlecessors. Simultaneously Mith these im- 
portunities upon the House, copies of memorials and resolutions 
were also transmitted to the president aiul by him sent to tlie 
senate. 

But while those favorable to throwing open the territory to the 
influx of slaves were active, the opponents were not idle. In 
October, 1807, a large and enthusiastic nu'ctiugof the citizens was 
held in Clark county, Indiana, and a remonstraiu'c drafted ex- 
pressive of the impr(>i)riety of the suspension, aiul soliciting con- 
gress to defer action until their population should entitle them to 
form a constitution, etc. They also charged that the slave party, by 
some "legerdenuiin," obtained the name of the jtresident of the 
legislative council to the last resolutions sent to congress, which he 
denies signing. In the seiuite a committee, consisting of Franklin, 
of North Carolina: Kitchell, of New Jersey, and Tiftiu, of Ohio, 
was api)ointed, to which the Avhole sul))ect was referred. After 
duly considering the uuitter, they reported adversely to the pray- 
er of the legislative memorialists. Thus ended the very per- 
sisteut, but happily abortive, efforts to throw oi)en the doors of 
this vast and tertile region to the blighting influences of slaAcry. 
Not the people at home, but congress sitting at Washingtou, saved 
us from this curse. 

Notwithstaiuling the words of the ordinance, "there shall be 
neither slavery or involuntary servitude in said territory," it was 
very early contended that the words in the deed of cession fioni 
Vii'ginia — " shall have their possessions and titles coutirnu^d" — 
guaranteed to the holders of these slaves a right of proi)erty in 
them; that this provision in the deed overrode the ordiiumce and 
secured them a vested right for all time in that species of i>rop- 
erty ; that slavery in the territories was not abolished, but its furt her 
introduction simply prohibited ; that these slaves were the prop- 
erty of citizens of Virginia, or were then the desceiulants of sn<di 
slaves, ami reumined slaves by the compact eutere<l into between 
the State of Virginia and the general government. And althougli 
others contemled that the words "titles," "possessions," "rights" 
and " liberty," in the deed of cession, " were never intended by 
Virginia to guarantee the possessions of slaves," still all that class 



314 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



of x)ersons M^ere held as slaves, and tlie rigbtfiiluess of tbeir ten- 
ure was not brought before the proper tribuual in this State until 
the year 1845. 

The lirst decision sustaining the sixth article of the ordinance of 
1787, was made by the supreme court of Indiana. Next, by that 
of Missouri.* In the former, the mother of plaintiff had been a 
slave in Virginia, was taken to Illinois before the ordinance of 
1787, held in sla^"ery there before and after its passage, and there 
tbe plaintiff" was Ijoin after its passage. It was held that she was 
free. In the case of Menard vs. Aspasia,t the mother of As})ii,sia 
was born in Illinois before the ordinance, and held as a slave from 
birth. Aspasia was born after the ordinance, at Kashaskia, and 
held as a slave. The supreme court of Missouri held that she 
was entitled to her freedom, and upon a writ of error to the su- 
preme court of t]ie United States, that court declined jurisdiction, 
which affirmed the judgment below. In 1845, for the lirst and 
only time, was the question brought squarely before the supreme 
court of this State, and it ^^"as decided that the descendants of 
the slaves of the old French settlers, born since the adojttion 
of the ordinance of 1787, or bu|"ore, or since the constitution, could 
not be held in slavery in Illinois.^ 

Indentured and Ixegistered 8laves. — Failing in their effort with 
congress to modify the restriction of the organic law with regard 
to slavery, the next step to compass the same result, was by the 
law-making powers of the territory, both of the 1st and 2d grades, 
and in detiauce of the prohibition, a law was adopted entitled " an 
act concerning the introduction of negroes and mulattoes into this 
territory." The act bears date Septeud)er 17, 1807, but this sim- 
ply means that it was reported among the revised laws by Jones 
and Johnson, the whole batch of which was re-adopted on that 
day at Vinceunes. It was a law ad()i)ted by the first grade of ter- 
ritorial government. Tlie first general assembly met at Vinceunes 
July 29, 1805, yet more than a year previous, April (!, 1804, Gov- 
ernor Harrison, learning tliat certain persons were about to remove 
a number of indentured persons from the territory for the pur- 
l)Ose of selling them as slaves, issued a prochimation forbidding 
their removal and calling upon the civil authorities to interpose. 
We quote from the law of 1807 : 

"Section 1. It shall and may be lawful for any person, being the 
owner of any negroes or mulattoes of and above tbe age of 15 years, and 
owing service and labor as slaves in any of tlie States or territories of the 
United States, or for any citizen of the United States or territories, 
purcbasing the same, to bring the said negroes or mulattoes into this 
territory. ' ' 

Section 2 provided, that within 30 days after bringing tbe slaves into 
tbe territory, tbe owner or master should taketbem before tbe clerk of the 
court and liave an indenture between tbe slave and bis owner entered 
upon record, specifying tbe time wliicb tbe slave was compelled to serve 
his master; [tbe term being generally fixed at 99 years, a period beyond 
tbe ordinary term of human life]. 

Section 3 guarded the i)roi)erty of the master against loss by allowing 
him, in tbe event of tbe slave refusing to enter into such agreement or 
indenture, to have the lawful rigbt, within 60 days, to remove such slave 
to any State or territory where such property could be legally held. 

*John Murry vs. Tiffin and Menard, 1 Mo. R. 735. 

+5th Peters, 510. 

$See 2d Gilman, p. 1— Jarrot vs. Jarrot. 



coles' administration. 315 

The 4th section prescribed tlie riiainier of correcting' tlie ser- 
vant for laziness, inisheliaviour, or disorderly conduct, the pun 
ishnieiit being' chastisement with "stri]tes." 

''.Si'.c. 5. Any person removing into this territory, and being the 
ownei' of any negro or nuihilto under the age of 15 yenrs, it shall and may 
he law ul lor such person, owner or possessor to hold the said negro fJr 
mulatto to service or lal)or, the males until they arrive at the age of 35 
and the females until they arrive at the age of 82 years. 

"SiX". 13. The children born in this territory of a parent of color, 
owing service of labor by indenture, according to the law, shall serve 
the master or mistress, the males until the age of 30, and females mitil 
the age of 2H years." 

Tbeotlier secticnis of tlie act wei'e all in harmony with the pur- 
pose to introduce, innintiiin ;ind |)rotect sla\ery in Illinois in defi- 
ance of the ordiniiiice of J7S7. 8hivei'y was thus not ouly 
introduced, but nnide liereditiiry, by ini])osin<i' upon the chihlreii 
boi'u under it the obligation to serve the owners of tlicir ])ni'(Mits 
until 2S ami 30 years. It also pointed out tlie mode in whicli the 
master might sell his servants by an assignment of the indenture 
by which these ])eople were made commerce, as completely as 
if in a condition of absolute slavery. 

Aftertlieorganization of the Illinois territory in 1800, the governor 
aud judges adopted the same act as the law of Illinois, and upon 
the assembling of the tirst legislaf ure at Kaska.skia, it was, De- 
cember 13, 1812, re-adopted. The law was, to all intents and pur- 
poses, void under the ordinance of 1787. In the case of l'li<ebe 
vs. Jarrot,* of the su[)reme court, Loclvwoo<l, judge, decided that 
the act of Se])teniber 17, 1807, respecting the introduction of ne- 
groes an<l mulattoes into the territory, was void, as being repug- 
iiiiiit to the sixth article of the ordinance of 1787. But it was 
fiu'ther h(dd that the contracts of indenture under that law were 
rendered valid by the third section of the sixth article of the State 
constitution : 

"Each and every person who has been bound to service by contract or 
indenture in virtue of the laws of Illinois territory heretofore existing, 
aud in conformity to the provisions of the same, without fraud or collu- 
sion, shall be held to a specihc performance of their contracts or inden- 
tures ; and such negroes and mulattoes as have registered in conformity 
with the aforesaid laws, shall serve out the time appointed by said laws; 
provided, ho'wever, that the children hereafter born of such persons, 
negroes or mulattops, shall become free, the males at the age of 21 years, 
the females at the age of 18 years." 

The court say : A constitution can do what a legislative act can- 
not do, because it is the su[)renie, tixed and ])ermanent will of the 
people in tluMr original, soxereign and unlimited ca})acity ; that the 
act of accepting that constitution and admitting it into the Union 
by congress, abrogated so much of the ordinance of 1787 as was 
repugnant to it. In Boone vs. Jitliet,* the ccmrt held that ''the 
children of negroes and mulattoes, regisrered under the laws of 
the territory of Indiana and Illinois, are unqiu\stionably free — 
because of an absence in the law of 1807 providing for the chil- 
dren of registered slaves, notwithstanding the constitution of 
Illinois says that the children born of such registered persons 
shall render service until 18 and 21 years old." 

The question of the validity of the indenture and registration 
act, under the sixth article of the ordinance of 1787, i-t seems, Avas 

♦Breese Ills. JR. 268. tlst Scam. 258. 



316 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

not raised before the territorial courts, and indeed, not for some 
time afterwards. The couvention, therefore, which enacted the 
constitution, gave that hiw the only legal vitality it ever had, but 
it is presumable that they were under the impression that it 
was valid and had been all the time; and it was only in require- 
ment of the enabling act of congress that they enacted article VI, 
section I : " Neither slavery nor involuntarj^ servitude shall here- 
after be introduced into this State." 

At the session of the territorial legislature, in 1817, a bill was 
passed to repeal so nuich of "an act concerning the introduction 
of negroes and nndattoes into this territory," as authorized the 
bringing of negroes and mulattoes into the territoiy and inden- 
turing tliem as slaves. The preamble declares the law to "intend 
to introduce and tolerate slavery under the pretense of voluntary 
servitude in contravention of the ])ernuinent law of the land," 
and " contrary to the ordinance of 1787." But the veto power of 
the territorial goveriu^r was absolute, aiul his Excellency Go^er- 
nor Edwards hesitated not to exercise it, assigning reasons at 
considerable length, as was his wont: "I conscientiously believe 
that the legislature was competent to pass the law— of which 
opinion were also the judges with whom I was associated" in the 
adoption of the law, " previous to the organization of our general 
assembly." lie held that congress couhl not violate the stipula- 
tions in the deed of cessioii from Virginia, "there was and still is 
slavery in the territory, notwithstanding the article in the ordi- 
nance ;" but " waiving the question whether congress ever had any 
right to impose the sixth article of the ordinance, or any more 
restrain the people from purchasing additional slaves to clear and 
culti\ate their lands, than horses to i>low them," he pioceeded to 
argue the abstract right of "involuntary servitude." After finally 
stating that " such indentures would be and ought to be sui)ported 
upon principles of law as well as common honesty," and that 
lie "can see no evil in allowing them to be made," he concluded: 
" 1 am no advocate for slavery ; and if it dei)ended upon my vote 
alone, it should never be admitted into any State or territory not 
already cursed with so great an evil ;" and that his objection to 
the repeal was, that there was no such law of Illinois as tluit of 
September 17, 1807, described in the bill. In this he was tech- 
nically right, because in 1807 Illinois was Indiana.* This veto 
message was now (1823-4) made use of by the convention ]>aity, 
seeking to graft slavery ui)on the constitution, as an electioneering 
docTunent.t 

The convention which framed the first constitution of the State, 
evaded the full requirement of the ordinaiu-e of 1787. In article 
VI, section I of that instrument, the further introduction of slaves 
into the State was prohibited ; but it did not only not abolish slavery, 
or liberate those in the State, but in section 3 of the same article, 
provided that the "indentured servants" — slaves for 99 years in 
most cases — should be held for the whole term specified in their 
contracts of indenture, and even their children were to owe ser- 
vice, the males till 21 and the females till 18 years of age ; and 
this provision, as we have seen, the supreme court held as valid. 
Thus slavery in Illinois, while it was steadily decreasing, was not 

*Govei-nor Edwards was himself the owner of quite a number of indentured thives. 
111. Intelligencer, St-pt. 6, 18:.'3. 



coles' administration. 317 

•wholly abolislied until the adoption of the constitution of 1848, 
which contained the followiujipiovi.siou : "There sliall be neitlier 
slavery nor involuntary servitude in this State, except as a pun- 
ishment for crime," etc. 

The'-^Blaclv Laws.^^ — After the adoption of the coustitution of 
1818 and the admission of the State into the Union, the first gen- 
eral assend)l5', notwithstanding- the small number of negroes as 
compared with the white inluibitants, re-enacted, March 30, bSl'J, 
the old stringent, not to say barbarous law "res])ecting' free ne- 
groes, mulattoes, servants and slaves," with only such slight revi- 
sion as became necessary by the transition from the territorial to 
the State government. Of course the territorial law whicli author- 
ized the introduction of slaves from slavehoUling States and terri- 
tories was omitted, in obedience to article VI section 1 of tlie con- 
stitution. Perhaps no severer law was to be found in any slave 
State, even where the blacks outnumbered the whites. There was 
no adequate cause for this : it doubtless resulted from the early 
associations of our law makers, who at that time were men not only 
mostly born and bred in the midst of slaves, but who lo(»ked for- 
ward to the nudging of Illinois a slave State. 

No negro or mulatto, by himself or with his family, was i)ermit- 
ted to reside or settle in the State, until he had first produced a cer- 
tificate of freedom under seal of a court of record, which, togethi^r 
with a description of the x><?i'^on producing it, and his family, if 
any, was to be entered of record in the county he proposed settling- 
in and so duly endorsed ; but the overseers of the pooiwerenotwith- 
standing emi>owered to exi)elsuch fanuly in their discretion. Any 
person coming to theState to emancipate his slaves, was recjuiied to 
execute to the county a bond in $1000 as guaranty that the eman- 
cipated person should not become a piiblic charge ; for neglect or 
refusal of which he was liable to a fine of $L*00 ; all resident 
negroes or mulattoes, except slaves, before the 1st of Juneensning, 
were to enter their names and every member of their families, 
with the circuit clerk, together with their evidences of freedom to 
be certified by the clerk, but which should not bar the owners to 
reclaim them. No person was to employ any negro or mulatto 
without such certificate, under a i)enalty of $1.50 for each day em- 
ployed, recoverable before a justice, one third going to the inform- 
er, the rest to the owner or the county. To harbor any slave or 
servant, or hinder the owner in retaking a slave, was declared a 
felony, punishable by restitution, or a tine of two-fold value and 
whipping not to exceed 30 stripes. Every black or mulatto not 
having a i^roper certificate was deemed a runaway slave, subject 
to arrest and commitment by a justice, then to be described and 
advertised for G weeks by the sheriff, when, if not reclaimed or his 
freedom established, he was to be sold for one year, at the end of 
which time he was entitled to a certificate, except as against his 
owner. No person was to sell to, buy of or trade with any ser^•ant 
or slave, without the consent of his master, under penalty of for- 
feiting to the master 4 times in value the amount of such transac- 
tion. Any slave or servant found ten miles from home without 
permit was liable to arrest and 35 stripes on the orderof a justice ; 
or if he appeared at any dwelling or plantation without leave of 
his master, the owner of the place was entitled to administer, or 
have it done, 10 lashes on the bare back; for being lazy, disorderly 



318 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

or misbehaving' to his master or family, ou the order of ajustice, 
he was to be coirected with stripes, and for every day he refused 
to woik he was to ser\e two. 

Eiots, routs, unlawful asseuiblies, trespass, seditious speeches 
])y slaves or servants, were punishable with stripes not exceeding 
39 ; persons suffering 3 or more slaves or servants to assemble ou 
their premises for dancing, reveling, &c., were liable to a fine of 
$20, recoverable by qui tarn action, it was made the duty of all cor- 
onei's, sheriff's, judges, and justices of the peace, on view or knowl- 
edge of such assenddages, to have the offenders conunitted to jail, 
and upon judgment to order 39 strii)es. In all cases where fi'ee 
l)ersons were i)unisliable by fine, slaves or servants, were to be 
chastised by whipping, at the rate of 20 lashes for every $8 of 
fine, not to exceed 40 stripes at any one time. Thus was the free 
State of Illinois ju-ovided with a com])lete sla\'e (;ode. 

In 1817, the convention which revised the constitution, in arti- 
cle XIV, required of the general assembly at its first session under 
the amended constitution, to pass such hiws as would effectually 
prohibit free ])ersons of color from imnd grating to or settling in 
this State and prevent the owners of slaves from bringing them in- 
to the State for the purpose of setting them free. 

In pursuance of this lU'ovision, the legislatiue passed an act of 
Feb. 12, 18.53, which provided that if any negro or mulatto, bond 
oi free, came into this State and remained ten days, with the 
evident intention of residing therein, he should he deemed guil- 
ty of a high misdemeanor, and for the first offence should be fined 
$50, and if the fine was not forthwith paid he was to be committed 
to the custody of the sheriff', to be ad\'ertised ten days and then 
sold to any person who would pay the tine and costs for the short- 
est period, the purchaser being empowered to hold and work the 
culprit during the tiuje. One case under this act was taken up to 
the supreme court from Hancock county, and decided in 1804* 
The court held the law to be valid ; that the ]>unishment was not 
slavery, because the person was sold only for a limited period; it was 
only a species of apprenticeship ; and that the State might define 
offences and jnescribe the lainishnu^nt. and the exercise of such 
powers could uot be inquired into by the court. 

The '-black laws," as they were f(U' a long time known, were 
continued, with slight modification, in all the revisions of the laws 
from 1819 down to 1805, when by act of Feb. 7th, they were re- 
pealed. Diuing that time, however, efforts were repeatedly made 
to abolish them. l>ut they had ceased to be enforced for numy 
years previously, and, except the act of 3 853, were regarded as a 
dead letter. The obstinacy with which they were retained was 
owing in great part to the Abolition excitement of modern times, 
^\hich in a manner constituted them tests of party fealty. 

Kidnapping. — But the most odious feature of the act of March 
30, 1819, "respecting free negroes, mulattoes, servants and 
slaves," was one of omission, or the inadequate i)rovision nmde for 
the punishment of the crime of kidnapping. It provided, "section 
9, and he it further enacted, that any person or i)ersons, who 
shall forcibly take and carry out of this State any negro or mulatto 
(slaves excepted by their owners), owing service or labor to any 
person in this State, or who shall forcibly take out of this State 

*See Nelson vs. The People, &c. 



coles' administration. 319 

any free negro or mulatto having gained a legal settlement in this 
State, shall forfeit and pay for every such offence the sum of $1(»0() 
to the party injured, to be recovered in the name of the people of 
the State of iniiu)is, by action of debt in any court luiving cogui- 
ziiuce of the same.'" By a proviso it was added, that this should not 
apply to the recapture of fugitive slaves. 

The liiu', it will be ol)serve(l, was for the party injured, who 
might have been successfully carried to so remote a section in the 
south and there sold into bondage, as to preclude the possibility of 
his return. Xo share of it was to go to a i)rosecutor. It in effect 
provi*led a })remium for the successful kidnapper who would steal 
the remedy with the person. The remedy was civil ; no provision 
occiirs in the law for any other }>unishment if the culi^rit was 
vrorthless in visible worldly effects upon which to levy an execu- 
tion, and this doubtless was the condition of the kidnapping 
scoundrels in 1)1) cases out of every 100. The law reads : who 
"sball forcibly take and carry out of this State" &c; but in the 
majority of cases the poor ignorant blacks, by fraud and deceit, 
were inveigled into atrip south on a Hat boat, or otlier errand, and 
at some pre-arranged point on the river they would be turned 
over to confederates, forcibly and rapidly taken to the interior and 
there sold into slavery, the original parties often leaving the 
impression ujion their black dupes that they hnd no hand in the 
outrage. Against such enticements the law cited nuule no provi- 
sion, and they were perpetrated with impunity. Another mode was 
to seize a black and forcibly convey him to a rendezvous either on 
the Ohio or Mississippi, but not out of the State, where a confede- 
rate would ap])ear and carry him beyond. 'Nov were the blacks 
allowed their oaths agaiust whites,, aud hence it was generally 
impossible to convict. 

The crime of seizing free blacks, running them south and selling 
them into slavery from this State, for a long time was quite com- 
mon. The poor ignorant colored (;rea tares, against whom was not 
only the law but apparently every man's hand, were hampered in 
the south l)y all the contrivances of ingenicms slave codes to pre- 
vent, their escape, while the weary years of unrequited toil 
rolled slowly around, ever embittered by heart longings to returu 
to home and kindred. Tlie same may be said of the affectionate 
ones left at home. ISTo crime can be greater than this. Portions 
of southern Illinois for many years afforded a safe retreat to these 
kidnapi)ing outlaws. We cannot cite the numerous cases of kid- 
impping. An early conviction for this crime was that of Jeptha 
Lambkins, at the term of the IMadison county circuit court, Novem- 
ber, 1822. We have not the particulars. On the night of ]May 2o, 
1823, a free colored man nanunl Jackson Butler, his wife and 6 
children, residing in Illinois a few miles from Vincennes, were kid- 
napped by a band of villians from Lawrence county in this State. 
Butler had been purchased by Gov. Harrison in Kentucky, 
brought to Indiana, indentured, and had served out his term 
faithfully. His wife was born free, which rendered the children 
also free. They were taken down the Wabash to the Ohio, thence 
south. Harrison learning of the outrage, offered a reward of $300 
for the apprehension of the kidnappers. The name of Harrison 
gave it wide circulation, and in September folio whig, news came 



320 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

that the Butler family had been rescued at New Orleans, just as 
they were about to be shipi^ed to Cuba,* 

In the first message to the general assembly, December, 5, 
1822, Gov. Coles called special attentiou to the subject of kidnap- 
ping ; that crime, he was sorry to say, was too often committed in 
tlie State with impunity ; urged that the duty of society as well as 
every benevolent feeling demanded better i)rotection for the free 
blacks, while they remained in the State ; that the peculiar situa- 
tion of the State, bordering on three rivers conuuunicating with 
the country' where there was always a demand for shines, afforded a 
great temptation and facility to the lawless and inhuman to eflgage 
in this crime, and that more efficient laws were required to prevent 
the kidnapping of free bla(;ks. 

This i)art of the message, with the subject of slavery, was refer- 
red to a special committee consisting of Messrs. Will, Emmit and 
Moore, who reported Dec. 12, 1822, as follows : "Your coiinuittee 
have carefully examijied the laws upon the subject, and with deej) 
regret annouuce their incai)ability of devising a more effectual plan 
than the one already prescribed by law for the suppression of such 
infamous crimes. It is believed that the benevolent views of the 
executive and the benign purposes of the statutes can only be 
realized by the redoubled diligence of our grand juries and our 
magistrates, aided by the well directed supi)ort of all just and 
good men." 

The legislature was politically oi)posed to the governor, and the 
language of the coiumittee, "benign statute," was the baldest of 
irony. These gentlemen however were quite capable of devising 
a schejue how to introduce slavery iuto the State, which they 
reported at the same time, and to which we will now direct our 
inquiry. 

[In 1851 an attempted murder, growing out of the business of kidnapping-,was curious- 
ly developed. It sliows also the modus operandi and the desperate characters connec- 
ted with this crime. A Mrs. Prathcr, deceased, of AVeakley covmty, Tennessee, had 
some years before emancipated her slaves, and they removed to Gallatin county, 
Illinois. Hero they were followed by parties from their former home, who conspired 
to arrest them as fug:itive slaves. The U. S. district court, Judge Pope presiding-, de- 
cided upon full proof that they had not a shadow of claim to them. With the con- 
spirators was connected a shrewd bad man by the name of Newton E. Wright, residing 
in Kentucky, back of Wolf Island, who had long been engaged in kidnapping. While 
here atxempting to reclaim the Prather negroes as slaves, he formed the acquaintance 
of a notorious kidnapper of Hamilton county, named Joe O'Neal, with whom was 
associated a disreputable character by the name of Abe Thomas. Subsequently 
O'Neal stole three likel.y childi-en from an old negro named Scott, in Hamilton county, 
Illinois, and ran them off and sold them partly on credit to Wright, who resold them at 
New Madrid to one Phillips. When O'Neal's note matured he sent Thomas to collect 
it, telling him further that Wright had business of a particular nature for him, for 
which he would be well paid. Thomas proceeded by steamer to Wright's. There he 
undertook for $150 to kill a Dr Swayne, at Hicco, Tennessee, who had sued Wright on a 
note of $8000. If the doctor could be killed, Wright, by means of nicely forged receipts, 
could successfully defend the suit. 

In May, 1850, a man calling himself Stewart, rode up to the house of Dr. Swayne, de- 
siring him to visit his father, a little way off, alleged to have been taken suddenly ill 
on his return from Texas. The doctor invited the stranger to dinner, just ready ; 
that attended to, the two rode away to seethe sick man After proceeding some dis- 
tance, Stewart, falling a little behind, drew a pistol and shot the do tor, the ball lodg- 
ing in his arm, fracturing it badly. The cry of murder was raised, but Stewart made 
his escape. Pursuit was made, and every effort to ferret out the assassin ; suspected 

Sarties were followed even to Texas ; much money was expended, but without avail, 
•r. Swayne recovered. 

But now unexpectedly a clue was gained. Two citizens of White county, Illinois- 
John Eubanks and son. Shannon, took a lot of horses to Tennessee for sale, and while 
in the neighborhood of Dr. Swayne's, heard him relate the particulars of the attempt 
to assassinate him, giving also a minute description of his assailant, whose nose was 
flat at the base, projecting forward like a hawk's bill. Shannon knew the description 
fitted Abe Thomas, and no other living man, who was then stopping at JoeO.Neal's, 
in Hamilton county, Illinois. Further description as too size, complexion, &c., tallied 
exactly. A short time after, Thomas was seized by same Tennesseeans, and carried 
to that State for trial. (Shawneetown Mercury 1851.] 

*I11. Intelligencer, 1823. 



coles' administration. 321 

The Convention question of 1824 — The TJfjfort to make Illinois a 
Slave State. — It has doubtles.s been noted that the voice of the peo- 
l)\e of the territory, as it found exi)ression from time to time, was 
strongly in favor of shivery. By canvassing the names of lead- 
ing- convention advocates in 1823-1, and from other circnmstances, 
it may be asserted with entire safety that the constitutional con- 
vention of 1818, left unrestrained by the ordinance of 1787. or the 
enabling act to form a constitution, would have established 
slavery. As it was, that convention in a manner evaded the full 
requirement of the acts of congres.s by declaring (article VI. sec. I.). 
"Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude shall hereafter be intro- 
duced into this State ;" and by the 3d section of the same article 
they gave to indentured slavery the oidy validity it ever had. 
The feeling in favor of slavery was still strong after the admission 
of the State. The liiiancial embarrassuu'nts of the peoj»le, to 
Avhich we have adverted in the preceding chapt^'r, coupled with 
the golden pictur(»s of pros[»erity which that institution would 
bring to the (country, as they were wont to regard it, did not al)ate 
their longings. Tlie subject was further kept astir by the frenzied 
agitation of the slavery (pn^stion as connected with the admission 
of Missouri, which convulsed the entire nation and threatened 
a dissolution of the Union. 

It had also the effect to e^stensively advertise that new State, 
and stimulate emigration thither, as the crowds of immigrants 
from the southern States to Missouri, consisting in grent part of 
the wealthiest ami best educated classes, passed through southern 
Illinois, where immigration had been for some tinu' stagnant, and 
the want of which was seriously felt. "]\Iany of onr i)eople who 
had land and farms to sell, looked upon the good fortune of ]\Iis- 
souri with envy; whilst the lordly immigrant, as he passed along 
with his 7noney and droves of negroes, took a malicious pleasure 
in increasing it, by pretending to regret the short-sighted ])()licy 
of Illinois, which excluded him tVonr settling with his slaves 
among us, and from purchasing the lands of our people."* 

Into the election of August, 1822, as we have noted, the ques- 
tion of slavery entered to a large extent, and while it was not 
generally sharply defined, it was well known that Coles was a 
zealous opponent of the institution of human chattels ; so also was 
Gen. Moore ; and for these reasons the partisans of freedom rallied 
with little division for Coles. His aggregate vote was 2810, that 
of .^Loore o22, total 3332. The vote of Phillips was 2700 and that 
of Brown 2513, total 5303 — being a majority, so far as this ex- 
pression was a criterion, of about 2000 in favor of the introduction 
of slavery. But personal considerations at that day entered more 
largely into election contests than princi]>les. 

Edward Coles, the governor elect of Illinois, was born in Vir- 
ginia, Dec. 15, 1786, and was among the youngest of ten children. 
His father was a planter, owning many slaves. Inuring college 
life the question of property in man first i)resente(l itself to 
Ed\\ ard's mind, and he returned home impressed with its moral 
wrongfulness and political impolicy, and the resolution that when 
he should become the owner of his portion of his lather's slaves he 
would emanciiiate them. Apprehending that these sentiments 

'Ford's History. 

21 



322 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

would meet with uo countenance at home he kejit them sacred to 
himself. Upon the death of his father in 1808, he became entitled 
to 25 negroes and 1,000 acres of land. His father had taken no 
share in public life, but his home had been the resort of nearly all 
the great statesmen of the day. Edward became the private 
secretary of President Madison. In person Coles was tall and 
graceful, with face of the Grecian style. To a bene^'olent dis- 
position lie added a wide fund of information, social tact and 
conversational i^owers. By the judicious exercise of these be is 
said to Lave brougbtiuto new bonds of friendship j\Ir. Madison and 
Mr. Monroe, and Mr. Adams and JNIr. Jefferson, who had resjiec- 
tively been somewhat estranged. In 1816 he was sent in the sloop 
of war "Promethious" on a special mission to Russia, as tlie bearer 
of important dispatches to the American embassadors at St. 
Petersburg. Before his return he made the tour of Europe. 
After his arrival iiome lie shortly determined to go west. He si)ent 
the summer of 1818 in Illinois, and witnessed the labors of the 
c(mvention at Kaskaskia to enact the first constitution. In the 
following spring, 1810, he removed witli his slaves to Illinois. On 
the trip hither, made mostly on flat boats down the Ohio, the 
negroes, being ignorant of their destination, were one clear moon- 
light evening in June, while calmly floating down the i)lacid 
stream, called together, and by their master addressed in a plain, 
short speech in whi(;h he pronounced them all free. Their grati- 
tude was so profound that they tendered him one year's service at 
their new home. But being much touched at this manifestation 
of their attachment, he refused their offer. He gave, besides, to 
each head of a family 100 acres of land in Illinois, in the neigh- 
borhood of Edwardsville, aided them with money, and for many 
years exercised i)aternal care over them.* 

In 18o3, at the age of 47, he removed to Philadelphia, and was 
married to Miss Sallie Logan Koberts, by whom he had one 
daughter and two sons. He died July 7, 1808, in the 82d year of 
his age. On coming to Illinois, Coles received the api)<)intment 
of register of the land oftice at Edwardsville, from Mr. Crawford, 
secretary of the treasury, who was an aspirant to the piesidency. 
Coles, it was suj)posed, was sent out to counteract the intluence of 
Gov. Edwards, who favored Cahoun.f 

The partisans of slavery, although beaten for governor in 1822, 
by a schisnL in their own ranks, had carried both houses of the 
general jissembly, and the lieutenant-governor, and throughout the 
first half of his term, the governor experienced a want of accord 

*Tbc law of 1819 respecting free negroes required the emancipator to give bond that 
they should not become a county charge Having provided them amply witli lands, 
Coles neglected to do this, whereby he incurred a liability to a fine of $200 for eacii 
negro, wliich might be sued tor by the county in which tliey were settled. During 
the heat of the convention struggle the county commissioners of Madison wei'c insti- 
gated to bring suit against the Governor for this penalty, resulting, in September, 1824, 
in a verdict of $2,000 for setting at liberty negroes without giving bond Pending 
a motion for a new trial, in January 1825, the legislature released all penalties incurred 
under the act, including those of Coles. At the next term of court he plead this re- 
lease in bar of judgment against him. But Judge McRoberts decided that the legisla- 
ture had no power to take from a municipal corporation its vested right in a fine, any 
more than from an individual, and rendered judgment on the verdict. This decision, 
believed to have been influenced by the feelings growing out of the slavery contest the 
year before, caused no little popular e-xcitement. The case was taken to the supreme 
court and reversed, the power of the legislature being held to be ample in the premises- 
The opinion of the court, by Wilson, chief justice, says : "It is said the king cannot 
remit an informer's interest in a popular action after suit brought ; this is no doubt 
true, but it is equally true that the Parliament can. It is not pretended that tlie exe- 
cutive could remit the penalty in this case, but that the legislature may." 

tFord's History of Illinois. 



coles' administration. 323 

with that body. Governor Coles directed attention to the subject 
of shivery, and in clear and forcible lan<;uage urged the emanci- 
pation of the J^^rench slaves, recomniended a revision of the black 
laws in accordance with the dictates of humanity, and the enact- 
ment of more adequate laws to rei)ress the frequent crime of kid- 
na])pint'', as we have noticed. This was enough to ininuMliately 
fan into tlanie the smouldering embers of the slavery question. 
The ])urpose was now to make a strong effort to introduce slavery 
into Illinois, which could only be done by amending the constitu- 
tion, which reipiired a two-tliirds vote in each house to pass the 
proposition snl»mitting the question to a vote of the people. So 
much of the message as related to the abrogation of slavery, was 
referred to a select comnuttee, consisting of JMessrs. Beaird,l>oon, 
Ladd, Kinney and Whit<', who in a few days re]>orted as follows: 
After giving a historical resume of the establishment of slavery 
in Illinois, denu)nstrating its legal existence and claiming that the 
provision in the deed of cession from Virginia, viz : that the inhabi- 
tants of the territory who professed themselves to have been citi- 
zens of Virginia previous to the cession, should "have their 
possessions and titles contirmed to them, and be ])rotected in the 
enjoyment of their riglits and liberties," could not be overridden 
and set aside by the sidtsequent act of congress, which provided 
that "there shall be neither slavery nor involuntary servitude in 
the said territory ;" that tlie language in the deed of cession was 
too ])lain and forcible to be misunderstood or evaded; that the con- 
stitution, in obedience to the behests of congress, for the purpose 
of having the State adnntted, was careful to avoid any interfer- 
ence with this species of projx'rty, and left it in the sauie state of 
security that the ordimmce had placed it ; that thus the constitu- 
tion of Illinois was ratified, no doubt upon the ground that no 
condition of the ordinance had been violated, and that the consti- 
tution left the right to proi)erty acquired under the compact 
with Virginia, entire. 

They concluded their n^port by saying: "Your committee have 
now arrived at the period when Illinois Avas admitted into the 
Union upon an ecpial footing with the original States in all respects 
whatever; and whatever causes of regret were experienced by the 
restrictions im[)osed upon the first convention, your committee are 
clearly of the opinion that the people of Illinois have now the same 
right to alter their constitution as the people of the State of Vir- 
ginia, or any other of the original States, and may make any dis- 
position of negro slaves they choose, without any breach of faith 
or violation of compact, ordinances or a(;ts of congress; and if 
the reasoning employed be correct, there is no other course left by 
which to accomi»lish the object of this portion of the g<)^•ernor's 
message, than to call a conventiini to alter the constitution." 

And they recommended the adoption of the following resolu- 
tion : " Eesolved, That the general assembly of the State of Illi- 
nois (two-thirds thereof concurring therein), do recommend to the 
electors, at the next election for members to the general assend)ly, 
to vote for or against a convention, agreeably to the 7th article 
of the constitution." 

•SeeUl. Intelligencer, Dec. 14, 1822. 



324 HISTORY OF ILLENfOIS. 

On luotioii of Micliael Jones, the report was concnrred in. A 
miiiorty rei)ort was made by Eisden Moore and John Emraett, 
strongly and ably nrging the abolition of slavery, the amelioration 
of the black huvs, and greater stringency regarding the pnnish- 
meiit of kidnapping-. Mr. Will made a separate report, of a milk 
and water character. 

In the senate, it was speedily ascertained that the reqnisite two- 
thirds vote to pass the resolntion for the call of a convention to 
amend the constitntion, conld be obtained, and to spare; bnt in 
the house the case stood otherwise — they needed one vote. At 
first it was strennonsly argued that the two-thirds vote required by 
the constitution to pass the convention resolution, meant two- 
thirds of tbe two houses in joint session. But the opi)onents 
were too powerful in argument upon this point. Tbe majority was 
not to be foiled in their purpose, however. Another mode pre- 
sented itself — all that was required was courage to perpetrate a 
gross outrage upon a recalcitrant member. 

There had been a contested election case from Pike county, 
which then included all the country between the Illinois and Mis- 
sissipiji rivers, north to the boundary of the State. The sitting 
member, decided by the house to be entitled to the seat, was 
Nicholas Hanson, and the contestant, John Shaw. Hanson's vote 
had been obtained for the re-election of Jesse B. Thomas, strongly 
pro-slavery, to the United States senate, but farther than this he 
would not go. Shaw, who favored the convention project, was 
now discoveied to be justly entitled to the seat ! A motion was 
thereui)on made to reconsider the adndssion of Hanson, which 
prevailed. It was next further moved to strike out the name of 
Hanson and insert that of Shaw. During the pendency of the 
resokition, a tumultuous crowd assembled in the evening at the 
state house, and after the delivei-y of a number of incendiary 
speeches, inflaming the minds of the people against Hanson, they 
proceeded through the town with his eltigy in a blaze, accompa- 
nied by the beating of drums, the sounds of bugles, and shouts 
of " Convention or death." 

The motion to expel Hanson and admit Shaw was adopted, and 
the latter rewarded the majority by voting for the convention res- 
olution, which thus barely passed by his aid on the night follow- 
ing. A number of the members of both houses entered their 
solemn protest against this glaring outrage of unseating Hanson, 
both as to the object intended and the manner of perpetrating it. 
Many reflecting men, earnest in their support of the convention 
question, condemned it ; and it proved a powerful lever before the 
people in the <lefeat of the slavery scheme. 

The i)assage of the convention resolution was regarded as tanta- 
mount to its carriage at the i^olls. The pro-slavery party cele- 
brated their triumph by an illumination of the town and a 
procession, accompanied by all the horrid parai)hernalia and dis- 
cordant music of achivarai, marched to the residence of Governor 
Coles and the quarters of the chief oi)ponents of the measure, 
where they i)erformed their demoniac nnisic to annoy and insult 
them. The procession is said to have been headed by such digna- 
taries as ex-judge and late gubernatorial canidate, Joseph Phil- 
lips ; the newly chosen chief-justice, Thomas Reynolds, afterwards 
governor of Missouri; associate supreme judge, Smith; pros- 



coles' administration. 325 

pective lientenant-jiovernor Kinney, etc., followed by many of 
the honorable meinbei's of the le<iislature, tlie lobbyists — some of 
tlieni strangers from adjoining- slave States — the rabble, etc. The 
rejoicings of the convention party also found exjtression in pub- 
lic dinners, ajid of tlie toasts there given we subjoin a few: The 
convention : The means of introducing and s])reading the African 
family — three cheers. The enemies of the con\ ention : May they 
ride a porcupine saddle on a hard trotting horse, a long journey 
M'itliout money or friends. May those individuals who are o])i)osed 
to our cause, before the next election, abandon the State of Illi- 
nois. The State of Illinois : the ground is good — prairies in 
abundance,- give us })lenty of negroes, a little industry and she 
will distribute her treasure 

]>ut these brut;il proceedings, intended to intimidate, only 
recoiled upon the p('rj)etrators. The anti-convention i»arty was 
insj>ired with renewed courage and determination to defeat the 
call Ix^fore the ]»eople. That indeedwastheoidyhoj)e for the liberty 
of all men in Illinois. At this period, the apportionment of the 
State into representative and senatorial districts was jieculiarly 
uncipial, the strongholds of the convention advocates being m 
the counties near the Ohio and the old French settlements, whiie 
the rai)id progress of population northward was numerically far 
in advance of its just ratio of representation. If the convention 
should be ordered by the [>rople, it was demonstrated that by 
reason of this unequal representatioji, one-fourth of the v^)ters 
could, in a certain contingency, (that of the delegates being made 
to correspond to the number of representatives), elect a nmjority 
of the members, who might fasten slavery n])on the State. It be- 
came, therefore, the paramount object of the friends of freedom 
to defeat the convention call before the i)eople. 

The canvass now opened aixl for nearly IS months raged with 
unequaled \'io]ence throughout the State, j^ever was such canxass 
made in the State before. The young" and old, without regard to 
sex entered the arena of party strife ; families and neighborhoods 
became divided and surrendered themselves up to the bitter war- 
fare. Detraction an<l personal abuse reigned sujirenu^, while 
cond)ats were not infrcfpuuit. The whole country seemed on the 
verge of a resort to physical foice to settle the angry question.* 
The )>ress, both tor and against, teemed with incendiary publica- 
tions on the subject. Both anti and i)ro-convention newspapers 
were established : of the former "T//e >)>6'cfrttor," at Edwardsville, 
edited by Hooper Warren ; one at Shawneetown, edited by Henry 
Eddy; the Illinois Intellu/cmcer. located at Vandalia, which', at tirst 
pro-convention, was subsecpu'iitly purchased by David IMackwell. 
secretary of State, and then ably conducted in opj)osition to the 
conventi<m schenu'. T(» these papers there were also a number of 
able ami steady contributors, ])rin(*ipal among whom may be men- 
tione<l, his excellency the govei-uor ; .Morris IJirbeck, the able Eng- 
lish coh)nist, in Edwards county ; Judge Lockwood, Thonuis Lip- 
piiK'ott. (Jeorge Churchill, &(-. Pam[)hlets were published and ex- 
tensively circulated, containing statistics and observations re- 
gardi)ig the working' of slavery in other countries. Gov. (Joles 
freely resigiu'd thesalary of his entire term, $-1000, asa contribution 
t;0 the cause. Through the eflbrts nminlv of the Kev. Dr. J. M. 



"Keynold's "Own Times. 



323 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



Peck, anti-slavery societies ^-ere organized by the "friends of 
freedom," which rauiitied more or less throngliout tlie State, to the 
number of 14, with headquarters in St. Clair county, and which 
were active during the ca-uvass. The ministers of the gospel were 
enlisted in the cause, and they met together in large numbers to 
devise ways to avert tlie imi)ending evil. Denominational ques- 
tions, ordinarily nuich more birter in those time;-; than at the 
present, were liiid aside for the time, and the i)ulpit now thunder- 
ed its anathemas against s[)reading the great sin. All the means 
known to civilization to impart ideas of the enormity of slavery 
were made available. To the distribution of i)amphlets and news- 
paper writings, were added tracts and handbills of a most 
incendiary tone. The Rev. Dr. Peck, who, in his vocation of dis- 
tributing bibles, had the opportunity to observe the management 
of the campaign on the part of the opposition, shaped his ends 
with the tact and skill of a general, to meet them at everj^ hand. 
Political meetings were called, and almost every stump resounded 
with the declamations of indignant orators, both pro and con. 
The rank and tile of the peo])le, no less excited, wrangled and 
argued with each other wherever they met. Much time was con- 
sumed, and industry was at a stand. 

In the meantime, the i)ro-slavery piirty was not idle, and 
adopted the same means to reach the ])ublic mind. Elias Kent 
Kane ; Thomas lieynolds, the chief justice ; Judge Theoi>hilus W. 
Smith, of the supreme court ; Judge S;imuel Mclloberts, Emanuel 
J. West, A. P. Field, Joseph A. l^aird, George Forquer and 
others, were their prominent writers; while among their chief 
orators, besides some of these, may be njentioned E. M. Yoinig, 
John McLean, Jesse E. Thomas, ex Gov. Eond, (running for con- 
gress against D. P. Cook, at this time). Judge Philli])s, and many 
others. The memb«?is of the legislitture in favor of tlie conven- 
tion, before they disi)ersed in the si)ring of lSi!3, levied a contri- 
bution upon each other by which they raised about $l()dO for 
their side of the cause. AVilliam Kinney, afterward lieutenant 
governor, to his vocation as a ])ro-slavery politician added that of 
a baptist preacher, mingling the two with much freedom, traveled 
constantly over the State, acting with zeal and energy in arousing 
the people to the blessings of the institution of slavery. Emissa- 
ries of both parties ranged the State in every direction during the 
canvass, with bitter partisan tracts, and all manner of intianuitory 
appeals, to arouse the passions of the people, and awakened them 
to the duty of the hour. Tlie princii)al newsi)ai)ers of the pro- 
slavery party were located at Kaskaskia and Edwardsville. 

In looking over the array of i)rominent names, it has been 
thought the most talented and intluential i)ublic nuMi were on the 
side of the convention i)arty,* but in energy and zeal, which grew 
Avith the progress of the campaign, the o{)p(>siti()n were better or- 
ganized. Their attacks were, besides, direct u})on the subject in- 
volving the merits of slavery ; while the other side showed signs of 
avoiding the direct issue. The latter argued that the constitution 
needed amendment in many ])articulars ; that the convention 
would not probably interfere in behalf of slavery, and if it did, it 
Avould establisli it oidy for a. limited period, or i>rovide for inden- 
turing and gradual enuin(;i[)ation. Ent the opponents were not to 
♦Ford's History. 



coles' administration. 327 

be lioodwiuked in this manner ; indeed as the people took a very 
absorbing interest in tlie subject, and as the canvass was exten- 
ded for a period of 18 inoiiths, they came to thoroughly ai)pre- 
ciate all there was in it by the day of election. The (;outest was 
not devoid of extraneous pro-slavery inflnences from l)ey()nd the 
borders of the State, as might well be expected, but such imperte- 
nence was promptly met as it deserved. 

When the day of election finally arrived, the utmost exertions at 
the polls throughout the State werensed by both sides to bring out 
a full vote. The aged, the crippled, the chronic in vahds, all that 
could be conveyed Avith their bodily infirmities, were brouglit out 
and cast their votes, either for against the call. The result was 
that the convention scheme was defeated by some 1800 majority. 
This was a wonderful victory to achieve, showing a gain for the 
anti-slavery canse, exceeding 3500 votes since the gubernatorial 
contest of two years before. The aggregate vote was 11,(512; 
4,972 for, and 0,040 against. This was a large vote; at the presi- 
dential election in ISTovendjer following, the aggregate vote of the 
State was 4,707. 

And thus ended the most important, excited, and angry election 
that took idace at that early day in Illinois. All feeling, however, 
speedily subsided, and in (} months after, is it said, a. ]>olitician 
who favored the introdnction of slavery was a rara avis. The 
victory was decisive of the question for all time. 



Chapter XXYIII. 
1824-G— MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS. 

Legislation — Reorganization of the Judiciary — Chief Justice Wil- 
son — Hubhard as Governor ad interim — Po])ulation of 1825 — 
Visit of LaFayette. 



Tlie conventiou struggle over, other affairs claim our attention. 
And first as to the legislature, which was anti-convention in 
its political sentiments. The members chosen simultaneously with 
the defeat of the convention call, constituted in a sense the first 
ever elected in Illinois upon other than persoiuil considerations. 
Permanent party i)rin('iples and organizations had been, as yet, 
foreign to the virgin soil of Illinois. To laud one and defame the 
other candidate Avas, \\\} to that time, the only recognized mode of 
conducting a political canvass, and the campaigns were usually 
short. Governor Coles, in his message, congratulated the people 
upon the resiQt over the slavery question, and again recom- 
mended the abolition of the remnant of African slavery still exist- 
ing, as an anomaly in this free State. But the legislature, 
notwithstanding its anti-convention majority, was not abolition, 
and it paid little heed to his reconnnendation. Two United States 
senators, four supreme judges, and five circuit judges, besides a 
crowd of other otticials, \Yere to be elected at this session ; but the 
majority proved itself of quite a forgiving disposition toward its 
recent bitter opponents, and the convention question was not 
made a test in the choice of the numerous officers during the ses- 
sion. John McLean, a leading pro-conveutiou orator, was elected 
United States senator over Governor Edwards, who was not 
closely identified with the angry contest, being absent in Wash- 
ington. It was at this tiuie that he became involved in his unfor- 
tunate quarrel with Mr. Crawford, secretary of the treasury, 
which caused him to give up the Mexican mission to which he 
had been appointed. One week later, Elias Kent Kane was also 
elected to the United States senate. He defeated for the position such 
X3rominent anti-convention men as Governor Coles and Samuel I). 
Lockwood. Kane was perhaps the ablest writer that the conven- 
tion party had during the contest, although a northern man by 
birth and education. Two leading i:)ro-convention men were thus 
honored by an anti-convention legislature with the two highest 
offices in their gift. 

By the constitution, the terms of office of supreme judges were 
to expire with the close of the year 1824. The legislature re-or- 
ganized the judiciary by (treating both circuit and supreme courts. 
The State was divided into five judicial circuits, providing two 
terms of court annually in each county. The salaries of the cir- 

328 



coles' administration. 329 



cuit judges were fixed at $(300. Tlie following chcuit judges were 
clioseu: John Y. Sawyer, Sanuiel Mclloberts, lllchard M. Young, 
James Hall and John O, Wattles, named in the order of their 
respective circuits. Tlie supreme court was relieved of circuit 
duties and made a court of ai)pellate jurisdiction. It was to be 
lield twice a year at the seat of government, and as before, com- 
posed of four judges, but now commissioned (luring good behavior. 
Their salaries were cut down from $1000 to $800. Decend)er oO, 
1824, the two houses met in joint session to elect one chief jus- 
tice and three associate justices. On the first ballot, William 
Wilson received 3o votes, Thomas lleynolds, chief justice u}) to 
that time, 19. Wilson having received a majority of the whole 
number of votes cast, was duly declared chief justice of the 
State of Illinois. 

For associate justices there were six candidates: Thonnis C 
Brown, Samuel D. Lockwood, Theophilus W. Smith, l)avi<l 
Blackwell, Tliomas Kcyuolds and John Iteynolds, In the course 
of five ballotings, the first three named were chosen. James 
Turney was elected attorney-general. The two Eeynolds, Thouuis 
and John, uncle and nephew, who were rejected, had been on 
the supreme bench up to that time, ami the former had been a 
conspicuous convention man. 

William Wilson, at the time of his elevation to the high and 
honorable position of chief justice of Illinois, was but 29 years old, 
and had been already five years on thesu])reme bench as associate 
justice. He was born in Loudon county, Virginia, in 1795* When 
quite young his father died, leaving his widow with two sons and 
an embarrassed estate. At an early age, his mother obtained for 
him a situation in a store. But the young man discovered no apti- 
tude for the business of merchandizing, and young as he was, 
developed an unusual greed for books, reading every one attaina- 
ble, to the almost total neglect of his duties in the store. At the 
age of 18 he was placed in a law ofiice under the tuition of the 
Hon. John Cook, who ranked high as a lawyer at the bar of Vir- 
ginia, and who also served his country with honor and distinction 
abroad as minister to the court of France. In 1817, young 
Wilson came to Illinois to look for a home, and such was his 
personal bearing and })repossessing appearance, that one year 
later, at the inauguration of the State government, his mime was 
brought before tlie legislature for associate sui)reme judge, ami 
he came within (} votes of an election. Within a year, as we have 
seen, he was chosen in the place of Foster. For five years he 
served the peoi)le so acceptably n])on the bench as to be at this 
time chosen to the first position by a large majinity over the 
former chief justice, Reynolds. This was the more a mark of 
approbation, because Judge \Mlson was totally de\'oi(l of, and 
never in his life could wield, any of the arts of the politician or 
party schemer. As regards i)olitical intrigue, he was as inno- 
cent as acliild. He was singularly })ure in all his convictions of duty, 
and in his long public career of nearly 30 years as a supreme judge 
of Illinois, he commanded the full res])ect, confidence and 
esteem of the jteople for the jnobity of his official acts and 
his upright conduct as a citizen and a man. His education 
was such as he had acquired by diligent reading and self culture. 
As a writer his diction was pui-e, clear and elegant, as may be seen 



330 HISTORY OP ILLINOIS. 

by reference to his published opinions in the supreme court reports. 
With a mind of rare analytical power, his judiiuient as a lawyer 
was discriminating and sound, and upon the bench his learning 
and impartiality commanded resi)ect, while his own dignified 
deportment inspired decorum in others. By the members of the 
bar he was greatly esteemed ; no new^ beginner was ever without 
the protection of almost a fatherly hand in his court, against the 
arts and powers of an older opponent. In politics, upon the form- 
ation of the Whig and Democratic parties, he associated liimself 
with the former. He w as an amiable and accomplished gentleman 
in private life, with manners most engaging and friendships strong. 
His hospitality was of the old Virginia style. Seldom did a sum- 
mer season pass at his [)leasant country seat, about two miles 
from Carmi, on the banks of the Little Wabash, that troo})s of 
friends, relatives and distinguished official visitors did not sojourn 
with him. His official career was terminated \\'ith the going into 
effect of the new constitution, December 4,1848, when he retired 
to inivate life. He died at his home, in the rii)eness of age and 
the consciousness of a life well spent, April 29, 1857, in his 63d 
year. 

The legislature of 1824 was an important and able body. 
Throughout its session, harmony and cordiality obtained among 
the members. The men who were promoted or elevated to office, 
and charged with important res])onsibilities, were generally well 
know^n to the people for their character, merit and ability, and 
failed not to give satisfaction, l^eventy thousand dollars of the 
State bank currency were committed to the Hames in the presence 
of the governor, suin:eme judges and directors of the jaincipal 
bank, according to the recjuireinents of the law. 

In the summer of 1825, immigration revived consideraV)ly. A 
great tide set in toward the central i)arts of the State. Through 
Vandalia alone, 250 wagons were counted in three weeks time, all 
going northward. Destined for Sangamon county alone, 80 
wagons and 400 people were couided in two Mceks time. Sanga- 
mon county was, at that time, without doubt the most populous 
county in tne State. All the northern counties were most dispro- 
l)roportionately represented in the general assembly. While such 
counties as Kaudoljdi and White had each a senator and three rep- 
resentatives, Sangamon had one representative and one senator 
only. 

It happened at this time, that Governor Coles was temporarily 
.absent ona visit to Virginia, and Lieutenant-governor Hubbard was 
the acting governer. His Excellency ad interim, struck" with the in- 
justice of this unequal representation, issued his i)r()clanmtion for 
an extra session of thelegislatuie, to convene at the seat of gov- 
ernment on the first JMonday in January, 1820, for the i)urpose of 
ai)portioiiing the State, and for business generally. He was 
not loth to claim power. Governor Coles returned on the last 
day of October and resunu'd his office, but the acting governor 
was not inclined to yeild it up, claiming he had superseded the 
former and to be governor de jure under section IS, article III 
of the constitution, which read : 

" In case of an impeachment of the governor, his removal from office, 
death, refusal to qualify, resignation or absence from the State, the 
lieutenant-governor shall exercise all the power and authority apper- 



coles' ADMINISTKATION. 331 

taining to the office of governor, until the time pointed out by the con- 
stitution for the election of a governor, shall arrive, unless tlie general 
assembly shall otherwise provide by law for tbe election of a governor 
to fill such vacancy." 

After tlie iiiTival of Coles, Iluhbaid, as a test, issued a- eoininis- 
sion to W. L. D. Ewin.ii- as ])ayniaster ijeiieral of the State militia, 
which was presented to the secretary of State, Georiue Foripiei', 
for his signature, who refused to sign and aflix the oiticial seal 
thereto. In December following', the sui)reme court l)eiiig in ses- 
sion, Ewing applied for a- rule on the secretary to sliow cause why 
a maiidauuis should not be awarded requiring him to countersign 
and aflix tlie seal of the State to liis commission issued ami signed 
by Adoli)hus Frederick llub))ard, governor of Illiiuiis. Tlie iiile 
being granted, the secretary answered, stating- tlie facts, wliereby 
the whole (juestion was brought before the <;ourt and argued at 
length with nmch ability by talented counsel for both sides. Tlie 
judges, aftermuch deliberation, delivered sei)arate o^nnions of great 
learning and research, but all agreed in the judgment i)ron()unced, 
that the rule must be discharged. Hubbard was still irrepressible, 
and next memorialized the legislature in reference to his grievance. 
But the senate decided that tlie subject was a judicial one, inex- 
l^edient to legislate upon, and the house laid his memorial upon the 
table. 

The census of 1<SL';") returned a ]>o[)u]ation of 71*, 817, being con- 
siderably less than the sanguine expectations of many led them 
to lio})e for. The State was didy ajjportioued an(MV at the special 
session in January, IcSL'O, witli referense totlie distril>ution of i)opu- 
latioii. The question was also nu)oted at this session of repealing 
the circuit court system, not that the court did not subserve a great 
public need, but that politicians in their disappointment in obtain- 
ing office the winter preceding, sought to redress their grievances 
first by depriving the circuit judges altogetlier of ottice, and next 
by loading' the supreme judges with additional labor by remaiulinj.^ 
them to circuit duty. Tiie latter, being life members, could not 
be otherwise reached as objects of tlieir vengeance, wherefore they 
were charged with lun ing too easy a life as a court of ai)peals 
for a. State so embarrassed as Illinois. The house, however, 
struck out of the bill to repeal all after the enacting clause aiul 
as a piece of pleasantry, inserted a section torex)eal the wolf-scalp 
law, in wliich tlie senate did not concur.* 

"the nation's guest." 

Visit of the Marquis dc LaFayette to IIli))ois. — A pleasant e])isode 
in the spring of 1825, to vary the monotony of western life, and 
per adventure the iiages of this book, was the visit to Illinois of 
General LaFayette, our able and oi)portune ally in the war of the 
Kevolntion, and now after the lapse of near a half century tlie 
honored guest of the nation. Having learned of his arrival in 
America, the general assenibly of this State, early in its session 
of 1821-5, adopted an ekxpient address of welcome to him, couche<l 
in "terms of glowing admiration for his patriotic services, and 

*In March succeed intr, within 5 miles of where the legislature had sat. a five year old 
child of Daniel Hufman, which had wandered from home into the woods a mile or 
so, was attacked and killed by a wolf The animal was seen leaving- its mangled and 
partly consumed booy by the neighbors In search of it ou the following- day. 



332 HISTORY OF LLT.INOIS. 

earnestly inviting liiiu to extend, his western visit to Illinois. On 
the 9th of December the address, with an affectionatelj' written 
letter from Gov. Coles, who had formed his personal acquaintance 
in France in 1817, were transuutted to Gen. LaFayette. Under 
date of Washington, Jan. 16, 181*5, he expressed his gratification 
for the honor done him by Illinois, adding: "It has ever been my 
eager desire, and it is noAV my earnest intention, to ^isit the western 
States and particularly the State of Illinois. The feelings which 
your distant welcome could not fail to excite, have in- 
creased that patriotic eagerness to admire on that blessed 
spot, the happy and rapid results of republican institu- 
tions, i)ublic and domestic A'irtues. I shall, after the celebration 
of the 22d of February anniversary day, leave this place for a 
journey to the southern, and from New Orleans to the western 
states, so as to return to Boston on the 14th of June, when the 
corner stone of the Bunker's Hill monument is to be laid; a cere- 
mony sacred to the whole Union, .iiid in which 1 have been engaged 
to act a peculiar and honorable ])art." 

On the 28th of April, 1825, the steamboat Nachez, with General 
LaFayette and suit on board, anchored below St. Louis at the old 
French village of Carondolet. On the following morning gov- 
ernors Clark of Missouri, and Coles of Illinois, Col. Benton, and 
oiliers, repaired thither to escort the distinguished visitor up to the 
city. During the forenoon the boat with the entire party steamed 
up to St. Louis, where, upon the wharf, "an immense concourse of 
people had assembled to gi-eet and honor the patriot hero. He 
landed amidst the booming of cannon and the animated cheers of 
the vast multitude. He was acconii)anied by his son, named 
George Washington LaFayette, and his secretary. Col. LeVassear; 
by a de]3utation from Louisiana consisting of Col. IMorse, aid to the 
governor, Mr. LeClair, his private secretary, and Mr. I*rier, re- 
corder of New Orleans, and Col. Ducros; by Col. Scott from the 
State of Mississippi, and by Maj. Gen. Gibbs, Maj. Kutledge, i\lr. 
Bolcli and Mr. Stewart, of Tenn. Addresses of welcome and 
responses were made, when the entire concourse moved to the 
elegant nninsion of Pierre Choteau, where a reception was held. 
Supper was had, followed by a number of toasts and api)ropriate 
speeches, and in the evening a splendid ball at IMassie's hotel, 
attended by General LaFayette, his suit, and all the dignitaries. 

In person LaFayette was about six feet tall, inclining to corpu- 
lency, and a tlorid complexion. He limped upon his left leg, the 
result of a wound. He spoke the English language fluently and 
had a ready command of appro] niate expression. 

On Saturday, Ai)ril 30, 1825, Gen. LaFayette and suit, attended 
by a large delegation of prominent citizens of Missouri, made a 
visit by the steamer Natchez to the ancient town of Kaskaskia. No 
military parade was attemi»ted, but a great multitude of i)atriotic 
citizens bade him welcome. A reception was held at the elegant 
residence of Mr. Edgar. Gov. Coles*, on behalf of the i)eo])le of 
Illinois, delivered a glowing address of welcome to the illustrious 
guest, to Avhich LaFayette replied in a nu)st feeling and happy 
vein, expressive of his exquisite gratification for the honor done 
him u})on that occasion. 

After this a general introduction of the citizens and hand-shaking 
followed, when a most touching scene was presented. A few old 



coles' administration. 333 

revoliiiitionary soldiers collected around the General, who had 
■fought under his eye at Brandywine and Yorktown, and 
who all recollected him and uow greeted him most heartily. 
Although tlie general did not personally recollect them, the occa- 
sion was to him ;ind all i)resent most affecting. This meeting in 
the winter of their lives seemed to awaken youthful feeling and 
carry back these old soldier patriots to the eventful ix'riod 
when they were associated in arms and fighting the battles of 
liberty. 

The entire comi)any of distinguished guests, visitors, and citi- 
zens next proceeded to the tavern kept by Col. Sweet, where an 
ample dinner had been pre])ined. The patri<>tic ladies had deco- 
rated the dining hall with laurel wreaths in a most tastefid and 
ap[>ropriate manner, and over the table where the hero and honored 
guests were seated a beautitid rainbow of roses and flowers was 
spanned. 

AVe can only give a very few of the after dinner toasts that were 
drank: 

By LaFayette — Kaskaskia and Illinois; may their joint pi-os- 
perity more and nu>re evince the blessings of congenial industry 
and freedom. 

By Gov. C'o/e.s —The inmates of LaCrranges [LaFayette'shome]: 
let them not be anxi<^)us; for though their father is 1,000 miles 
ill the interior of America, he is yet in the midst of his affectionate 
children. [Very good]. 

By 0. W. LaFayette — The grateful confidence of my father's 
children and grand-children, in the kindness of his American family 
towards him. 

By Gov. Bond — General LaFayette; may he live to see that 
liberty established in his native country which he heli)ed to estab- 
lish in his adopted country. When this toast was given the 
general arose and observed that he would drink the latter part of 
the toast — the liberty of his ado}»ted country — standing. 

After dinner the distinguished party repaired to the Iarg(> 
and commodious house of Win. ]M()rrisoii, Sr., Esq., where a grand 
ball was given for their delectation. Here during the night (|uite 
an interesting interview took jdace bet\\ ecu tlie renowned General 
and an Indian squaw whose father had served under him in the 
Ivcvolutionary war. The squaw, learning that the great White 
Chief was to be at Kaskaskia on that night, had ridden all day from 
early dawn till some time in the night, from her distant home, to 
see the man whose name had been so often upon her father''s tongue 
and with which she was so familiar. In identification of her 
claim to his distinguished acquaiiitam^e, she brought with her an 
old worn letter wliich the general had written to her father, and 
which the Indian chief had preserved with great care, and finally 
bequeathed on his death bed to his daughter as the most precious 
legacy he had to leave her. 

By lii o'clock at night, G(mi. LaFayette returned to the steam- 
boat, and started on his route to ]SJ^ashville, Gov. Coles accompany- 
ing him, the boat being chartered by the State. 

He returned from ^Nashville on the steamboat Mechanic. On 
the 14th of May, 1825, when the boat appeared in sight at Shaw- 
nectown, a deputation of the citizens waited on the general, and ap- 
prised him of the reception in waiting for him. As the boat 



334 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

approached the landing-, a sahite of 24 rounds was fired. Tlie peo- 
ple of the town and surrounding country had turned out en niasso 
to greet the loved hero. Two lines were formed, extending from 
B-awling's hotel to the river. Down this ])assed the conunittees 
of reception, town oflicials, and other dignitaries, and received the 
nation's guest, who with the distinguished party accomi)anying 
him, passed up the line, the citizens standing uncovered in per- 
fect silence, until his arrival at the door of the hotel, where a large 
number of ladies were assend)led. Here an address of affectionate 
welcome was delivered by Judge James Hall. LaFayette replied 
Avithout preparation, in a voi(;e tremulous with emotion, thanking 
the ]ieo])le for this evidence of their love and gratitude. A colla- 
tion was then i)artaken of, followed by a number of toasts suitable 
to the occasion. After spending a few hours in pleasant converse, 
the general was conducted back to the steamer, when he took a 
most affectionate leave. A salute was tired at the departure. 
The general appeared much worn with the fatigue of Ids trip. 
Governor Coles quitted him at Shawneetown, and proceeded by 
land to Vaudalia. 



CnAPTER xxrx. 

1826-30— ADMINISTEATIOX OF GOVERNOR EDWARDS. 

Campaign of 1820 — The uhernatorial Candiilafes — Contest heticeen 
Daniel P. Cool: and Joseph Dunean for Congress — Charaeter of 
Gov. Edwards'' speeches — His charges against the IState Banlc officers 
and result of the inquiry into their conduct — Repeal of the Circuit 
Court si/steni — Oow Ednxirds claims for the State title to all pub- 
lic lands within Iter limits. 



At the jionoral election of An,2;u.st, 1820, tliere were three gnber- 
Datoi'ial candidates in the tield : Ninian F^dwards, Thomas C. Sloe, 
and Adoli»lius Frederick Hubbard. The latter was at the time 
lieiiteuaut-goveruor. That he was ambitious to become governor, 
we have seen in his attempt to superede Gov. Coles, failing- in 
which he now sought that distinction, as was more becoming, 
directly from the hands of the people. "As a picture of the 
times," Gov. Coles gives the following morceau, from Hubbard's 
speeches to his constitutents : "Fellow citizens, I offer myself as 
a candidate before you, for the office of governor. I do not pre- 
tend to be a num of extraordinary talents ; nor do I claim to be 
equal to Julius Caesar or IS'apoleon IJonaparte, nor yet to be as 
great a man as my opponent. Gov. Edwards. Nevertheless, I 
think I can govern you pretty well. I do not think it will recpdre 
a very extraordinary smart man to govern you; for to tell you 
the truth, fellow-citizens, I do not think you will be xevy hard to 
govern, no how." He A\as an oddity. 

The contest lay between Sloe and Edwards. Sloe was a gen- 
tleman of good sense and capacity, whos(^ business was mei'chan- 
dising. He had been much in ])ublic life, and as ameiuber of the 
legislature, time and again had wielded a large influence as a 
pracrtical worker in that body. In deportment, he was diguilied 
aiul urbane, but had not cultivated the art of public speaking, 
in which Edwards, an Apollo Belvedere in form and Titan in 
intellect, had quite the advantage of him. 

" Edwards," says Gov. Ford, " was a large, well made man, with 
a noble, princely api)earance," who "never condescended to the 
common low arts of electioneering. Whenever he went out among 
the people he arrayed himself in the style of a gentleman of the 
olden time, dressed in tine broadcloth, with short breeches, long 
stockings, and high, fair-toi)ped boots; was diawn in a fine car- 
riage driven l)y a negro; and for success he relied upon his 
speeches, which were delivered with great pomp ami in a style 
of diffuse and florid eloquence. When he was inaugurated in 

335 



336 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

1826, he appeared before the general assembly wearing a golden 
hiced cloak, and with great pomp he i^ronounced liis first mes- 
sage to the houses of the legislature." 

For theoflice of lientenant-governor there were but two <'andi- 
dates — Hubbard beiug without an associate. They were William 
Kinney and Samuel H. Thompson, and what may api)ear a little 
singular at this day, both were ministers of tlie gospel, the former 
a Baptist, the latter a JMetliodist. Kinney was one of tlie old 
pioneers, having emigrated to Illinois with his father in 1797. 

He possessed naturally a good mind, l»ut had recieved no educa- 
tion, until after marriage, when his wife taught him its rudiments. 
He had been much in public life, and was an efficient and untir- 
ing canvasser. lu the convention contest, he had been unceas- 
ing in his elforts to render it a success. He was wealthy, and iu 
a political canvass the duties of his holy calling were not a 
stumbling block in his way. The Eev. Mr. Thom})son, his oppo- 
nent, while he was his superior in scholastic attainments, had not 
his knowledge of men, nor his political art. This was his virgin 
effort to attain honors which perish. His character was irre- 
inoachable and forbade him to engage in any electioneering con- 
duct to sully it. His candulacy was distasteful to him. The re- 
sult of the secular contest between these two of the sacred (;loth, 
was the reverse of that for governor. The Eev. Mr. Kinney, 
although running on the Sloe ticket, which failed, was electe<l by 
a small majority. 

There was however, a more imi)ortant contest connected with 
the election of 1826, in a political point of view, than that for the 
oflice of governor. We allude to the race for congress between 
Daniel P. Cook and Joseph Duncan, which marked the begin- 
ning of party principles, instead of mere local, personal scram- 
bles for ofiice. To help our -understanding we must take a short 
view of national affairs. 

Out of the presidential contest of 1824, grew the parties known 
afterwards as the whig and democratic. The election had failed 
before the people, and the house of representatives, in disregard 
of the will of the people, chose the one who had received next to 
the highest nund>er of electoral votes, Mr. Adams. Mr. Clay 
accepted the highest position in the cabinet, but Mr. Crawford 
refused office under the new administration. Some bitterness of 
feeling sprang up between Mr. Clay and Gen. Jackson, the former 
having written a letter in which he deprecated the election of a 
"military chieftian" to the high office of president, which was 
thought to reflect ui)on the latter. A coalition of the Clay ami 
Adams men followed, and as Jackson had recei>'ed a plurality of 
electoral votes, more than double those of Crawford, and as he 
further, through the nomination of the legislature of Tennessee, 
directly became a candidate agahifor the same position, it became 
evident at an early day, that the next contest would lie between 
him and Mr. Adams. The friends of Mr. Crawford, therefore 
gave in their adhesion to the Jackson party, as by so doing, was 
there any hope of defeating Adams. Party princijiles did not as 
yet obtain; indeed Jackson had voted, while in the senate, with 
Adams and Clay, and supported affirmatively 8 different bills 
providing for internal improvements by the general government, 
and also the tariff of 1824, founded on the principle of protection. 



EDWARDS' ADMINISTRATION. 337 

Party divisions involved personal considerations only which 
were very acrimonious. 

Daniel P. Cook, in the election of 1824, ran aj;ainst Gov. Bond 
for congress, and was elected. Daring the campaign, the proba- 
bility of the presidential election going into the house was not 
unforseen, and he had pledged himself in such contingency, "to 
vote, as a representative, in accordance with the <;learely ex[)i'ess- 
ed sense of a majority of those wliose will he shouhl be called upon 
to express." The total i)opular vote of Illinois, which voted by 
districts, was 4,707, of which 1541 were cast for the electors of 
Adams, 1273 for Jackson, 104(5 for Clay, 218 for Crn wford, and 
620 for James Turney, elector for Clay and Jackson jointly. If half 
of these latter votes had been adde<l to Jackson's, it would have 
given him a pluraliy but not a majority. The electoral college 
of Illinois, in December following, dro|)]>ing Clay and Crawford, 
gave to Jackson two vcttcs, and to Adams one; but when the elec- 
tion of president came betbre the house of representatives in con- 
gress, ]Mr. Cook cast the vote of Illinois for Mr. Adams, as it was 
su[)iK)sed l>y the people (who probably made no distinction between 
tlie highest popular vote and majority) in viohition of his express- 
ed pledges; and they believed that Gen. Jackson had been gross- 
ly cheated, by their representative.* 

And now JNIr. Cook was again a candidate for congress. Prior 
to his voting for Adams, he was the most popular man in the 
Sta.te. This was attributable in great part to his social qualities, 
being gifted with a natural charm of inanner almost irresistible, 
and a ready adaptability to surroundings, which were to iiini a 
great aid in his electioneering intercourse with the }>eople, and 
which enabled him to accommodate himself with acceptability to 
every circumstance and condition of western life, t Thus, 
with nothing against him but his vote for Adams, did he 
start into the cami>aign of 1820. Ilis fornun- opponents, John 
MclA'an, Elias Kent Kane, and ex Gov. I>ond had l)een beaten so 
badly and not appreciating the public resentnuMit, they even now 
feared to again essay the race, and Joseph Duncan, afterward 
governor, then but little known in the State, had the temerity to 
come out against him. At that time Duncan was an original Jack- 

♦Reynold's Life and Times, page 254. 

[+Diiring- the convention campaign, in 1824, when Mr. Cook runningr for congress, was 
opposed by ex-Gov. Bond, he had occasion to stop over nifrht with a farmer in the 
southern part of the State. In conversation Cook inquired the news, to which the 
fanner replied "tliere was none, except they were afraid that that d— d little Yankee, 
Cook, would be re-elected to congress." The conversation continued during tlie 
evening on various topics ; in the morning when Mr. Coolc was about to taiic liis 
departure, the farmer, pleased with his agreeable and intelligent guest, inquired his 
name. Mr. Cook replied, that he was "that d — d little Yankee Cook," he had alluded 
to the evening previous! The farmer becfime his devoted supporter. (Edwards' life 
of Edwards.) In stature Mr. Cook was below the medium hight, slender and erect, 
weighing not exceeding 120 pounds ; his v-oice was solt and melodious, and his speech 
ready and fluent. He was born in Scott county, Kentucky, and was a .self made man, 
having few educational advantages in his youth. In official life he exhil)ited an exten- 
sive and varied knowledge of public affairs. He settled in Illinois in 181,5, was the first 
attorney general of the State, and the second congressman, beating .John McLean in 
1819, and was bi-ennially thereafter re elected up to 1826 In congress he stood high ; 
in l,S2.')-t) he was transferred from the committee on public lands, to that of ways and 
means, and, owing to the absence of tiie chairman, acted in that laborious and responsi- 
ble capaeit3- most of the time. During his last term in congress he procured tlie 
very iinimrtant grant of near 300,000 acres of land in this State for the construction 
oi tlu> Illinois and Michigan canal. Mr. Cook's health having been feeble for some 
time, at the close of the session in the Spring of 1827, he made a visit to Cuba, but 
soon returned. He died of consumption, at the home of his nativity, October Ki, 1827, 
at the early age of .34. He was the son-in-law of Gov. Edwards, and left one child, 
Gen. John Cook, now of Springfield. The county of Cook, was named appropriately 
in his honor.] 

22 



338 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

son mail, attaclied to his political fortune in admiration of the 
glory of Lis military achievements. He had been an ensi.yH vmder 
the danntless Croghan at Lo\yer Sandusky and acquitted hiuiself 
with credit. In the Illinois legislature he had served as a senator 
from Jackson county. His (;lian(;es of success against Cook were 
regarded as hopeless; but he entered u^^on the campaign un- 
daunted; his speeches, devoid of ornament, though short, were full 
of good sense. He made a diligent canvass of the State, Mr. 
Cook being much hiiulered by the state of his health. The most 
that was expected of Duncan, however, was that he would get a 
respectable vote — not the defeat of Cook. Both friends and foes 
were struck with surprise and amazement at the result. The vio- 
lence of party feeling smouldering in the breasts of tlu^ peoi)le on 
account of the defeat of Jackson, was not duly api)reciated until 
the defeat of Cook and the election of Duiu;an by a majority of 
641 — the vote standing G,3lil for Duncan to 5,080 for Cook. Aside 
from the convention struggle in 1824, none other than mere local and 
personal considerations had ever before controlled the result of an 
election in Illinois. 

In the gubernatorial contest the party lines were not so closely 
drawn. Sloe was the undoubted Jacicson (candidate, but Edwards, 
too, x)rofessed adherence to the political fortunes of the "military 
chieftain." But the burden of his S])eeches related to State affairs and 
particularly the wasteful administration of the State finances, and 
other abuses. He characterized in fitting terms the wretched legis- 
lation which had first saddled the State with the bank whose worth, 
less issues it was bound to redeem in gold and silver by 1831; whose 
notes it was bound to receive at par for taxes and other indebted- 
ness, and which were paid out again, or auditor's warrants as their 
equivalent, at $3 for $1 ; showed the loss from this policy nnist neces- 
sarily be $2 for $1 received; that a debt of $150,000 had been 
imposed u}>on the State yearly when the ordinary current expenses 
should have been but about $25,000; that these losses must event- 
ually be wrung out of the people by treble taxation; that no 
State, however great its energies or resources, could long withstand 
so enormous a draft upon them ; that it tended to check immigra- 
tion; emigrants as a class were "neither the most able nor the most 
willing to pay high taxes;" that while the annual State revenue 
amounted to between $40,000 and $50,000, being nearly double the 
current expenses of the government, these deplorable delicits and 
depreciation of currency were taking place, humiliating to our pride 
and disreputable to our character abroad. He inveighed against 
the unjust discrimination whereby residents were compelled to pay 
taxes yearly and non-residents semi-annually; that as the State 
revenue was chiefly derived from the latter, human ingenuity 
could not have devised a more effectual scheme to produce an annual 
dt^ticit in the State treasury. This it was that created the demand 
for new issues of floods of auditor's warrants which depreciated 
thecnurency and afforded the opportunity for sii)ecuIators to riot on 
the necessities of the i^eople; but for tiiis unfair advantage the 
further emission of these warrants would cease. "But then," he 
exclaimed to his auditory, "this would have Avithered, if not anni- 
hilate<l, that speculation which has so long been luxuriating u[)on 
the resources of the State and the honest earnings of the s\^ eat 
of your brows. Such impositions as these, upon a free, highminded 



EDWARDS' ADMINISTRATION. 339 

iuid independent people, I boldly assert, have no i)arallel in the 
annals of free government, and tliey are oidy to be borne by that 
eliaritv which hopeth all things, believeth all things, and endureth 
all things."* 

Edwards fonght his campaign battles single-handed, and solely 
n]ion the gronnds of liscal ivform as affecting the welfare of the 
State, irrespective of party atliliations. This bronglit him in array 
against nearly every pnblic man of any prominence in the State, 
while many of his friends stood aloof, deeming it hazardous to be 
identified with him. But from iiis triumph it may well be dedu(ied 
that his forcible and instructive addresses gained the ear of the 
people. The legislature was, however, largely against him. His 
campaign si)eeclies having produced a good eft'ect npon the peo[)le, 
as evinced l>y their sustaining him, and encouraged by his remark- 
able triumph, he now attempted to go further. In his inaugural 
message he alluded to the delinquencies of the Shawneetown 
branch of the State ba,nk, as reported by the committee of investiga- 
tion, stating that "its concerns had been loosely and irregularly 
conducted;" that the deranged state of its accounts did not 
exhibit the amount of debts due, and that money had been loaned 
Avithout secui'ity, contrary to the requirenu'iits of the law, sworn 
by all its olhcers to execute faithfully the injunction, "I will 
not permit money to be loaned to any individual without security." 
From whicli he deduced not only fraud and imposition, but the 
clearest moral perjuiy, voluntarily and deliberately committed. f 

And now followed in shoi't or<ler several messages from him to 
the house, charging specific acts of corrn})tion, jtarticularly n])on 
the officers of tiie Edwardsville branch of the State ba]d<. A loan 
of $2,050 had been obtained by a mortgage ui)on real estate, which 
on execution Avas valued at $737.7.") and whicli actually sold for 
oidy $401.83; another loan of |G,025 was effected npon realty 
valued at $3,140.71, when the sworn duty of the ofticers was to 
exact real estate security in double value of the loan, and to loan 
but $1,000 on such security at one time to one man. Tliree days 
later, in another message, he charged that these loans were to 
Thos. J. McGuire, Emanuel J. West, and Theophilus W. Smith, 
to establish a press at Edwardsville. intemled to ])romote the intro- 
duction of slavery into the State; that lieutenant-governor Kinney 
president of the bank, advanced the moiu\v to buy the press, that 
McGuire was the printer who obtained the loan with West as 
security, and that Smith the cashi(^r, became the editor; that no 
entries on the minute book showed when the loan was jnade, &c. 
These details were perhaps indiscn^te, as they gave color to the 
charge that his excellency was actuated by so)nething more than 
feelings ])urely of reform. 

HaAing obtained further information, the governor, on the 25th 
of January, siibmitted to the house of re])resentatives, as the 
grand inquest of the State, cliarges of grave and serious import 
against the officers and board of directors of the branch bank at 
Edwardsville, alleged to be inedicated upon the books, accounts, 
and i)apers, delivered by the late cashier, T, W. Snn'th, to his suc- 
cessor, Mr. Miller: 1st, for making loans of more than $1000 npon 
real estate security to various individuals; 2d, making loans of 

♦Edward's Life, by his son N. W. 

+See House Journal, session of 1826-7. 



340 IIISTOr.Y OF ILLINOIS. 



more than $100 upou personal security — that the president him- 
self had two several loans of $1000 eaeh on personal secnrity, 
made, too, out of the 10 per cent fund which was never to be put 
into circuhition ; 3d, loaning- on real estate not free from incum- 
brances; 4th, loaning- on insufficient security; 5th, culpable neg- 
lect of duty in not protesting overdue paper and proceeding to 
the collection thereof; all in violation of the positive require- 
ments of the law; stating that among the batch of promissorj^ 
notes due and unrenewed, running ba(;k for three years, and 
handed over by T. W. Smith (late cashier) to his successor, there 
were eleven forgeries detected as early as IS'22, yet no efl'ort had 
been made to bring the olfender to punishment; that in 1824, 
Thomas J. McGuire had obtained a loan of $100 on a mortgage 
improi)erly executed and without relinquishing- dower (he being 
married), on a ])iece of property not worth $300; the same to 
Emanuel J. West on land valued on execution at $301 18; that 
by the law, all loans, before made, were to be passed upon by two- 
thirds of the board, yet T. W. Smith had obtained a loan without 
being- so sanctioned, because at the time the president was absent 
from the State, two of the four directors w^ere attending- the legis- 
lature as senators, aiid Smith himself, one of the supreme judges, 
was also there in attendance. The governor further adroitly de- 
clared that he fully appreciated the formidable combinations that 
had grown out of the banhing interest in the State, but as the 
crisis had arrived he proposed meeting it, notwithstanding men- 
aces to intimidate him had been made. He would shrink from no 
danger, but fearlessly discharge the high trust reposed in him by 
the people. The message and accompanying documents were re- 
ferred to a sele{;t committee of seven, composed of Henry J. 
Mills, George Churchill, Thomas lieynolds, William Sim, W. 
Cavarly and Conrad Will, with power to send for persons and 
papers. 

Four days later, the governor, having embarked in the under- 
taking- of ferreting out tiscal corruptions, boldly and circumstan- 
tially brought forward nine distinctive charges against the cashier 
of the i)rincipal bank at Vandalia, J. M.Duncan, mostly relating to 
withholding- the required information as to the condition of the 
bank, failing to make out descriptive lists of the burnt notes, and 
failing to lay before the legislature his half yearly report as to the 
condition of the branches, all of which the hnv required, and 
in all which particulars the law had been violated. This mes- 
sage, too, was referred to a committee. Still again he charged 
that Theophilns W. Smith did, when acting as cashier, misapply 
and ai)pro})riate to his own use a large amount of funds of the 
bank, which he still withhehl, and as he presided over the circuit 
court in the county of his residence, he asked that provision be 
made for instituting- suit against him ontvside of his own circuit. 

And now there was intense excitement at the capital. The gov- 
ernor had, single handed, to deal with adroit and sagacious politi- 
cians of the dominant party, some high in ofhce, before a 
legislature with whom he was in a party minority. The cry was 
raised that the charges " emanated from a base and malignant 
determination, on the part of the governor, to ])rostrate every in- 
dividual who had dared to oppose his election,"* Governor Ford 

*SeeJ. M. Duncan's letter, House Journal, January 29,1827. 



EDWARDS' AD3I1NISTKATI0N. 341 

says : "A powerful coml)inatioii of iiitlueiitial men was thus formed 
to thwart the investigation. Tlie governor was openly and boldly 
charged with base motives ; and that kind of stigma was attempted 
to be cast on him which is apt to tix itself upon a common informer. 
His charges against Mr. Crawford ^^ ere remembered, and he was 
now charged with being intluenced by hostility towards Judge 
Smith, who had been a fiiend toMr. Crawford's election." 

The charges against J. M. Duncan were speedily disposed of. 
The committee, Feluuary 8tli, reported, "exculi)ating the (cashier 
of the princii)a] 1>a.nk from all censure," and that there was "not 
the least send>lanc(5 of the violation of his duty," in any of the 
cliarges jncferred by his Excellency; and as to the misapphcation 
of the baidv funds by Judge KSmith, while cashier, they reported 
that it was not the i)ro\ince of the general assenil)ly to decide 
upon the validity of tlie claims between the bank and its ohicers ; 
the question was a Judicial one; that a law already existed provid- 
ing for a change of venue, Avhere the judge of a court was inter- 
ested iu a suit.* 

The committee of 7, which Governor Ford says w'as " packed" 
against the go\'ernor, ga\e the subject a long and apparently care- 
ful investigation, their pioceedings being taken down in writing 
and fully rejiorted to the house. + Many of the charges, ap[)arently 
hastily made, were satisfactorily ex}>lained, yet much irregularity 
in tlieconduct and managementof the bank also appeared, chief of 
which was iu connection with the insufticiency of the real estate 
security required. But tliis was partly explained in that val- 
uations were made after the depreciation of the ]>ank notes, iu 
ac('or(laii(;e witli the real value of the money received, while the 
hard times incident to that ))eriod also caused a very great depre- 
ciation of pr<^»perty generally. The loans exceeding JfilOOO, made to 
directors and ofticers. it a])[>eai'ed, wei'e authorized by section 18 of 
the law, whicli allowed thein to borrow $750 " in addition to the 
amount which as in<livi(lnals they might be entitled to." The law 
was further construed that they w'cre entitled to borrow on ])er- 
sonal security beyond the $100 allowed to individuals, which had 
been sanctioned by the governor himself in the case of Daniel 
Parkinson, a director from Sangajnon, who had borrowed $850, 
August 1), 1821, on a note, with N. Edwards as personal security. 
It a}>peared further that this same I'arkinson had ]>resented and 
drawn the money on the eleven $100 notes alleged by the gover- 
nor to be forged. The notes pui{)orted to be from a nund>cr of 
parties, but "ai)})eared to have been signed in the handwriting o±" 
the director from Sangamon. On inquiry. Parkinson said he was 
not personally ac(piainte(l with the makers of the notes, but he 
liad heard that they were good, and ii\('d down on Indian creek. 
T.W.Smith made afiidavit that he had been iul'ornu'd by the 
sheriff and clerk of Sangamon county, \\ ho had nuide diligent 
search for them in order to serve them with ])rocess at the suit of 
the baidv, that no such persons ever resided in the county to their 
knowledge and belief. The charge that money had been re-loaned 
out of the 10 per cent fuiul, the governor took oc(!asi(m to retnict.l 
The house of rei)resentatives, iu committee of the Avhole, after 

*See House Journar 18^6-7, 416-4(56, 

tlbid, f)04 to 595 

ISee House Journal, p. 454, 



342 HISTORY OF LLLINOIS. 

cousidering the report of tlie special committee, reported for 
adoption: ^^ Resolved, Tluit uotbiug lias been proved against the 
late president, directois and cashier of the branch bank at Ed- 
wardsville, to-wit: AVilliani Kinney, Joseph A. Beaird, Tliojinis 
Carlin, Abraham Prickett, Elijah lies and T]ieoi)hilns W. Smith, 
which wonld jnstify the belief that they had acted corruptly and 
in bad faith in tlie management of tlie affairs of said bank ;" 
which was adopted by the house. Thus did the attempt of the 
governor to impeach the managers of the old State Bank prove a 
complete failure. 

As illustrative both of the cordiality existing between two of 
the co-ordinate branches of government and the relative dignity 
of the same, we give the following: Some joint resolutions, 
addressed to congress, were passed by the legislature in favor of 
amending the constitution according to jMr. Benton's idea, to allow 
the people to vote directly for president and vice president. The gov- 
ernor was required to transmit a copy of the resolutions to the execu- 
tives of the several States, with the request that they be laid before 
the legislatures thereof, and also to our senators and representatives 
in congress. But he returned them to the house with an indignant 
letter, x>i"otesting against the '*uui)recedented language of the 
resolutions requiring him to transmit" them ; that it implied an au- 
thority over a co-ordinate branch of the government, and was an 
assumption of power not granted to the two houses under the con- 
stitution; that such "language was violative of their relative inde- 
pendence," and that he " declined obedience to a command so 
unwarranted ;" he would, however, comply with a "request" to that 
effect.* The offensive word was changed ! 

One of the most exciting measures i)assed at this session, was 
the repeal of the circuit court system, established 2 years before. 
During that time deniagogues, well knowing liow to create i)olit- 
ical capital by inference in the absence of facts, charged extrava- 
gance and a prodigal waste of the i)eoi)le's money in sustaining a 
judiciary, and virtually pensioiiing the supreme court, which 
might well perform all the circuit duty. A good deal of o})posi- 
tion had been stirred up anu)ng thei)eo})](^ by the governor during 
his canvass, and he also urged the rei»eal in his inaugural message. 
Upon the other hand, all the nine judges, circuit and supieme, 
opposed it. But in this measure the governor was aided by some 
of his worstenemies, who had failed in their judicial aspirations two 
years before when the court was re-organized, and the bill i)re- 
vailed. The State was divided into live circuits, assigning one of 
the supreme judges to each of four, to hold two terms of court iii 
each county yearly. One of the circuit judges, the Hon. 11. M. 
Young, was retained on a circuit in the military district. But one 
yearly term of the suprente ccmrt was ])rovided. The salaries of 
the judges were increased from $800 to $1000. The salaries of the 
five circuit judges were $(500 each. Thus wjis saved to the State 
treasury aniuially a total of $2400 from this source, at an incal- 
culable delay and vexation to suitors in both the sujueme and cir- 
cuit courts, liut the mere (juestion of ex})ense, and the i)etty re- 
venge of sore as2)irarits, were not the only things which conspired 
to tliis repeal. One of the cii'cuit judges was to be punished for 
"proscription," it was said. The cii'cuit judges had power to appoint 

■"See House Jourual, p. 45-i. 



EDWARDS' ADMINISTRATION. 343 

circuit clerks, but tluit from this as a corollaiy followed the power 
of removal, was not so clear. Judge McKoberts so viewed it, and. 
liad exercised both powers, proscriptively, it was thought. He 
had removed from that office, iu Madisou county, eToseph Conway, 
a political oi)ponent, and appointed in his stead, Emanuel J. West, 
his i'riend. Conway, being well known and i)opular, was elected 
to the State senate, and after riding' into ofhce on his grievance 
before the people, in the legislature he brongiit it to ])i'ar against 
the entire system, and coiu]>leted his revenge against McK'oberts 
by repealing all the judges but one out of office. Ju<lge Mciioh- 
erts, intellectnaJy one of the tirst men of the State, was also un- 
popular on account of arbitrarily entering up judgnnMit against 
Governor Coles, after he had been released by an act of the legis- 
lature from tine ju duancipating his negroes withtmt giving bond 
that they should not become a charge upon the county. 

The supreme judges ap[)ointed a,t the session of 1824—5 to revise 
the statutes, submitted the result of their labor so far as com- 
pleted. Appreciating tha magnitude of such a work, iVaught 
with such great interests, to the perfection of which great and 
uninterrupted re-search should be brought, they had not com- 
l)leted many chapters. A joint committee from both houses was 
appointed, which went earnestly at work to finish up the revision, 
emijloying as assistants the circuit judges in attendance at the 
seat of government. The revision endmiced all the various laws 
relating to the right of property, contracts and civil actions, and 
the rights of persons ami society, and the mod(\s of redress. Jus- 
tices of the peace were at this session made ele('tive by the peo- 
ple. 

182S-9 — Early in the session of 1S20-7, the legislature had un- 
der consideration some resolutions memorializing congress to 
reduce the pri<;e of ]>ubli(; lands, aiid for a- grant to the State of 
all the public lands lying therein, ui)on such ])rin<'iples as might 
be deemed just and equitable. JNfr. IMackwell olfered an annMid- 
ment — "on condition that the State at all times grant to actual 
settlers each m)t less than a quarter section, to be o(;cni)ied and 
improved." In a communication to the house, the governor re- 
commended that our delegates in congress be instrncte<l 'Mo 
contract with the government for a surrender of the i)ublic lands 
within the State, on the following' terms : the State to be at. all 
the expenses of selling- them at a i)rice not exceeding 25 cents per 
acre; to keep an office constantly open for that pur] )ose, and to 
pay to the general government annually 25 cents i)er acre for 
all that shall have been sold." Later, the comndttee to which 
the governor's communication had been referred, rei)oi(e;l, and 
taking a ste[> in advance, required from congress a suriciider 
of the public lands '•unconditionally, snbject to such <lisj>()sition 
as tlie people of the State, by their re])resentatives, nuiy deem 
most conducive to their ])rosperity and liapjiiness." 

1'his ])roi)osition threw the governor's effe<'tually in the shade, 
and lie was not heard from again during tiu' session ui)on the sub- 
ject, liut by the meeting of the legislature in 1<S2S. he had had 
anqde time to work this subject up to its largest ])roi)ortions. He 
now eclipsed the bold demand of the committee, by broadly 
claiming iu his message of extraordinary length, evincing uuusu- 



344 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

al legal research and acumen, that the public lands within the 
limits of Illinois belonged already to the State. He showed that 
the articles of confederation not onl} affirmed the right of every 
State to all the lands within its limits, but expressly declared that 
"no State shall be deprived of territory for the beneiit of the 
United States." He argued that the United States, by the terms 
of the constitution, could not acquire or hold any land, in any 
original State, even with its own consent, except what may be 
necessary "for the erection of forts, magazines, arsenals, dock 
yards, and other needful buildings ; " that as this State had been 
admitted on an ecpial footing with the original States, the United 
States could hold no more land than for these purposes within its 
limits, and for anything more the general government had to 
obtain "the consent of the legislatnre of the State ;" that till 
the admission of the State into the Union, it had no rights as a 
State under the constitution, and consequently no competency to 
act in that character ; it was like a minor, not within the age of 
consent ; that the State coidd not therefore be bound by the acts 
of the territory, in consenting for the United States to hold lands 
within her limits; that if the federal government enjoyed this 
privilege of dominion over the public lands during "its political 
minority, it ceased on the admission of the State into the Union, 
having thence forward the same rights of sovereignty, freedom, 
and independence as the other States; that the sovereignty of a 
State includes the right to exercise supreme and exclusive control 
over all lands within it ; that the freedom of a State is the right 
to do whatever may be done by any nation, and includes the 
right to dispose of all the public lands within its limits, according 
to its own will and i)Ieasure; that the independence of a State 
includes an exemption from all control by any other State or 
nation over its will or action, within its own teriitory. The gover- 
nor seems to have been deei)ly in earnest. 

Beyond this broad claim it was impossible for the legislatnre to 
go. They did therefore the next best thing, which was, to divide 
the credit and honors of the grand discovery with his excellency. 
The committee uho had considered the subject, reported : That 
from a careful examination of the goxernor's argument and aided 
l)y the best lights they could get, they believed the position 
assumed in the message to be correct. They close recommending* 
the adoption of resolutions by the Senate and House of Represen- 
tatives of the State of Illinois; that this State possesses the 
exclusive sovereignty over all lands within its limits ; that the 
United States possesses no right of jurisdiction over any lauds 
within the limits of Illinois; that the United States cannot hold 
any right of soil within the limits of the State but for the erection 
of forts, magazines, arsemds, dock-yards and other needful build- 
ings, and that this State possesses the right of soil of all the ])ublic 
laiids within its limits. The resolutions were passed, and it was 
further provided, that they be signed by the speakers of both 
houses and copies thereof sent to our senators and representa- 
tives in congress, with instructions to lay them before that body. 
Copies were also to be transmitted to the governors of the several 
States of the Union. "Having thus laid a broad foundation to 
enrich the State with the public lands, the members retui-ned to 



EDWAEDS' ADMINISTRATION. 345 



their constituents swelling with importance and liigli expectations 
of future favor. But tlie people were not such big fools as was 
tliougbt, for many laughed at their representatives in very scorn 
of their pretensions."* Tlie splendid bantling fell still-born upon 
the public, and nothing more was heard of it afterward. 



'Ford's History. 



K 



Chapter XXX. 

1830— A EETROSPECT. 

Advance of the Settlements — N'ote: Galena, its Early Hist<mi ; Orujin 
of the term '■'■ iSuclier f Bouylas'' Humorous Account of it — Trials 
and Troubles of Pioneers in Kew Counties — European Colonies — 
Mtiancial Condition of the State — Trade and Commerce — Early 
Mail Routes, Xewspajiers, and Literati — Politics of the People — 
Militia System. 



The population of tlie State in 1820 was ] 57,447, Ijaving- nearly 
trebled itst^ll' (luring- the preceding decade. There were at this 
time 56 counties organized, but those in the northern portion of the 
State were mere skek^tons and unwieJdIy in size. A tliird of tlie 
State, or more, lying- between Galena and Cldcago, extending south- 
ward to the Kaskaskia, the headwaters of the Vermilion, along- 
tlie Eock Itiver and far down into the nulitary tract, constituting- 
at present the most densely settled and best imi»r(>ved portions, 
>Yas a trackless prairie waste, overrun by the Sa(; and Fox, Winne- 
bago, and Potawattomie Indians. Much of the interior of the 
south part, and the country bordering the Ihnbarrass, the Sang- 
amon and their tributaries, had ceased to be a wilderness. Into 
the country of the Sangamon immigration had for some time 
thronged. Along the Illinois to Chicago, then just beginning to 
attract attention, there were scattered a few settlements long dis- 
tances apart. For some years after, the settleis, either in clusters 
or separately, continued to hug- the outskirts of the timber border- 
ing the rivers and creeks, or the edge of groves, scarcely any 
venturing- out on the oi)en prairies. Along- the ]Mississip])i, 
settlements were scattered at distant intervals, culminating- at the 
lead mines on Fever river, where had ga.thered a heterogenous 
population from numy i)arts of the world, nund)ering- about 1,000 
souls, nine-tenths being men eng-aged in mining.* 

*In 1804, Governor Harrison bought from the Sac and Fox tribes a tract of land at 
the month of the Fever river (Meeapiasipo) 15 miles square. Lead had been mined for 
many years on tlie Iowa side and was iinown to exist on tlie Illinois siile The tirst 
white settler at the mines on Fever river, was a Frenchman named Boutilier, in 1819. 
Shortly after, Jesse Sliull, a trader, occupied an island there in the river, and Deing 
informed that the Indians had discovered lead near where Galena now stands, moved 
thither. This proved to be the noted " buck lead.'' A.. P. Van Metre soon joined, and 
"all took to themselves wives of the daughters of the land, and were traders for their 
brethren." Later, Dr Samuel Mure also married to a squaw, and was associate of the 
well known Indian trader, Davenport, of Koak Island, located there. He gave to Ga- 
lena its name (from tiie Greek, Galan;is, a species of lead ore) In 18-30, Colonel J. John- 
son, authorized by the war department, arrived and assumed almost exclusive control 
of the mining. He was followed by a few others the same year, and more in 1833-4. 
Float or gravel mineral was extensively sown, some prospects sold, and thus by fraud, 
parties went further out, and some splendid ' ' leads" were discovered. 

In 1835, the 15 mile boundary was overleaped, and the country of the Winnebagos 
first trenched upon. The "Shullsburg," " East Fork" and ''New Diggings" were found 

34G 



EDWARDS' ADMINISTRATION. 347 

^Vs tlierc was doubtless iiiucli samoiR'ss in the early settlement 
of new (iouiities, parti(;ularly in the central and northern portions 
of the State, the details of whieli would probably prove both dull 
and iiuprolitable to the gviicral i-(>a(ler; and as sueh early data 
ha.ve, except in a few ca.ses, ,^-enera.lly been so uuconspieuons as to 
cause tlieui not to be preserved, and are now either h)st or beconie 
traditional, we subjoin the following- aecount by Nathan Dillon, 
pic-turinuthe condition of two counties after their tirst oi^ganization, 
which .yives perhaps the fair averai;e experience of many an ohl 
settler,and (ionveyvS to us their trials, privations and diliiculties: 

"As early as 1821, a few lo:^ cal)his were ab'eady built in Hauf^union 
county, which at that date embraced all the northern part of tlie IState. 

and developed, and the number of miners had increased to 1600. In 1826, acne horse 
mail was established from Vandalia to Galena, once every 3 weets. 

In 182T, the frovernment first surveyed the town, permittinfi' parties to occupy and 
iiiil>n)ve lots, on condition that tliey vacate them on 30 days notice. This was all the ti- 
tle any occupant had up to 18d8. The next neig-hbors of the Galenians, south, were 
the Peorians ; and between the two places lay a vast wilderness of luiinliabited terri- 
tory. In 182.5, Mr. Kelloy' started his "trail" from Peoria to Galena, rnssin^;- Kock 
river a few miles above the present Dixon, thence by the West Grove to Galena. The 
Winnebago.'^ a-^sisted in ferrying Kock river. Two canoes placed side by side formed 
the ferry boat, the wheels of one side of a wagon in one, and those of the opposite 
in the other canoe. The hores swam. The next .year, ■'B:illes Trail" was establishe(l. 
The ri\'er was ferried at DixoU; where the Illinois Central railroad bridge now crosses. 
This was more direct, and became shortly the main route of travel to the lead mines. 
In the sijrlii'j- of 1827, the travel was so great that in a very few days 200 teams ))assod 
at this point. There were also other "trails" farther to the west, 'Ihe "Lewiston 
trail" crossed Kock river a little above Prophetstowu, Whiteside county. (From the 
History of Ogle county.) 

The low cognomen of 'sucker," as applied to Illinoisans, is said to have had its origin 
at the lead mines. Says George Brunii, of Sangamon : Late in the fall of 1826, 1 was 
Stan irigonthe levee of what is now Galena, watching a number of our Illinois boys go 
on board of a steamboat bound down the river, when a man from Missouri slepi^ed Vtp 
and iisked^"Boys, where are you going ?" The answer was, "home." '■Well.' 5ie re- 
plied, ''you put me in mind of suckers; up in the spring, spawn, and all return in the 
iall." The appellation stuck to the Illinoisans ; and when .Judge Sawyer came up to 
the mines on his circuit duty, he was styled "King of the Suckers " These who stayed 
over winter, mostly from Wisconsin, weie called Badgers. The following spring the Mi.sou- 
rijuis iMiured intn the mining regicm in such miniher.s that the State wa.s said to"bave taken a 
puke, anil thit olfcnsive a]ip(ll;'.tion of " Pukes" was thenceforward .applied to all Missourians. 
l?ut the fi)lli)wing is a more tasteful origin of the appellation of "Sucker" : 

On r)cc,:isi(m of a i)lea^aut entertainment at Petersburg, Virginia, Judge Douglas gave the 
following humorous account of the origin of the term "flackers" as applied to Illinoisans; the 
account is valuable further, and confers a proud distinction upon Illinois, in that it cle;irs up 
all doubt reg:uiling the discovery of that important and inspiring beverage called "mint 
.julep," a momentous ((ue.stion luTetofore covered with obscurity and beset with many doulits, 
hut now in the light of these facts, hapiiily placed at rest. It is not improbable that a gla.ss 
of the animating beverage served to quicken the memory of the honorable senator on the 
occasion. 

': About the year 1777, George Rogei-s Clark applied to the governor of Virginia, and sug- 
gested to him tliat as peace might he dcchuiMl at any time between Gnat Ibitaiu ami (he col- 
ouie.s, it would be well for us to he in possession of the northwest territory, so lliat when the 
cimnnissioners came to negotiate a treaty, we might act on the wi'll known principle of uti 
jjo.s.sV/ct/.s, each party holding all they had in jiosscssion. He suggested to the governor to per- 
mit him to go out to the northwest, conquer tins country, and hold it until the treaty of 
])ea(e, when wo would bccomo po.ssessed of it. The governor consented and sent him across 
the mi)uiilains to Pittsburgh. From there ho and his companions floated down the Ohio on 
rafts to tlie falls, where Louisville now is. After remaining there a short time, they again 
took to their rafts and floated down to the salines, just below the present Shawneetown in Illi- 
nois, Here they took up their march acro.S8 the country to Kaskaskia. where the French had 
an old sit tlcmcnt, iind Uy the aid of a guide they reached the Oquaw river, and encamped 
near I'ctcr .Mcnard'.s house, some little distance fnmi the town. You see. I am well a(;(juiiinted 
with the locidity. [Laughter.] Next morning, Clark gothis little army of lagamutlins tojiclher 
(for they had no army wagons with 8upi)lieH, no sutler, and no stores, ami by this time looked 
ragged euDujih), and lookup his line of maich for the little French town of Kaskaskia. It 
wa-, sunnuer and a vi'i'v hot day, and as he entered the town he saw the F'renchmeu sitting 
quietly on tlieir little vtiandahs, in front of their houses, .sucking their.juleps through straws, 
lie lashed upon thom, crying, "surrender, you suckers, you !" [Great laughter.] The 
Ficnclunen surrendered, anil from that day to this, Illinoi.sana have been known as "Suckers." 
[.Vpplause.] 

' i'li;U was the origin of our cognomen, and when George Rogers Clarke returned to Vir- 
ginia lie introduceil (he.juleps here. [Laughter.] Now, I want to give V^irginians fair notice, 
that when they claim tlie honor of a Jelj'erson, of a Madison, of a Marshall, and of as manj- 
other distinguisluHl sages and p.atriots as the world ever saw, wo yield; when you claim the 
glory you achieved on thefield of b.attle, we yield; when you claim credit forthe cession of the 
northwestern territory, that out of it sovereign States might be created, we yield ; when you 
claim the ghn-y of never having podeda vote against the Democratic party, we yield ; but 
when ymi claim the glorv of the mint julep, hands off ; Illinois wants that. [Shouts of laughter 
and applause.]— 111. Keg." Sept. 19, 1860. 



348 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

The cabins were filled to overflowing with the families, the pioneers of 
the county, my family being among the number. I was present at the 
election, August 1822, held at Springfield (the election precinct extending 
many miles east and west, and north to the State line), and saw all the 
voters who could come to vote in that wide scope of uninhabited 
country. Most of the voters residing in the precinct attended the 
election, though many of them had miles of wild country to travel in 
order to do so. 

The voters were mostly immigrants from the east and south, though a 
large portion of the men pi'esent were Indians and darkies, they of 
course not being allowed the right of suffrage. The voting portion of 
the community were then called the Yankees and white men. Three 
men named Kinney, Parkinson, and Edwards, had along bench ranged 
along side of the court house, on which they set tlieir liquors. The 
polls were held in the interior. We all got plenty to drink. The white 
men sang songs, the Indians and darkeys danced, and a general frolic 
occurred ; but what has sur^jrised me as I have reflected upon these 
early days, we had no fighting. The great evil was, that every candidate 
had' to fill his portmanteau with whiskey, and go around and see and 
treat every voter and his wife and family with the poisonous stuff, or 
stand a chance of being defeated. John Reynolds was our circuit 
judge. He held his court at Springfield, in a cabin built of round logs, 
the walls of which were only 6 feet high ; it was also destitute of a floor ; 
yet we continued to get along very well. The jury had to retire to the 
jail, another such building as I have described. Such is the outline of 
those happy days. 

In the winter of 1823, I emigrated to what is now called Dillon settle- 
ment, in this county, 10 miles from Pekin, and 17 from Peoria, where I 
sjient the season in quietude ; my nearest neighbors living in Peoria, 
except one by the name of Avery, who had raised his cabin at Funk's 
hill. But things did not remain in this condition long ; for during the 
same winter the legislature made a new county, with Peoria for the 
county seat, embracing all the country north of Sangamon county. 
Phelps, Stephen French and myself were appointed justices of the 
peace for the new county, which extended east as far as Bloomington, 
and north and west to the State line. We sent our summonses to Chica- 
go and Galena, and they were promptly returned by our constable. 

March, 1824, we held an election at Avery's, Wm. Holland, Joseph 
Smith and myself were elected county commissioners. The whole 
county was embraced in one election district. The number of votes 
poiled was 20 ; had some whiskey on the occasion, but it was well tem- 
pered, having been imported a long way by water; and we did not suc- 
ceed in getting on as great a spree as we did at Springfield. 

In those days when we could not get the store room of Hamlin or 
Allen, or the dwelling house of John Dixon, we held our courts on the 
river bank ; not being as wealthy or strong handed as in Sangamon, we 
had to do without a court house ; Judge Sawyer was our circuit judge, 
and it was some time before we could scare up a jury. At that date 
there was not a cabin on the site of the city of Pekin, and perogues were 
the only crafts w e had to freight our whiskey, salt, and iron from the 
State to Peoria. 

Now let me tell you how we got along about mills. There were 3 or 4 
horse mills in Sangamon, at 40 or 45 miles distance. Sometimes we went 
to them ; sometimes to Southwick's, situated at a distance of 60 
miles; we did not mind the journey much, unless the streams were 
swollen with rains, in which case the task of going to mill was severe, 
as there were no bridges and ferries in those days. By and by, to remedy 
our wants, Samuel Tutter erected a small horse mill in the neighbor- 
hood of Peoria; and a few years after, William Eds put up one at Elm 
Grove ; a public improvement which made us feel quite rich. In those 
early times, we only took corn to mill, paying one-sixth and one bit per 
bushel, for grinding. The meal obtained was of an inferior quality 
when compared with what we now have. Our millers were good, hon- 
est fellows, and the somewhat heavy tariffs they laid on their customers 
not at all wrong, for their income was small. 



EDWARDS' ADMIOTSTRATION. 349 

Times are changed. The reader who now looks at the fertile prairies 
of Illinois, what does he behold. Large cities and flourishing towns! 
Behold the prairies, then wild and untrodden, now covered with fine 
farms and dwellings, behold the travel of our railroads and rivers, visit 
our county fairs and become acciuainted with our intelligent farmers, 
and tlie vast and valuable amount of products derived from thesoil they 
till; behold on every hand our numerous churches and school houses, 
our court houses and seats of justice, spread all over the wide territory 
which French, Philips and myself early governed as humble justices ; 
and tell me, has not the changed improvement been great and reuuirk- 
able."* 

European Colonists. — It has been stated that tlie early settlers 
were mostly from the sontheru states. There Avere also some 
foreign colonists located in Illinois at an early date. The lirst 
were a few Irish families, under the leadership of Samuel O'.Mel- 
vany, a popular pioneer, who located on the Ohio river about 
180i 

Shortly after the war of 1812, Morris Birbeek, an Enjilishmaii 
imbued with republican principles, visited Illinois with a view to 
locating a colony of his eouutrynien. Being a jnan of i'luc 
scholarly attainments, he wrote home for publication a number of 
letters faithfully re|)resenting the advantages of this country, which 
received a wide circulation and proved of great benefit to Illinois 
abroad. In a short time after, he and George Flower, both meu 
of wealth brotight out from England a large colony consisting 
of several hundred families, re})resenting almost every industrial 
pursuit. They located in Edwards county. Tlu' town of Albi(»n, 
the present county seat, was started by Mr. Flower, and about a 
mile west of it anoth«'r by Mr. Birbeek, called Waniu)ck, which 
proved a failure. There was some rivalry. There was nuK-li 
wealth and retinement in the colony, aside from that in the posses- 
sion of the fouiulers. A few of the first settlers are still living, 
their desccMulents are quite numerous in and about Albion. t 

About 1815, two German families, by the name of Markee and 
Germain, first settled in a gorge of the JNIississippi bluff in St. 
Clair county, known from that circumstance as Dutch Hollow. 
These families became the nucleus of the present large Gernuiii 
po[)ulation of St. Clair and adjacent counties. Another English 
colony, Koinan Catholic in belief, composed of 15 or 20 families 
from Lancashier, settled in Prairie du Long Creek, Monroe county, 
in 1817. Thonuis Winstanly, Bamber, Threlfall and IsTewsham 
were the founders. They became a thrifty settlement. Numerous 
English immigrants also settled in Green county in 1820. 

In 1819 Ferdiuaml Ernst, a gentleuR'n of wealth, education and 
literary taste, from the kingdom of Hanover, cnuie to Vandulia., 
then just selected as the seat of government, and located a, (iernuin 
colony consisting of 25 or 30 families. In 1822 Bernard Steiuer 
settled a suudi Swiss colony of 8 or 10 families in the southeastern 
])art of St. Clair county. Their location Avas on a beautiful and 

*Sr>p TIHiiois State Joumal June 30 1854. 

+An-. Flowor lust his fortune by the lirealving of the United States bant, and afterwards re- 
moved to Alt. A'enion, Indiana, but some of his de.scendents still live in the 15oltenhr)use 
])rairie. Jh-. Birbeek was secretary of State under Gov. Coles, ni the convention contest of 
IB'^i, he contributed more by his writings tlian perhaps any one else to defeat the schemes of 
the cohorts of slavery. Ho was unfortunately clrowned in a bayou of the jrreat Waba.sh. caled 
Fos river, swollen by lieavy rains. He. accompanied by his. son was on his way home from 
New Harmony, Indiana, then in charge of the Robert Owen communists, whither they had 
made a visit. In nttempting to cross the stream, the rapid current swept their horse-; out of 
their course, and Air. Birbeek and both horses perished. His son barely escaped tlie same fate. 
His untimely death was a gi-eat loss to the State. 



350 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

commaiuliiig eminence called Dutch Hill. It was added to by sub- 
sequent iniuiigrants until it formed a large settlement.* 

Financial Gondifion of the State. — When the State government 
went into oi)eration, in 1S18, the total revenue reported in the 
treasury, ;nid to become due on the 1st of December, was 
|7,310.i(); it now amounted for the years 1820-30 to $78,938, 
of which .S70,-!37 was derived solely from taxes on non-residents' 
lands, $i*,787 from tlie Oliio saJiiies, $2,800 from the sale of Van- 
dalia lots, and $3,084 collected by sheriffs. The biennial 
State expenses vrere estimated by the treasuier, for salaries and 
to support the contingent fund, at $25000, and for a session of the 
general assembly at $15,000, total $10,000, or $20,000 annually, 
lea\'ing at the lowest estiuiate a sur[)lus revenue of $30,000 every 
two years. That was a good healthy condition of the State's fiscal 
affairs. Go\'. Edwards was greatly instrumental in bringing about 
this highly creditable condition of the State treasury, which he 
found 1 years before empty, and auditor's warrants at a discount 
of 50 per cent. At the ])resent writing we have a population 10 
times as large, to-wit, 2,553,000; we have no jiublic debt of conse- 
quence, and our gain of i)ro])erty is proportionately larger than 
our ratio of increase in po[)ulati()n, yet our State expenses are 
50 limes greater, as every tax payer yearly feels. 

During the period over which we are now casting a retrospe(!t, 
the treasuries of the State and (bounties, and suitors at law in- 
dividually, were subjected to serious losses by <]efaulting sheriffs, 
for taxes (collected and moneys received on execution. If the sheriif 
was an aspirant for re-election, the State or county woidd not 
suffer much the first term, because he could not be commissioned 
for a second term without a certificate of settlement for all public; 
funds placed in his hands; but to exhibit such a clearance, the 
jnoney collected on executions and belonging to individuals would 
be used; Avhile with the people generally, who i'elt little concern 
in these private affairs, and among whom his official duties con- 
stantly called him, he was in the condition to contradict rumors, 
and in the face of his dereliction enabled to make friends and 
secure a renewed lease of power.f No official who handles large 
sums of the people's money, or is so closely identified with all our 
pro]>erty rights, either corporate or individual, as a sheritf or 
treasurer, ought bylaw to be allowed to become his own successor 
in office. We can but regard this as a bad feature in the constitu- 
tion of 1870. 

Trade and Commerce. — Internal improvements to facilitate trade 
and commennal intercourse, consisted, up to that time, mostly iu 
acts of the legislature declaring certain streams navigal)ie. In 
thesedechirations that honorable body was not the least parsimo- 
iniMis, but dealt them out to almost every rivulet with a prodigal 
hand; and a stranger, in looking over the old statutes, ante-dating, 
say, 1840, woidd inevitably conclude that the State of Illinois was 
intersected by navigable streams in every direction as abundantly 
as could i)ossibly be desired by the most commercial people. To 
tlie Illinois and Michigan canal there was as yet nothing done 

*ReynoM's Life and Times 
tFoi-d'g History. 



EDWARDS' ADMINISTRATION 351 

except some very imperfect siTrveys, thonjili it bad been the tlieme 
of recommeiidation l)y every governor, and its grant of land was 
procured from congress. 

Tlie progress of commerce from 1S18 to 1S30 was jostled but 
little from its beaten track by the improved facilities of (piick con- 
veyance offered by the introduction of steam. Steamboats uj)ou 
the Ohio and iMississii)pi had become frequent, but the older 
settlers were not stirred from their drowsy condition of nmkiiig 
simi)ly enough to live on by the new life, and the recent settlers, 
if they desired, were not in n condition to raise anything beyond 
their present needs — the condition of all newcomers. The Illinois 
river was not visited by the lu^wly proi)elled craft, except small 
ones which ascended to Beardstowu and occasionally to Peoria 
and above, as required. Gren. Joseph Street, writing from Peoria 
under date of jMarch oO, 1827, says: "There is nothing doing on 
laiul and less on water. * * The harbor and town site are the 
best, I presunu', in all the western country; but not one sail 
enlivens the monotonous prospect or one oai" di[)s in the dark 
blue waves of the fairy lake from one years' end to another — if 
you wiirex(;ept the feiry boat, with now and then the canoe of a 
few miserable saAages in quest of a dram." Keel-boat transi)orta- 
tion luid been sn[>erseded, it is true, but the scanty comnu'rce and 
feeble trade made no demands for nn^re extensive carrying facib- 
ties than we have mentioned. In development and wealth the 
State was in its merest infancy. 

Merchandizing during this period consisted in the bare retailing 
of a few dry goods and groceries. None of the products of the 
country were taken in exchange, except peltries, beeswax* and 
tallow. Tlie peophNs' chief supply of money came from immigrants 
who bought of their grain, stock or produce, and often enqjloyed 
their labor besides. The money went out again into the hands 
of the nu^rchants who sent it abroad in payment for goods, and 
thus the country was kept drained of anything like a sufticient 
currency. When credit was obtained at tlie stores, in default of 
payment and to gain time, mortgages would often be given, these 
foreclosed, the nunvhant would in time hnd himself the possessor 
of perhaps a mnnberof fai-ms, retire from business on a com})e- 
tency and dream away his life in village idleness, without ever 
benetiting the country in the least, but ruining perha])s a number 
of its citizens. For a long tinu'. there was no class of merchants 
who did a, barter business. They were unwilling to exchange 
goods for produce and incur the responsibility of ownership until 
shipments to distant nnirlvCts and sales could be ellected. There 
was the risk of a Huctuating market in the interim; their (;a[)ital 
as a rule was snudl, and a loss on produce might render them 

••'Fifty years ago, or in the svimmer of 1821," writes Clias. Robertson ofArnzville, 
underdateof Feb. 8, 18T2, to the Chicago Journal, 'there was not abushel of corn to be 
had in Central Illinois. My father settled in that year 23 miles west of Sprino:field. 
We had to live for a time on venison, blackberries and milk, while the men were t>one 
to Egypt to harvest and procure breadstuffs. The land wc improved was surveyed 
that summer, and afterward bought of the government by sending beeswax down the 
Illinois river to St. Louis in an Uidian canoe. Dressed deer skins and tanned hides 
were then in use, and we made one piece of cloth out of nettles instead of fla.x. 
Cotton matured well for a decade, until the deep snow," in 1830. 

The southevn part of the State, known as Egypt, received this appellation, as here 
iudicateu, because being older, better Si ttled and cultivated, it "gathered corn as the 
sand of the sea," ana the immigrants of the central part of the State, afterthe manner 
of the children of Israel, in their wants went "thither to buy and bring from thence 
that they might live and not die. 



352 HISTORY OP ILLINOIS. 

insolvent; no bnsiness connections with commission lionses had 
been establislied; added to these was often a limited (japacity. A 
few years later, it seems, merchants were forced into barter by the 
refnsalof the United States bank at St. Lonis to extend accommo- 
dations to them, in meeting' their matnred contracts for goods 
bonght in the east. Then the grain, beef, and i)ork of the conntry 
were pnrchased and shipjied forwaid in payment thereof, and not 
nnfre(inently, it was found, a double i)rolit was realized, one on 
the goods sold at retail and another on the produce forwarded.* 

It was no uncommon in^actice in early times for farmers to be- 
come their own carriers and merchants ; the practice obtained to 
within quite a recent period in nniny i)arts of southern llliiiois. 
A flat-boat would be built on the banks of a suitable stream, 
launched, loaded with the produce of the year — the flour, bacon, 
corn, etc., of perhaps a neighborhood — manned, and with the tirst 
rise of the waters, cut loose and floated down to ISTew Orleans. 
After a tedious and often hazardous voyage, on arrival at the 
distant market a total stranger, it was not unfrequently the case 
that the farmer-merchant would ftdl into the clutches of sharpers 
who took advantage of his want of acquaintance with commercial 
transactions and fleeced him of his cargo. But these ventures 
proved at times exceedingly profitable. Before the day of steam 
the journey home was long, toilsonui and weary, either on foot 
through the country inhabited by savages, or by keel-boats, labo- 
riously pushed with poles, or eordelhd — towed with long roi)es — 
against the strong curreids of the rivers. An entire season would 
thus often be wasted, a crt)p lost, and the faim abandoned to neg- 
lect, on account of the long absence of the proprietor.! 

Early Mail Facilities. — The first mail route crossing the Alle- 
ghany nionntiiins, was oi)ened from lMiiladeii>hia to Pittsburgh in 
1788, and, at intervals of six years, was extended, in 17*J4, to 
Louisville, and in 1800 to Vincennes. From the latter place, routes 
were extended, in 1805, to Cahokia, and in 1800, to Shawneetown. 
In 1810, mail routes were established by act of congress from Vin- 
cennes to St. Louis, via Kaskaskia, Prairie du Eocher and Cahokia, 
and from the tbrmer place to Ca|)e Girardeau, via St. Genevieve, 
and also from Louisville to Shawneetown ; in 1814, to Johnson 
Court-house (Johnson county, Illinois), and in 1818, to Belleville. 
In 1822, Edwardsville, Springfield and Peoria were connected by 
a mail route; and in 1823, Carrollton, Boss Settlement and ISTew 
Atlas, in Pike county. In 1821, there was a direct mail route 
from Vandalia to Springfield. The first route from the central 
part of the State to Chicago, was established in 1832, from Shel- 
by ville, via Decatur and Fox river; and in the same year, a route 
from Clncago to UanVille, and to Green Bay. Direct routes from 
Chicago to Galena, and to Springfield, were opened in 1820. In 
1827-8, four-horse coaches were put on the line from Vincennes to 
St. Louis. The difficulties and dangers encountered by the early 
mail carriers, in time of Indian troubles, were very serious. The 
bravery and ingenious devices of Harry Wilton (subsequently 
United States marshal), who, when a boy, in 1812, conveyed the 

♦Ford's History. 
fFord's History, 



EDAVAEDS' ADMINISTRATION. 353 

iTiail on a wild French pony, over swollen streams, and tlirongli 
tlu' " enemy's conntry," from Shawneetown to St. Louis, are men- 
tioned with special commendation. Stacy McDonald, of Ean- 
doli>h county, an old pioneer, who Avas at St. Clair's Defeat, and 
under Wayne in 1704, was the government mail contractor on that 
line. So infrequent and irregular were the communications by 
nniil a great part of the time, tliat to-day, the remotest part of the 
United States is unable to appreciate it by exami)le.* 

EayJy Xeicfipapcrfi. — The first newspaper published north of 
the Ohio, and west of Cincinnati, was the Vincennes aS'm«, in 1803, 
edited by Elihu Stout. The next in the west was the Missonri 
Gazette., established at St. Louis, in 1808, by Joseph Charless, and 
continued ever since, but subsequently merged in the Bepiihlican. 
The next in the west, and the first within the limits of the State, 
was the lUivois Herahly established at Kaskaskia, by Matthew 
Duncan, brother of the subsequent governor. There is some 
variance as to the exact time of its establislunent. Wm. IL 
Brown, afterward editor of the same paper at Vandalia, umler the 
)iame of Intelligencer., and in after years president of the Chicago 
historical society, says, "at or before 1811." Gov. lieynolds says, 
1800. Hooper Warren explains the latter statement by saying, 
"the ])ress brought by Mr. Duncan was for years only used for the 
public printing." Matthew Duncan sold out to Kobert Blackwell 
and Daniel P. Cook in 1815. The former succeeded ^Mr. Duncan, 
as public printer, and was, moreover, the territorial auditor of 
public accounts. In the latter oftice he was succeeded, in the fall 
of 1817, by Elijah C. Berry, who also succeeded to the same ofti(;e 
under the State government in 1818, and who became a co-editor 
of the Herald. In the hands of Blackwell and Berry the name of 
the paper was changed to lUiuois Tntellitjeneer, and upon the 
renuival of the seat of government to Vandalia in 1820, the 
Intelligencer establishment followed it. Mr. Berry relinquished 
his interest in the concern, and his place was taken by a brother 
and Wm. H. Brown. In the convention contest of 18L'4, differing 
with his associates, Mr. Brown withdrew. The Intelligencer was 
long an ably conducted pa])er, j\Ir. Blackwell, a well kno\\n law- 
yer, being for many years its editor. 

The Illinois Emigrant., the second newspaper printed in Illinois, 
was established at Shawneetown by Henry Eddy and Singleton 
H. Kinimel, in the fall of 1818, when the State was admitted to 
the Union. James Hall succeeded Mr. Kimmel. Through this 
paper Mr. Eddy, a clear and vigorous writer, in the convention 
struggle of ]82i, dealt herculean blows in oi)[)Osition to slavery. 
The name had been changed to Illinois Gazette. 

The third newspaper established in Illinois, was founded by 
Hooper Warren, at Edwardsville, in 1810, (;alled the Spectator. 
The first year he had the assistance of the afterward Hon. 
George Chr.rchill, a practical printer and experienced writer, 
whom he met at St. Louis. Mr. Churchill retired at the end of a 
year to his farm near Edwardsville, Mhere he lived until quite 
recH'ntly. Hooper Warren was a bold, able, and vigorous writer, 
and did much to defeat the slavery schemes in 1821. In 1825, he 

•Paper read before the Chicago Hist. Society, by W. H. Brown in 1860 

23 



354 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



sold out to the ^ev. Thomas Lij)piiicott and Jerreraiah Abbot. 
Mr. Warren afterward started newspapers in various places in 
the State, but never with the success that his ability promised. 

In !Sei)ten)ber, 182L*, the "*S'to>- of the Wesf^ was started by a 
Mr. Miller aiul sons, also at Edwardsville. They had just come 
from Pennsylvania with a press and material, seeking a location. 
At Edwardsville, while stopping- over night, they were persuaded 
by the oi)i)onents of Mr. Warren, to unload and set up their press. 
He remarks, "we had a lively rime for a few months, when the 
">S'tor" went down." They sold in April, 1823, to Tlionnis J. Mc- 
Guire & Co., who changed the name to lUinois Repuhlivan. Judge 
Tlieopliilus W. Smith and Emanuel J. West were the leading- 
editors during the convention contest, in counteractiug the intlu- 
enceof the 8i)ectator. It was discontinued with the close of that 
campaign, the last number being issued Saturday preceding the 
election in August, 1824: 

In January, 1823, E. K. Fleming commenced to j^ublish the 
Bepuhlk-an Advocate, at Kaskaskia, which was the organ of the 
jn'O-convention party during the contest. 

In 182(!, at Galena, on the ith of July, was issued the first num- 
ber of the Miners'' Journal, by James Jones. In 1832, he sold to 
Dr. Phillio, when its imme was changed to Galeiiian. 

In the winter of 1820-7, Hooper Warren established the Smi- 
gamo Spectator at Springfield. Mr. Warren says (letter to the old 
settlers' meeting of Sangamon county, October, 1859), "it was but 
a small affair, 'a medium sheet, worked by myself alone most of 
the time." It was transferred to S. 0. Merredith in 1828. In the 
latter year was started at Edwardsville, tha lUinois Corrector, and 
at Kaskaskia, the EepuhUcan. In 1829 was establishedthe Galena 
Advertiser, by Newhall, Phillio & Co. The Alton Spectator was 
established about 1830, by Edward Breath. The Telegraph was 
established by Parks and Treadway, the latter transferring his 
interest in a short time to Mr. Eailhache, who was its principal 
editor for many years. In 1831, Simeon Francis established at 
Springfield, the Sangamo Journal, which he continued to edit 
until 1855, when he sold to Bailhache and Baker. In Chicago, on 
the 20th of November, 1833, was issued the first number of the 
Bemocrat, published by John Calhoun, which was the first uews- 
pai)er there. 

Literature and Literati. — The literature of Illinois, prior to 1830, 
aside from mere political articles in the newsi)ai>ers, often well 
and forcibly written, was confined to few hands. We will here 
mention the prominent early literati of Illinois. Morris Birheclc, 
an Englislnnan, whom we have noted as settling a colony in Ed- 
wards county, in 1855, wrote home sketches of considerable merit 
regarding the advantages of Illinois, which received a wide pub- 
lication and were afterwards collected in book form. He acquired 
consideial)le celebrity as an author. Dr. Jjems C. Becl< wrote the 
valuable and well known Gazetteer of Missouri and Illinois, which 
in 1823, was published in book form. Judge James Hall was a 
Phihulelphian, born 1793. He settled in liliiu>is about 1818. He 
had be(m a soldier in the war of 1812, having i)articii)ated under 
Scott in the battles of Chippewa, Niagara and Fort Erie, and been 
with Commodore Decatur to Algiers. At Pittsburgh, in 1817, he 



EDWAEDS' ADMINISTRATION. 



completed his law studies, resigned his commission in the regular 
army, floated down the Oliio and settled at Shawneetown. He 
had already devoted much time to literary composition. Here he 
became a co-editor with Heiiry Eddy on tlie Gazttee. He also 
soon attained office at the hands of the legislature, being- succes- 
sively prosecuting- attorney, circuit judge and State treasurer. In 
the iirst named position he became w(^ll accpiainted with the 
operations of the gangs of vidians, counterfeiters and freebooters, 
wliich then infested the shoi'es of the Ohio and j\Iississi})pi, in 
sonthern Illinois, and wliicli doubtless furnished him numy an 
incident out of \Ahi('h to weave his -'Border Tales." At Vandalia 
he started the Illhiois Magazine. He also at that time edited the 
Wcfiterii t^onrcnir^ [)ublished at Cincinnati, whither he removed in 
1833, and became connected with banking, bat he pursued his 
literary labors until his death in LSGS. Throughout life his pen 
was constantly active. He wrote with great facility, and his 
voluminous woi-ks evince a high degree of literary merit. He 
early becann^ distinguished as a scholar ami author throughout 
the United States. As a poet, too, he was rarely gifted. Among 
his works best known are perhaps, "Legends of the West." 
''Harpe's Head," "Jiorder Tales," ''Life of Gen. Harrison," "Tales 
of the Wigwam and War path," &c. He has also left an elabo- 
rate " flistory of the Xorth American Indians." 

Bci\ John M. Fec% D. J). This distingnished Baptist divine, 
pio7ieer and historian of Illinois, resided for uear 40 years on his 
farm at Belleville, known as "Hock Spring." He (fame to Illinois 
about 181*0. There was no man in all the Avest who traveled, lec- 
tured or wrote so nnudi as he, during his loug life, throughout 
which he was also a constant, faithful and able preacher of the 
gosi)el. He was the founder in 1827, of the "Bock Sprijig theo- 
logical seminary and high school," and became its professor of 
christian theolc-gy. John Messinger was pi'ofessor of mathematics 
and natural philosophy, and Bev. Joshua Bradly i)rincipal. It 
opened with 100 students. In LS.'U it was transferred to Alton, 
and became the foundation for Shurtlett" college. Dr. Peck 
wielded a prolitic pen. Among- his voluminous works we mention, 
without order, The Emigrants Guide, Illinois Gazetteer, maps 
&c.. Life of Bev. John Claik, The Iiulian Cai)tive, Life of Bev. 
John Tanner, Moral Progress of the Mississi])pi Valley, Life of 
Rev. Jeremiah Vordeman, &c. ; but the work which will transmit 
his imme to posterity the longest is his revision ami eulargemeut 
of the "Anuals of the West," by Jas. H. Perkins. It evim'cs 
much research and contains a very accurate history of the north- 
west. We are considerably indebted to it in the preparation of 
this work. 

John Eussell, a native of Vermont, after marriage in 1811), 
removed west, and a few years later settled in Green county, at 
Bluff Dale, a beautiful and ronmutic site not far from the Illinois 
river. Much of his life was spent as a professor in xarions 
colleges in the west. He was a professor at an early day in 
Shurtleff college, a profound scholar and chaste and elegant 
writer, but his i)i-oductions were m)t voluminous. Like many 
authors before him, he was unobtrusive with his talents. He led 
a quiet and retired life in his western home, but was ever an inde- 



35G HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



fat i gable student. His literary morceaus were often set afloat 
without the author's name. 

Dr. Peck sold a manuscript for him in the east, a magazine 
article calUnl "The Legend of the Piasa," representing a terrible 
bird of prey, wlii(;h feasted on the Indians, under an injunction 
not to disclose the writer's name. It attracted considerable atten- 
tion, and was afterwards translated into French, as original. Dr. 
Peck exposed the plagiarism, to the great mortification of the 
Frenchman, who resided in America. One of Prof. Eussel's 
fugitive pieces, called the "Venomous Worm," gained a wide cele- 
brity, being transalated into many languages. It conveys a deep 
moral lesson in allegory on intemperance, and became a standard 
piece in our earlier school books.* 

[Note] -To anticiputea few years, we find Pegasus also bestrode upon the level plains 
of Illinois, several refiions having their loc-al poets. Kane county had one apparently 
enamored of the solid advantag-es which the State of his adoption afforded. He sang 
as follows: 

"The timber here is very good— 

The forest dense of sturdy wood ; 

The maple tree its sweets affords 

And walnut it is sawn to boards; 

The giant oak the axman hails 

Its massive trunk is torn to rails. 

And game is plenty in the State, 

Which makes the hunter's chances great — 

The prairie wolf infests the land, 

And the wild cats all bristling stand.' 

To show the comparative excellence of our rivers, he sang further : 
" I've gazed upon the wild Scioto, 
And wondered where its waters go to;' 

But the Illinois, 

"Rattling onward in its course. 
Doth seek the Mississippi's source" — 

afforded him no such misgivings, for it will be perceived that by a poeticlicense, per- 
haps, but in defiance of natural law, he runs its waters up tLe Mississippi. 

Politics of the People — Manner of conducting Campaigns — In- 
trigues of Politicians. — Regarding the political sentiments of the 
people, it is not flattering to our republican pride to read from an 
accurate observer of the period : " Up to the year 1840, I can say 
with perfect truth, that considerations of mere party, men's con- 
descensions, agreeable carriage and professions of friendship, had 
more influence with the great body of the people, than the most 
important public services."! But it is more humiliating to confess 
that these considerations play to-day no less a part than they did 
40 and 50 years ago; and they probably always will be formidable 
agencies in politics, however we may boast the intelligence of the 
masses. 

The masses did not expect that, nor did the public servants 
think or studj' how, government might be made conducive to the 
elevation of the i)eople. To advance the civil condition and hap- 
piness of society was an object foreign to the purposes of legisla- 
tion. Government was tolerated, and its forms and requirements 
acquiesced in, by the masses, from a feeling of habit, so long as its 
administration did not clash with or encroach ui^on their inter- 
ests, enjoyments, or personal freedom too much.| 

♦Reynolds Life and Times. +Ford's Hist 

$An anecdote, related by Robert S. Blackwell Esq., at a New England supper on 
Pilgrim's day in Chicago, December 31,1853, may serve to illustrate this characteris- 
tic of the old pioneers : " They wore preat bee-hunters and had a custom ot appropri- 
ating to the finder all bee trees, on whose land soever they happened to be growing. 
When they discovered a bee tree- without leave or license, they entered upon the 
land and cut it down, and made themselves masters of the hcney. The owner seldom 



EDWARDS' ADMINISTRATION. 357 



Among- the pioneers weie also many adventurers; and nearly 
all immiiirants sought the new country for an. easier lift^ or the 
aecuniulatiou of i»r()i)erty. Upon governmental affairs but little 
thought was bestowed. When aroused to the exercise of the great 
l)rivilege of the citizen — the elective franchise — by interested dem- 
agogues, no other consideration entered into the act than, to either 
favor a friend or punish an enemy. This iudifterence, so unworthy 
of the citizen, redounded to tlie advantage of the active and dili- 
gent place hunters, in that it permitted them, without molestation 
or exposure, to perfect their " pipe laying" for the partition of 
governmental patronage. There were no great political questions 
to divide the people prior to 1832-3. I'olitics were personal, and 
suffrage was bestowed, not with regard to pubhc welfare, but as a 
matter of i)ersoiuil fa\'or. In such elections, the ballot system, 
which in denser po])ulations affords the, greatest independence to 
the voter in eliciting his true intent, was here prostituted to 
double-dealing and dissinudation. Out of it grew what was known 
as the "keep "dark Boon" system, in which were sacrificed on the 
part of both office seekers and, to a certain extent, the people, all 
priucii>les of honor and sincerity, by mutual deceptions of every 
grade and character, from which the most adroit intriguer emerged 
with the greatest success. Promises of snpport would be vio- 
lated as freely as they were made. To cure the evil, the legislature 
repealed the nnxle of voting- by ballot at the session of 18i:8-9 

The use of ardent spirits was almost a universal custom with 
the people, and "treating," as it was called, during a political can- 
vass, was a sine qua non to success. Not unfrequently candidates 
for office would give orders to liquor saloons to treat freely whoso- 
ever would drink at their expense, on certain' days, usually every 
Saturday and other days of public occasion, for weeks before rhe 
day of election. At such i)laces the \oters would congregate from 
alf parts of the surrounding- neighborhoods on " treating days" 
during the campaign, riding in to gather the news, and not unfre- 
quently get drunk and engage in rough and tumble fights. The 
candidates, too, would often nuike it apoint to be there on these 
days, either themselves or by proxy, and harangue the " sover- 
eigns" upon the issues of the campaign, in a convenient shady 
grove, the auditors, not unfre(piently interspersed with ladies, 
seated about on the green sward. The orators would thunder 
forth their claims to office, mounted on convenient wagons, logs, 
or stumi)s of trees, hence the phrase of "stump speech." The 
" vital questions of the <lay," discussed at these meetings, were 
not measures but men, and consisted in bitter personal ariaign- 
ments of opponents, often of little general concern. Toward 
evening the crowd would disperse, mounted on their diminutive 

ventured to complain, and when he did. the juries were sure to punish his presump- 
tion with the costs of the suit. 

"Well, one of the old settlers, to whom I allude, came to my ofBoo one daj-, stated 
that he had felled a bee tree upon his neiyhlior's land, alluded to the old custom of 
conferriutr title by discover.v, and thai a suit was threatened, anil re(iur'.«ie(l my ad- 
vice ill the pn^mises. I replied that he had committed a trespass and aavised him to 
compromise the affair. Jle left the oflico in hi^rh dudiieon, sayiny as he was departing, 
'• this co\mtry is yettina food— d civilized for me; ril make tracks for Oregon, orsome 
Other country, where the old pioneer can gret .iustice." Mr. Hlackwell was, with other 
works, the author of "niackwell on Ta.x Titles," an e.Ycellent standard treatise, held 
in hifih esteem throughout the United States. He was a native Tlliuoisa!) and self 
made man, endowed with Hue intellectual powers. He died at (^hicatto, in ISiiti, at the 
early ag-e of 38 years. His early life was an exatnplc to the youns;- a d aspirinur— his 
middle afre a monument to self hiade g-lory, and his early deal ha warning- to all, —Chi- 
cago Journal.^ 



358 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

liorses, galloi^ing tlirough the town, perhaps reeling from the iii- 
flueuce of M(iuor, hiizzahing and yelling for their favorite candi- 
dates, and groaning, cnrsing and berating the oi)i)Osition.* 

The pioneers in all parts of the State exercised a great influ- 
ence at tlie elections. They were here hist, claimed snperior priv- 
ilege on that account, wliich was mostly accorded to them, and 
knew well every subsequent comer. Tiiey were unhutunateiy in 
some instances not only extremely ignorant, but governed besides 
by passionate prejudices, and opposed every x>ublic policy which 
looked to the elevation of society; and their descendants in numy 
cases at an early day, were no improvement on their prototypes. 
They were, as a rule, brave iii personal cond)ats and brawls, and had 
apropensity to indulge inthem. Theyarrayed themselves in buck- 
skin breeches, leather moccasins, raccoon caps and red huntiug 
sliirts belted at the waist, in which they carried a large knife, 
whence they were denominated "Butcher Coys." When proclaim- 
ing their bravery, a proceeding of wliich they were not chary, 
they would swear that they were "half horse and half alligator," 
meaning that it was impossible to overcome them in combat. The 
ii'tiuence of this class was much courted by candidates, and with 
these and their peculiar characteristics thrown in the scale, success 
was no doubtful i-esult.f 

" Like i)eo])le, like priest" — i)ublic servants under any form of 
government ultimately reilect the character of the people, for they 
are of the people. In the legislature, while the general interests 
of the people re(;eived but little attention, all manner of com- 
binations for the parceling out and creation of oftices were 
formed. Fat jobs were engineered for the benefit of friends; to 
" ring legislation," so rife in modern times, they were not stran- 
gers; the "good things" were ai)portioned by disreputable bar- 
gains made in a<lvaiu'.e — indeed, it was very much as it is at 
present — " the cohesive power of public plunder" was niost potent; 
and the possessor of the greatest cai)acity for tact, blandishuu^nts, 
and intrigue generally carried otf the lion's shai<'. Governor Ford 
relates of Samuel Crozier, senator fromliandolph, " a remarkable 
example of pure, kind and single-hearted honesty, after serving 
two sessions, and after he had ttecji bought and sold a huiulred 
times without knowing it, said he 'really did believe that some in- 
trigue had been gt»ing on.' So little are honest men aware of the 
necessity of keeping their eyes open, in sleepless watchfulness, or 
otherwise, a few Mill monopolize all the advantages of govern- 
ment, and it will be done in the most unfair and corrupt manner." 
Good laws badly administered with the tacit acquiesence of the 
people, cannot reform any government. The virtue of the people 
should both demand and enforce them. 

Militia. — The militia s\'stem was an important feature of the 
early times in Illinois, both during its territorial and State organi- 
zations. IVIilitia. duties, viewed from a modern stand point, doubt- 
less apj)ear droll, if not uninteresting, yet at tlie tinu> when tlie 
system Avas fully in vogue, they were important and onerous. 
During the long peace Avhich the country enjoyed between the 
war of 1812 and that with Mexico in 184G, it is not to be won- 

*Ford's Hist. 
+Fora's Hist. 



EDWARDS' ADMINISTRATION. 350 

dered, as the system also became the common target of miicli wit- 
ticism and ridicule, that it fell under reproac'h and nltimatcly into 
disuse. Yet it is not unreasonable to assert, that if a vigorous 
militia system had all the time been nuiintained up to the break- 
ing- out of the late rebellion, perhaps many of the headlong hascos 
of the Union forces in the early part of that war wouhl liave been 
avoided, and probably a year of the war — expended in perfecting 
and drilling the soldiery — saved besides. The military system of 
Prussia, which in the late war with France has brought that 
country forward as the very first military power of the woihl, is 
nothing but the militia system in its perfection. Wliih; tlic sys- 
tem of that country has demonstrated it to be the best, it is also 
by far the cheapest mode of maintaining a standing army, for 
wliich it becomes to a great extent a substitute. Jbit notwith- 
standing its perfection in that country, Americans could ne\er be 
brought fully to submit to its dependent and oiu'rons duties, 
and it will, perha[)s, never ol)tain any considerable foothold where 
the government is not strongly centralized. 

During the territorial existence of Illinois the militia ]troved a 
valuable auxiliary to the defence of the country, in rei)elling hos- 
tile savages and affording protection to the frontier settlements. 
The law was substantially the same as that of 1819, from which 
we sid)join a syno))sis. It contained equitable provisions for draft- 
ing or conscription — a drafted militia-man was known as a "forced 
volunteer." From the militia sprung, it may be said, the mounted 
rangers of that period. An early law passed at YiniuMines, im- 
IJorted for Illinois by the governor and judges, and subseqiu'iitly 
adopted by the territorial legislature, i)rohibited all conimisioned 
officers, except justices of the peace and ndlitia olticers, iVom 
serving in either house of the legislature. This placed the road 
to i)olitical preferment in a nmnner in the hands of the militia, ren- 
dering it very obnoxious to other office-holding aspirants.- 

All free white inhabitants resident in the State, of tiie age of 
18 years and under 45, except as hereinafter exce]>ted, shall be 
enrolled in the militia by the commanding officer of the coniiiany 
within whose bounds such person shall reside, within ten days 
next after he shall be informed of such residence; and at all times 
thereafter in like manner, shall be enrolled those who may from 
time to time arrive at the age of IS, or come to reside in tiu' dis- 
trict, being of that age and under 45. Such enrolled person was 
to be notified of his enrollment by an officer of the company, and 
within six months thereafter he was to provide himself with a good 
musket and bayonet, fusee or ritie, knapsack, blanket, canteen, 
two spare Hints, cartridge-box to contain not less than 2i car- 
tridges with powder and ball suited to the bore of his nuisket or 
fusee, or pouch ami ])Owder-liorn with 1-4 lb. jiowder, and 24 balls 
suited to the bore of his ritle; and every enrolled person wlien 
called on shall so appear armed, accoutered and ])iovided, except 
when called to exercise by conipaiues, battalion or regiment, when 
he may appear without knajtsack or blanket. Field and staff 
officers, ranking as commissioned officers, shall be armed with 
sword or hanger and a pair of pistols. Company oflic(^rs with 
sufficient sword or hanger. Officers were to furnish their res[)ec- 
tive commands as follows: The colonel to each battalion a staml 



3G0 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

division inscribed tLereou. The captain was to furnish his com- 
pany, with drum and fife; regimental drum and fife-majors 
to furnish themselves, with instruments of music. The 
officers were to be re-imbursed for these articles out of 
tlie regimental fuml (tines and penalties) upon the order of 
the regimental board — a slemler chance. The entire militia 
of the State was apportioned into divisions, brigades, regi- 
ments, battalions and companies ; all to take rank when in the 
field, agreably to the date of the commissions of the olficers in 
command. Each di\ision was entitled to its major-general, with 
di\'ision inspector and aids ; each brigade to a brigadier-general, 
major, and aid-de-camp who was also judge advocate and quarter- 
master; each regiment to a colonel, lieutenant-colonel, major, sur- 
geon, surgeon's unite, adjutant (ex-officio clerk), quartermaster, ser- 
geant, drum-nnyor and tife-major. The superior officers appointed 
their subordinates, and their rauks were defined according to the 
U. S. army regulations. The companies elected their cai)tains and 
lieutenants, and these appointed their subalterns. 

The officers must be citizeus of the U. S. and this State, and 
take an oath to sui>i)ort theconstitutious of both. The regiments, 
battalions and com[»anie;5 elected their respective superior officers, 
who were commissioned by the governor. The governor, by virtue 
of his office, was comiuauder-in-chief. Provision was made for 
one comx)any of artillery and one of cavalry or troop of horse to 
each regiment, by voluntary enrollment. In the same manner a 
company of rifieuien, grenadiers or light infantry, might be raised 
in the battalions; all of which were to equip and uniform them- 
selves in manner fully pointed out. They were to appoint tlieir 
officers in a manner similar to the first-mentioned. Companies 
Avere required to muster four times yearl}', on the first Saturdays 
of April, June, August and October ; and also the first battalions 
of each first regiment, on the first Mondays in April ; the 2d ou 
the succeeding Wednesdays; the 1st battalion of the 2d regiments 
on the succeeding Fiidays ; and the 2d battalion of the 2d regi. 
inents on the succeeding Mondays in each and every year. liegi- 
mental musters were provided for similarly to the above, in Sei)tem- 
ber of each year. The evolutions and exercises were to be con- 
ducted agreeably to the military discipline of the armies of the 
U. S. In addition to these times the commanders of regiments, 
battalions or companies, were empowered to call their respective 
commands out to muster, as " in their opinions the exigency of 
the case may require." The brigadier-generals were required to 
call together for drill or exercise all the commissioned officers in 
Ai>ril and Septeuiber of each year. 

These reiJcated musters, it will be perceived, were no light duties. 
Every officer and soldier must appear at the places of muster, 
armed and equii)ped as the law directed, at the proper time. T'he 
roll was to be called and delimpients, either as to absence or im- 
pio[)er equipments, were to be dujy noted, for which fines and for- 
feitures were to be assessed by courts-martial, ranging as follows: 
pri\ ates from 50 cents to $1 50 ; commanders of divisions for neg- 
lect of any duties enjoined, from $20 to !^200 ; commanders of brig- 
ades, for disobedience of orders or any duties enjoiued by law, 
from $15 to $150; of regiments from $10 to $100; of battalions 
from $8 to $80 ; of comx)anies from $5 to $50. Eathers were hable 



EDWAliDS' ADMINISTRATION. 301 

for the fines of tlieir minor sons, f;n;ir(Ilans for tlieir wards, and 
masters for their apprentices. Execntion was to issne npon the 
findings of tlie eonrts-niartial, directed to the hands of constabh'S 
to be levied as in other cases. 

The lieutenant-governor, judges of the sui»renie and ciicuit 
courts, attorney-general, licensed ministers of the Gospel, and 
jailors, were, in addition to those by the laws of the U. S. ex- 
empted from militia duty. From time to time acts were also 
passed for the relief of Dunkards, Quakers, and other religious 
persons conscientiously scrupulous against bearing arms. By act 
of Jan. 21, 1821, such persons were relieved by paying $o each to the 
sheriff, and the entry of their names with a statement of their 
scrnples, with the assessor of the county. But when detachments 
of militia for actual service were required, they lilce others, y\n-Q, 
not exemi)t from the tours of duty, bat might respoml by substi- 
tute like others. 

Tiie militia was liable to be called into actual service at any time 
for the space of three months on tlie re(juisition of the Executive 
of the U. S. in actual or threatened invasion of this or neighbor- 
ing States or territories; for which i)urpose the nund)er recpiired 
were to be distributed among the classes (into which companies 
were to be formed), one nuiu to be furnished by volunteering or 
draft out of each class ; classes might furnish substitutes. The 
governor could exem}>t the nulitia from a call into acjtual service, 
in such frontier settlements as in liis opinion their safety required de- 
fem;e, aud make sucli further provision as the emei'gency demanded. 
While in actual serxice the militia was to be subject to the same 
rules and regulations as the armies of the IT. S., and to recei\e 
the same pay, rations and forage; but their transgressions were 
to be tried and determined by a court-martial of militia officers 
only. 

This is but a very brief outline of some of the main features of 
the militia system of Illinois. The law contains many sections 
and is a very long one. 

AYhile the requirements of the militia system in times of i)rofound 
peace, without the stinnilant of a common danger to aid in the dis- 
charge of its onerous duties, were ])erhaj)s dull and irksome, it 
nevertheless afforded to many a budding ambition for tfie "bub- 
ble reputation at the cannon's mouth," "that swelling of the 
heart you ne'er can feel again, while with fearless hearts though 
tired ]ind)s, [they] fought the mimic fray." The nnlitary titles 
of general, colonel, &c., of many of our public men of the period, 
from 1812 to 1810, were mostly of militia origin, and had little 
other significance. 

The militia system was much the same in all the States ; and to 
come down to a later period the peoi»le abhorred it. But legisla- 
tures were unwilling to disturb the tinu' honored law, which in 
many instances had been the nu'ans to originally bring them i)er- 
haps into prominence. But the shafts of wit and ridicule were 
hurled at it with such effect as to make it eventually succund). 
The memorable attack of Tom Corwin in the Ohio legislatnic, by 
his cele rated " water mellon speech," is familiar to every school- 
boy. H w it fell into disuse all over Illinois, we do not prerend 
to recount, but we glean the followhig account of the means used 



362 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

to briug it iuto couteinpt in one place, from a speech of Mr. Lin- 
coln : 

" A number of years ago the militia laws of this state required 
that the militia should train at stated intervals. These trainings 
became a great bore to the peoi)le, and CAcry i)erson uearly was 
for puttiug- them down; but the law required them to train and 
they could not get it repealed. So they tried another way, and 
that was to burlesque thein. And hence they elected old Tim 
Laiigwell, the greatest drunkard and blackguard, for colonel over 
the best men of the country. But this did not succeed altogether. 
So they raised a coml)an,^' and elected Gordon Abranis comman- 
der. He was dressed in pe(;uliar style, one part of his pants were 
of one collor and material, and the other different. He wore a 
pasteboard cap about feet long, resembling an inverted ox-yoke. 
Tlie shanks of his spins were about 8 inches long', with rowels 
about the circumference of counnon saucers. He carried a sword 
made of pine wood, 9 feet long. They also had 'rules and regu- 
lations,' one of which was, ' That no officer should wear more than 
20 lbs, of codfish for epaulets, nor more than 30 yards of Bologna 
sausage for a sash ; and on the banner was born aloft these words: 
' We'll fight tni Ave run and run till we die.' This succeeded to a 
demonstration. They were the last company that trained in 
Springfield." 



Chapter XXXI. 

lS;',0-4— ADMIXISTRATIOX OF GOVEKXOR liEYNOLDS. 

The GuhernaforidJ Caudidates^ their Lives and Chdracto's — The Cam- 
paifjn — The Wi(i(jin,s Loan — Impeachment of tSiipreme Judge 
Smith — W. L. I). Ewing Governor for 15 days. 



In Au,iinst, 1S30, anotlior gubernatorial election was to take place. 
The candidates -weve William Kinney, then lieutenant governor, 
and John Iveynolds, formerly one ot the associate justices of the 
supreme court, both of the doniiiuint party. Since 1820, the 
Jackson party had been regnant in both houses of the general 
assembly. The o})])osition, or anti-Jackson men, brought forward 
no candidate for gov(U'nor at this election; they were in a hope- 
less minority. In Illinois i)arty ])rincii»Ies had not taken deep 
root, nor were they as yet well detined anywhere by the position 
of president Jackson. Those who were ardently and nnconii)ro- 
niisingly attaclied to the fortunes of Gen. Jackson, were denomina- 
ted, in the political slang of the period, "whole hog men." Mr. 
Kinney was a strong exam])le of the thorough-going Jackson 
men Of those who nomhnilly espoused the cause of Jackson, 
not unmixed with policy perha|)s, as that party was so largely in 
the majority, while at the same time, the supi)oi't of the anti- 
Jackson men was not unacceptable, was Mr. IJeynolds, who, it 
should be added, however, had always consistently acted with the 
Jackson party. The oi)position, intlueiu'ed no^so much by any 
clearly detined ])ai'ty'])rinciples, as a dislike to the strong, arbi- 
trary and i)ersonal chai'acteristics of Gen. Jackson, came to the 
support of Iveynolds, not on account of love for the latter, but of 
their hatred towai'd the former. Kinney had been to Wasliington 
and witnessed the inauguration of president Jackson, and was 
thought to have mucii agency in directing j-emovals from federal 
oi'tices in Illinois. It was reported he said, in his ]>eculiar graphic 
manner, that the wliigs ouglit to be whipped out of ottice '"like 
dogs out of a meat house."'"^ 

Mr. Kinney was born 1781, in Kentucky, and emigrated to 
Illinois, in 1793. As has before been stated, he acquired his edu- 
cation after marriage, being taught its rudiments by his wife. J>y 
unwearied application he became remarkable for intelligence and 
business capacity. Shortly after his early marriage, contra(;te(l 
with a most estimable lady, he removed to a farm a short distance 
northeast of Belleville, and before long Mr. VonPhul, of St. Louis, 
induced him to engage in merchandizing. He brought his first 

"Keynolds' Life and Times. 

3G3 



3G4 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

stock of goods from St. Louis, at one load on liorse-back. He pros- 
pered as a merchant, became an extensive trader, and accumula- 
ted a fortune. Firmly impressed with religious convictions, he 
early became a^ member of the baptist church, and afterward 
forcibly preached the faith of that denomination of christians. 
He frequently had the honor of a seat in the legislature where he 
was noted for close attention to business. He was of a social dis- 
position, and had gathered a wonderful store of pithy anecdotes, 
Avhich served him a good purpose in electioneering. He Avas 
regarded as one of the best political canvassers in the State, pos- 
sessing unbounded energy and great ambition. With his strong 
partisan bias he associated a rare jovial and witty i)leasantry, 
which made him very acce|)table in his intercourse with the peo- 
I)le. jS^otwithstauding his clerical catling, which he did not lay 
aside while in quest of office, he availed himself fully of the 
worldly practice of those days in elections, by "treating" with 
intoxicating liquors, as did all other candidates. It was wittily 
remarked of liim that he was invincible, because he went forth to 
the contest "armed with the sword of the Lord and the spirit." 
Yet with all these favorable traits, he A\as not sufficiently guarded 
during the canvass in his sarcastic utterances, which were caught 
up and distorted by his enemies, to his disadvantage. His strong 
denominational prejudices and clerical calling, induced him oc- 
casic)nall3' to berate other churches, which he discovered from the 
drift of things to be arrayed against him, often from no other than 
sectarian motives. He also arrayed himself in opposition to the 
canal, then much before the public, not on account of its intrinsic 
or jniblic value, but because that great im})rovement would send 
a tide of "Yankee" emigrants to the State, which he and his ultra 
partisans affected to despise ever since the defeat of the proposi- 
tion to introduce slavery into the State six years before. These 
sentiments, inconsiderately expressed, did him nuich injury in the 
campaign. 

His opponent, John Keynolds, was born in Pennsylvania, in 
1788, of Irish parents, who removed to Tennessee while he was an 
infant, and to IlUnois in 1800. In early manhood young Keynolds 
returned to Tennessee, where he received a "classical education," 
as he asserts in his "Life and Times," but for this assertion no 
one would ever have suspected it, either from his conversation, 
public addresses, or writings. He was reared among a frontier 
X)eople, and indnbed their characteristics of manners, customs, 
and speech — disliked polish, contemned fashion, and was addicted 
to inordinate profanity, all of which attached to him thiough life, 
of none of Avhich he took any pains to divest himself, and much 
of which is said to have been affected, which we doubt. These, 
garnished by his varied reading, a native shrewdness, and a won- 
derful faculty of garrulity, make him, considering the high oflices 
to which he attained, one of the public oddities in the annals of 
Illinois. His imagination was fertile, but his ideas were ]>oured 
forth regardless of logical sequence, evidencing his Milesian 
blood. He had an extraordinary, disconnected sort of nu'inory, 
and possessed a large fund of detaciied facts relative to the early 
settlement of St. Clair and liandolph counties, which are end)o(l- 
ied by him in a work entitled the " Pioneer History of Illinois," 



REYNOLDS' ADMINISTRATION. 365 

and are iu the main correct and valuable, thongli badly arran}>ed.* 
He was tall of stature; liis face long', bony and deei)ly furrowed, 
and under Lis liigli, narrow iorehead rolled his eyes, large and 
liquid, expressive of volubility. His nose projected well down- 
ward to his aini)le mouth. He was kindly by nature, treasured 
few resentments, and was ever ready to do a favor. His 
thoroughly democratic uumners, social disposition and talkative 
habit caused him to nungle readily with the people and enjoy 
their contidence. He was much in public life. We have noted 
him as a judge; he served three terms in congress, was afterward 
commissioned (most unwisely) one of the State tinancinl ag<'nts 
to negotiate large loans to carry on tlie State internal iiiii)rove- 
ments, visiting Europe in tliis capacity; still again we liud him in 
the legislature. He always claimed the stauuchest adhesion to 
the democratic i)arty. In IS.jS, however, he refnsed to follow the 
lead of Douglas, but sided with ['resident Ibichanan in his effort 
to fasten slavery ui)on Kansas by the Lecompton constitution, and 
his hatred of Douglas was such that he preferred Mr. Lincoln for 
the seuitte. In 18(50, old and intirni, he attended the Charleston 
convention as an anti-Douglas delegate. Owing to his age, his 
extreme pro-slavery view^s nnd loquaciousness, no man from the 
north received more attention from the southeiii delegates than 
he. He supported Ibeck in ridge for the presidency. After the 
elections of October, in Ohio, Indiana and Pennsylvania, had 
foreshadowed the success of ]\Ir. Lincoln, he however jtublished 
an address urging democrats to rally to the support of Douglas, 
that the election might be throAvn into congress, where Breck- 
inridge would succeed. Immediately preceding, and during the 
Avar of the rebellion, his corrcs[)()ndence with extra-Billy Smith 
of Virginia, and his letter to his brother-in-law, J. L. Wilson of 
Alabama, which was widely circulated, evinced a clear sympa- 
thy for the treason of the south. About the 1st of March, 1<S<)1, 
he urged upon Buchanan otlicials the seizure of the treasure 
and arms in the custcnn-house and arsenal at St. Louis. He died 
at Belleville, May, 18G5. He left no Avill, and his fine i)roi»erty 
des(;en(led to his wife, who survived him but a few months. He 
had no children by either of his Avives. 

During the political campaign, Ileynolds professed great admi- 
ration for tlie character of Jackson, though he was not accounted 
ultra enough by the real Jackson men who denounced him as an 
"outsider." He and his competitor made a thorough cauA^ass of 
the State, and party excitement ran exceedingly high. IVIuch 
persoiuUity entered into it, and bitter reproaches Avere indulged l)y 
the partisans of the respective candidates. The press was loaded 
Avith abusiAC articles on both sides, and hand-bills Avere scattered 
broadcast, containing distorted reports of the si)eeches of the can- 
didates, and all sorts of scandalous charges. After a Avearisoma 
campaign of near 18 months, lieynolds Avas elected goA'ernor. 

But Avith regard to the election for lieutenant goA'ernor, the 
same result did not obtain ; it Avas the same as four years before. 
Eigdon B. Slocumb was on the ticket with lieynolds, and Zadt^ck 
Casey A\ith Mr. Kinney. Both candidates for lieutenant goAcriujr 

*He -writes : "In the year 1794, the Morrison family emigrated to Illinois. They 
were talented, industrious, and became very wealthy. In the same year the horse 
flies were very bad, and of these the green headed fly was the worst." 



366 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



were gentlemen of sterling* worth, character and ability. Slocuinb 
was unused to the not uncommon accomplishment of the Ameri- 
can politician, public speaking; nor did he electioneer much, it is 
said, in any other manner. Xot so however with Casey; he was 
gifted with the power of charming oratory. Although laclving in 
thorough early education, by compreliensive reading he had stor- 
ed his mind, naturally strong, with varied kuowledge. He had 
fieipiently been a member of the legislature, and his tine personal 
appearance and large public experience gave him distinction 
throughout the State. Like his colleague, he, too, occupied tlie 
pulpit occasionally. The clerical ticket was somewhat injured by 
the fact that the people could not brook the worldly aspirations of 
men engaged in a calling so militant to honors that perish; but 
this objection did not extend to both gentlemen, for Casey was 
elected. Governor (Jasey possessed in an enunent degree the com- 
manding tnctof presiding over a deliberative body. 

In his message. Governor lleynolds invited attention to the sub- 
ject of edncation, internal imi)rovement and the canal; urged 
that congress be memorialized to improve Chicago harbor; recom- 
mended three public highways, commencing respectively at 
Cairo, Shawneetown, and on the lower Wabash, all to terminate at 
the lead mines: the completion of the penitentiary; Minding up of 
the old State bank; and, inocculated with his predecessor's theory, 
stated he was "satisfied that this State, in right of its sovereignty 
and independence, [was] the rightful owner of the soil within its 
limits." But His Excellency advocated no hobby, and his admin- 
istration was not strongly personal. 

The governor was not in political accord with a majority of the 
senate, and the usual conflicts between that body and the executive 
obtained. The senate desired the removal of A. P. Field, secretary 
of State, and with that view passed a resolution requesting his 
reiiomination — that they might reject him.* But the governor 
refused compliance, and would neither remove nov renominate him. 
He renominated Henry Eddy, Sidney Breese, Thomas Ford, and 
Alfred Cowles, who liad been efficient and acceptable ]>rosccuting 
attorneys, but as they had opposed the election of Kinney, the 
senate rejected them and turned all out of office, except Thomas 
Ford. They were again nominated and again rcvjected; but after 
the adjournment of the legislature, the governor rea])poiided 
them. He succeeded in having his choice of treasurer, John De- 
ment, confirmed by the senate. Dement was an ultra Jackson 
man, but had sui)ported Reynolds. The incund)ent Judge James 
Hall, desired to be retained in the office; and although an anti- 
Jackson man, he had, as editor of the IJlinois InteUigeuccrj with 
much power, supported Kinney; but this failed to avail him. That 
curious political posture would indicate both aspirants to the treas- 
urership to have been governed in their course more by the hope 
of office than by party principles. But that is a weakness not 
l)eculiar to those days alone.+ 

Among the measuivs passed at the first legislative session of 
Beynolds' jijilministration may be noted the adaptation of the crim- 
inal code to the penitentiary system. But the most notable measure 
of this session was the passage of the act providing for the 

•Reynolds' Life and Times. 

tHull, as Treasurer, was in arrears with ic State. 



EEYNOLDS' ADinNISTRATION. 367 

redemption of the notes of the old State bank, which wonkl 
mature during- the cmrent year. Tlie notorious "Wiggins h):in" 
of $100,000 was autliorized, and if that proved insutticient to 
redeem the out-stauding notes, the residue was to be refunded by 
issuing State stocks bearing per centum annual interest. This 
speedily raised the credit of the State and advanced its currency 
to par. But while the financial standing of the State was tluis 
})rcscrved, the honorable members who actively authorized it, it is 
said, sunk beueatli the waves of popular indignntion, never to rise 
again as politicians. The value of a financial character for the 
young' State, or tlie disgrace of repudiation, was not duly api)re- 
ciated by the people. Dcmogogues availed themselves of this and 
proclaimed to the people that their representatives had coriuptly 
betrayed their interests, and sold Out them and the State to Wig- 
gins for generations to come. The members (juailed before the Ih'st 
onset of ])ublic indiguiition as if stricken with the enormity of their 
wrong. Truth Avas crushed to earth never to rise again, in the 
case of these politicians. A blight swept over the Stnte nnd laid 
low many promising' buds of incipient statesmen. It is left for us 
at this day, who look l)ack with swelling pride to the fact that our 
State has emerged from every impending financial crisis with her 
garments unsullied, to api)reci;ite the merits of their act, only 
regretting- that they did not I)ol(lly defend their course and hold 
up to i)ul)lic scorn the unprincipled demagogues Avho intlanu'd the 
peo]»]e to the contrary.* 

The United States census returns of 1830 showed a population 
for Illinois of 157,445, and in accordance therewith the State was 
apportioned into three congressional districts. Up to this time the 
State had had but one repre3entative in the lower h(mse of congress. 
A special election for one congressman was(n"dered for August 1831, 
at which Joseph Duncan was elected; but for the general election of 
August 1832, and every two years thereafter — it being' provided 
that congressmen should be elected one year and overprior to taking 
their seats — three menibers were to be elected. Josepli Duncan, 
Zadoc'k Casey (the lieutenant governor,) and Charles Slade were 
elected. 

In his message to the session of the general assembly of 1832-3, 
governor Reynolds stated the ordinary receipts into the treasury 
for the two years ending November 30th, 1832, to be in round 
numbers, $102,000; the current expenses of the State government 
for the same period, were, in round nund)ers, $!)0.000. This indi- 
cated a healthy condition of the State finaiu'cs, when it is 
considered that the Black Hawk war occurred during this period. 
The expenses of that war amounting to some two million doIlars,t 
were however assumed by the general government. At this 
session the first earnest efforts were made to build railroads ; 
several charters were granted incor])orating railroad com])anies, 
but no stock, it is said, was ever subscribed to any of them. It 
was proposed to build a railroad from Lake Michigan to the Illinois 
river in place of the canal ; survevs for the N^orthern Cross road 
(uow the T. W. & W.,) and for the Central, from Peru to Cairo, 
were also proposed. 

•Ford's Historj-. 
tBrown's Illinois, 355. 



308 HISTOTIY OF ILLINOIS. 

But the most absorbing- topic of tliis session was the impeach- 
ment trial of Theophihis AV. Smith, one of tlie associate judges 
of the supreme court. Petitions numerously signed were received 
by the house cliarging him witli misdemeanors in ottlce. The 
house voted seven articles of impeachment, which were trans- 
mitted to the senate for trial. The first three related to the corrupt 
sales of circuit clerkshii)s; he had authorized his son, a minor, to 
bargaiu oft" the ofitice in Madison county, by hiring one George 
Ivelly at $25 i)er month, reserving tlie fees and enu)luments to 
himself; he did the same — r(^serving■ the fees and emoluments — 
till his son became of age; and to subject said office to his will, he 
Lad made appointments three several times without requiring 
boiuls from the appointees. He was also charged with being a 
co-plaintiff in several vexatious suits for an alleged trespass, com- 
menced by affidavit in a court where he himself presided, holding 
the defendants illegally to excessive bail ui»on a trifling inetext, 
to 0])press and injure them, and continuing the suits from term to 
term to harrass and perse(;ute them. Tlie oth article charged him 
with arbitrarily suspending John S. Greathouse, a lawyer, from 
practice for advising his client to apply for a change of venue to a 
circuit where his honor did not preside; Gtli, for tyranically com- 
mitting to jail, in Montgomery county, a Quaker who entertained 
conscientious scruples against removing his hat in open court; Tth, 
for deciding an agreed case between the sheriff and treasurer of 
JMiulisou county without process or pleading, to the prejudice of the 
county, rendering appeal to the supreme court necessary. The 
senate resolved itself info a high court of impeachment and a 
solemn trial was had, which lasted from Jaimary {)th to February 
Tth, 1833. The prosecution was conducted by a committee of man- 
agers from the house, consisting of Benjamin Mills, Murray 
McConnel, John T. Stuart, James Semple, and John Dougherty. 
The defendant was represented by Sidney Breese, li. M. Young, 
and Thomas Ford, subsequently governor. The array of talent on 
both sides, the exalted position of the accused, and the excitement 
thereby caused in political circles, gave to the trial unusual public 
attraction throughout the State, and during its protracted pendency 
little else was transacted by the legislature. 

The trial was conducted throughout by marked ability and learn- 
ing. A great number of witnesses were examined and much 
documentary evidence introduced. The arguments of counsel 
were of the highest order; and in the final summing up for the 
lirosecution, the chairman of the house committee, Mr. Mills, one 
of the most brilliant orators of the time, spoke for three days in a 
strain of unsurpassed eloquence. Pending the trial, the defemlant, 
after each adjournment, had the desks of senators carefully 
searched for scraps of paper containing scribbling concerning their 
status upon the respective charges. Being thus advised, his 
counsel enjoyed peculiar advantages in the management of the 
defence. The constitution required that "no person shall be con- 
victed without the concurrence of two-thirds of all the senators 
l)resent." When the vote was finally taken upon each article 
separately, 22 senators were present, 4 absent or excused. It 
required 15 to convict, 12 voted "guilty" on some of the charges^ 
10 were in favor of acquittal, and 15 "voted him guilty of one or 
other of the specifications, but as 12 was the highest vote on any 



REYNOLDS' ADMINISTRATION. 369 

one of them, he was acquitted."* Thereupon the house of repre- 
sentatives, well convinced of his guilt, inunediately passed a 
resolution by a two-thirds vote undej' the constitution to remove 
hnu from office by address; but this, too, when reported to the 
senate, failed in that body, and Judge Smith retained his seat 
upon the supreme bench of Illinois until he died about ten years 
afterward.t 

When Lieutenant Governor Zadock Casey was elected to con- 
gress in 1S33 he resigned his office and Gen. W. Lee D. Ewiug, a 
senator, was chosen to preside over the senate. At the August 
election of 1834, governor Keynolds was also elected to congress, 
more than a year ahead, as was then the law, to succeed Mr. Slade; 
but shortly after, the incumbent died, when Reynolds was also 
chosen to serve out his unexpired term. Accordingly he set out 
for Washington in N^ovember of that year to take his seat in con- 
gress, and Gen. Ewing, by virtue of his office as president of the 
senate, became governor of this State for just 15 days, when, upon 
the meeting of the legislature, to which he sent his message as 
acting governor, he was relieved of his exalted station by the 
governor elect, Duncan, being sworn into office. This is the only 
time that such a conjuncture has happened in the history of the 
State. 

'Ford's History- 

tSee Senate Journals 1833, appendix, for full pi-oceedings of this trial. 



24 



Chapter XXXII. 
1827-1831— BLACK HAWK WAE. 

1. Winnebago Hostilities — Indians unable to Resist the Encroach- 
ments of the Miners — Coalition with the Sioux — Attack on a 
Steamboat — Compelled to sue for Peace. 

2. Saxis and Foxes — Black Hawk — Keokuk — Sac Villages — Inva- 
sion of the State — Militia and Regulars brought into Requisition 
— March to the Scene of Danger — Black Haivk compelled to en- 
ter into a Treaty of Peace. 



The most frequent cause of the difficulties which from time to 
time have disturbed the peaceful relations of the white and red. 
men, has resulted from a desire of the former to possess the hunt- 
ing- grounds of the latter. Intrusions upon Indian territory, led 
to the war with Pontiac and that of King Phillip, 11 years after- 
ward, and at a later date, and farther westward, to the san- 
guinary contest with Tecumseh. The original emigrants from 
Europe and then- descendants, lequiring lands for cultivation, 
purchased large tracts from the Indians. As fast as these became 
populated others were required, till the savages, seeing their for- 
ests and hunting grounds rapidly disappearing, endeavored to 
re-possess them. The Europeans met them in arms, and as the 
result, they have been driven from river to river and from forest 
to forest till scarcely an abiding place is left them. The last effort 
to resist encroachments of this kind, was made by the Winneba- 
goes and the Sacs and. Foxes, within the limits of IlHnois. 

Winnebago War. — During the latter i)art of Governor Edwards' 
administration, the Indians on the northwestern frontier manifested 
symptons of discontent. The dissatisfaction increased, and in the 
summer of 1827, culminated in what the writers of the time style 
the Winnebago war, an affray of no great magnitude but the 
precm^sor of the hostilities under Black Hawk, which filled the na- 
tion with alarm. This sudden ebulition of savage animosity, was 
the unjust occupation of their lands by the miners of Galena. At 
this ijcriod large number of adventurers from different States, 
wei'e hastening to the lead mines, and in passing through the coun- 
try of tlie AVinnebagoes, purposely exasijerated them with the iu- 
tention of ])rovoking hostilities and securing their lands by way of 
re}>risal. The right of this tribe to the lands in question, was, how- 
ever, in\ olved in doubt. By the treaty of 1801, the Sacs and Foxes 

370 



BLACK HAWK WAK. 371 



coded to tlie United States all the land between the mouths of 
the Illinois and Wisconsin rivers. In 181(», that portion of the 
territority lying north of a line drawn west from the southern ex- 
tremity of Lake Michigan, was retrocededby the government to the 
Ottawas, Chippewas and Potawattomies, the Winuebagoes not 
being included in the grant. Subsequently, however, a war broke 
out anu)ng these tribes in regard to their respective boundaries, 
and in 1825 the commissioners of the United States interposed as 
mediators to re-adjust them and terminate hostilities. In the new 
arrangement, the right of the AViniiebngoes to the land in the vi- 
cinity of the lead mines, seems to have been admitted, although 
they were not recognized in the i)receding treaty. 

But wai\'ing the question of tith', they had been in possession 
of the country for years, and belie\ ing it belonged to them, re- 
garded the intrusion of the whites with the same intense jealousy 
and ill-will manifested by civilized men on similar occasions. Kich 
deposits of lead ore had been found in their territory, and Mr. 
Thomas, the agent at Galena, gave permission to the miners to 
procure large quantities of mineral, despite tlie remonstrances of 
tlie Winuebagoes. The savages at length, findingtheir comi)laints 
unheeded, attempted to eject the trespassers by force, but were 
themselves rei)elled and greatly exasperated at being unable to 
protect their proi)erty. Assistance from others was now their 
only alternati\e, and for this pur])ose they sent a delegation to ask 
the advice of their [)rincipal chiefs nortli of Prairie du Oliien. An- 
other object of their visit was to secure the co-operation of the 
Sioux, who had also become offended at the Americans and oidy 
waited an o])portunity to wreak their vengeance upon tlui objects of 
their ill-will. Some of theircountrymen had not long before sur])ris- 
ed and murdered a numl)er of the riii})pewasin the vicinity of Fort 
Siielling, and the commandant imnu'diately caused their arrest 
and had themdeliveied up to the injured tri))e for merited }>nnish- 
ment. The interposition of the American officer was prompted 
only by a sense of justice, yet KedBird, the chief of thetril)e, be- 
came greatly offended and secretly resolved to form a coalition with 
the Winuebagoes. Both tribes, therefore, had grievances to redress, 
and each found the other ready to strike a united blow against 
the common enemy. 

Accordingly, while the Winuebagoes were in consultation with 
their chiefs, they were visited by a messenger of the Sioux, who 
after detailing the wrongs of his own tribe, resorted to falsehood 
to farther exasperate his auditoi-s against the Americans. He 
informed them that two Winm^bago piisoners confined at 
Fort Snelling, had recently beim cruelly mnrdertMl by the whites, 
luider circumstances which deman(le<l in)mediate and bloody 
retaliation. Notwithstanding the utter menchu'ity of tliis state- 
ment, the Winuebagoes, smarting under their treatment at the 
hands of the mineis, were easily persuaded it was true, and 
resolved upon revenge, while the visitor assured them that as 
soon as they struck the fii-st blow, his own tril)e would. assist 
them. They accordingly killed - white men, and a more justifi- 
able jn-etextwas not long wanting for them to strike another blow. 
On tlie ."'Othof July 1827, 2 keel boats, laden with supplies for Fort 
Snelling, landed at a large Winnebago encampment a short dis- 
tance above Prairie du Ohien. While here the Indians collected 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



about the boats, doubtless for the purpose of plunder but were 
foiled iu their designs. In the absence of other weapons the 
whites made them drunk, and taking advantage of their helpless 
condition, captured several squaws, and took them aboard for a 
purpose too base to mentiou. Before their intoxicated husbands 
became aware of the injury they had sustained, the boats and 
their squaws were too far up the river for piu\suit, yet several 
hundred infuriate warriors now assembled with the determinatiou 
of meeting out to the aggressors the most severe i)unishment 
when they returned. In due time, the boats were seen descend- 
ing the river, but the crews aware that their misdeeds deserved 
castigation, had made preparation for defence. One of the boats 
passed by unobserved during the night, but the other, less fortu- 
nate, was assailed by an overwhelming force of savages, who 
fought with a determination only equalled by their passion for 
vengeance. The boat became grounded, and for a time the meu 
on board seemed doomed. l)irectly in the face of a galling tire, 
the savages succeeded in lashing some of their canoes to the 
unmanageable craft, but when they attempted to board her. they 
were beaten back into the river, and tinally retired from the con- 
test. During the engagement the squaws escaped, and no doubt 
with the hearty consent of the boatmen, provided it might be the 
means of drawing after them their infuriate lords. Two of the 
Americans were killed, and so many others wounded, it was with 
difficulty that Captain Lindsey, who had charge of the boat, rau 
down to Galena, iind made known the hostile attack. Dire alarm 
at the reception of the news spread among the njiners, and in a 
short time not less than 3000 men, women and children tied to 
Galena for protection. Exaggerated reports spread rapidly over 
the country, and most of the settlements in the northern i)art of 
the State partook of the fear and excitement incident to an 
actual invasion. At Galena a committee of safety was formed, 
temporary defenses were erected, and in pursuance of an order 
from Gov. Edwards, the miners were formed into conii)anies and 
equipped for action. A regiment was also raised in Sangamou 
and Morgan counties, and uiuler the command of T. M. Neale, 
marched to the scene of danger. On his arrival, however, he 
found the war virtually at an end. Gen. Atkinson with 600 regu- 
lars and the Galena militia, under Gen. Dodge, had penetrated the 
enemy's country, as far as the portage of the Fox and Wisconsin, 
and compelled the hostile savages to sue for peace. The army 
returned from Prairie du Chien, with 7 of their principal men, 
among whom were Red Bird the chief of the Sioux, and Black 
Hawk who shortly afterward became the instigator of other and 
greater disturbances. They were all thrown into prison as 
abettors of the murderous attack on the boat, and suffered a long 
continement before they Avere tried. As the result of the tardy 
trial, some were aijquitted, and others convicted, and more than a 
year after their incarceration executed on the gallows. • 

In the meantime, Bed Bird whose proud spirit could not endure 
the humiliation of continement, sickened and <lied in prison. 
There was associated with the latter days of his life a romantic 
ami melancholy interest, different from tlie usual phases of Indian 
character. He had always been the favorite of his own people 
and up to this illicit connection witli the Whmebagoes the 



BLACK HAWK WAE. 



ardent and unalterable friend of the whites. Unlike other vSava^e 
leaders, when his allies were ])r('ssed with a victorious force, he 
refused to desert them, and vohiiitarily liave himself up to suffer 
not only for his own misih^eds, but for the commou offense of the 
tribe. Clad in a robe of skins, and beariiij;- awhile tla<i', he rode 
into camp, and with dauntless coura,ue and an unclouded brow, 
placed himself in the hands of his cJUMiiy. Not «'\en the 
restraints of prison life, although they impaired his health, could 
obscure the native vigor of his mind, and when called on by white 
men all the nobility of a great savage lit up his manly features. 
Incensed at the Americans because they had delivered his coun- 
trymen into the hands of their enemy, he was doubtless the secret 
instigator and ruling spirit of the war, although the Winnebagoes 
comiinttedthe overt acts. This tribenow completely humbled, in a 
subsequent talk with the federal authorities abandoned all their 
lands south of the Wisconsin river, to the insatiate grasp of the 
conquerors. 

Hardly had the disturbances of the vanquished tribe ceased be- 
fore the frontier inhabitants became embroih'd in difticulties with 
the Sacs and Foxes. Tiie tirst recognition of these Indians l)y 
the United States, was in a treaty concluded at Fort Harnu'r, in 
17<S7, by Gov. St. Clair, wherein the government guaranteed them 
its protection. In 1801, Gov. W. H, Harrison was instructed by 
president .Jefferson to institute negotiations with them for the 
purchas(^ of lands, and shortly afterward a. treaty was ratitied 
with them, by which their beautiful country on liock river was 
divested of the Indian title. Again in 1830, a third treaty was 
entered into, by the terms of which they were to remove from the 
lauds which they had sold to the United States, east of the Mis- 
sissippi, and peaceably retire across the river. 

At this time, Keokuk and Black Hawk were the two ])rincipal 
chiefs of the nation. The latter was born at the princii»al 
village of his tribe, on Rock river, in 17G7. Possessing no here- 
ditary rank, his chieftainship was due to the native vigor of his 
character, and great success in war. In early youth he distin- 
guished himself as a bra\'e; and in the nuiny tierce c<nitlicts of his 
subsequent life with the Osages and Cherokees, he never lost a 
battle. When the war of 1812, broke out between the United 
States and England, he offered his services to the Americans, 
which from motives of humanity they declined. He however, 
.soon found patrons among the British, who regardless of the bru- 
tal attrocities of savage warfare, furnished his men with arms. 
At the instance of their mercenary agents, he succeeded in colkMit- 
ing UOO braves, aiul repaired to Green Bay, where he met Col. 
Dixon and a large body of Indians assembled iVom the a*ljacent 
tribes. Of the interview which foUowed between him and the 
British ofticer, lie says: "He received me with a hearty shake of 
the hand, and presented me to the other officers who shook my 
hand cordially, and seemed much pleased with my men. After I 
was seated. Col. Dixon said: 'Gen. Black Hawk, I sent for you to 
explain what we are going to do, and the reasons that have 
brought us here. Your English father has found out that the 
Americans want to take your country from you, and has sent me 
and his braves to drive them back. He has likewise sent a large 
quantity of arms and ammunition, and we want your warriors to 



374 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

join us.' He then placed a medal around my neck, and gave me a 
paper and a silk flag', saying, 'You are to command all the braves 
which are to leave here day after tomorrow, to join onr braves 
at Detroit.' Black Hawk fought in 2 eiigageineuts with his new 
allies, and annually received payment for his services up to the 
time of his own war against the Americans, li'rom this circum- 
stance his force was designated the IJritisb band. 

Keokuk, his rival, uidike him, remained tlie friend of the Amer- 
icans. Notwithstanding the insatiate passion of the Sacs and 
Foxes for war, and the belief that they had been injured by the 
people of the United States, he drew after him a majoritv of the 
nation, and thus weakened the efforts of Black Hawk. In dijilo- 
macy and judgment he was nK)re tlian a match for his brother 
chieftain, and as we shall see, through the influence of the United 
States whose cause he had espoused, he became the sole chief of 
his people. 

In accordance with the treaty stipulations, Keokidc and his fol- 
lowers remained on the west side of the river. Black Hawk, how- 
ever, actuated no doubt partly by patriotism, but nH)stly by the 
ill will he entertained toward the Americans dechired all the 
previous treaties void, and in the Si)ring of 1831 recrossed the Mis- 
sissii)i)i with his Avomen and children and 300 warriors. Every 
argument had been used by his nn)st prudent advisers, to deter 
him from embarking in this hazar<l(>us eiderprise, and even the 
authorities of Canada, with whom he had consulted, counseled 
him to leave his village if he had sold it. The government of the 
United States, desirous of preventing bloodsiied, bore witli him a 
long time, hoping after due reflection he would abandon his rash 
design. This, hoAvever, being construed as weakness, he was 
induced to believe that the government either could not or would 
not attempt his removal. He also affected to believe it Avas an act 
of coAvardice to abandon his village, and thus leave the graves of 
his fathers, to be ruthlessly plowed u}) by strangers, whose rights 
to the soil Av^as of doubtful authority. 

This celebrated Indian town was romantically situated on a proui- 
ontory formed by the junction of the 3Iissi«sippi and Bock rivers, and 
the great beauty and fertility of the adja;.'ent conntry made it the 
centre of attraction for emigrants from all parts of the country. 
The Aillage Avas caj)able of sheltering a ]ini;ulation 0,000 or 7,000 
inhabitants. The houses consisted of poles Avrought into frames 
and covered with bark, previously ]>re])ared by drying to adai)t it 
to the walls of these structures. ScAcn hundred such lodges of 
various dimensions, the largest of Avhich did not perhaps exceed 
100 feet in length and 50 in breadth, constituted the dwellings of 
the A'illagers. About 700 acres of the adjacent prairie Avas snr- 
rounded by a fence, and the enclosed soil cultivated by the Indian 
women in corn, beans, peas and squashes. The i>lace was said to 
be 150 years old, and had for 00 or 70 a ears been the inincipal vil- 
lage of the Sac Xation. On the one hand flashed the broad Ava- 
ters of the Mississii>pi in the rays of the evening sun, on the other 
the rii)pling stream of Bock river struggled between the dark 
forest-clad islands Avhich obstructed its channel. Hardly an ii»- 
dividnal could be found who did not have friends and relations 
Avhose ashes Avere reposing in the adjacent graA'e yards. Hither, 
in accordance Avith an immemorial custom of the nation, bereaved 



BLACK HAWK WAE. 



mothers, wives and sisters performed aniiiuil piljirimages to pay 
a tribute of respects to their departed relatives. On tliese melan- 
choly occasions they carefully removed the growinj;- vegetation 
from the mounds and addressed words of endearment to the dead, 
in(juiring how they fared in the land of spirits and who performed 
the kindly ofdce of mother, sister or Avife. The depositing of food 
on the grave concluded these time-honored religious services. 

As is usually the case with rival factions brought in contact, the 
conduct of both whites and Indians admitted of censure. Tlie 
7th article of the treaty of 1804 provided that as long as the lands 
which are now ceded to the U. S. shall renuiin their jnoperty the 
said Indians shall enjoy the privilege of living and hunting on 
them. These lands were not brought into nuirket till the year 
1829, and consequently all who had previously settled on them 
were trespassers, having violated the laws of congress and th*' pre- 
existing treaties. The most advanced settlenu'iits at that time did 
not ap[)roach nearer than 50 or 00 miles of Rock ri\"er, and the 
lands for even a greater distance had not l)een offered for sale, 
yet the government disi)osed of a few quartcn- sections at the mouth 
of this stream, embracing the site of the village and tields cultiva- 
ted by the inhabitants. The manifest object of this advnnced 
movement upon the Indian settlements was to evade the provis- 
ions of the treaty, by having the governmental title to the lands 
pass into the hainls of individuals and thus obtain a pretext for 
removing its owners west of the ^Nlississii)})!. The white inhal)i- 
tants thus introduced, commenced de])redations by destroying the 
corn of the Indians, killing their donu'stic animals, and in some 
instances whipping their women and children. They carried with 
them as articles of trafdc intoxicating liquors, and by frequently 
selling them in violation of law, introduced scenes of drunkenness 
and disorder. Some of the chiefs renK)nstrated against these out- 
rages and even visited the house of a white settler and emptied 
the contents of his whiskey barrels on the ground, to prevent their 
people from becoming intoxicated and murdering the white inhab- 
itants. The Americans, on the other hand, preferred grave 
charges against the Indians, many of which were true. Notwith- 
stamling,"in 1816 Black Hawk had recognized the treaty of 1801, 
and to use his own expression, he touched the goose quill to this 
paper in its confirmation, he endeavored to deceive his tribe with 
statements that their lands were inalienabh-. and that the previous 
cessions and treaties were fraudulent and voi<l. Again, wiien the 
government surveyed and sold the site of their vilhige, although 
the object which induced the purchaseis to i)ass over such lai-ge 
scope of unoccupied territory was hardly justifiable, yei, when the 
title of the government became vested in individuals the right of 
the Indians ceased and they should have peaceably retired. Fur- 
thermore, Black HaM k and his band, when they crossed the river, 
notified the whites that they must depart from the village, and the 
latter refusing to comply with their demand, their i)roperty was 
destroyed and they suffered in person various indignities at the 
Lands of the savages. A petition signed by 40 i>ers(ms, was sent 
on the 30th of April, IS.'U, to the executive of Illinois, represent- 
ing that the previous fall the Black Hawk band of Indians de- 
stroyed most of the crops and made several attempts ui)on the 
lives of the owners when they endeavored to prevent the depre- 



37G HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

datious ; that uow tliey act in a more outrageous aud meuaciug 
mauuer aud their number, which amouuts to 000 or 700, 
is to be further augmented if necessary, by the Potawuitto- 
mies aud Winuebagoes. A few days after another petition was 
sent, which after detaihng similar outrages committed by tlie sav- 
ages, states that if rehef does not arrive the inhabitants will be 
compelled to leave their crops and homes. Several depositious 
were also presented to the governor, corroborating the above evi- 
dence. B. F. Pike stated under oath that the number of warriors 
was about 300 ; that they had in various instauces done much 
damage to the white iidjabitants by throwiug down their fences, 
destroying their fall graiu, pulling off the roofs of their houses 
and positively asserting that if the Americans did not leave they 
would kill them. 

G()\ernor lleynolds, thus informed in regard to the state of affairs 
at the mouth of Kock Kiver and believiug that Black Hawk and 
his baud were determined to retain possession of the couutry by 
force, resolved to effect their expulsion. A call was accordingly 
made for volunteers, and when it became known the whole uorth- 
westerii part of the State resounded with the clamor of war. 
Many of the old citizens, who 20 years before had fought these 
Indians in the war with Great Britain, still survived and urged 
their sons to appear on the tented lield against the same enemy. 
The exigencies of the situation denuinded that troops should 
reach the scene of action in the shortest time i^racticable, and 
therefore the 10th of June was appointed as the time, and Beards- 
town as the place for the assembling of the forces, j^o county 
south of St. Clair and east of Sangamon was included in the call, 
it being imi)ossible for trooi)s lioni the remote i)arts of the State 
to meet, organize and reach the place of reudez^'ous in the brief 
interval of 14 or 15 days, the allotted time. The governor circu- 
lated documents among the people and made speeches showing 
that the defence of the northwestern frontier i-equired prompt aud 
energetic action. Notwithstanding it was the most busy season 
of the year, hnndreds abandoned their plows aud corntields, and 
more than twice the number called for volunteered. It was easier 
to obtain men than provide means of sustenance. Cols. Enoch C. 
March and Samuel C. Christy were appointed quartermasters, who, 
being extensive merchants, possessed snperior facilities for obtain- 
ing suijplies. These gentlemen were successful in the discharge 
of their duties aud provisions were in readiness at the appointed 
time for the expedition to march. 

The governor, aware that General Clark, the superintendent of 
Indian affairs stationed at St. Louis, had great intluence with the 
Sac and Fox tribes, on the 27th of May, 1831, the day on which he 
made the call for volunteers, addressed a letter to him requesting 
his co-operation. lu this letter he states: "I have called out 
about 700 militia to protect the citizens near Rock Island from 
Indian depredations. I consider it due the general government to 
state that in about 15 days a suiffcient force will ajipear before the 
hostile Indians to remove them dead or alive west of the Missis- 
sippi, but perhaps a request from you would induce them to leave 
without the necessity of resorting to arms." On the 28th another 
letter was sent to General Gaines at Jefferson Bairacks, in which 



BLACK HAWK WAR. 



he also stated: "I Lave recei^'ed undoubted iuforraatiou that the 
section of the State near Ivock Island is actnally invaded by hostile 
bands of Indians headed by IJliU'k Ilawk, and in order to repel 
the invasion and protect the citizens of the State, I have, under the 
provisions of tlie constitution of tin'- Lhiitcd States and the laws 
of this State, called ont the militia to the number of TOO men, who 
will be monnted and ready for service in a very short time. I con- 
sider it my duty to lay before you the above infornuitiou that you 
may adopt such measnres as you deem just and pro})er." Both 
generals Gaines and Clark considered the precaution of raising 
troops pursued by governor Keynolds unnecessary, believing that 
the forces of the regular army were sufticient to i)rotect the frontier 
settlements. On the 2d of June, general Gaines replied to His 
Excellency that he had ordered 10 comi)anies to Eock Island, 
from Jefferson Barracks ami 4 from Prairie du Chien, which he 
deemed sulticient for the protection of the frontiers, that if the 
entire Sac and Fox nation and other tribes united Avith the band 
of Black Hawk, he would call on him for additional forces to 
repel the invasion, but did not regard it necessary at that time. 

Accompanied by six companies from the barracks, Gen. Gaines 
passed up the river in a steamboat to Fort Armstrong, sitnated on 
Eock Island, and on the 7th of June a council was held with the 
Indians. Black Hawk, Keoknk, Wapelh*, and a number of other 
chiefs and braves were i)resent. Gen. Gaines stated in conncil 
that the President was dis[)lease<l because the Sacs on Eock jiver 
refused to de2)art, that their great father only required that which 
was reasomible when he insisted that they should renu)ve west of 
the river. Black Hawk re[)lied by asserting that they had never sold 
their land and they were determined never to abandon them. Gen. 
Gaines thereupon inquired, "Who is Black Hawk? is he a chief, 
and why does he sit in council?" Black Hawk then arose from his 
seat, and gathering his blanket arouiul him stalked out of the room 
without deigning a reply. AVhen the council recon\'ened on the 
following morning Black Hawk was again present and said: ''^ly 
father, you inquired yesterday who is Black Hawk, ami why does 
he sit ann)ng the chiefs. I will tell you who I am. I am a Sac. My 
father was a Sac. I am a warrior and so was my father. Ask those 
young braves who have followed nu' to battle and they will tell you 
who lilack Hawk is. Provoke our people to war and von will learn 
who Black Hawk is." 

The result of the conference was that Black Hawk refused to 
leave, and Gen. Gaines infonned him that if he and his band were 
not on the west side of the Mississippi in a sh(nt time he would be 
compelled to remove him by force. The American commander 
also wrote to governor Eeynolds requesting the assistance of the 
volunteers and uitimating that it might be necessary to (iall for 
more troops as Black Hawk was endeavoring to secure the co- 
operation of the m^igh boring tribes. It was hoped that by this 
augnK'ntation of the forces the Indians might be intimidated, and 
thus prevent the effusion of blood, and in case of actual conflict 
the army would be enabled to act with greater efticiency. 

Great enthusiasm was exhibited by the ])e()ple in resi)onding to 
the call for troops, and instead of 70(>, 1000 men offered their ser- 
vices. All were eager to enlist having made arrangements on 
leaving home to remain and take a part in the expedition. The 



378 HISTORY OP ILLINOIS. 

entire number could be provisioned and equipped, and it was deemed 
folly to appear on the Held witliout a force sufliciently large when 
one more imposing and adequate could be secured. Among tbe 
volunteers were nuiny of the best and most euergetic citizens of the 
State, a number of whom afterward attained celebrity and still live 
to enjoy the respect of their countrymen. The whole force consisted 
of one brigade, subdivided into two regiments, and a spj' and odd 
battalion. The governor, who accompanied the expedition, appointed 
Joseph Duncan, then a member of congress, brigadier general to 
command the entire brigade, and Samuel Whitesides a major to 
command the spy battalion. The other ofUcers, not being regarded 
so essential to the success of the campaign, were elected by the 
volunteers. 

Col. James D. Henry was chosen to command the first regiment. 
Col. Daniel Lieb the second, and major Nathaniel Buckmaster the 
odd battalion. Thus organized and furnished with the necessary 
supplies, the brigade left their encani])ment near liushville on the 
15th of June for the seat of the Indian disturbances. Although 
not highly disciplined, it was the largest nnlitary force that had 
ever assembled in the State, and nmdea very iu)posing appearance 
in its nnxrch over the then broad ex])anse of jnairie wilderness. 
Eager for a fray with the Indians the utmost vigilance Avas re- 
quired on the part of the olticers, to keep the men fiom indiscrimi- 
luitely killing every straggling savage they encountered in their 
pleasant journey of four days to the Mississi})i)i. A halt was made 
on its banks eight miles below the old Sac village, where they were 
met by a steamboat containing provisions, in charge of gemnal 
Gaines, who received them into the service of the United States. 
A beautiful site was selected for an encampment, and as a battle 
was considered imminent, the greatest watchfulness was exercised 
during the night to guard against surprise, but no disturbance 
occured. Here generals Duncan and Gaines concerted measures 
ot attack; the latter officer having been in the vicinity of the 
Indian town for some time, thus became acquainted with the topo- 
grai)hy of the place. Previous to the arrival of the volunteers he 
had possessed and fortitied with cannon a commanding bluff in 
range of the village, and in another direction had posted a strong 
force of regulars to aid if necessary in the conflict. In accord- 
ance with the plan adopted, on the following morning General 
Gaines with a force of regulars and cannon steamed up the river 
in the boat, while the volunteers marched across the country, both 
forming a junction at Woodruff's Islauds in the channel of the 
river opi)osite the Sac village. The boat having come within 
range of the island, fired sevei'al rounds of grape and canister into 
the dense growth of timber and thickets to test the presence of the 
Indians, who it was feared might be concealed among them, to 
intercept the passage of the volunteers across the stream. The 
spy battalion, followed by the main body of the forces in three 
columns, passed over a slough to the island, when it was discovered 
that the ra|)id elevation of the land from the water had i)revented 
the shot taking effect more than lUO yards from the shore. Owing 
to this circumstance the Indians migiit have been concealed in full 
force without being discovered. Fortunately no enemy was found, 
for the voliuiteers became so conqtlctely bewildered in the tangled 
thickets as to dis(]ualil'y them for effective resistance, and in case 



BLACK HAWK WAK. 379 



of an attack tlie artillery looking down from tlie bluffs on what 
wonhl Inive been the biittle Held, was too far away to distingnisii 
friends from foes. On arriving- at the river between the island and 
town, it i)roved to be a dee]), bold stream at that point unfordable, 
and hence the i)rogress of the troops was delayed till scows conld 
be ])rocured to ferry them over. When the town was finally entered 
it was found deserted, the inhabitants having the pre\ions night 
crosse<l to the west side of the Mississipi»i, It was sui)pt)sed that 
Generals Duncan and Gaines, before leaving camp, believed that 
the Indians would abandon their village, ami now that such was 
the case, it served to exi)lain the apparent neglect in ascertaining 
the presence of Indians and the seemingly TUii'av(nable disposition 
of the forces. General Gaines appears to have been an efficient 
officer, anxious to settle the <litt1culties without the eff'usion of 
bh)od, and great credit was undoubtedly due Governor Keynolds 
and General Duncan for the pr<nn})tness with whi<;h the troops 
were called out, organized ami marched to the seat of war. 

The number of warriors who lied across the Alississippi could 
never be definitely ascertained. Many of the straggling and 
disaffected Winnebagoes, and Potawattoinies, doubtless united 
with tlie band of Black Hawk, and perhaps the number amounted 
to from 400 to GOO. The Indians ha\ing escaped without injurj^, 
the volujiteers took vengeance on the village by burning it to the 
ground, although the dwellings would have sheltered them from 
tin' incessant i-ains which prevailed during the day. •' Thus 
l)ei-ished this ancient village which had been the delightful honu; 
of t)0!>0 or 7000 Indians, where generation after generation had 
been born, had died and been buried, where the old men had 
taught wisdom to the youth, whence the Indian youth had often 
gone out in parties to hunt or to war, and returned in triumph to 
dance around the spoils of the forest or the scal[)s of the enemy, 
and where the dark-eyed Indian nuiidens, by their presence and 
chaiins, had made it a scene of delightful enchantment to many 
an admiring warrior."* 

lUai'kllawk andhis warriors ha\ing(lei)arted the night preceding 
the destruction of their village, encamped on the west bank of the 
Mississippi, while the Americans took a position 12 miles above 
Avhere Kock Island now stands. Gen. Gaines sent an order to 
Black Hawk, requiring him and his baml to return and enter into 
a treaty of peace, or he would nu)ve on them with all the troops 
under his command. Several days afterward some of the chiefs 
made their appearance, but Black Hawk and the nnijcnity of them 
refusing to come, a more perem])tory demand was nuide, which 
had the desired effect. He and about 30 chiefs of the British 
band of the vSacs, now came and in full council with Gen. (Jaines, 
and Gov. Keynolds, on the 30tli of Juiu', 1831, signed an agree- 
ment of whi(;h the following is the first article. 

"The British baml of the Sac Indians, are required peaceably to 
submit to the authority of the friendly chiefs and braves of the 
united Sac and Fox nations, and at all times hereafter to reside 
and hunt with them ui)on their own lands, west of the jMississippi 
river, and to be obedient to their laws ami treaties, and no one or 
more shall ever be ])ermitted to recross said river, to the usual 
place of residence, nor any part of their old hunting grounds east 



•Ford's History. 



380 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



of the Mississii)pi, without permission of the president of the 
United States or governor of the State of Illinois." 

The truism that the brave are merciful, was well illustrated by 
the treatment extended by Gen. Gaines and Gov. Eeynolds to the 
vanquished and unfortumite Indians, after the conelusion of the 
treaty. The larger part of the invading force had been deluded 
by listening to the bad counsel of Black Hawk and other leaders, 
and as a consequence, their helpless women and children, were then 
destitute of food and clothing. Gov. Reynolds in a conversation 
on the subject reuuirked, "I presume this is the last time the gov- 
ernment will have any trouble with these Indians ; the women and 
children are not so much to blame, and a support for them one 
summer, will be nothing to the United States. The government 
has i)ossessed their fine country, and I (cannot rest satisfied to 
leave them in a starving condition." Provisions were accordingly 
distributed among them at stated periods, exceeding in amount 
the (piantity they would have raised. The volunteers seeing this 
exhibition of charity, ridiculed the adjustment of the ludian dif- 
ficulties by calling it a corn treaty, and saying, "we give them 
bread, when we ought to give them lead." 

The enemy being ai)parently humbled and quiet restored, the 
army was disbanded and returned home in the best of spirits, not 
a single person, by disease, accident or otherwise, having lost his 
Ufe. 



Chapter XXX II I 
1S32— SECOXD CAMPAIGX OP THE Wx\R. 

Blade Haiclc induced hy White Cloud to recross the Mi.s.sissippi — 
Refuses to obey the order of Gen. Atlvinson to return — Htate Forces 
re-organized — March to Rock River and unite with the Rer/ulars — 
Army proceeds up the river in pursuit of the enemy — Battle of 
Still man^s Run — Call for fresh troops — The old forces disbanded. 



Prior to the expulsion of tlie Iiulian.s from their vilhige, Xaopope, 
a chief of the British band and second in command to Black 
Hawk, had started on a visit to Maiden to consult his En<;lish 
father concernin,n- the right of the Indians to retake possession of 
their lands on Bock river. According to his statement, he was 
advise<l by the authorities at Maiden that the Americans, without 
a previous purchase, could not take possession of their lands. On 
his return he also visited Wa-bo-kies-shiek or White Cloud, the 
prophet of the Winnebagoes. His home was a village bearing the 
name of Proplietstown, situated on Bock river, 35 miles from its 
mouth. Like the prophet of the Wabash, he liad great iutiucnc(5 
with his countrymen. He was a stout, shrewd looking Indian, 
about 40 years of age and claimed that one of his i)areuts was a 
Sac and the other a Winnebago. A full and flowing suit of long' 
hair graced his head, which was surmounted by a white head-dress 
several inches in height, resembling a turban and emblamatic of 
his profession. Sagacity and cunning were prominent traits of 
his character and essential to the prophetic pretensions by which 
he imposed on the credulity of his ignorant followers. 

White Cloud informed his visitor that not only the British but 
the Ottawas, Chippewas, Potawattomies and Winnebagoes would 
assist his tribe in regaining their village and the lauds around it. 
When Xaopope in tlie summer siux-eeding the treaty, returned to 
his friends he communicated this information to Black Hawk who 
affected to believe it, and immediately commenced recruiting to 
increase the number of his braves. He also sent a messenger to 
Keokuk api)rising him of the good news and requesting 
his co-operation. The latter, however, was a chief of too much sa- 
gacity to be misled by these promises of British and Iiuliau as- 
sistance, and wisely admonished Black Hawk that he was deceived 
and should therefore abstain from hostile demonstrations. The 
latter, however, willing to credit any report that even faintly 
promised an opportunity to wreak vengeance on his old adAcrsa- 
ries the Americans, rejected this good counsel and jjersistently 

381 



382 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

pursued his own plans. Having resolved to bid defiance to ilui 
whites, in the winter of 1831-32, great efforts were made to obtain 
recruits, and the number of his warriors embracing the chivahy 
of the nation, was augmented to 500. His headquarters ^yere at 
the site of old Fort Madison on the west side of the Mississippi, 
whence he moved up the river, his Avarriors proceeding on horses 
and his women and children and baggage ascending in canoes. A 
halt was made opposite the site now occupied by Oquawka, where 
they were met by White Cloud the prophet. His mission was to 
furtlier strengthen Black Hawk's determination to recross the 
Mississii»pi, by assuriug him that he might depend on the assist- 
ance of other tribes. Naturally prone to mischief and enter- 
tainiug a strong prejudice against the whites, he was at all times 
ready to stir up strife without caring for the evils that uiight be 
iiitlicted on those who listened to his advice. In a speech to the 
warriors and braves, he told them that by following his advice they 
had nothing to fear and nuich to gain ; that the American war 
chief would not interfere with them if they refrained from hos- 
tilities, and that strengthene<l by reinforcen)ents the time would 
come when they woukl be able to pursue a different course. 
Pleased with this advice, on the 0th of Aju'il, 1832, they proceeded 
to the mouth of Eock river and the whole party crossed the Mis- 
sissipju and commenced asceudiug the former stream, for the 
avowed object of enteriug the teiiitory of the Wiiuiebagoes and 
raising a croi> with them, when the real object was to secure them 
as allies. After they had proceeded some distanc-e they were 
overtaken by an order from General Atkinson, then in command 
of the regulars at Fort Armstrong, recpiiriug them to recross 
the Mississippi, which they refused to do, alleging that the general 
had no right to make such a <lennind, as they were peaceably jour- 
neying to the village of their friends for the purpose of raising 
corn. Before tlie\ had reached their <lestination another courier 
was sent in pursuit, who this time informed them uiiless they re- 
turned force would be used to effect their exi>ulsion. The Indians 
replied that thej' would not be driven back, but did not intend to 
make the first attack u])ou the whites. Black Hawk on arriving 
among the Potawattomies and Winnebagoes, readily obtained per- 
mission to cultivate corn with them, but they refused to unite in 
any acts of hostility against the United States, and denied having 
given the i)roi)het any assurances of co-operation. 

The refusal of Black Hawk and his warriors to comply with the 
demand of General Atkinson, and the imposing character of his 
military operations, created a general panic along the whole north- 
ern frontier from the Mississii:)pi to Lake Michigan. Most of the 
settlers abandoned their homes and moved into the interior, while 
messengers were at the same time sent to inform Gov. lleyuolds 
of the hostile attitude assumed by the Indians. The gover]K)r 
understanding the belligerent character of the settlers and In- 
dians, and knowing that the slightest indiscretion committed by 
either party might involve the whole frontier in a bloody war, de- 
termined, on the 10th of Ai)ril, to call out a large body of volun- 
teers as the best means of averting such a calannty or meeting it 
in case of its actual occurrence. Gen. Atkinson in com- 
mand of the regular forces near the scene of the threatened hos- 
tilities, at the same time, made a requisition for troops, stating 



BLACK HAWK WAR. 383 

the frontier was in great danger and that the force under his com- 
mand was insufficient for its defence. Banger being imniiiieiit the 
22d was made the time for meeting, which gave oidy (hiys for 
the troops to meet at Beardstown, again selet-ted as tlie phice of 
rendezvous. The governor, with great promptness, sent influen- 
tial messengers to the northwestern counties of tlie State, in wliich 
levies were to be made and a(Ulressed the following letter to the 
citizens: "Fellow-citizens: Your country recpiires your service. 
The Indians have assumed a hostile attitude and invaded the 
State, in violation of the treaty of last summer. The British biuid 
of Sacs and other hostile Indians are in possession of the country 
on Bock river, to the great terror of the frontier inhabitants, and 
I consider the settlers in imminent danger. Under these circum- 
stances I have not hesitated what conrse I should [nirsne. No 
citizen ought to remain inactive when his country is invaded and 
the helpless part of community is in danger. I have called out a 
strong detacluncnt ot militia to rendezvous at Beardstown on the 
22d inst. Provisions for the men aiul food for the horses will be 
furnished in abnndance. I hope my countrynuMi will realize my 
exi)ectations and offer their services as heretofore Avith prompti- 
tude and cheerfulness in defence of their country." 

Daily accounts respecting the operations of the Indians were 
received. Judge Young, Col. Strode and Benjamin ]\Iills wrote 
to the governor urging the speedy protection of the frontiers as 
the Potawattomies and Winnebagoes had joined Black Hawk and 
the inhabitants were in great danger. On the receipt of this in- 
telligence 200 men under the command of Major Stillman were 
ordered to guard the frontier near the Mississippi, and 200 un- 
under Major Bailey the frontier between the Mississippi, and the 
settlements on the Illinois. Such was the threatening asi)ect of 
affairs; the call of troops was now extended to every portion of the 
State, for the puipose of raising a reserve force of 5,000 men to be 
ready in case ot emergency. Various causes operated to retard 
the progress of the campaign, and this i)recaution proved highly 
advantageous in the closing stages of the war. As in the prece- 
ding year, many of the most conspicuous men of the State volun- 
teered, their prominence in i)ublic life giving them elegibility for 
potions in the organization of the forces. 

Eighteen hundred men met at the place rendezvous and were 
divided into four regiments, an odd and a spy battalion. An elec- 
tion being held for field officers, Col. DeWitt was chosen com- 
mander of the first regiment; Col. Fry of the 2d ; Col. Thomas of 
the 3d, Col. Thompson of the 4th, and ]\Iajor James of the odd bat- 
talion. The governor, who partici[)ated in the (!ampaign, placed 
Gen. VVhitesides in command of the brigade, and Col. elanies I). 
Henry in command of the spy battalion. He also appointed 
Colonels Enoch C. March and Samuel C. Christy to procure 
supplies; as brigade quartermaster, William Thomas; as staff 
officers, James B. Stapp and Josepli M. Chadwick ; as pay- 
master, James Turney : as adjutant general, Vital Jarrot, and 
as ordnance officer, Cyrus Edwards. On the 27th of April 
the army started from their encampment, a few miles north 
of Kushville, for Oquawka on the Mississipi river, with only 
a few days' rations, while Col. March Avas dispatched to St. Louis 
for additional supplies which were to be sent up the river to the 



384 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

same place. After the arrangement liad been made a letter came 
by express from from Gen. Atkinson, informing the governor that 
the hostile Indians had gone up liock river, but the intelligence 
came too late. Had it been received one day eai'lier the l)ro^■is- 
ions might have been ordered to Peoria in greater proximity to 
the enemy, and had the army marched to the same point it might 
have ended the contest without giving the Indians an opportunity 
to escjipe. Eains had recently prevailed aiul the progress 
of the troops was retarded by the muddy jirairies and swollen 
streams. On arriving at Oquawka they hoped to find Colonel 
March and the supplies from St. Louis, but they had not made 
their appearance. The evening of the same day Captain Warren 
and two companies from Shelby county also arrived and were 
greeted with loud cheers for the energy which they exhibited in 
swimming streams and overcoming other formidable obstacles en- 
countered in their route. Great anxiety was now felt for the 
safety of the supplies. A considerable advance had been nuide 
into the wilderness and any accident which prevented or prolonged 
the coming of the boat might necessitate the disbanding of the 
army. On the oth day the provisions were exhausted, and mur- 
nuiring being heard among the men, the Governor engaged three 
trusty persons to deliver a message to Gen. Atkinson informing 
him of the destitute condition of the army, and requesting relief. 
Although Eock Island was 50 miles distant, and it was necessary 
to swim several streams in traversing the intervening country, the 
journey was successfully accomplished and a boat load of i^rovis- 
iouis arrived the next day. The succeeding moriung the steam- 
boat William Wallace from St. Louis, also canu^. in and tlie army, 
w hich a short time before was in a suffering condition, had now a 
two-fold supply. 

Immediately on the receipt of pro\asions rations were issued to 
the men and baggage wagons were loaded prei)aratory to moving 
to Dixon, where, according to the latest intelligence, the enemy 
was posted. Spies had previously been sent to obtain informa- 
tion of the Indians, but instead of returning with proi>er dispatch 
they loitered with the ofticers of Fort Armstrong and finally re- 
turned on theboat which brought the supplies. When the army was 
ready to march, a letter was brought froniGen. Atkinson informing 
the governor that Black Hawk and his band had descended Rock 
river, and requesting him to march immediately Avith the troops to 
Fort Armstrong. Bisai^pointment was felt at the reception of 
this news, and perhaps the request would have been disregarded, 
but according to the statement, the Indians had descended the 
river, and it was folly to move up it to find them. Instead, liow- 
ever, of going to the fort, the force was marched to the month of 
Rock river where they were received into the service of the United 
States, and General Atkinson assumed command. It was now as- 
certained that the information in regard to the Indians was incor- 
rect and the commanding general steamed up the river with an 
armament of cannon and 400 regulars accompanied by the brig- 
ade, which rode through the swamps in the vicinity of the stream. 

As the expedition advanced, dogs immolated to apiiease the 
Great Spirit were frequently found at the various Indian encamp- 
ments. This relic of barbarism and superstition common among 
the oriental nations of antiquity, was employed by these Indians 



BLACK HAWK WAR. 385 



when tbe nation was threatened witli great calamity. The body 
of the animal, in these instances liaving the vitals removed, Avas 
fastened to a tree over a small lire with its head in the dirtiction 
the Jndians were traveling. Instead of rendering any assistance 
it only served to point ont their trail to the i)nrsning foe. 

On the lOtli of May some spies sent in advance captnred near 
Prophetstown, an Indian, from whom information was obtained 
that Black Hawk and his warriors were oir liock river above the 
town of Dixon. In accordance with this information the volnn- 
teers moved n[) to the town, where it was as(;erfained from sconts 
Avho liad sconred the country, that the Indians had dispersed and 
it was determined to abandon the pursuit and await the airival 
of Gen Atkinson with the steamboat and provisions. It was con- 
jectured that ]>lack' Hawk and his band (contemplated residing on 
the lands of the l^otawattomies, and as a- means of preventing the 
cousumation of such a- design, an end)assy of h\e jx'rsons was sent 
to confer with the chiefs of that nation ui)on the subject. In 
consequence of cloudy weather the ])arty became bewildered, and 
losing their way fell in Avith some of IMack Hawk's band, who very 
adroitly endeavored to decoy them into the power of the i)riuci])al 
Indian force. After much skillful maneuvering on luuseback the 
savages retired and the Americans returned to Dixon greatly ex- 
liausted, having been without food or rest for two days. 

Majors Stillman and Bailey, who had previously been ordered to 
protect the frontier were at I)ixon when the army arrived at that 
l)lace, and having done but little seivice, they besought the 
privilege of reconnoitering the country, and reporting the situation 
of the enemy. It was rumored that a small party of Black Hawk's 
force was encamped at the head of Old Man's creek 12 miles 
above Dixon, and in aceordanee with their request, the governor 
issued the following order: '• ^lajor Stillman: You will cause the 
troops under your immediate (command, and the battalion under 
Major Bailey, to proceed without delay to the head of Old Man's 
creek, where it is supposed there are some hostile Indians, and 
coerce them into submissicm." 

On the following morning, the Major with 275 men started on 
his mission, hoping to give a good account of himself when he 
retui-iu'd. The expedition, after reaching Old Man's creek, 
although unauthorized to pass beyond it, continued their march 
15 miles higher up the stream to Sxcamore creek, where they dis- 
mounted for the purpose of spending the night. 

Here they were within a few miles of the main lodgment of Black 
Hawk and a i^artof his braves, and while engaged in cam]) duties 
3 unarnu'd Indians bearing a white tlag made their appearance. 
The Indians giving themselves up, wenc taken into custody. 
Shortly 5 other Indians were descried on horseback ui>on rising 
ground about a mile distant. A party of Major Stillman's nuMi 
immediatelj' started in pursuit, and others followed as fast as they 
could nujuntj in a short time three-fourths of the whole detach- 
ment were scattered pell mell over the intei'vening prairie. In this 
iri'egular running fight, the troops at the camj) knowing that blood 
had been shed, killed 1 of the 3 Iiulians who had been sent as 
envoys under the white tlag, but the other 2 in the confusion escap- 
ed. The Americans having the fastest horses, overtook and 
killed 2 of the other party, and piu-sued the survivors to the edge 
25 



386 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



of the forest. At this juncture, Black Hawk and about 40 braves 
rose up from their ambush, and with a terrific yell, rushed on the 
assailants. Those who had just exhibited so much bravery in 
jiursuit of the fleeing foe, now retreated with a corresponding- 
swiftness. The frightful din attending the fugitives, who reached 
cam[) about dark, caused the remainder of the force to think that 
Black Hawk and his whole band were about to burst iipon them 
like an avalanche. A panic ensued, and some witli only a saddle 
or bridle, and others without either, mounted their horses and 
joined their comrads in the inglorious flight, leaving their wagons, 
ammunition and other pro]terty to the victors. Major Stillman 
ordered his juen to retreat over the creelc and rally on more 
elevated ground, but such was the consternation that no 
elevated ground was found till they reached the forces at Dixon. 

The principal resistance ofl'ered to the pursuing Indians, was at 
Old Alan's creek, a small stream rising in Ogle county and falling 
into Hock river at the town of P)loomingville. It has since been 
called Stillman's Run, in commenoration of the battle, a result inci- 
dent to the delay caused in crossing its muddy banks. After 
passing the stream. Major Perkins, Captain Adams and about 15 
other daring men made a stand, and by their heroic conduct 
partially checked the career of the Indians and saved the lives ol 
others, who nuist otherwise have fallen victims of savage ven- 
geance. Captain Adams, however, in saving the lives of his friends, 
sacrificed his own, his body being found the next day, near the 
two Indians whom in a personal encounter he had slain. None of 
the parties lived to tell the story of the terriiic struggle, but from 
the evidence left behind it must have been of the most determined 
character. Their guns were broken into fragments, and the 
ghastly wounds inflicted by rifle balls, spears, butcher knives and 
tomahawks were frightful proofs of the efforts that had been made. 
The Americans greatly lamented the death of Captain A<huns, 
and even the Indians, as a mark of respect for his bravery, neither 
scalped nor otherwise mutilated his body. Near was dismounted 
Major Hackleton, who had a severe encounter with with an Indian, 
in which he killed his tawny antagonist, and afterward made his es- 
cape to the camp at Dixon. Some others, in the confused and precip- 
itate fight, occasionally fired on the pursuing savages, and as the 
result of the conflict, about 11 whites and 7 Indians lost their 
lives. The fugitives commenced arriving at Dixon about 12 o'clock 
at night, and from that time till morning they continued to come 
hi small sfjuads of I to 5 each, telling the most tragic stories of 
the disaster. Every one seemed to be impressed Avith the idea that 
his own party was all that escaped, and while telling the death of 
a comrade he would arrive and contradicr the account. 

During tlie night of the battle, which fully inaugurated the war. 
Gov. Ileynolds made out a requisition for L'OOO men to be in readi- 
ness for future operations, and orders were also prepared re(iuir- 
ing Col. March to forward supplies for the men, and Miijor Adams 
to procure provisions for the horses. Letters were also written to 
(jiens. Atkinson and Dodge, api)rising the fonner, who had not 
yet arri\'ed, that the army was without i)roivsions, and the latter, 
that Stillmnn was defeated, and the frontiers of Wisconsin were 
in danger. AYlien the news of the defeat reach<Hl the camp, the 
officers were suuimoned to meet at the tent of Gen. Whitesides, 



BLACK HAWK WAR. 387 



and it was deteriiiiiHHl to luarcli tlie next morning' to iho fatal 
liold of the evening's disaster, Qnartennaster Tlionias anticipa- 
ting the result of the council, obtained from Jolni Dixon, then the 
oidy inhabitant in that part of the counti-y, 8 or TO oxen, as a 
teni])orary su])i»ly for tlie expedition. The animals were slaught- 
ered and distril»uted among the men, who partaking of theii' llcsh 
without bread or salt, started foi- tlu^ battle Held. Arriving 
thither, the bodies of their fallen comrades were found frightfully 
mutilated, presenting a scene appalling to troops who had never 
before witnessed such a spectacle. iSome were beheaded, some 
had their hands and feet cut off, while their hearts and other 
internal organs, were torn out and scattered over the prairie. The 
mangled fragments were gathered together, and buiied in a com- 
mon graA'e, over which a rude slab hewn from the trunk of a tree, 
was erected to mark the jdace. The troops encamped on the 
ground, and heavy guns being heard during the night, they were 
sup[)Osed to be signals for collecting* the scattered warriors of 
I>lack Hawk. The men rested in their saddles, expecting every 
moment an attack, but the morning- dawned without the eneiuj^ 
being S(H'n. Major Ifenry and his battalion were then ordered to 
scour the surrounding country, but no traces of the foe being 
detected the whole detachment fell back to Dixon. 

Perhaps no better material for an army could be found than 
Major Stillman and his men, and their defeat was not the lack of 
bravery, but the want of exi»erience and discipline. No body of 
men under similar circumstances, would have acted more 
etticiently, yet for years afterward they were made the subjects of 
thoughtless merriment and ridicule, as undeserving as their expe- 
<litiou was disastrous.* Stillnuurs defeat spread consternation 
throughout the State and nation. The innnber of Indian Avar- 
riors was greatly exaggerated, and the name of P>lack Hawk 



Note. — "It is sai<i that a big-, tall Ivfiitiiclviati, witli a very loud voice, who was 
colonel of the militia, but private umkT Stillman, upon his arrival in camp iinvQ to 
Gun. Whitesides and the wonderaii; multitude the I'ollowint's'lowiiig'and l:)oml)astic ac- 
cou tot the battle: 'Sirs ' said tie, •ou r detachment was eiuiamped among' some scattering 
timber on the north side of Old Man's ereelv. with the prairie on thenortli sientiy sloping 
down to our encampn.ent. It was just after twilig-hl, in the gloanung- of the evening, 
when we discovered RIaek Hawk's ari!;y coming- down upon iis in solid column; they 
deployed in the form of a crescent ui)on the brow of the prairie, and such ac(;uracyand 
precision of movements were never witnessed i)y man : they were equal to the best 
troo|)sof Wpjlina-ton, ill Spiiin. I have said that the Imlians came down in solid column, 
and de played in tlie form of a crescent ; and what was most wonderful, tliere were 
lai-ge squares of cavalry resting- upon the points of tiie eur\c, which s(iuares wei-e sup- 
ported again bv otlier "columns 15 deep, extending back t In-ough the woods and over a 
swamp three-quartersof a mile, which again rested upon tlu- main body of iJlack Ilawlv's 
army l)ivouached upon the banks of the Kiswakee. It was a tcrrililc and glorious 
siglir, to see the tawny warriors us they rode along out- tlanUs attem|)tni.!r to outflank us, 
with tiie glittering moonbeams glistening from their polishcil l)iades and burnished 
spears. It was a slgiit well calculated to strike consternation into the stoutest heart, 
anil a(;cor(iingly our men soon liegan to breiik in small squads, for tall timber. In a very 
little tune the roiit(> became general; the Indians were upnn our flanks and threatened 
the destruction of the entire detachment. About this tine^ Miijor St illman. Colonel 
Stephenson, Major Perkins, Capl. Adams, Mr. Haekleton, and myselt with some others, 
threw ourselves into the rear to rall\ the fiigitixcs an'd lu-otect the retreat. IJut mil 
ehort time all my companions fell, bra\ el.\ lighting hand to hand with the .savage 
enemy, and I alone was left up in the field ot battle. About this time 1 discovered 
not far to the left a corps of hoisemen wliich seemed to be in tolerable order I im- 
ine'liately deployed to tlie left, when leaningdown and plai-ing my body in a recumbent 
posture upon the mane of my horse, so as to bring the heads of the horsennii l)etween 
my eyeand the horizon, 1 discovered by the liuht of the moon that they were g-eiitle- 
men who did not wear hats, by which token I knew tliey weri' no frinds of mine. I 
tiiereffire made a retrograde linovement and t-eeo\-ered iiiy former position, where I re- 
mained some time meditating what further I coul i do in the serviei; i>f my country, 
when a random ball came whistling by my ear and pl-.iinly whi-;pered to me, 'Stranger, 
you have no further business here." Upon hearing this. 1 followed the example of my 
companions inarms, and broke for tall timber, and the way 1 ran was not u little."* 

♦Ford's History. 



388 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



came<l witli it associations of great military talent, savage 
cunning and cruelty. Gen. Scott, with 1000 United States troops, 
was sent to the northwest to superintend the future operations of 
the campaign. 

The new levies under the proclamation of Gov. Reynohls, were 
to meet, some on the 3d of June, again at Beardstown, and others 
on the 10th of the same month at Hennepin, and efticieut messen- 
gers Mere sent to convey intelligence of the requisition to different 
parts of the State. The greatest dispatch was required to eiuible 
forces in the most distant counties to assemble and march more 
than a hundred miles to the places of rendezvous in so sliort a 
period of time. The previous organization of the volunteers, 
however, greatly facilitated the labor of bringing the i^resent call 
into the held. 

The men in the service now asked to be discharged, urging that 
they had enlisted at a moment's warning, for the protection of the 
frontier, Avithout i)roviding' clothes for themselves or food 
for their families at home, and both must suffer if the cam- 
paign was protracted. The term of enlistment being un<letined, 
they had a right to return home, but the governor appealing to 
their patriotism, they agreed to remain 12 or 15 days longer. In 
the meantime. Gen. Atkinson arrived at Dixon with provisions, 
encamped on the northwest side of the river, and threw up 
embankments for the i)rotection of his stores. The companies of 
Capts. Bailey and Stillman, were organized asabrigade under the 
command of Col. Johnson, and received into the service of the 
United States, and one part ordered to Ottawa for the defence of 
that place, while the other remained at Dixon to guard the stores. 

On the loth of May, the whole army consisting of volunteers 
and regulars, under the command of Gen. Atkinson, marched up 
the river in pursuit of the enemy. Toward evening news was 
received that se>'eral white families had been murdered by the 
savages, on Indian creek, not far from Ottawa. The story of the 
massacre is but a repetition of the bloody tragedies which always 
characterize savage warfare. About 70 warriors made a descent 
on the settlement, and in broad daylight stealthily entered a 
house in whi(!h 3 families had assembled, and murdered 15 of the 
inmates.* 

On the receipt of the news, Gen. Atkinson ordered Gen. White- 
sides and Gol. Taylor, afterwards president of the United States, 
to continue the pursuit of the Indians with the volunteers, while 
he with the regulars fell back to Dixon. After several days 
march, the trail of Black Hawk led the army to a village of the 
Potawattomies on Sycamore creek, where were discovered several 
relics of the tragedy on Iiulian creek, and the battle of Stillman's 
Run. The inhabitants luul tied, and the trail separating led in 
different directions, a precaution doubtless taken to elude the pur- 
suing force. It was the supi)osition that Black Hawk had visited 
the town to secure the co-opertion of the Potawattomies, who were 
perhaps deterred from rendering assistance by the overwhelming 

♦The fiends who perpetrated the butchery afterward related, with infernal p-lee, that 
the women squawked like seese, as they were pierced with spears.or telt the keen edge 
ot the tomahawk entering thei" heads The bodies of the victims were scalped and 
otherwise mulilateii, the children were chopped to pieces with axes, and the women 
suspended by tlicir feet to the walls of the houses, their clothes falling over their 
heads, leaving tlieii' persons exposed to tlie public gaze. 



389 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

nuniher of the wliites. Wliile the armj^ lay at the village, a re- 
coiiiioiteiiiig party was sent out to searcli for lost horses, and 
returning in tlie night, they discovered a large Indian foree steal- 
ing away in the dark, evidently to avoid the wliites, and to join 
their comrades, a large hody of whom it was inferred Avas in the 
vicinity. The trail of the Indians led north, while the homeward 
route of the volunteers now about to return led south, and it there- 
fore became necessary to determine whether to continue the pur- 
suit or return home. Col. Taylor and Major Harney, of the 
regular army, and Gov. lieynolds urged them to remain in the 
service till the Indians could be overtaken and chastised. The 
volunteers, however, expi-essed great reluctance to a continuance 
of the pursuit. The prnate soldiers also were not only disi)leas- 
ed with the coninianding genci-al, but they had left their business 
in such condition as to re![iiire their presencie at home. Gen. 
Whiteside, ujton whom the i»]iiu'i))al command devolved in the 
absence of Gen Atkinson, although op[)osed to following the 
eneni}', agieed to be go\erned by a majority of the officers, and the 
question being submitted to a vote, one-lialf were for pursuing 
the Indians and the other half for I'eturning home. Gov. liey- 
nolds seeing the demoralizing condition, caused them to be march- 
ed to Ottawa, and on the I'Ttli and L'.Stli of May they were 
discharged and the campaign thus ejuled without effecting any 
important results. 



Chapter XXXIV. 

1832— THIRD CAMPAIGN OF THE WAR. 

Bequmtion for Additional Troops— Attacli on Apple Creek Fort- 
Captain Stephens' Encounter tvith the Indians— Organization of 
the New Levies— Battle of Kello(fs Grove— Battle of the Wis- 
consin. 



Gen. Atkinson called upon the governor at the time these troops 
were mustered out, and at his suggestion a call was made for 1000 
additional meu to co-operate with tlie previous requisition and 1000 
more to guard the frontiers. Tlie danger of exposed settlements 
being very imminent, an appeal was made to the disbanded troops, 
and a regiment raised to serve till the new levies could be made 
available. After the election of Jacob Fry as colonel and James 
D. Henry as lieutenant colonel, tlie diifereiit companies of which 
it was composed were immediately dispatclied to the most exposed 
localities. The regiment, after bravely guarding the imperded 
frontier, was finally mustered out of service at Dixon, on the IDth 
of June by Col. i'aylor. One of the companies under Captain 
Snyder, had some severe sldrinishing with a, body of some seventy 
Indians in the vicinity of Kellog's grove, in which 1 of tlie savages 
and 2 or 3 of his own men were killed. The new levies arrived, 
but before they could be organized or brought into the tield, the 
Indians committed a number of murders in different parts ot the 
country. . , ' 

On the 6th of June Black Hawk and about loO warriors made 
an attack on Apple liiver Fort, situated ;i quarter of a mile north 
of the present village of Elizabeth and within 12 miles oi Galena. 
The fort was a stockade liaAing strong block houses at the corners, 
and had been erected for the benctit of a small village of miners, 
who resided in their homes during the day and retired to the tort 
for protection at night. Three messengers chanced to be on their 
way from Galena to Dixon, and when within half a nnle ot the 
viliaoc, were tired upon bv Indians lurking in ambush. One ot them 
was Grounded, but bv the assistance of his two companions he 
reached the fort without further injury. The inhabitants, as usual 
during the day, were scattered abroad attending to business, when 
the report of "guns apprised them of danger and they tied to the tort 
in advance of'the enemy. The Indians came within tiring distance, 
wlien the battle commenced and was continucHl with great fury 
for 15 hours, during which several attempts were made to burn 
and storm the fortitieations. The assailants took possession of the 
dwellings in the village, and while some knocked holes in the 



BLACK HAWK WAH. 301 

>Yalls throiigli wliicli in snfety tliey fired tipon the foit, others de- 
stroyed provisions, broke ero(;kery, and witli devilish glee ripped 
open beds and bestrewed the houses and yards with featheis. 
There were only 25 men in the fort, but they fought with the im- 
petuosity of desperation, deeming- it better if they eould not 
repulse their adversaries to die in defence of their families, than 
suffer capitulation and butchery afterward. The mothers and 
children i)artook of the same inspiration, and by moulding bullets 
and charging' guns greatly assisted in warding otf tlu' assaults of 
tlu' enemy. The Indians at length, tiiuling they couhl not ])i'evail 
against the garrison, raised the seige and departed, taking with 
them horses, cattle, flour and other })ro\ isions. The Americans 
sustained a loss of one man, that of the. Indians could never be 
ascertained as their killed ami wounded Avere carried away in the 
retreat. A messenger in the nunintime had hurried to Gah'iia for 
assistance, and Col. vStrode of the militia marched to att'ord them 
assistance, but the enemy had left befoic he anived. 

On the lilth of June two men were killed near Fort Hamilton, 
situated among the lead mines 4 or 5 miles east of Galena, (ien. 
Dodge, of Wisconsin, who by chance visited the fort shortly after 
the tragedy w'as committed, immediately followed the trail of the 
saxages to the Pekatonica, where they took refuge un(h>r a high 
baidv of the river. The brave commander and his ecpndly brave 
men immediately rushed on the sheltered foe and killed the entire 
number, having" three of their own men mortally wounded in the 
assault. This action although small, exhibited the greatest daring 
on the part of those engaged in it. 

About the same time Ca[)t. kStephenson of Galena, and a^ ])orti()n 
of his company fell in with a party of Indians between A]t])le 
Eiver Fort an<l Ivellog's Grove, and pursued them till they took 
refuge in a small grove in the midst of the prairie. The Ameri- 
cans commenced a ran(h>m fire into the timber l)ut after the loss 
of a few men retired. Notwithstanding this loss neithei- oflicei-s 
nor men were yet willing- to abandon the contest, and the ])a)'ty in 
a short time returned and charged into the grove, receiving the 
galling fire of the savages, who were so efi'ectually protected by 
the trees it was impossible to dislodge them. The charge was 
renewed a second and a third time, and not until 3 additional men 
were killed and the captain supposed to be mortally wounded ditl 
the fighting cease. The Indians had greatly the ad\aiitage, and 
the rashness of nmking an attack under the circumstances is 
perhaps as much an object of censure as the lieroic deeds i)er- 
formed are feats of admiration. 

As previously arranged in the call for tioojts. the new le\ ies met 
at l>ear(lstown and IIenne[>in, but were aftei-\\ai(l or(lere(l to I'^ort 
AVilburn where a ])ermanent organization was etteeted.* A pro- 
niiseuous multitude of several thousand persons had assembled at 
this ])lace, and the great<'st ])atience and judgment was re(]nired 
to form them into an army. As many of the most i)r()minent men 
in the 8tate were i)reseut and wanted ])ositions, there was gicat 
danger in the bestowal of oftices that dissatisfaction might 
arise and thus seriously impair the efficiency of the army. It was 

*This WMsasmaii forlification on fhp> south hsmk of the Illinois, about a mile almve 
Pern, and had been erec-terl by Liout. Wilburn, tor tlie protection of the supiilios 
eutrusted to his care by Col. March. 



393 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



liowever agreed in a cousultatiou between the governor and 
captains of the various companies who Inid ah-eady been chosen, 
that the principal officers shoukl be elected by the troops over 
whom they were to act. Three brigades were organized, and on 
the 16th of June Alexander Posey was elected general of the 
first, Milton K. Alexander general of the second, and on the 18th, 
James D. Henry general of the third. Gen. Atkinson received 
them into the service of the United States and acted as coni- 
niander-in-chief of the force thus organized, wliich amounted to 
3U)'I uien. The governor appointed on his staff Beujamin F. 
Hickman and Alex. F. Grant as aids, James Tnrney as adjutant 
general, E. C. INIarch as quartermaster general. Besides the main 
army 4* battalions were organized for special puri»oses, and com- 
manded severally by jMajorsBogart and Baily, and Colonels Buck- 
master and Dement. 

In view of the disasters which threatened the northern frontier 
of the State, the governor ordered a chain of forts to be erected 
and garrisoned from the Mississippi to Chicago. Indian war 
parties lurked in every defile, beset every solitary road, hovered 
about every settlement, and woe to the traveler or unprotected 
partN of white men who attempted to pass through the country. 
Despite their vigilance their supremacy in the field was soon to 
end ; beaten, hnnibled and bleeding tiiey were to be driven before 
the conquerers, and their huntuig grounds were to know them no 

more. 

On the 17th of June, Col. Dement and his force were ordered to 
report themselves to Cob Taylor at Dixon, while the main army 
Avas to follow. Here Col. Dement was ordered to take a position 
in Kellog's Grove, where on thel'otli of June he was visited by :Mr. 
Funk of^McLean county, who came during the night from the lead 
mines and informed hii'n that the trail of about ;iOU Indians lead- 
ing southward, had been seen the previous day, and that there 
was perhaps a large body of them in the neighborhood. A conn, 
cil of war was held the same night, which decided that Col- 
Dement and 50 picked men should reconnoitre the surrounding 
country the next day, while the remainder were to remain in the 
fort near the grove i)rei>ared for any emergency that might hap- 
pen. This rude block house was an oblong building constructed 
of logs, contained 3 rooms, and was furnished with doors of strong 
materiak At daylight on the following morning the party sallied 
forth, but the inore advanced portion of it had not jiroceeded 
more than 300 yards, when several Indian spies were discovered 
on the adjacent prairies. Col. Dement and Lieut. Gov. Zadock 
Casey were mounting their horses i)reparatory to leaving the 
fort, when a messeng'er returned to. nuike known the discovery. 
The news was soon communicated to the whole battalion ; a 
phrenzy to fight the redskins took i)ossession of the men, and 
contrary to orders they mounted their horses and started after 
them. At their approach the Indians fied, but Col. Dement sus- 
pecting that their intent was to decoy the whites into an and)us- 
cade, galloped after them to induce tliem to return and thus 
prevent the occurrence of such a catastrophe. The excited volun- 
teers, however, mistook his intentions, supposing he also was pursu- 
ing the Indians to kill them, and the chase was continued till they 
came near a bushy ravine in which Black Hawk and his men were 



BLACK HAWK WAR. 393 



concealed. Tlie object coiiteni]>late<l by tlie hidden foe was now 
cousununated, and no generalship of civilized warfare conld have 
been better planned or mure successfully executed than this strateiiy 
of the bookless men of the forest. Suddenly a war-whoop proceed- 
ing from the throats of 300 naki'd savages, who had ])reviously 
prepared for battle by divesting themselves of their clothes, star- 
tled the Anunicans. Determined to profit by the sur])rise an<l the 
advantage of numeri(;al strength, they ruslu'd with the fury of 
demons u[»ou their adversaries. Col. Dement and several other 
oflicers made several attempts to rally their panic-stricken men, 
but the danger of being out-tlanked by sui)erior inunbers renderetl 
their efforts futile. All subordination ceased, and each fugitive, 
prompted by the instinct of self preservation, shai)ed his course 
toward the fort with a speed equal to that with which a short time 
before he had left it. In the hurried and confused retreat which 
followed. 5 Americans who were Avithout horses were killed, while 
the remainder reached the fort and dismounting entered it, closely 
pursued by the enemy. The fort was vigorously attacked for near- 
ly an hour, but the force within returned the tire of the assailants 
with such rapidity and precision that they retired, leaving nine of 
their comrades dead ou the field, and carrying otluns away with 
them. jSTo one in the fort was killed but several were wouiuled 
by bullets which occasionally entered through crevices in the 
walls. Three balls [»assed through the apparel of Col. Dement, 
all of them touching his i»erson, but none causing a Avound. 
About oO horses Avere killed, and suddeidy swelling afterward it 
was supposed they had been [>ierced with poisoned arrows. 

With the retreat of the Indians, sentinels were sent out to Avatch 
their moveuients, and work Avas commenced on the fort to get it 
in readiness lV)r a night attack. The heaA'y timber of which it 
was bivilt Avould withstand the effect of bullets better than that 
of fire, and lest an attempt should be made to burn it, barrels of 
water were provided, and a large number of Avet blankets were 
hung on the walls. 

At 8 o'clock in the morning Avheu the battle liad i)artially sub- 
sided, Col. Dement sent five messengers to Dixon, a distance of 50 
miles, for assistance, and toAvard sundoAvn Gen. Posey and liis 
brigade made their appearance. Shortly after his arrival some 
Indian spies were seen to emerge from the adjaceiit thicket, Avhere 
they had been Avatchiug to seeif any additional troops came to 
the relief of the fort, lletiring to theniain body of the enemy, a 
consulation Avas held, and doubtless further attem]»ts upon the 
fort Avere abandoned, in consequence of the tinu'ly arrival of (ien. 
Posey. 

Early the next morning an excavation Avas made with knives 
and tomahaAvks near the grove, and in this lonely grave were 
buried the mutilated remains of the five Auu'ricans kilU'd the 
l)receding day. When the nudancholy task Avas ended Gen. Posey 
started after the Indians, but soon discovering by the trail that 
they had scattered, the i)ursuit Avas discontinued. Thus ternun- 
ated this exi»edition. Nature had endowed in tlu^ highest degree 
Avitli soldiery cpudities those engaged in it, and the only reason 
theii- efforts were not more successful Avas the Avaut of discipline, a 
disideratum Avhich the immediate demand for their services had 
uot permitted them to acquire. 



394 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

After the battle of Kellog's Grove, the forces of Gen. Posey and 
Col. Dement returned to Dixon, ^Ybere the regulars and most of 
the volunteers were concentrated under the command of Gen. 
Atkinson. To prevent the escai)e of the Indians if they attempt- 
ed to recross the Mississippi, Gen. Alexander was ordered to the 
country south of Galena, and Gen. Posey to Port Hamilton on the 
Pekatonica. While the army was at Dixon, 3 Potawattomie chiefs, 
Wapello, Billy Caldwell and Waubansee, came to Gen. Atkinson 
asking some protection against Black Hawk. The ire of the old 
Sac warrior was aroused because the tribe of these chiefs pro- 
posed an alliaii(;e with the Americans, who <leemed it better to 
secure tlieir co-operation than have them tight on the opi)0.site side. 
Col. Fry and his regiment were accordingly sent in advance of 
the main army to Sycamore creek to afford pi-otection, and to re- 
ceive into the service 100 Potawattomie warriors, who had signi- 
tied tlieir willingness to mute with the whites. Much was ex])ec- 
ted from this accession to the army, bat they soon returned lu)me 
and little was realized, although commaniled by Wabansee, a 
veteran chief of the tribe. Gen. Atkinson having heurd that 
Black Hawk had fortified a position on the four lakes in southern 
Wisconsin, started thither for tlie piu-pose of bringing on u 
general engagement and thus termiimting the war. Passing Syc- 
amore creek he was joined bytlie Winnebago warriors, and on 
the 30th of June, encami>ed near Turtle village, a considerable 
town of the Winnebagoes, then deserted by its inhabitants. The 
night following was one of continual alarms, the whole comnumd 
was frequently i)araded in order of battle, but no enemy was seen 
except a few prowling Indians. The next morning the march 
was resumed, and on the Itli of July the army reached Luke 
Kush-ka-nong an expansion of Kock river, where they formed a 
junction with the forces of Col. Fry and Gen. Alexander. These 
having scoured the whole of the a<lja('ent coiudry and not iinding 
the enemy, the march of the mounted men was coidinued up the 
east side of the Pock rivei' to Burnt village, another town of the 
Winnebagoes situated on Wliitewater, a tributary of the first 
mentioiu'd stream. Here they were joined by Gen. I'osey an«l a 
battalion of 100 men under Major Dodge of Wisconsin. The 
evening of their arrival at that phice, a company (tf scouts came 
in and reported the main trail of the Imlians 3 miles higher up 
the stream. Preparations were immediately made to follow it, 
and at an early hour next day a <letachment proceeded up the 
river a distance of 15 miles, but no trace of the enemy being de- 
tected the detachment fell back to Burnt village.* 

Eight weeks had now been spent in man-hing and counter- 
marching to find the em^my, and the attainment of the object did 
not seem any nearer at hand than when the campaign was com- 

[NoTE — * "In this expedition the force catne upon the tremblinir lands, -vvhich are 
immense flats of turt liom 6 to 12 inches thick, extendinsi' for miles in every direc- 
tion and resting on beds of water and quicksand A troop or even a single horseman 
riding over ihetn produced an undulatini? motion of the land from which it gets its 
name. Although the surface is quiti^ dry yet there is no difficulty in procuring plenty 
of water by ■cutting an oi)ening- through the stratum of turf. The horses would 
sometimes force a foot through or full to the shoulders, ytt so great was the tenacity 
of the surface in no instance was there any trouble in getting then: out. In some 
pl-ices the weight of the earth forced a stream of water upward, which carrying with 
it and deposiiing large quantities of sand lorined mounds. The mounds as they en- 
larged increased the pressure on the water below presenting the novel sight of a foun- 
tain on the prairie, throwing its stream down the sides of the hillock then to be ab- 
sorbed by the sand and returned to the waters beneath."'] — Ford's Hist. 111. 



ELACK HAWK AVAH. 395 



iiieuced. The i)rogTess of the army Avas necessarily sh)w, the 
coiiiitry was eoinpaiatively an Tinex[)U)re(l wiMeiiiess of 
prairie and forest, none of the eoiuiiiand liad Ixn'ii tlirougli 
it, and it was tlierefore impossible to obtain reliable .guides. 
A ]mniber of Wiiiiiebiigoes followed who from necessity 
wero freqnently consulted, but tlicir lidelity was of a doubtful 
character, and the information they communicated generally de- 
lusive. The result was short inarches, freqiU'Ut delays, fruitless 
exploi-ations, giving the enemy every o])[)ortunity to ascei'tain the 
intentions and movements of the pursuing for(;eand thus elude it. 
The efforts of the commanding- general were further r(^tarde<l by 
the distance from the base of sui>i)lies, and the great dilli(;ulty of 
trans})ortation, in consequence of which the troo})s were freipiently 
without provisions and rarely had suHicient for pi-<»rracted ()|)er- 
ations. Owing- to thisdifticulty, it now l)ecanie necessary to dis- 
perse the army to obtain food. Accordingly Major Dodge and 
Grenerals Henry and Alexander were sent to Fort Winnebago, 
situate on the portiige between the Fox and Wiseonsin rivers, for 
this purpose, while (ien. I'oscy marched to Fort Hamilton for the 
protection of the adjacent frontier, the governor leturned to his 
liome at Belleville and Gen. Atkinson fell back to hike Kush-ka- 
nong. Here he erected a fort, which was called alter the name of 
the lake, in which he ex}>eeted to ]-enmin till the volunteer genei-als 
returned with supi)lies. 

Fort Winnebago, a distance of 80 miles from the eucanq)nuMit 
on the Stillwater, was reached in three days, but the nmrch thither 
over the intervening* swampy country so crippled some of the 
horses as to render them useless in the su(;ceeding- part of the 
canq>aign. Another calamity also befell the horses sliortly after- 
ward, which was worse tluin an ordiiuiry battle. About 1,000 
were peaceably grazing on the prairie when a stampede occurred, 
caus<'d, as was supjxjsed, by Indians attem})ting- to steal sonu^ of 
them. The soldiers at the tiuu:'. were souiul asleej) in their tents, 
which were closely i)itched together and the frightened animals 
in their mad tiight rushed dire(;tly over the encampment, knock- 
ing the tents down on the faces of the men and tranq>ling their 
weapons and camp equipage into the gnnind. Then coursing- 
northward with great rapidity, the sound of their feet produced 
an ap[)alling- noise resend)ling- the roll of distant thunder. The 



[* '* A view of the country from camp at Fort Winnebajro presented the most strik- 
inar contrariety of features. Looliing toward tlie tort wliicli was a neat structure 
anions: the sreen hills, two streams are seen, the Fox and Wisconsin, with sources sev- 
eral liuiidred miles apart, tlie former in the east and the latter in the north, s'lidiiifi' as 
if to ming-lc their waters, until within three miles of each other, when thej' sweep the 
one to the northeast, and the other to the southwest, as if they had met to liid each 
otlier a siallant adieu before partinjr, the Fox to minfile its sweet and limped waters in 
the Gulf of St Lawrence, and the Wisconsin to contribute its stained and Itittcr Hoods 
to the Gulf of Mexico.. The course of the Fox is short, crooked, narrow and deep, and 
aboundsin the finest variety of tish, whilst the Wisconsin is larjre, wide and compara- 
ti\ely straiifht, and is said to have no fish, owins perhai)s to its passaare throujrh cy- 
pres'^ swamps which renders it unwholesome tor the finny tribes, and also causes the 
(lisei)lnration of its waters Besides the rivers the face of the country is no less re- 
marUable. The strip of land between the two rivers is low and marshy, with no other 
firowth except a course variety of rush, and at high waters so ompletely inundated 
as to convert all that part of the United States east of the Mississippi into a vast island. 
A wisp of straw being' thrown into the flood where the twocurrents meet will separate 
and one portion float into the northern and the other into tln^ southern sea. Eastof 
the Fox river the land is frenerally undulatiny, prcsentiii"- an ciiual di-tribution of 
prairie of the richest mould anrl timber of the finest Lrrowth. We*t of the Wisconsin 
connnences th se frownini.' steppes ol'i-iijiyed barren rocks covired with black and brist- 
ling pine and hemlock which toward the Mississii)pi terminates in a refrion mountuia- 
ous, dreary, terriflo and truly Alpine in all its features." — Ford's History.] 



396 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



picket guards and seutiuels fled to the camp, supposing- an attack 
had been made by tlie Indians, the bugles sounded to arms, but 
many of tlie soldiers were temporarily injured and in the confusion 
which prevailed could not find their broken and scattered 
weapons. The Wisconsin river changed the direction of the stam- 
pede but did not Stop its fury, for the frightened auinnds turned 
about and again ran into the midst of the canip,and the soldiers now 
aware of the situation, endeavored to arrest their headlong- course 
but without success. It was supposed that most of them ran a 
distance of 30 iidles before the alarm subsided. Some were fol- 
lowed a distance of 50 miles before they were found, and about 
100 were permanently disablied in the surrounding- swamps. 

Two days were spent at the fort in regaining the horses, recruit- 
ing the men and procuring necessary supplies, during which some 
Winnebago chiefs said that Black Hawk and his force were 
encani[)ed on Kock river, 35 miles above lake Kush-ka-nong, the 
headipiarters of Gen. Atkinson. It was now evident that if the 
army attempted to return to Gen. Atkinson the Indians aa-ouUI 
perhaps escape to the Avest of the Mississippi, and the only ojypor- 
tunity of closing the war with jtrotit to the country and honor to 
the service would be lost. A council of war was convened and it 
was the unanimous opinion of all the officers present that the 
exigen(;y of the case demanded that they should disregard the 
orders of Gen. Atkinson, by marching directly upon the enemy 
with the intention of taking him by surprise or preventing his 
retreat further northward. The 15th of July was accordingly 
ai)pointed as the time of starting, and Gen. Henry at once com- 
menced reorganizing his brigade, and disencund)ering- it of the 
sick and dismounted urmi, who would retard the celerity of his 
nuirch. , Before, however, the day of departure came around. 
Gen. Alexander announced that his men becoming dissatislied 
had determined n(jt to accompany the ex[»edition, and JMajor 
Dodge reiK)rted that so many of his horses were disabled that he 
could not mount a force sufticiently large to reiuler any valuable 
assistance. At this junctuie Cai>t. Craig arrived with a tine com- 
pany of mounted men from Galena and vicinity, which uniting 
with the battalion of Major Dodge increased it to 1-JO effective 
men. Gen. Henry's brigade was reduced to 000 men, and even 
these associating with Alexander's malcontents, became so demor- 
alized as to be at the point of open mutiny. A protest was handed 
to the former, signed by all his subordinate ofticers excejjt the 
colonel who jueseuted it, remonstrating against the enterprise as 
a violation of Gen. Atkinson's orders. 

This was tlu^ turning point on which hinged the fate of the cam- 
l)aigu, and but for the prudence and determination of Gen. Henry 
all would have been lost. He was i)eriiaps the only man in the 
army who i)ossessed the rare faculty of successfully commanding 
the nulitia by insi)iring- them with order and the honorable im- 
l)ulses of his own noble nature. He could command with sternness 
and not give offence, and while he excited the fear he always 
won the love of the luost olxlurate soldier. In this enu'rgeiu'y he 
knew he was right and ]»roniptly oi-ch-rcd all the olticers signing 
the protest to be airestcd and marched to Gen. Atkinson, who he 
knew would api)ro\-e his course when he became acquainted with 
the circumstances. This decided comnumd from a aeneral whom 



BLACK HAWK WAR, 397 



tbey kuew had the courage to execute it, caused the officers to 
relent. The colonel who presented the shameful paper denied 
knowing its contents, and all promised with the greatest contrition 
that they would never again be guilty of insubordination. Gen. 
Henry, who understood human nature and knew how to ])roflt by 
it, spoke to them with dignity and kindness, wisely forgiving the 
oifence and thus securing their faithful co-operation during the 
remainder of tlie cami);ngu. 

At the appointed time Gen. Henry and Major Dodge, with two 
Winnebag:oes for guides, started in pursuit of the Indians, and 
Gen. Alexander with ]>rovisions returned to Gen. Atkinson, The 
former while on tlieir way to the infested region, were 
frequently thrown from a direct course by iidervening swamps of 
several nnles in extent, yet after three days hard nuirching they 
again encamped on Kock river. Here information was received 
that Black Hawk was entnMiched onC'ranberry lake, higher uj) tlie 
river, and relying on this information Henry determined to make n 
forced uuirch to that place the following day. Adjutants E. H. 
Merryman and W. W. Woodbridge, accomi)anied by Little 
Thunder, a Winnebago chief, as guide, were sent to Gen. Atkinson 
to apprise him that they had discovered the situation of the enemy 
and were making preparations to move against him. The mes- 
sengers started about daik and after i)roceeding about 8 miles 
southwest they struck the fresh trail of Black Hawk, who was 
making toward the Wisconsin river, evidently to elude his ])ur- 
suers by crossing it. Little Thunder, i»auic stricken at the sight 
of the trail, without permission returned to the cam}) and revealed 
the discovery to the two Lulian guides, who attempted to nuvke 
their escape, but before their object was fully accomi)lished they 
were arrested aiul brought to the tent of Gen, Henry, Confessing 
that their motives for acting as guides was to give false informa- 
tion and thus favor the escape of Black Hawk, they now 
disclosed all they knew of his movements, with the hoi)e of 
escaping the punishment which their pertidy deserved. General 
Henry humanely spared their lives, and to prevent his men who 
would have wreaked sumnniry vengeance on them for their 
treachery, prudently kept it a secret. The messengers, when they 
foniul themselves deserted by Little Thumler, also returned to the 
camp, but just before reaching it one of them came near being 
killed bv the tire of a sentinel. Early the next morning the same 
messengers ami guide were again dispatched to Gen. Atkinson, 
and the ai-my started in i)ursuit of the enemy, leaving all the heavy 
baggage behind in the wilderness. Those who had previously lost 
their horses, abandoned their blankets and all their (clothing 
except what they wore, and carrying their guns, ammunition and 
provisions on tlieir backs through thickets, swamps and prairie, 
kept pace Avith their comiades on horseback. The riders on reach- 
ing a slough through which their horses were unable to carry them, 
disnmunted and waded across, driving their aninials before them. 
The large fresh trail being strewn with various articles, belonging 
to the Indians, gave animation to the pursuing force; there were 
no more complaints among the men, ami even the horses seemed 
to partake of the enthusiasm which prevailed. Towards evening 
there arose one of those terrific thunder storms common to the 
prairies, frightfully dark and accompanied by torients of rain and 



398 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

peals of thuiuler. The men, however, dashed on regardless of the 
raging- elements, through Hoods, marshes, and almost imi)enetral)le 
clumps of timber, the horsemen frequently dismounting- and 
marching- afoot that the footmen might be relieved by riding- their 
horses. The storm continued most of the night, and the exhausted 
men threw themselves on the muddy earth to obtain a little rest, 
lia^ing partaken of no supper except a little raw meat and some 
dough, tiie result of the drenching rain on the flour they carried in 
their sacks. A similar repast serving them for breakfast, by early 
daylight they were again in motion and after a march as hard as 
that of the i)'re\ious day, they encamped on one of the four lakes, 
near where Black Hawk had "rested the previous night. The men 
now eagerly embraced the opportunity which was olfered to huild 
fires and cook their suppers, having marched 100 miles without 
eating a,nything ex<'ept raw food. As soon as their hunger was 
appeased, they again lay down to rest with nothing under them 
but the naked earth, and nothing over them but the starry canoi)y, 
and slept sweetly till aroused and called to arms. A sentinel who 
during the night discovered an Indian stealthily ghding toward 
the shore in a canoe, fired his gun which caused an alarm, but 
nothing further occurred to indicate the presence of an enemy. 
Early the following day the march was resumed with great vigor, 
all being elated with thehoi)e of soon overtaking- the Indians and 
terminating the war in a general battle^ Crossing the river be- 
tween two of the lakes, the army ascended an eminence, whence 
could be seen a panorama of wonderous beauty. Three of these 
lovely sheets of water environed by wooded hills and rolling- 
prairies were in full view. The hand of civilization had not 
marred their primeval beauty and everything- was wild and still, 
save the distant roar of the surging waters lashed by almost con- 
stant winds. 

The Indians, however, were only a few miles distantendeavoring 
to escape, and the hin-ried inarch to overtake them gave but little 
time to contemplate the surrounding scenery. The path of the 
fugitives w^as strewn with all kinds of haggage highly valued by 
the owners, which they were comi)elled to throw away to accelerate 
their Hight. Some of the horses were found dead, the result of 
exhaustion, and others were occasionally killed to aiford their 
hungry riders the means of sustenance. About 12 o'clock on the 
21st of July, 3 Indian spies A\ere overtaken and killed, and short- 
ly afterward the rear guard began to nuike faint stands as if 
desirous of bringing on a battle. It was, however, soon api)arent 
that their object was to gain time, for after firing a few rounds 
they would dash ahead while the pursuing force was forming for 
battle, in this manner by 4 o'clock they gained the bluffs of 
the Wisconsin, and as the vanguard of the Americans, consisting 
of two battalions commanded by ]\Iaj(»rs Dodge and Ewing, came 
ui> they weie tired upon by the Indians concealed in the tim])er 
Avhich skirts the bluff of the stream. Gen. Henry soon ariived, 
and the entire force waslbrnied in order of battle. Major Dodge's 
battalion constituted the extreme right of the line; Vo\. Jones' 
regiment the center, and Col. Collins' the left, while Major Ewing's 
battalion was placed in front, and Col. Ery's regiment in the 
rear as a reserve, A charge being ordered, Ewing's battalion and 
the regiments of Cols, Jones and Collins made a gallant onset up- 



BLACK HAWK WAR. 399 



on the enemy, causing liini to retire ol)liquely to tlie ri^lit and 
concentrate in front of the battalion of Major I)o(l<»e, who was 
then ordered to advance npon the foe, but considering- his forc^e 
inadeciuate and requesting- assistance. Col. Fry's reg-iment w as sent 
to his aid, when a vigorous charge was made from one end of the 
line to the other. Fiy's regiment and Dodge's battalion entere<l 
the timber and tall grass, exposed to the fi(»rce fire of the Indians, 
who maintained their ground till their adversaries could reach 
them with their bayonets, when they lied and took a new i»ositiou 
in th(^ head of a ravine faither westward, and leading to the low- 
lands of the river. Here they made a more stubborn resistance, 
but a handsome charge by Collins' and Jones' regiments and 
Ewing's battalion, foived some of them down the hollow, and 
others farther west\\ard along the bluffs, whence they escai)ed to 
the l)ottom boi'dering on the stream. This was about a mile wide 
and next to the river, covered with heavy timber, while near the 
bluff it. was swampy and overgrown with grass so tall as to be 
ab()\'e the heads of the nnm on horseback. It was now near sun 
down, andCien. lleiuy concluded it would be too hazardous to dis- 
lodge the enemy during the night, and accordingly Remained on 
the Ijattle ground. 

The battle of the Winconsin was the first imi)ortant victory 
obtained over the enemy during the war. The Indians ha<l witli 
them their women and children, and fully alive to the disastrous 
consccjuences which \vould attend defeat, Ibught with great deter- 
mination. During the engagement ]s^aopo[»e, their commander, 
posted himself on an elevation near his warriors and gave his 
orders in a voice of thunder, which could be distinctly heard above 
the din of battle. It was said that of all men he had the loudest 
voice, but it ceased to be lu^iril when his braves were driven from 
their position. Great praise was due the entire army, the officers 
Laving discharged their duties with great efificiency and the i)ri- 
vates exhibited unusual bra^'ery in the different charges made 
niKin the enemy. Gen. Henry Avas young and inexi)erienced, yet 
in his coolness and the judgment disi>layed in the disposition of 
bis forces acted the jttart of a veteran commander. He now con- 
cluded that if the Indians intended to continue the contest they 
would juake an attack during the night, and as a precaution he 
increased the strength of the guard and caused fires to be built in 
front of the camp and kept burning till morning. Orders were 
given that the mvu should sleep on their arms, and they had not 
long been wrapt in slumber w hen they were aroused by the tramp- 
ing of horses. It was su}>posed that the latter had been fright- 
ened by the approaching enemy, and the men were ordered to hold 
themselves during the renuunder of the night in readiness for an 
attack. vVbout 'A o'clock in the morning Na<)pop(^ took a stand on 
the same elevation he had occupied during the battle, and spoke 
with a loud voice, in the Winn<d)ago tongue, which in the calm of 
the night reverberated from hill to hill. It was ascertained when 
the war was over that he was suing for peace. He stated that his 
countrymen were in a starving condition and unable to fight the 
Americans, and that if they were permitted to peaceably return 
w^est of the Mississippi with their families they would do no fur- 
ther mischief. As the Indian guides had fled at the commence- 
ment of the battle there was no j)erson in the camp who under- 



400 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

stood his language, and it was supposed lie was giving conunands 
to his warriors. The Ainericaus expecting every moment to be 
attacked, Gen. Henry made a spirited speech in which he told 
them they were about to meet the savages who had butchered in 
cold blood so many of their helpless and unottending citizens, re- 
min<ied them of the obstacles which tlu'y had encountered and 
overcome during the campaign, and urged them not to tarnish the 
reputation they liad gained in the battle of the preceding day. 
Every man then took his position and renuiined in it till early 
dawn, when Ewing's battalion i)roceeded to the top of the hill 
whence the voice proceeded, but oidy found the foot-prints of a 
few horsemen. The army then marclied to the river and discov- 
ered that the Indians had crossed and made their escape among 
the mountains between it and the Mississippi. One hundred and 
sixty-eight of their fallen comrades were found dead on the held 
of battle, and the number of the wounded was perhaps i)ropor- 
tionately large, as 25 of them were subsequenly found dead along 
the track of their departing trail. Gen. Henry had one man 
killed and 8 wounded. The great disparity in the loss of the 
Americans, and that of the enemy was accounted for on the sup- 
position that the Indians had been taught to tire at men on horse- 
back and consequently aimed too high to hit their adversaries, who 
dismounted before entering battle. 



Chapter XXXV. 

1832— CLOSE OF THE WAR. 

Pursuit of the Indians — Battle of Bad-Axe — Arrival of Gen. 
Scott — Treaties with the Indians — Eastern Tour of the Prisoners — 
Death of Blaclc HatvJc. 



It will be remembered tlmt Adjutants Woodbridue and Merry- 
man, piloted by Little Thunder, were sent tlie secoud tiiue to (leu. 
Atkinson's headquarters. They arrived safely, and alter eonferr- 
ing with him, they were ordered to return A\ith instruetious 
authorizing Gen. Henry to pursue the trail of Black Hawk, an<l if 
possible overtake and capture his ibree, and that wlien his i)rovis- 
ious were exhausted he siiould goto the Blue Mounds for sui)])]ies, 
where he and his army would meet him. The messengers reached 
Gen. Henry during the recent battle, and the next day, as the 
army was without food and the means of rendering the wounded 
comfortable, it was determined to visit the Mounds for this pur- 
pose and replenish their stores. Xo one in the brigade, however, 
undeistood the topograi»hy of the country sufliciently well to act 
as guide. They had now penetrated 100 miles into an unexplored 
wilderness, and the A\l)inel)agoes who had accompained the 
expedition tied at the commencement of the battle and had not 
returned. A council was <'alled to consider the means of over- 
coming the difHculty, and while in session a white tlag was seen 
approaching, borne by a inimber of friendly Winnebagoes, who 
agreed to act as guides. Litters were constructed for the wound- 
ed, and on the 23d of July the army was again in motion, and 
after encountering a number of muddy creeks and a large extent 
of lough roads, they reached the Blue Mounds in safety. Here, 
as they had been advised, they found Gen. Atkinson, with the 
regular and volunteer forces under his immediate command, and a 
number of inhabitants, whose kind treatment made the wounded 
forget the hardships they had suffered in the journey thither. 

It was now evident that Gen. xitkinson and other ofHcers of the 
regular army were greatly mortified at the success ot Gen. Henry, 
as they did not intend tliat the militia should acquire any renown 
in the war. Gen. Atkinson relying mostly on the regulars, had 
always kept them in front, but unexpectedly while they were 
snugly ensconced at Lake Kushkanong, Gen. Henry discovered 
and vanquished the enemy as effectually as if the veterans had 
participated in the engagement. This unmanly jealousy was 
further intensified by tlie fact, that the victory had been ol)tained 
in opposition to the council and orders of those who arrogated to 
26 401 



402 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

themselves superior courage aud knowledge in the practice and 
art of war. 

All the generals were now together, but not all the men. Gen. 
Posey's brigade contained only 200 effective men ; Gen. Alexan- 
der's 350, and Gen. Henry's being also greatly reduced, tlie 
three brigades combined were not much strouger than'^one at 
the commencement of the campaign. In addition ta tlie volun- 
teer force, there were now 400 regulars under the command of 
Geu. Brady and his subordinate officers. Col. Taylor and Majors 
Eiley and ^Morgan. After spending 2 days at the Mounds, on the 
25th of July the whole army, under direction of Gen. Atkinson, 
again started after the Indians. The regulars marched in front, 
Posey's and Alexander's brigades and Dodge's battalion came 
next, and lastly Henry's brigade in charge of the baggage brought 
up the rear. The position assigned Gen. Henry, the hero of the 
battle of AV'isconsin, showed too plainly the ungenerous feeling that 
rankled in the breast of the commanding general. The whole 
army noticed the insult, and the brave men who were thus 
degraded knew they deserved better treatment, and justly claim- 
ed the i>ost of honor and of danger. It was now evident that if 
other laurels were to be won they would decorate other brows. 
Gen. Henry and his men, were too true to their duties as soldiers to 
suffer this iujustice to interfere with the success of the expedition, 
and therefore quietly trudged along in the rear, doing the drudg- 
ery of the army and taking charge of the baggage. On the 2Gtli 
they arrived at Helena, with a view to crossing the Wisconsin at 
that place. 

This village, formerly a promising town, was now abandoned by 
its inhabitants, and the houses were pulled down and converted 
into rafts on which to cross the river. During the construction of 
the rafts, scouts were sent up the river to the battle ground to 
ascertain if the Indians had returned thither as the course they 
had taken in their flight after the battle. A day was spent ill 
making explorations, but no trace of the enemy being discovered 
the party returued. On the 2Stli the whole army had gained the 
opposite bank of the river, and after marching a distance of 5 
miles fell in with the trail of the retreating fugitives. Before the 
discovery, the army was greatly disheartened, the distance to the 
Mississippi was supposed to he 80 miles, and it was seriously 
feared that ere the enemy could again be overtaken they would 
make their escape west of this stream. The men had become 
weary in hunting trails, but now it was found, the hope of again 
falliugin with the Indians was revivipd and all murmurs ceased. The 
trail at first followed the course of the river, but soon turned 
northward auiong huge mountains, which never before had echoed 
with the tread ot civilized men. Three weary days were consumed 
in sealing these precipitous elevations and crossing the interven- 
ing gorges, the one being covered with heavy timber and a dense 
undergrowth of briers and vines, and theothW filled Avith swamps 
of deep blitck mud. The men were well supplied with provisions, 
aud bore their labors with ('heerfulness, but it was diflieult fVu- the 
horses to iind grass, and many of them becoming deldlitated by 
hunger were l(>lt to perish in these pastureless solitudes. The con- 
dition of the Indians was extremely deplorable. They were com- 
pelled to subsist on roots, bark and the flesh of horses, aud their 



BLACK HAWK WAR. 403 

trail could be readily traced by blaidvcts, kettles and other articles 
abandoned to hasten their tii.^ht. Death, too, had marked their 
course with the bodies of those who had been wounded, most of 
whom had died more for the want of proper medical treatment 
than from the fatal nature of their injuries. 

At 10 o'clock on the mornin<i- of the 2d of August, the army 
reached the bluffs of the Mississippi, which at this i)oint were 
some distance from the stream. The Indians having reached the 
margin of the river some time before the arrival of the Americans, 
were busily engaged in ]»rei);irations to cross. Some had already 
reached the o])posite shore, :ind some of the women had been put 
in c;inoes and started down to I'rairie du Chien, but part of the 
latter were drowiUMl, and those who reached the town were found 
in a starving condition. Wliile thusem])loyed they were attacked 
by the steaml)oat AVarrior, which had been chartered for the pur- 
pose of conveying su[>i)lies to the army. On the 1st of August 
she was sent u}» the river to notify some friendly Indians that the 
Sacs were approaching, and to take them down to I'rairie du 
Chien. On his w^ay. Captain Throckmorton heard that Black 
Ha\vk was already enc^ainjied on the banks of the river, and he 
immediately made preparations for an attack. As the steand)oat 
Reared the camp of the Indians, they raised a white flag, which 
the captain affecting to believe was onl;y used as a mask to cover 
their real designs, ordered them to send a canoe alongside his 
boat. The order being declin<id, they were allowed 15 miiuites to 
remove their w-omeii and children, wlien a six-poundcr, loaded 
with caniuster, was discharged into their midst, l■oll()^^■ed by a 
sexere tire of inusketry. The battle continued about an hour, 
during which the enemy had 2.'> men killed and a proportionate 
number wounded. The fuel of the steaujer now began to fail, 
and night coming on, she fell down the river to Prairie du Chien, 
intending to return the next day. 

The captain of the Warrior, even if his surmises were correet 
respecting the [)ertidy of the Indians, was still liable to censure 
for the precipitancy with which he brought on the engagement. 
He and his men were beyond the reach of harm, and conseciuently 
both humanity and the rules of war required that he should have 
taken more than 1.5 minutes to discover the real motive of the In- 
dians in hoisting t\w symbol of peace. Black Hawk hhnself asserted 
that he directed his braves not to fire on the Warrior, as he intended 
going onboard in order to save his women and children, and that he 
raised ai white Hag and called to the captiiin oi' the boat for the 
puri)ose of effecting this object. His condition was now hopeless, 
his warriors, reduced in numbers, were exhausted by fatigue and 
hunger, while an overwhelming for(;e ready to move against hijn, 
was just in his rear. It is therefore highly probable that he was 
sincere and anxious to end the contest, in which so many of his 
people had been slaughtered ; and had the captain of the AVar- 
rior properly respetited the Hag <»f truce, which all ciAilized war- 
fare holds sacred, the campaign would have terminated without 
the further ett'usion of blood. 

Before the Warrior could retnrn to the Indian encampment, 
which was on the Mississippi below the mouth of the Bad Axe, 
Gen. Atkinson arrived and commenced a general battle. Black 
Hawk, aware that the American force was in close proximity, to 



404 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



gain time for crossing, with 20 warriors, went back to meet tliem, 
iiis object being to make an attack and tlien retreat up tlie river 
to decoy tlie Americans from the principal force. Accordingly, 
when the army reached the bluffs of the Mississippi, it w^as tired 
upon from behind trees by the Indians, the tall grass growing 
among the timber greatly favoring tlieir design. The order of 
battle being the same as at lirst : Major Dodge's battalion was in 
fj out, next the regulars, then the brigades of Alexander and Posey 
and lastly the command of Henry. At the first indications of op- 
position. Gen. Atkinson rode to the scene of action and in person 
<lirected the charge against the Indians, who of course fell back, 
and were pursued up the river by the wliole army except the force 
under the immediate connnand of Gen. Hemy and Major Ewing. 
In the hurried pursuit he was called ou for one regiment to cover 
the rear of the pursuing forces, and the rest were left witliout or- 
ders. It now seemed that fortune was determined to distinguish 
her favorite son, despite the intention to disgrace him. He who 
during the whole marcli had been kept in the rear, now by the 
strategy of a few untutored savages who had triumphed over the 
science of the veteran general, was suddenly placed in front. 

While Gen. Atkinson was ascending the river, the nuxin trail 
leading directly to it was discovered by Major Ewing's men, who 
were in front. Ilcniy being notified of the fact, followed to the foot 
of the bluffs bordering the \'alley, where he left his horses and ar- 
ranged his men for an attack. Eight men were sent forward as a. 
forlorn hope to draw the fire of the enemy, and thus disclose their 
situation in the drift wood and brush through which the trail led. 
The men moved boldly forward till they came in sight of the river, 
when they were fired uijon by about 50 Indians, who were in ad- 
vance of the main force. Five of the eight instantly fell, either 
killed or wounded, while the other three, protected by timber, re- 
mained in their position till the army came to their rescue. Henry 
innnediately oidered a charge, before which the Indians retreated 
to the nuiin body, amounting to 300 warriors and fully equal to 
the force contending against them. The whole force of the enemy 
becoming involved, fought with great bravery and determination, 
yet they had evidently been surprised and there was little concert 
of action. Closely pressed they fell back from position to i)osi- 
tion, until the baidv of the river was reached, where retreat being- 
impossible a frightful carnage ensued. The bloody bayonet in the 
hands of an excited soldiery, drove them into the water, when 
some of the survivors endeavored to swim the river and others 
sought refuge in a willow island 150 yards from the shore. 

About this time Gen. Atkinson and that portion of the army 
which had been decoyed up the river, made their appearance at 
the scene of confiict. Henry had previously sent messengers to 
inform him that he had discovered the main force of the enemy, 
but the roar of battle apprised him of the situation before mes- 
sengers had time to reach him. He came but found the battle 
substantially over, the dead and dying xtrewn upon the fatal field, 
disc-losing the stern work which had been done in his absence, 
freeing the position of the enemy, he immediately ordered a descent 
u)>on the island. A force consisting of the regulars, Ewing's and 
Dodge's battalions and Ery's regiment, charged through the water 
up to their arms, to dislodge them from their last refuge. When 



BLACK HAWK WAR. 405 



tlie island Mas piined most of the enemy wlio liad tied thither 
Aven^ killed or oa})tnred, those atteinptiug-to swim to the opposite 
shore bein_i>- either shot in the Avater or drowned. Larye numbers 
of women and cliiklren lost their lives, owing to the fact that they 
were dressed so mncli like the men it was impossible to distinguish 
them in tha high grass and weeds which obstructed the view. 
Some of them plunged into the jMississippi ami were shot escaping 
in the proniiscnous ciowd which was bufteting the waves in the 
attempt to reach the o])[»osite shore.* 

It is su])iK)setl that tlte entire Indian loss amounted to loO killed 
and as many lost by drowning in the attempt to swim the river. 
About 50, consisting mostly of women and children, were taken 
l)risoners. The An)erican loss amounted to 17 killed. 

tioon after tlie battle was over, the captain of the Warrior 
steamed up the river and connuenced raking the island, thinking 
that the Indians were still on it. The land forces hearing his 
guns, sup[)osed he was tiring a salute in lionorof the victory, and 
fired a volley in acknowledgment, ami it was not till she came to 
hind that iiitelligencv was for the tirst time interchanged in regard 
to the battles which had prevu)usly been fought by the respective 
ibrces. 

Gen. Atkinson considering the war virtually ended, on the 4th 
of August, with the regulars, prisoners and wonnde<l, on board 
the Warrior, fell dmvn the river to Prairie du Chien, and the 
mounted men ujarched to the same place by land. The ]iews of 
the battle liad [)receded the advent of the army, and when it 
arrived the MenouKuiee Indians were expressing tlu^ir joy at the 
defeat of the Sacs and Foxes l)y nuisic and dancing. Having 
obtained several scalps from the squaws of the enemy, they pre- 
sented them to their own women, whose relatives had been, 
murdered the preceding year at Fort Crawford by the same tiibes. 
These trophies, held alott on poles, constitute«l a prominent feature 
of the dance, which was conducted in the following manner: the 
men and women stood in two lines facing each other, while the 
squaw.s holding the .scalps were situated between. The party w^as 
furnished with a rudely constructed drum, and each one Avho 
participated in the dance held in his hand a gourd partially tilled 
with j>ebbles, which were ratth'd to keep tinu' with the drum. 
Thus arranged, and equipped at the sound of the (hum the exercise 
coiumeneed, each dancer moving around the cejitral grou]), sup- 
poiting the Hcalps, and uttering a loud monotonous refrain, kei)t 
time by stamping with his feet and shaking his gourd. As the 
exercise was})rotractedthechantbecame louder and moreaninnited, 
the ju]rq)ing correspiuidingiy higher and more boisterous, and the 
scalps were twirled in the air with increased vehemence. During 

[NoTK.— Many painful scenes of adventure and horror were crowded into the 3 hours' 
coiitiiuiancoof tlie battle. A Sac woman, the sister of a warrior of some notoriety, 
found hereeU' in the thickest of the flarht, but at length sueceeeded in reaching the river, 
when keeping her infant child safe in its blankets by means of her teeth, she plunged into 
the water, seized the tail of a horse with her hands whoso rider was swimming the 
stream and was drawn safely across. A younsrsquaw during the t>at tie was standing iu the 
grass ashort (iistance from the American line, holding her child, a little girl of 4 years, 
in her arms. In this position a ball struck the i-iglit arm of the child and shattering the 
lione, passed into the breast of tlie young mother and instantly killed her. She fell 
upon the child and confiaed it to the ground till the Indians were driven from this part 
of the held. Gen. Anderson of the United States army, hearing its cries went to the 
spot and takuig it from under the dead body, carried it to the surgeons to have its 
wound dressed The arm was amputated and during the operation the half starved 
child did not cry. but sat quietly eating a hard piece of biscuit. It was sent to Prairie 
du Chien and entirely recovered. 



40G HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



the entire performance tbe bodies of tlie dancers were bent forward 
bringiiio- their noses so -close together as freqnently to touch, and 
when finally they became exhausted the exercise ended. 

The 2d day after their arrival, Gen. Atkinson having- every 
reason to believe that the Winnebago chiefs had been treacherous, 
summoned them for the purpose of having a talk. He accused 
them of deception and rendering assistance to the Sacs, and 
Winnesheik, one of tlieir number, having connnanded the Indians 
in the recent battle, and his sons who were subsequently brought 
in wounded, were put in i)rison. Gen Street, the Indian agent, 
Avho was present at the conferenix^, then told the chiefs that if they 
would bring in Black Hawk and the pr(>i)het, it would be well with 
them, and the government would hold them in future as friends. 
At this declaration, Decori, Cheater, and two other chiefs, at the 
bead of a small party of Sioux and Winnebagoes, started after 
the two fugitives, who with 20 men, during the battle of the Bad 
Axe fled up the river. The Sioux and the Sacs had been at war 
for years, and the former eagerly embraced the oi)purtunity now 
offered to avenge their wrongs by bringing them to i)unishment. 
The Winnebagoes, although first symi»athizing with the lu»stile 
band, like civilized man in the hour of adversity, when friendship 
is mostly needed, proved unfaithful. As soon as warliad demon- 
strated the comparative strength of the two belligerents, their 
cringing and crafty nature commenced i)andering to the power 
of the conquerors. 

On the 7th of August, Gen. Scott who with 9 companies of 
infantry had been sent from the eastern sea-board, arrived and 
assumed connnand. He started from F(Utress Miniroe, lunl in 18 
days 4 of the companies reached Chicago, <listaut 1800 miles, which 
before the existence of the i)resent railroad facilities was an 
uni)arelled feat of celeiity. The Mhole force A\as destined for 
Chicago, but the virus of a disease more fatal than the sword 
preyed upon their vitals, and prevented the accomplishment of 
the object contemi>1ated. Tlie expedition, tilled with patriotic 
ardor, arrived safe at Detioit, and while moored at its wharves 
two cases of a strange disease made their appearance and created 
unusual alarm. The army surgeons and local physicians were 
immediately sumnnnied, but desi)ite all their efforts two soldiers 
attacked Avere no more. The Asiatic Cholera, then a new disease 
on the continent of America Avas raging in the Atlantic cities, 
and had now broken out in the army, causing terror and gloom 
forest (m every countenance. The expedition passed on to Fort 
Gratiot, distant 40 miles, where 5 comjtanies, numbering 280 men, 
who, either unwilling or unable to proceed further, were landed. 
Sonu' of theui died in the hospitals, and (»the]s fleeing to avoid 
the pestilence, wandeicd ho])elessly over the country, shunned by 
the inhabitants, not through inhumanity, but the fear of contag- 
ion, till natuH' becoming exhausted they laid down in the fields 
and (■x])ired. The entire nund)er with the exception of 9 perished, 
Avithout a frieiuliy hand to offer them assistance, or console them 
in the last nnunents of existence. Of the other 4 companies oO 
died on the Avay to Chicago, and as a sustitute for burial, Avere 
lieaved into the watei-s of the lake. Arriving at Chicago on the 
8th of July, Fort Dearborn was converted into a hospital, and 
the families which had taken temporary refuge Avithin its Avails 



BLACK HA^VK WAR. 407 



from the attacks of the ludiaiis, were turned roofless on the 
prairie. lu 30 days 90 inmates of the ]ios})ital became victims of 
tlie destroyer, and life was hardly extinct before they were cast, 
unwept and uncoffined, into pits, to prevent the spread of the 
epidemic* 

After the disease had abated, the march was resumed, and finally 
the remnant of the force which had started with such bri^lit 
anticipations of glory, reached Fort Armstron<i;' on the Mississipi)i, 
the latter jiart of Au.uust. Here not only many of the survivors 
perished, but the Indians were also attacked, and lar^e numbers 
of them swept away. Gen. Scott arrived only in tinui to i)artici- 
pate in the negotiations which followed the war, but in his 
humane exertions in behalf of the soldiers, lie won laurels far 
transcending the glory of the most brilliant campaign against the 
enemy. 

The further imrsuit of the Indians being considered unnecessary, 
on the arrival of Gen. Scott the volunteers started for Dixou 
to be laustered out of service. Arriving thither on the 17th, they 
were discharged, and each soldier now released from military life 
returned to his home, kindred ami friends, pleased with the con- 
gratulations which were ever extended, ami feeling honored in 
having been instrumental in freeing the country from the lavages 
of the merciless foe. 

Many of the noted men of the State had been engaged in the 
war, and many, at that time unknown to fame, afterward attained 
the highest honors in the gift of the country which the\' risked 
their lives to defend. Of the former class were Eeynolds and 
Scott, men of State and national reputations. Of the latter, S. II. 
Anderson becante lieutenant governor. James Turuey, attorney gen- 
eral ; \V. L. I). Ewing, auditor of [>ub]ic accounts ; Sidney Iheese, 
chief justice of the State; John Tliomas and John Dement, State 
treasurers; Thonuis Ford ami Joseph Duncan, governors of the 
State; Henry Dodge governor of AVisconsin, and General Taylor 
and Abraham Lincoln presidents of the United States. Jefferson 
Davis, the ri\'al of the latter, also participated in the Mar, but his 
future career as the chief of the great rebellion, gave him a fame 
in striking contrast with that which was won by the martyr of 
liberty and the saxior of his country. 

Among the many who distinguished themselves in the war, 
there was no one more efticient as an officer, or mcu'e highly 
respected by the people of Illinois, than Gen. James D. Henry. 
His great sagacity and determination at Fort Winnebago, gave a 
new direction to the campaign and enabled the army to overtake 
the Indians. He was the cliief commander in the battle of the 
Wisconsin, which followed tlie lirst decisive victory of the war, 
and tiie Itattle of the Bad axe which closed it, was the result of 
his generalshii> and not of the superior officers who endeavored to 
prevent his sharing in its dangers and honors. 

*'The burial of the dead was entrusteil to a serj^eant. who executed his duty with 
military precisiou, as soon as life was extinct. On one occiision several were removed 
from the hospital to be buried at once. The prave had already been dus-, and the 
bodies wrapped in blankets were laid by its side, the last military honors had been paid, 
and nothing' more remained to complete the service Init to tumble them one aftei* 
another in, when a corpse appeared to move. A brother soldier resortingr thither, his 
old messmate, ojiened his eyes and asked h Im for some water The serjreant said they 
might take htm back, as he" was not yet ready for burial. The order was obeyed and 
the soldier lived many years thereafter." Brown's History of Illinois. 



408 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



He was a native of Peimsylvauia, aud iu tlie year 1822 emigra- 
ted to Illinois and located at Edwardsville. Born in poverty and 
obscnrity, liis earlier years were entirely devoted to mannal toil, 
and when lie attained' the age of manhood he was hardly able to 
read or write. For some time after his arrival at Edwardsville, he 
worked as a mechanic dnring the day, and at night attended 
school for the purpose of improving his education. After leaving 
school, and engaging for a short time in the mercantile business, 
he removed in 1820 to Springfield, and was elected sheriff of San- 
gamon county. The integrity and sound judgment exhibited iu 
discharging the duties of this oftice, attracted the attention of 
Gov. Reynolds, who at the breaking out of the war made him one 
of his aids. He was exceedingly modest and retiring till his pas- 
sions were fully aroused, and then he showed an intensity of 
feeling and an iron will, Avhich was irresistible so far as he had 
power to act. The fear of nothing except his maker ever entered 
Ids breast, and he knew and cared as little for danger and death 
as a marble statue. His extreme sensibility and diffidence never 
permitted him to appear in the society of ladies. At the close of 
the IMack Hawk war, the citizens of Springtield gave him a 
splendid reception in honor of his services, but he never entered 
the a])artments Avhere the ladies presided. At the close of the 
war he was the most i)0[nilar man in Illinois, and had he lived 
he could have been elected to any office in the gift of the jieople. 
His health and constitution were originally good, but the hardships 
of tlie war induced consumption, wliich caused his death, on the 
4th of March, 1831, at IS^ew Orleans, whither he had gone for the 
benetit of the clinuite and medical treatment. Such was his sin- 
gular modesty, that during his sickness in the city, he never 
mentioned his connection with the Black Hawk war, and no one 
knew he was Gen. Henry until after his death. 

AVliile Henry Avas duly appreciated at home, he never received 
abroad the honors to which he was entitled. The news of the war 
first made its appearance in The CiaJeiiian, a neAvspai)er printed 
at Galena, and tlu' only sheet issued north of Springfield. I)r. 
Philleo, the editor belonged to Dodge's battalion, and when from 
time to time he chronicled the events of the war and sent them 
home for i^ublication, he gave his own command a i)rominence in 
the war to which it Avas not entitled. By a Avilful i)erversion of 
facts, he never mentioned Henry except as a suboi'dniate officer, 
while Major Dodge was spoken of as a general, thus creating the 
impression that the former commanded a brigade, and the latter 
a battalion, when the reverse Avas true. His letters Avere copied 
in the news]>a}»ers throughout the TJ. S,, as authentic ncAvs, and in 
a nund)er of cities it Avas asserted that Dodge Avas the principal 
commander of the Avar, and the names of Henry, Atkinson and 
Taylor, if mentioned at all. were only in connection with subordi- 
nate i)ositions. This delusion Avas afterAvard of immense advan- 
tage to Miijor Dodge, but independent of the prestige thus 
a(;(piired, lie was a man of great popidarity and infiuence. 

On the 27th of August, Decori and Cheaters, after an absence 
of 20 days, returned with Black Hawk, the luophet, and a number 
of other ])risoners. On handing them over to Gen. Street, Decori 
said : "Father, Ave deliAer these men into your custody. We do 
not entrust them even to your brother, the chief of the warriors, 



BLACK HAWK WAR. 409 

but to you, because we kuow you, and we believe you are our 
friend. We waut you to keep tlieui safe ; if tliey are to suffer we 
do uot want to see it. Wait until we are ^one before it is done. 
Father, numy little birds have been flying about our ears of late, 
and we thought they whispered to us that there was evil intended 
for us, and we now hope they will let us alone." Gen. Street 
replied: "My children, you have done well. I told you to bring 
these men to me, and you have done so. I assured Gen. Atkin- 
son that if these men were in your country, you would lind them 
and bring them to me, and now I can say nuich for your good. I 
will go down to Ivock Island with the prisoners, and I wish you as 
you have brought them, esi)ecially to go with me, with such other 
chiefs and waii'iors as you may select." 

In pursuance of the treaty to be entered into, on the 10th of 
Se]»teniber lUack Hawk, his two sons, Wishick, Isaopope, the 
pro})het, and a number of Winnebago chiefs, were sent down to 
liock Island, where Keokuk and his warriors were to meet them. 
Likewise the remnant of Black Hawk's band also followed him to 
to the same i)lace. Such was their utter destitution that they 
excited the compassion of all who saw them, and Gen. Scott, who 
was as sympathetic as brave, kindly bestowed on them everything 
that could supply their wants or relieve their suffering. On the 
15th a treaty was made with the Winnebagoes, whereby they sold 
to the United States all their lands east of the Mississip})i and 
west of Green bay. As a consideration, the go\ernment agreed 
to give them a large region of country west of the ri\'er, to i>ay 
them $70,000 in ten annual installments, to maintain schools for 
the education of tlieir children for a period of L'O years, and to in- 
struct them in agriculture and furnish them with cattle and 
imj)lements for its practical introduction among them. 

To escape from the cholera, which was still raging at Rock Is- 
land among the Indians and eastern troops. Gen. Scott and Gov. 
lieynolds, with the princi[)al chiefs of the Sacs and Foxes, fell 
down the river to Jefferson Barracks, where they entered into a 
treaty with them also. They ceded to the government the tract 
of laud embraced in tlie present limits of Iowa and a part of Wis- 
consin, and received in return, besides some nunor considerations, 
an anmiity of $20,000 for a period of 30 years. As a. reward to 
Keokuk and his friendly band, a reservation of 40 miles square 
was n)ade to them in Iowa, including their principal village. It 
was also proposed to Keokuk to establisli schools for the benefit 
of his tribe, but he rejected the i>roposition, alleging that it niiglit 
do well enough for the whites, but he had observed that it made 
Iiuliaiis worse to educate them. By these treaties the United 
States obtained 00,000,000 acres of laml, at a cost truly insigniti- 
cant compared Avith their real value. Such, however, is the 
measures usually meted by the stronger to the weaker power, and 
such is the fate of savage races when brought in contact with the 
di})l()ma('y of civilized men. Viewed in the light of a commercial 
transaction, such a disparity of \'alues seems monstrous: but when 
we (consider the Earth is the comnuju heritage of the human 
family, and that an advanced state of the arts and sciences is 
essential toitsdevelopjuent, we become reconciled to it as anecessity 
in the onward march of civilization. 

The Indian prisoners who were to be retained diu'ing the pleasure 
of the President, were confined in the barracks till the following 



410 HISTORY OF ILLESTOIS. 



spring'. Of the himdreds who visited them during the winter, one 
of them writes : 

" We were immediately struck with admiration at the gigantic and 
symmetrical figures of most of the warriors, who seemed as they re- 
clined in their native ease and gracefulness, with their half naked bodies 
exposed to view, rather like statues from some master hand than beings 
of a race whom we had heard cliaracterized as degenerate and debased." 

Keokuk visited them the following spring, and made great ex- 
ertions for their release, offering to become responsible for their 
future conduct, but a message was received by Gen. Atkinson 
from the Secretary of War, ordering them to be sent to the 
national capital. Under the escort of an ofiicer of the army on 
the L'2d of April, 1833, they reached Washington, and had an 
interview with the President. Black Hawk closed his speech, 
delivered on this occasion, in the following words: "We did not 
expect to conquer the whites — they have too many houses, too 
many men. I took up the hatchet for my i>art. to revenge injuries 
Avliich my people could no longer endure. Had I borne them 
longer without striking, my people would have said Black HsiAvk 
is a woman ; he is too old to be a chief; he is no Sac. These reflec- 
tions caused me to raise the war-whoop. 1 say no more, it is 
known to you. Keokuk once was here ; you took him by the 
hand, and when he wished to return to his home, you were willing. 
Black Hawk expects, like Keokuk, we shall be permitted to return, 
too." The president informed tljem that they nuist go to Fortress 
Monroe and remain there till the conduct of their i)eoi)le satistied 
him that they intended to comply with the stipulations of the 
treaty. He also assured them that their women and children, 
for whom they expressed solicitude, should be protected from their 
enemies. On the 2Gth of Ai)ril, they set off for the Fortress, 
where they remained until the 4tli of July following, when an order 
was received from the president directing their release and return 
home. The kind treatment of Colonel Eustice, in command of the 
prison, had so won thefrieiulship of the captives, that when about 
to leave Black Hawk waited on the colonel and said: "The 
memory of your friendship will remain till the Great Spirit says 
it is tijne for Black Hawk to sing his death song." Presenting 
him hith a hunting shirt and some eagle's feathers, he added : 
"Accept these, my brother; 1 have given some like them to the 
"White Beaver; accept them as a memorial of Black Hawk. When 
he is faraway they will serve to remind you of him." 

From Fortress Monroe they were taken to lialtimore, where they 
liad another interview with the President, who informed them that 
Gen. Atkinson and Keokuk their })rineii»al chief were anxious for 
their retui ii home, and that he ha<l ordered Major Garland, who 
would accompany them thither, lirst to coiubict them through 
some of the i)riuei|)al cities, that they might witness the power ot 
the United States and learn their owii inability to co]>e with them 
in war. "Go back," said he, "and listen to the counsel of Keo- 
kuk and other chiefs; bury the tomahawk and live in peace with 
the fioiitiers, an<l 1 pray the Great Spirit to give a smooth path 
and a fair sky for your return." 

Leaving Jhdtiiuoie they reached Philadeljdiia onthelOth of 
J.une, and renuiined long emnigh to see the princii)al objects of in- 
terest in the city and exliil)ited themselves to the curious thou- 



BLACK HAWK WAR. 411 



saixls who flocked to see them. Bhxck Hawk in n^feiTing' to his 
conduct with the ITiiited States, said to the multitude about liim: 
" ]My heart ^rew bitter against the whites and my hands strong. 
I dug up the toinaliawk and led my warriors on to battle. I 
fouglit hard and much blood was shed, but tire white men were 
mighty; they were many and my people failed." On the morning 
of the 14th they started for Xew York and arrived at the Battery, 
in the midst of a- vast assemblage of people who had been drawn 
together to witness the ascent of a balloon. This novel spec- 
tacle greatly astonished the Endiaiis. and one of them asked 
the ])rophet if the aeronaut was going to the Great Spirit, On 
landing, the i»ress of the multitude winch crowded to see them was 
so great that they could not reach the hotel till they were phiced 
in carriages and committed to the care of the police. Wlnie in 
the city they were treated with marked civility, being conducted 
with ceremony to tlieatres, ])ul>lic gardens, and other places of iu- 
terest, and receiving many handsonu; [trescnts. 

Major Garland had been directed to conduct the prisoners as 
far north as Boston, but while in ^e\v York he was ordered to as- 
cend the Hudson and pioceed with them directly to their home in 
the West. In pursuance of the arrangenu^its, on the 22d of June 
the party started westward, to the. great disap])ointment of the 
Bostonians, who wanted an opportunity to see and lionize the sav- 
age disturbers of the Northwest. At Albany, Buffalo, Detroit, 
and other i)laces along the route, the attentions paid them ren- 
dered their progress through the country a triumphal procession, 
instead of the custody of i)risoners in the hands of an officer. In 
passing the site of the old Sac village at the mouth of Bock river, 
Bhu'lc Jlawk l)ecanu^ melancholy and ex])ressed nuiny regrets at 
the causes whicli comjx'lh'd him as an exile to leave it. The host 
of warriors whom hedeliglited to lead to battle were now no more; 
.his village was reduced to ashes, his family was dispersed anu)ng 
strangers, and he a sui)p]iant for a home in a foreign country. 
Finally, about the 1st of August, the i)arty reached Ivock Island, 
wjiich had been selected by Major Garhind as a suitable place for 
tlic liberation of the captives. The river at this place is a beau- 
tiful sheet of clear, swift running water, a mile wide ami divided 
near the centre by Eock Island, which rises to a considerable 
height above the surface ami stretches several miles up and down 
the river. It originally produced nuts and a variety of other wild 
fruits, and being in the rapids, it was a favorite resort for Indian 
fisherman who caught large quantities of excellent tish in the 
swilt, pure waters that wash its rocky base. There was an Indian 
tradition that the island was inhabited by a good spirit which 
dwelt in a- cave among the rocks. It had a ])lumage white as 
snow, wings much larger than those of the swan, an<l its voice in 
the Sac language was the sweetest music. The good si)irit had 
sent it to teach the Sacs and Foxes wisdom and goodness and as 
a guardian divinity to preside over the destinies of the nation. In 
former times it had fre(juently been seen, but alarmed at the 
building of.Fcn't Armstrong and the wickedness of the white men, 
it sprejul its snowy i)inions and was seen no more. 

The white-washed walls of the fort loomed u]) from the high 
bluffs at the lower extremity of the island, giving to the fortress 
the appearance of an enchanted castle Avheu seen from a distance 



412 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

in the beauty of the surrounding- scenery. From its towers could 
be seen tlie blue bills, wliicli rising by a gentle acclivity from tlie 
river follow its meandering course and bound the valley through 
which it flows. The valley is several miles in width, and at that 
time was interspersed with groves of tindjer, which gave it a ver- 
nal sweetness and beauty rarely equalled. Eock river could be 
seen in the distance, forcing its pure waters over a rocky rapid 
into the floods of the Mississippi. On the uorth bank of the Ibr- 
mer was the site of the Sac village, and directly opposite, on the 
west bank of the latter, that of the Foxes, which time had con- 
secrated as the Jerusalem of these tribes. Ko other locality could 
have awakened in the mind of Black Hawk so many painful 
memories. Here he had gamboled away his youth in its wooded 
haunts; for half a century it had witnessed his power and iuHu- 
ence, and now it was to become the scene of his submission to a 
hated rival. 

Immediately after his arrival, JMaJor Garland sent out runners 
to summon the neighboring Indians to meet him in council. Keo- 
kuk iind his braves had been out on a butialo hnnt, and were al)out 
20 miles below on their way to the fort in anticipation of meeting 
the captives. He informed the messengers that he would be at 
Kock Island at noon the following day, and accordingly, at the 
ap[)ointed time his fleet was seen ascending the river, the wild 
songs and shouts of his men echoing from shore to shore. A large 
craft, covered with a spacious canoi)y and bearing the Anu'rican 
flag, moved in the van, carrying Keokuk and his three wives. 
About 20 more canoes in the rear, each containing several war- 
riors, comjdeted the im})Osing pageant which gallantly moved 
over the still waters. After ascending the stream some distance 
above the fort and returning, a landing was effected on the east- 
ern bank opposite the encampment of Black Hawk, where the 
warriors s[)ent several hours in painting their faces and equiping 
themselves with imi)lements of war. These preparations being 
comi>leted, the party i)assed directly across the ri\er, and Keokuk 
landing tiist turned to his warriors and said: '-The Great 8})irit 
has sent our brother back to us, let us shake hands with him in 
friendship. Then fully armed lie slowly ai)proached and saluted 
Bhick Hawk, who was leaning on his stati' in front of his lodge. 
His followers, in like manner, having taken the old man by the 
hand, tlie])ipe was introduced, and after an hour of pleasant civ- 
ilties, Keokuk and his braves arose and took leave of the captives, 
piomising to see them again at the council. The fort in the mean- 
time had been titted up for this purpose. A grand convocation of 
In<lians assembled the next day to witness the liberation of the 
prisoners. At ten o'clock in the morning Keokuk and 100 war- 
riors proceeded to the fort and wi're shown seats in the coun- 
cil rooms. Not long after the captives made their appearance, and 
as they enteicd the room the chiefs who had preceded them ga\e 
them a cordial greeting. Black Hawk and his son, who had pre- 
viously objected to the council as unnecessary and i)ainful to their 
feelings, seemed much dejected. In the midst of the profound 
silence, which for a time prevailed in the hall, Major Garland arose 
and said to the assembled chiefs that he was much pleased at the 
fraternal feeling which they had extended to the i)risoners since 
their arrival, and he trusted that this would continuCj and there- 



BLACK HAWK WaE. 413 



after they would dwell tog'etlier iu liarnioiiy and peace. lie tlieii 
caused a letter from the President to be read, adniouishing- the 
captives to cultivate the friendship of their neighbors, to hunt and 
sujiport their families, and threatening the severest penalties if 
they again disturbed the frontiers. Keokuk rei)lied : " AVe re- 
ceive our brothers in iriendsliii). Our hearts are good towards 
them. They have listened to bad counsel; now tlieir ears are 
closed. I give my hand to them; when they shake it they shake 
the hands of all. 1 will shake hands with them and then 1 am 
done." 

Major Garland, to be more ex}>licit, again arose and stated that 
it must be distinctly understood that tlje two bands of the 8acs 
and Foxes must now be nu'rgcd into one; that Bhu-k Hawk must 
listen to the council of Keokuk, and that the I'resident would 
hereafter recognise the latter as tlie i)iincipal chief of the nation. 
AVheu Black Hawk understood that he was required toconfoim to 
the advice of his rival, he became deei»ly agitated and his excited 
passions burst forth with uncontrollable violence. AVith intense in- 
dignation of countenance and the vehemence which characterizes 
the savage when roused to action, as soon as he could control his 
feelings sufficient to articulate, he exclaimed : "1 am a nnm; 1 will 
not conform to the counsel of any one. I will act for myself; no 
one shall govern me. I am old ; my hair is gray. 1 once gave 
counsel to my young men; am I now to conform to others ? 1 will 
soon go the Great Spirit where I shall be at rest. What I said to 
our great father in Wasliington I say again. I will always listen 
to him. I am done." Keokuk apologized for his indiscretion, say- 
ing: "Our brother who has come to us has spoken, but he did it 
in w^rath; his tongue Avas double and his words were not lilce ii 
Sac. He knew they were bad. He trembled like the oak wliose 
roots have been wasted by many rains. He is old ; what he said 
let us forget. He says he did not mean it; he Avishes it forgot- 
ten. I have spoken for him. VN'hat I have said are his own words." 

Major Garhmd now informed the humbled chieftain that he was 
satistied that his conduct in the future would be acceptable to the 
people of the United States, and that he and his fellow prisoners 
might now consider themselves at liberty. The council then ad- 
journed, and early the next morning the Indians crossed the Mis- 
sissippi and dispersed to their resi)ective homes in the forest. 

A violent war haviiig subsequently broken out between the 
Sacs and Foxes and Sioux, in the autumn of 1837 Black Hawk 
again visited Washington with a deputation of chiefs who had 
been invited thither by the President, for the purpose of adjusting 
their difficulties. After their return he settled iu what is now Lee 
county, Iowa, where he spent the winter. In thesiuing of ]<So8 
he moved his family to the Des :\b)ines, and built him a dwelling 
near the village of his tribe, 20 miles above the mouth of the river. 
He furnished his new wigwam after the manm^rof the Avliites, cul- 
tivated a few acres in corn, melons and other vegetables, and 
when visited by the Americans entertained them Avith true Indian 
hospitality. The following autumn he visited an Indian trader, 
near Burlington, and as the result of exj^osure, on his return he 
contracted a disease Avhich terminated his life. His countrymen 
with the reverential respect Avhich they had for the dead, assem- 



414 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



bled to bury tlie mortal remains of their departed chief. The 
body dressed in a uniform wliich had been presented to him in one 
of his eastern tours by the Secretary of War, was born to its last 
resting place by four of his warriors. The graAC was an excavation 

feet deep, and into this tlie body was (h^posited in an upright pos- 
ture, with the right hand resting on a cauc \vhi(;h had be«m pre- 
sented to him by Henry Clay. A mound several feet high was 
thrown up over the grave, at the head of which was planted a 
staff bearing the tlag of the United States, and at the foot a post 
on wliich was carved in Indian characters, tlie age of the deceased. 
Those in attendance at the funeral expressed their sorroAv after 
the usual numner of the tribe, by sliaking hands and uttering 
imiyers that the spirit of the chief miglit have a safe entrance 
into the land prepared for tlie reception of souls. 

Thus, after an ad\'enturous and shitting life of 72 years, Black 
Hawk was gathered to his fathers. The banuer of war fell nerve- 
less from his * grasp ; his voice at the council tire was heard no 
jiiore, and his restless and)ition was stilled in the sleep of death. 
AVhile the rustling October leaves, moved by the sighing winds, 
chanted a requiem over his ashes, the liberated shade sped to 
the happy hunting grounds beyond the setting sun, wliich, ac- 
cording to Indian theology, only the good and the brave are per- 
mitted to enter. 

Perhaps no one of his race excelled Bhu^k Hawk in humanity 
and love of country. He always repelled with indignation the 
charge that he murdered women and children, or mistreated his 
prisoners. His patriotism is seen in the last speech he ever made 
in the presence of the Americans, who had driven him from the 
ancestral seat of his tribe: "Eock river was a beautiful country. 

1 like my towns, my cornfields, and the home of my people. I 
fought for it f it is now yours; it will produce you good crops." 
These sentiments were not only creditable to the heart of the 
speaker, but essen4:ial in forming a just estinmte of his motives 
in contesting the removal of his people from their mlti^'e land. 
In his domestic relations, he was kind and effectionate, and unlike 
other chiefs, never had but one wife.* After his cami)aign in the 
British army, his first act was to visit his family. '•! have 
started," says he, "to visit my wife and children. I found them 
Avell, and my boys growing finely. It is not custonniry for us to 
say nuich about our women, as they generally i)erform their part 
cheerfully, and never interfere with the business belonging to the 
men. This is the only wife I ever had, or ever will have; she is a 
good woman, and teaches my boys to be brave." In his private 
relations his integrity was not questioned, and when in a public 
capacity he disregarded treaties, he was actuated rather by 

*It is said, however, upon g-ood authority, that on a certain occasion, his vow of 
exclusive rtovotion to one wile had weU nijjh lieen broken. While visiting a respec- 
table frontier settler, many years since, he became pleased with the comely daus-hter 
of his host, and huvinjj seriously contemplated the matter, decided in favor of the 
expediency of adding- the inih-faced bcautv to the domestic circle of his wig-wam. He 
accordingly expressed his wishes to the father of the youn? lady, and proffered to 
pive hnn a horse in exchanue tor his daughter, but to his" surprise, the offer was declin- 
ed. Some days afterward, he ret\irned and tendered two fine horses, but still the 
father refused to iii;ike the arrangement. The old chief's love for the young: lady, 
fi-rowiii!' striiiiyer, in proportion to the difficulty of gaining- her father's consent, sub- 
sei|ueiitly he offered six hoi-ses for her, but even this munificent price was rejected by 
the mercenary father. IJlaek Hawk now gave up the neg-otiation, not a little 
surprised at the high value which the white men placed upon their daughters 



BLACK HAWK WAR. 415 



wrongs whicli lie had suifered, than want of respect for his ohliga- 
ions. A dispassionate view of the war and its causes, will show 
that he had grievances, and when it was impossible to redress 
them in a peaceable manner, appealed to arms as the only arbi- 
trament. 



Chapter XXXVI. 
1834-1838— ADMIXISTEATIOX OF GOVEEXOR DUXCAX. 

The Campaign— Life and Character of Duncan— More State Banlcs 
and what became of them— Slavery Agitation hij Lovejoy—His 
Death. 



At tlie general election of August 1834, Joseph Duncan was 
elected governor of the State. His principal opponent was ex- 
Lieut. Gov. Kinney, who was again an as])irant for guberiuitorial 
honors. Duncan was elected by a handsome majority: 17,330 votes 
to Kinney's 10,221 ; Robert McLaugldin received 1,320 and James 
Adams 887 votes for tlie same oflice. The candidates for lieutenant- 
goveruor were Alexander M. Jenkins, who received 13,705 votes; 
James Evans, 8,000 ; William B. Arcljer, 8,573, and Samuel Web- 
ster, 69. 

Gov. Duncan was born at Paris, Kentucky, February 23d, 1794. 
We have already noted his services in the war of 1812, under Col. 
Croghan at Fort Stephenson, when he was yet quite young. In 
Illinois he first a])peared in a public capacity as major-general of 
the militia, a position which his military fame procured him. Sub- 
sefiuently he became a State senator from Jackson county, and is 
honorably mentioned for introducing the first bill providing for a 
free school system. In 182(), as we have seen, he gained great 
eclat by beating Daniel P. Cook for Congress, when in previous 
contests with the latter, such men as John Mc'Lean, Elias K. 
Kane, and Gov. Bond had met with disaster. From that time 
down to his election as governor, Duncan retained his seat in Con- 
gress. The tirst and bloodless year of the Black Hawk war he 
was appointed by Gov. lleynolds brigadier-general of the volun- 
unteers, and conducted his brigade to Eock Islaiul. Duncan was 
a man of limited education, but with naturally tine abdities he 
profited greatly by his various public services, and gathered a store 
of knowledge regarding public affairs ■\^hich served him a ready 
purpose. He possessed a clear judgement, decision, confidence in 
himself and moral courage to carry out his convictions of right. 
In his deportment he Avas well adapted to gain the admiration of 
the people. His intercoui'sc with them was affable, courteous and 
dignified. He inspired confidence and attached to himself un- 
swerving friends.* 

During the gubernatorial cami)aign Duncan was absent in Wash- 
ington attending congress, and did not personally participate in 

*His portrait at the Governor's mansion presents him with swarthy complexion, high 
cheek bones, broad forehead, piercing black eyes and straight black hair. 

416 



DUNCAI>)'S ADMINISTRATION. 417 

it, but addressed eirculars to liis constituents. His election Avas 
attributed to tlie circuiiistance of liis absence, because his estrano-- 
nirut from Jackson — erst Ins political idol — and the Democracy, 
laigely in ascendency in the State, was really complete ; but Avhile 
his defection was well kiu)wn to his Win*:: friends, and also to 
the leadin<i- Jackson men of this State, the latter were unable to 
carry conviction of the fact to the masses. The dissemination of 
[)!ii)]ic events was not then facilitated by means of the tele.uraph 
and }>ress, as now. President Jackson had crushed tlieU. S. Bank 
with an arbitrary if not tyranical hand; he had vetoed l>ills con- 
tainiu}^' approi)riations for improving' the channel of the great 
AVabash river and for the harbor at Chi(5ago. These were West- 
ern measures which Duncan had greatly at heart, and hence he 
refns<Ml to longer follow the dictatorial course of the "INIilitary 
Chieftain. " His personal admii'ation of the old hero was changed 
to hatred of his acts. This course, so far as his political for- 
tune was concerned, was an error; but no one could say that 
the step thus taken was not sincere. He had preferment to gain 
by remaining attached to the donduant party, and nothing but 
disMpi)ointment to look forward to in breaking with it. He com- 
mitted the uni)ar(lonai)le sin in politics, and was charged with in- 
consistency and betrayal of his former supporters.* 

These will ever be the the fossilized views of men regarding- 
party ties or aftlliations. Under such circumstances no concession 
is made by old party associates for the changed condition of the 
times ; for the death of foi'mui' issues or the obtrusion of live ones, 
uiiriK-oiudered in i)ast strifes. No leniency for new public ques- 
tions is extended between violent partizans ; every man isguaged 
by a- party standard, irrespective of the principles he advocates, 
liiincan stood bravely to his new colors and never regretted, it is 
said, his change, nuuleupon careful and candid exandnation of the 
J a c icsoi 1 m ea sures. 

In his inaugural message, which was largely devoted to the dis- 
cussion of natiomd politics, Duncan threw off the nuisk and took 
a bold stand against the course of the President. iS^otwithstand- 
ing his <iefection, ami the fact of a large majority in the legisla- 
ture being" opposed to him, his recommendations relating to State 
affairs were most fully seconded and carried out. The laying out 
of }ud)lic highways while the State was unsettled and they could 
be made straight between nu)stof the important points with little 
expense or difficulty, as urged by him, was resi)onded to by the 
enactment of laws not only giving authority to county comnns- 
sioners for these purposes, but by granting 42 State roads be- 
sides, and at the special session of the year following 40 more 
were added. Eqnally liberal were they with reference to the canal 
ami charters for railroads. 

To the subject of baidcing he called attention as follows: 
" IJanks may be made exceedingly useful in society, not oidy by 
affording an opp(n'tunity to the widow, the orphan and aged, wlio 
possess capital Avithout the capacity of employing it in ordinary 

* Tt is related that an old constituent rebuked him as follows: "Now Gov. Duncan, 
we Jackson men took you up when you was poor and friendless ; we put you in high 
oHice and enableii you to make a fortune, and for all this you have deserted us and 
frone to the Adams men. You was like a poor colt ; we cauglit you up out of a thicket, 
fed you on the best, combed the burrs out of your mane and tail, and made a fine horse 
of you : and now you have strayed away from your owners."— Ford's History. 

27 



418 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



business, to invest it in such stocks ; but by its use tlie young and 
eiiteii)i'ising- inecbanic, niercluint and tradesni:ni iiuiy be enabled 
more successfully to cany on his business and improve the coun- 
try." 

To tliis the willing Legislature, taking no k\sson of the disas- 
trous past, also responded by chartering a new State bank with a 
capital of $l,oOO,()00, and the privilege to increase its stock 
$1,00(>,«)00 more. Six branches were authorized; and tlie old ter- 
ritorial Jjank of Illinois, at Shawneetown, which had suspended 
business for upwards of 12 years, was revived with a capital of 
$oOO,(>0(>. In lieu of all taxes whatsoever, the State bank Avas 
to pay ^ of 1 per ceid. on capital actually paid in. 

The legislature was not elected with reference to the creation of 
a new bank. It was not dreamed of by the people, who witli much 
unaninuty were averse to local banks, since the signal failure of 
the bank of ISiJl, the winding uj) of whicli, at a heavy loss to the 
State, had but four years before been provided for by the unp(»i)\i- 
lar ^^'iggins'' loan. The chartering of these baidvs was the open- 
ing of a l*and(U'a's box out of whieh rushed that nudtitude of 
evil legislation which followed with a prompt ste]) in the next few 
years, and which overwhelmed the State with debt and almost 
financial ruin. President Jackson had vetoed the bill to re-char- 
ter the U. S. Bank, which he regarded as "■ a permanent election- 
eering machine." Its old charter was about to expire and an in- 
adequate supply of currency was dreaded ; to meet w hich the 
Se(aetary of tlie Treasury " had encouraged the State and local 
banks liberally." This afforded to Democrats the i)retext tliat Tresi- 
dent Jackson, while he opposed a concern of such magnitude and 
"electioneering influence" as the U. S. bank, was really in favor of 
nudtii>lying local banks. But the baidi: party was not without 
other arts and plots to pass this measure. Every string of the 
human heart was played upon. A bitter feeling existed among 
the people in some portions of the State toward non-resident land 
owners, who held their lands at exhorbitant prices, while every 
improvement nuule in the vicinity added to their value. 

The desire was to burden these lands with taxes and tV)rce them 
into the nuirket at purchasable i)rices. The vote of an honcnable 
senator, violently opposed to banks from principle, was obtained 
in consideration of tiie passage of a law to levy a tax for road 
purposes, in the udlitary tiact, where the great body of non-resi- 
dent lands were located.* In the house, whfere the bank bill 
passed by a bare majority — 27 yeas to 2(3 nays — a vote is said to 
have been obtained from a member opposed, in consideration of 
liis election to the ottice of State's attorney.^ Thus, says Gov. 
Ford, the making of a State's attorney made a State bank, and it 

*[NoTK —The f'eelinp of hostility toward non-residents found vent also, it is said, in 
tresiiassos upon tlicir- lands lor timber, which was taken as if common property. The 
agents of tlie owncis (the most unpopular men of the country) found no redressin the 
law. bccuise with wit iksso*,, jurors, and the sytnpatliy of the court all on the same side, 
the blind-folded u-oililtss of justice, in these casrs blinded with prejudice, was <if course 
with them. In this strait the distant land owners adopted the missionary plan, and 
sought to eradicate the sin of timber thieving-, and to conciliate the favor of the iico- 
ple, tlirouL>-h the sentle ministrations of the {iospel, for which purpose preachers were 
sent out, the c luntrv divided into circuits and duly assigned But the inhabitants were 
incorriuihle. their feelinirs obdurate, and if they did not reject the grospel, they never- 
theless continued to take the timber. To the land owners the grospel proved as ineffec- 
tual a protection as the; law. — Ko-d's Hist] 

•(■The .lournal shows that our late lieutenant governor, John Dougherty, was chosen 
to that office on the following daj'. 



DUNCAN'S ADMINISTRATION. 410 

may be added, the baidc was the incipient measure whicli led 
to others, and bron.iiht nnnundjered woes ujion the people of the 
State. The banks were not ori;Liinally i»arty measures. 

One million four hundred tliousand doHars of the capital stock 
of tlie State bank were to be subscribed by individuals, and $1(K),- 
000 were rescived for the State to take in such amounts as the 
legislature should at any time deem i)roper. Shares were -$100 
eacih. 'The bank ha<l the usual power to receive <le])osits, deal in 
bills, gold, and silver, etc., but was prohibited Irom dealing in real 
estate or personal property, other than to dispose of siudi as it 
might be compelled to buy or bid in at sales u])ou JudgnuMits. 
JBut it had jiower to borrow a million dollars to loan out on real 
estate mortgages for live years. This provision was to conciliate 
farmers, ami extend to them long time accommodations. The 
principal bank was located at Springheld. with a branch at Van- 
dalia; other branches might be estal)lislic<l ami discontinued as 
the orticers should determine, IJusiness was not to be comuu^iced 
until >r'()0!),0(IO w:!s paid in in specie. Commissiomn-s to open sub- 
scrii)tion l)Ooks for the ca])ital stock, were appointed all over the 
State. Xine directors, one of whom was to be chosen president, 
were to manage the affairs of the corporation. The circulation 
was not to exceed two ami a half times the paid uj) ca]>ital stock. 
Ko bills were to be issued of a less denomiiuition than -f 5. If the 
baidc refused to redeem for ten days after denmnd, it was to be 
closed and wound up. Such were some of the })r(»visions of its 
charter, which, rightly carried out, were not so bad. 

The stock was eagerly takeii, the subscrii)tions greatly exceed- 
ing the limits of tlie charter. Shortly after the passage of the 
bank act, Thomas Mather, of Kaskaskia, John Tillson, of Hillsboro, 
Samuel Wiggins, of (,'incinnati, T. W. Smith, associate jiulge of the 
supreme c(Uirt, ami Godfrey, Gilmaii & Co., of Alton, negotiated 
for large sums of money in the east to invest in the stock. The 
charter pro-\ide<l for the opening of the books in this State for 1*0 
days before elsewhere, and to guard against undue influence from 
large stockholders, as their inunber of shares increased, it propor- 
tionately lesseiu'd their votes for directors. To preserve the full 
vote of the stocks, therefore, it l)ecame desirable to ol)tain small 
subscriptions by citizens of this State, while they had the exclusive 
op])ortunity. With the view to engross enough stock to direct the 
bank, these parties procured, through numberless agents scattered 
over the State, powers of attorney, from any person disiiosed to 
nuike them, empowering them resi)ectively to subscribe bank 
stock for them and to absolutely manage it subsecpiently. Thus 
there were many thousands of such subscnptions made by ])ersons 
whom it never cost a cent to own bank stock, and who remained, 
])erhaps, ignorant of the fact they ever were bankers. The stock 
ran up to a premium of I'A \)ev centum above par value.* 

When the commissioners convened to award the stock, it was 
moved that subscriptions nmde lor residents should have ])rece- 
dence over those of non-residents, and that holders of proxies be 
recpiired to make oath as to the actual residence of the i)rincipals. 
This proposition was su])i»()rted by Judge T. W. Smith, between: 
whom upon the one hand, and the rest of the parties named upon 
the other, the contest for the control of the instttution obtained. 

'Duncan's Message, 1830 



420 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

It is !»aid that be, of iinpeachment fame, was prepared to take 
suck oath, and that he had in good faith paid for all his proxies 
out of his own money; but tlie others could not thus swear. The 
resolution therefore did not prevail; and ^Mather, Tillson, Godfrey, 
Oilman «& (Jo., and Wiggins united against iSnnth, controlled the 
bank, and elected a directory in their interest, with Mather as the 
jiresident. The bank was in Whig control— just enough demo- 
crats were chosen as directors to give a semblance of fahliess to 
the proceedings. 

At that time nearly the entire trade of the Upper Mississippi, 
including that of the lead mines of Illinois, was controlled by St. 
Louis. The ambition prevailed to build up Alton, within oiu- 
own State, as the commercial rival of St. Louis. Altou, in 1834, 
had been elected as the seat of government after the 20 years 
linutation at Vandalia should expire; but this honor she now 
readily yielded in consideration of becoming the great emporium 
of the valley of the Mississippi. The Alton interest hi the new 
bank was so large that, without a cond)ination of all the residue 
of the stock, it possessed a controlling iutiuence. The bank 
therefore loaned its aid to the biiilding up of Alton, and to the 
diversion of the trade of the west to it. Godfrey, Gilman & Co., 
merchants, were accommodated to the amount of $800,000 to con- 
trol and divert to Alton the immense lead trade of the mines ou 
Fever river. The j^rice of that commodity advanced directly 50 
to 75 per cent., by reason of local competition alone. To exclude 
further competition several hundred thousand dollars were prodi- 
gally invested in mines and smelting establishments. The agent 
of the tirm did not stop with this, but as if furnished with the 
purse of Fortunatus, recklessly extended his investments to Galena 
lots, which under the enchantment advanced in a short time, it is 
said, 2000 per cent. But this lavish enterprise to secure the lead 
trade for Alton failed to have a corresponding effect ui)on eastern 
markets. After holding the lead a long time in store in the east 
for an advance, sale had finally to be made under accumulated 
charges at a ruinous sacritice. To Stone, Manning & Co., of 
Alton, several hundred thousand dollars were advanced to operate 
in produce; and Sloo & Co. received accommodations for like pur- 
poses, all pro^'ing ecpially disastrous. It was estimated that the 
bank lost by ^le Altou operations $1,000,000 ; but these reverses 
were not generally known. 

The legislature was convened in extraordinary session, Dec. 7, 
18o5, and sat till Jan. 18th, following. In his message, among 
other measures. Gov. Duncan called attention to the subject of 
the banks, and reconnnended the subscription, by the State, of one 
million dollars provided for in the second section of the bank act, 
for \\]iich no stei)S had as yet been taken by the president and 
directors, and no vested right had yet a(;crued to any one. His 
Excellency, in his sanguine exi)ectations, stated that by so doing 
the State treasury would realize |oOO,000 in premiums on the 
$1,000,000; that the stock of the bank was then at a premium of 
13 per centum and that it would speedily rise to 30. The legisla- 
ture did not fully fall in with his extraordinary expectations, but 
by act of Jan. 10, 1830, the $100,000 of the cap'ital stock reserved 
for the State was authorized to be sold; additional branches 
of discount and deposit, not more than three, were also authorized; 



DUNCAN'S ADMINISTRATION. 421 

iiiid .")(( (lays in addition to the 10 were allowed for the redemption 
(if notes. These [U'ovisions were not to take effect nntil the bank 
lirst contracted with the governor to redeem the Wi^iitjins' loan. 
]>y anotlier act of the same date, the bank pai)er was anthorizedto 
be received in payment of the revenne of the Htate, college, school 
and seminary debts. 

IJntthe following year the legislature did not hesitate. At this 
session were authorized all those extravagant measnies of internal 
iiiiprovement, which in a few yearsentailed upon the young State a 
del>t so vast as 7iearly to bankrupt it. lint of tliis farther along. 
H\ iiiit of ^larcli 4, 1837, the capital stock of the State bank was in- 
creased .'i2,()(>(),(MM>, the whole to be subscribed for tlie State by 
the fund eonimissioners, an executi\'e body of the interisal im- 
]iroven!(?nt system. The capital stock of the Baidc of ]!lin(tis, 
located at Sha wiieetown, was in like nnmner aulhoiizcd lo be 
increased .Sl,40().(MM>, $1,000,000 being reserved tor the Slate, and 
$400,000 for private sahscri[(t!(Hi. Tlie consent of llie i»anks 
was tirst to be obtained, bnt either might accept the State 
subscription, to the amount antlujrized. In subscribing, the State 
was to advance the same per centuni — $o a share — as originally 
paid by private stockholders. The fund commissioners were 
authorized to sell the State's certiticate of stock, and to nse tlie 
sur}dus revenues of the United States from the sale of lands, as 
money might be needed from time to timetV>r subscrii)tions. Five 
additional directors for the State bank were also pro\ided, on be- 
half of the State, to be elected by the legislatnre, which still left 
a uiajority to private stockholders, although the State owned a 
nuajoi'ity of the stock by exceeding 20 per centum. The same 
was true of the Shavvneetown bank, which Av^as to have nine 
directors. This bank was also authorized to establish three 
bran(dies, one at Jacksonville, at Alton and at Lawrenceville, 
with each such aniount of cajntal as the mother bank coiUd safely 
sni>ply. The banks were designated as the places of deposit of 
all the public revciuies, and the moneys borrowed by the fund 
comnjissioiiers to carry on the internal im[>rovements of the State. 
They were to render (piaiterly statements of their linancial comli- 
tion to the C(HHmissioners, and the legislature might institute such 
examinations into their affairs, frojn time to time, as miglit be 
deensed reipusite. No charges foi' disbursetnents were to be nuule 
by the State banks. The dividemls accruing u])on the State's 
stock, were tirst to be a])idied in j)ayment of the interest u[)ou 
loans; and the premium from State bomls, fondly expected to be 
fit least 10 per centum, was to constitute a fund to be held iuAiola- 
ble for the payment of interest on loans effected to carry on the 
internal improvements- Many were tlie ingenious argiunents, 
dednced from the fact that the first |1,500,000 had with great 
avidity been taken in thu spring of 1835 — the i)remium rising- to 
13 per centum — that thepicsent stock would readily command ten 
per centuni, and that tlu' State's bank stock would yield a suffi- 
cient dividend to pay all interest on the bank bonds and leave a 
margin besides. When the State bonds were exposed in market 
by tlie connitissioners, it was ibnnd that they would not oidy not 
bring a ))remin)n, but could not be negotiated e\enat i)ar. In this 
si rait the baidcs themselves came to the rescue, and, rather than the 
schetne should fail, took the bonds at par, amounting to $2,005,000. 



422 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

The Sluiwiieetowu bank effected a sale of its share ($900,000), but 
the bahmce $1,705,000 taken by the State bank, was not (lis[)(),se<l 
of; they however served the i)ur])ose of a capital for the bank, and 
its business was aniplitied corresi»ondin<;ly. 

The banks, throughout their career, met with persistent oi)])osi- 
tion from intluential party managers. This was greatly augmen- 
ted by the fact that their ofticers, the president, cashiers, and a 
large majority of the directors, were wliigs, which aroused tiie 
jealousy of democrats, causing them to charge that the banks 
were political concerns, operated for the advancement of party 
affairs. Jackson's expression respecting- the United States bank 
— that it was a "gigantic electioneering nmchine" — was not forgot- 
ton. Judge T. W. Smith, who had drafted the charter of the State 
bank, and wtu'ked earnestly witli democrats for its passage in tlie 
legislature, had ever since hiK defeat for its control, animated by 
tliat spirit which if it cannot rule is bent upon runi, made war uj>- 
ou it, and now hesitated not to pronounce its charter unconstitu- 
tional. He was joined by many other sore party leaders. 

By an act of congress, passed at the i)receding session, it was 
provided 'that the surplus revenue of the United States, arising- 
from the sale of public lands, &c., might be deposited with the 
different States. The bank accordingly solicited the treasury 
department at Washington to become the depository of the pub- 
lic moneys, but the credit of the State had been stabbed in the 
back, by its own disappointed citizens furnishing statements so 
derogatory, that the secretary declined the request. Among the 
more intluential opponeids of the banks was Jiulge Mcl{oV>erts, 
then receiver of the pul)lic moneys at Danville. Party malice 
and private resentments outweighed the public good. The bills 
fell below par and from that time steadily depreciated. The notes 
of the bank were gathered u]) and i»rcsented for si)ecie to enter 
laud. Had the specie been re-deposited by the govemment, the 
relief from this aiuioyance would have been very great. l>ut 
this, through the vengeful nuichinations of disai)i)ointed paiti- 
saus, was not to be. The bank, to retard the constant ebb of 
specie from its vaults, had recourse to the i)lan of exchanging- 
issues between the respective branches, and thus throwing the cir- 
culation as far from the jjlace of iedemi)tion as possible. 

Hardly were the banks in oi)eration, with their enormously 
augmented capital stocks, when the disastrous linancial revulsion 
of 18;37 occurred. In INIay the banks of Illinois suspended s])ecie 
])aynK'-uts. They were solvent, but the drain of specie at that 
tinui could not be borne. The charters i)rovided that if redemp- 
tion in s])ecie was refused for 00 days together, they were to be- 
eonu; forfeited and the banks should go into liquidation. They 
w'ere the depositories of the moneys raised by the sale of State 
bonds; of tlic State revenue; in a word the tiscal agents of the 
State, and their susi)ension would involve the State and all its 
vS]>leiidid scheme of internal improvenumts in common ruin. In 
this dilemiia, the gover])or was urged by the canal commissioners 
to convene the legislature to legalize an indelinite susi)ensi()n of 
specie payments by the banks. A special session was called 
July 10th, 1837, and the bank sus])ensions were legalized. But to 
his excellency's urgent appeal to repeal the i)ernicious system of 



DUNCAN'S ADMINISTKATION. 423 

internal ini])rovenu'iit8 by the State, and remit tlie same to private 
enterprise duly encoura.i;ed, the le<;i.slature tnrned a deaf ear. 

I'artie.s in Illinois became almost divided ni)On the su1>je('t of 
the banks. Nearly all the leadini;' democrats opposed them and 
tiie acts le,uali/inj;- their suspensions, althou<;h they were nuthor- 
i/ed and their capital stocks were increased irrespective of party. 
The whi<is were called bank-vassals and rag-ocracy, and charged 
to be bought aiul owned by IJritish gold. The bank ofticers were 
sarcastically denominated I'ag-barons; and the money was called 
rags nnd printed lies. The whigs retorted that the democrats 
were disloyal, and destructive of their own government ; th;it the 
baidvs were the institution of the State, and to make war upon the 
currency was to o[)pose its commerce and impede its growth and 
develojuneut. Although parties were in a measure divided upon 
the banks, with the democrats largely in the majority, this was 
not without benetit to those institutions. It gave them unswerv- 
ing friends. Besides, the merchants and business men of that 
day were, with rare exceptions, whigs, who gave currency or not to 
the money as they pleased. Partisan zeal led them to ])rofess 
that the banks were not only solvent, but that they wei'e unduly 
pursued, and that the 0[»position to them was nothing- but absurd 
}>arty cry. 

When the suspensions of the banks was legalized again in 
1<S;'>9, it was to extend until the end of the next general or special 
st'ssion of the general assembly. The legislature for 1840-41 Avas 
<'onvened two wrecks before the commencement of the regular ses- 
sion to provide means to pay the interest on the public debt, due 
on the tirst of January following. The intluence and power of the 
banks over members were very considerable. The democrats now, 
howevei', thought that their time of triumph had arrived. It was 
by them contended, that that portion of the session preceding the 
time lixed for the regular session to begin, constituted a s})ecial 
session, and if the suspension was in)t further extended, the banks 
would be compelled to resume specie payment on the day the 
regular session should begin or forfeit their charters and stop 
busiiu'ss. Upon the other hand, it was contended that the Avhole 
c()nstitute<l hut one sessi(>n. IMuch i)arty animosity was, besides, 
nnmifested at this session. The late of the banks seemed to hang- 
upon the motion i)ending- to adjourn the hrst part of the session 
sine die. It was perceived that the motion would i)revail. To 
defeat it in the House, the whigs now essayed to break the 
quorum. But the doors were closed, a call of the House ordered, 
and the sergeant at arms sent in quest of the abseidees. The 
whigs, being thus cut off from the usual avenues of retreat, 
bounded pell mell out of the windows, but without avail — enough 
Mere held in dnrance to nuike a quorum, and the sine die adjourn- 
ment was carried. Among- the members of the House we tind 
the names of some of the most notable m(>n in the annals of Illin- 
ois : John J. Hardin, ^Vbraliam Lincoln, Josiah Francis, &c., but 
wiiether these whigs ])articipated in the wintlow esca])ade is not 
delinitely known. The session was the first in Si)ringlield, and 
the house occupied what is now the old 2n(l Presbyterian church, 
north of the new edifii^'. occupied by the legislature in 1871. 

The banks were now thought to be dead, and that nothing 
remained to be done but to wind up their affairs. But their ene- 



424 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

mies reckoned without tlieir host. The splendid triumph of the 
democrats proved a barren victory. Tlie reguhir session began 
on the 1st Monday in December, with tlie same members, and 
before the close of the month the banli:s obtained not only a 
further lease of life, and license to suspend specie i)ayment, but 
were authorized to issue one, two, and three dollar bills besides, to 
effect change — silver having been driven out of circulation by the 
depreciated paper. The debtors of the bank were again allowed 
to give new notes by paying ten per cent, interest on their indebt- 
edness. By what i)otency"these additional privileges were pro- 
cured must be left to conjecture. The State bank was the 
custodian of the public moneys and revenues of the State, as it 
were, a substitute for the treasury. Auditor's warrants, at a dis- 
count of 50 per cent, were drawn ui)on the bank and paid in its 
currency, worth a good deal more than the warrants, both in and 
outside of the State. All the State ofticers, including the mem- 
•bers of the assembly, were for their ])ay in the power of the bank, 
and if these would do nothing to upliold the credit of that insti- 
tution — their own creature — the honorable gentlemen inight 
return to their constituents without other in their pockets than 
auditor's warrants ! This, together with such judicious and timely 
accommodations to impecunious party leaders as the exigency 
dictated, enabled the bank to render the glorious democratic 
victory barren of results. 

]>ut^ the new lease of power did not last long. There were other 
influences arising from the inevitable laws of linance, more potent 
in their effects than acts of the legislature. When money is 
abundant credit is extended without stint. With the vast system 
of internal improvements and the large circulation of the banks, 
this was the condition of Illinois. The people were largely in debt 
on account of speculations which proved delusions, and also to 
the merchants; the latter in turn had received either accommoda- 
tions at the banks or owed for goods abroad; contracts matured 
but nobody paid. The State revenues being inadequate to meet 
its expenditures — the people averse to higher taxation, and the 
legislators, with a temler regard to personal consequences, disin- 
clined to impose them — the bank, to gain the favor of the legisla- 
ture, taxed its resources to redeem the outstanding auditor's 
warrants, amounting to near $300,000. Its bills had gradually 
declined to 12 and 15 per cent, discount. Now came the bank 
directors themselves, as contractors to build the Northern Cross 
railroad, and added the last feather to the camel's back. For the 
building of the railroad they were to receive in i)ayment (ianal 
bonds, which were at that juncture not negotiable. To obtain 
accommodations from the banks, these <lirectors defeated a pro- 
jiosed order against expansion during the suspension.* Eeceiv- 
ing loans for themselves to carry forward the public works on 
their (;ontra(;ts, they, to be consistent, voted like favors to others. 
The credit of the bank was put to its utmost tension. Its volume 
of nuuiey, further swollen, sank to a lower discount. And in 
Febuary 1842, the monster institution, with a circulation exceed- 
ing $3,000,000, snapped its thread of life and passed into dissolu- 
tion, spreading devastation upon every hand, far and wide. 

*See Gov. Ford's mistake as to this in his History of Illinois, 223-4. 



DUNCAN'S ADMINISTRATION. 425 

The l>auk of Illinois, at Sliawueetowu, was siinib'.rly iiivolv^id. 
It loaned to the State, in tlie tirst place, $<SO,(IO() to eoiiiplete the 
new State House at Sprlngtiekl ; early in the autuniu of 1839, u]>ou 
the earnest solicitation of Gov. Carlin and his en^n.^enient to de- 
posit as a pledge $r)00,(MH) in internal inii)rovenient bonds, the 
bank advanced the Commissioners of Public Works .sLM)(»,()00. 
The collateral deposit was, however, never made nor the sum bor- 
rowed ever repaid. In Jane following, with a circulation of some 
$1,7<K),(K)0, it also collapsed. The people were left destitute of an 
adequate circulating medium, and were not supi)lied until the or- 
dinary processes of their limited commerce brought in gold and 
silver, and the bills of solvent banks from neighboring States, 
which was tardy enough, there being but little emigration to Illi- 
nois at that time. The baidcs and the State had been partners 
in speculation and they were now partners in embarrassment. 
The revenues were payable in the notes of these broken banks ; 
the State paid no interest on her bonds, of which the banks held 
a large amount, and thev were worth in market but 11: cents on the 
dollar. 

But the old firm of Banks and State was to be speedily dissolved. 
By act of January 24, LSI,"},* to '■' diminish the State debt and put 
tlie State Bank into liipndation," the baidc was given 4 years to 
wind up its bnsiness, but it was recpiired to go into immediate 
li<pii(lation and pay out all its specie ^jro m to to its bill holders 
and d(;i)ositors, aiid issue to them certiticates of indebtedness for 
the unpaid balances; $ir),0(H) in specie, being however tirst re- 
served to the bank to p;iy the expenses of winding up its 
atfairs. The new certificates were to be registered by the com- 
missioner and made receivable in payment of any debt due the 
bank, or for the redemption of lands purchased by the bank under 
execution. The debtors of the bank upon paying instalments of 
1-5 principal and interest, were authorized to execute new notes 
from time to time for their indebtedness. The bank was to deliver 
within five days to the Governor, State bonds, scrip and other e\i- 
dcnces of debt equal to *2,or>(>,()00, he to surrender to the bank a 
liice amount of State Baidc stock, 8."")(),00(> being reserved for the 
linal winding up of the affairs of the bank. All its banking 
privileges, other than those lu'cessary to wind up its business, were 
to immediately cease ; no property of the bank was to be s(tld on 
execution or otherwise, except for two-thirds of its appraised 
value. The bank might reserve from its sale such real estate as 
it deemed i>roper. Three days were allowed to tile its acceptance 
with the Secretary of State. It was a very favorable act for the 
bank and an administration measure strongly seconded by a few 
leading Democrats, which caused it to prevail, as we shall see. 

A somewhat similar bill, under the high sounding title of "An 
act to reduce the public debt one million dollars aiul pnt the Bank 
of Illinois into licjuidation," passed at the same session, in relation 
to the Shawneetown baidc. It was to surrender State stocks orother 
liabilities ofthe State equal on their laces to $1,000,000, half in five 
days and half in 12 months, Avhen the governor was to assign 
to it an equivalent of State Bank stock. The charter of the Cairo 
bank was repealed. By these acts the immediate extinguishment 
of $2,20<),000 was provided. But these acts were not passed with- 

""* "See House Reports, 1842-3, 203-4-5. ~~ 



426 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



out considerable opposition. The disposition on tlie part of niauy 
was to crusli the banks, to whicli all the woe of the struiiglin-? 
country was ascribed, with one fell blow by a direct repeal of their 
charter, which they had frequently forfeited, however it might in- 
volve the best interests of the State in their disaster. 

Prior to this, and in anticipation of this compromise legislation 
and the surrender by the State of her bank stock in exchange for 
her bonds, after the failure of the Baidv of Illinois in 1842, the 
whole concern was purchased as a speculation by a company of 
sharpers, who elected themselves its ofticers. Some of the direc- 
tors then secretly borrowed from the bank $100,000 in si)ecie, 
which was transmitted to New York and purchased State scrip 
and $333,000 of the $801,000 of interest bonds hypothecated with 
Macallister and Stebbins in 1811 by Fund Comnussioner White- 
sides, for $201,500, contrary to law. Under the law these bonds 
were to be sold for what they would bring, but could uot be hy- 
pothecated, as the recipients well knew. The favored directors, 
by connivance of the board, first paid the specie borrowed from 
the bank with $100,000 of these bonds, which cost them 30 cents 
on the dollar. Their unpaid stock notes were similarly discharged. 
A member of the legislature, herce in his denunciation of bank 
corruption, availed himself of these bonds and paid a $10,000 
note to the bank. After the bonds and scrip had ])assed into the 
control of the bank, they were, in 1841, teiideredto Governor Ford 
in payment of the half million dollars of the State's bank stock, 
Avhicll was to be surrendered in 12 months after the passage of the 
Bank Liquidation law of 1813. The goAcrmn- refused at first to 
receive these bonds ; a law had been passed to settle with Macal- 
lister and Stebbins by paying interest on the sum actually ad- 
vanced by them, and their surrender of the hyi)othecated bonds, 
making about 28 cents on the dollar; to have received a large 
share of these bonds at their face value would have defeated the 
law for this adjustment. Later it became patent, however, that 
Macallister an(i Stebbins had parted with many more of the bonds 
than the Bank of Illinois had received, and that they were unable 
to couqily with the law if they had the Avill, and as the condition 
of the bank became constantly more ho])eless and the president 
intended to return these bonds to New York, the governor, in the 
fall of 1814, received them conditionally, subiectto the approval 
of the legislature. That body, unwilling to countemince the kna- 
very of tlie bank officers, at lirst refused to ratify the contract of 
tlie governor, but at the succeeding session, 1840-47, compro- 
mised by receiving the bonds at 48 cents on the dollar.* 

Subse(piently the State Bank of Missouri, jointly Avith several 
other creditors, brought a chancery suit in the United States' 
court for the district of Illinois against the Bank of Illinois, its 
ollicers and agents. By the decree in the cause, three receivers were 
ap[)ointed to take charge of the bank's assets, make sale and apply 
the proceeds in ])ayment of the debts, the redemption of its issues, 
and to setth^ its affairs generally. By agreement but one of these 
trnstees, Albert G. (,'alwell. qnalified. Upon his death, soon after. 
Judge AV. Thomas of Jacksonville, was appointed in his ])lace, 
who acted in that capacity some 20 years. Early in the fall of 
1871 he remitted to W. II.'Bradly, clerk of the U. S. district court 

* This chapter has in great part been gathered from Ford's History. 



Duncan's administration. 427 

at (Jliicaiio, the s])eci;il iiuditoi', abiitcli of notes and certiiicates of 
$700 for cancellation. This it was sa])i)ose(I, woald be about the 
last to be pivseiited for redemption, and tliat the trust would be 
hually closed shortly after. 

SLAVERY AGITATION — DEATH OF LOVE.TOY. 

The year 1837 is iiieiiiora])le for the death of Illinois' tirst ni;irtyr 
to liberty, Elijah P. Lovejoy. He was born at Albion, Keiiebec 
county, Maine, Xov. 9, J. SOL*. At the uixv of 21 he entered W'ater- 
A'ille college, and after graduatin.i;- with the first honors of his 
class, removed to St. Louis and commenced tea(;hing'. A year or 
two afterward he exchanged the occnjtation of a teacher for that 
of the journalist, became the editor of the iSt. Louis Titiie.s, and 
advocated the election of Henry Clay as president of the United 
States. JNot long after he had entered this new field of labor, he 
united with the Presbyterian church, and determined to aban<lou 
it also for the clergical })rofession. Accordingly at the age of oO 
he repaired to the theological school at I'rincetown, X. J., entered 
Avith great ardor npon liis studies, and in 1S;>'> was licensed to 
l)rea('h by the I'lvshytery of Philadelphia. The following summer 
Avas spent in preaching in New])ort, Kliode Island, and at Spring 
Church, N'. Y., after which he returiied to St. Louis. Here he 
again assumed the editorial chair and issued the first nnndjer of the 
^t. Louis Obserre)\ a religious newspaper, Xov. 2lM, 1833. Soon 
after lie incurred the ill-will of the Catholic Church, by character- 
izing their jjroceeding's in laying the corner stone of a catheilral 
on the Sabbath as a- desecration of the <lay, and charging that 
the use of the United States artillery and cavalry, which were 
brought in requisition to give prestige to the occasion, ., was a pros- 
titution of the ])urposes for which they were intended. From the 
clerical i-ancor excited by this out-si)oken expression of oi)inion, 
he thought i)rocee<led the jtersecutions which he subsecjuently 
encounte)-ed, though nuisked in the guise of .ibolition. The (pies- 
tion of sla\ery even at that eai-ly day was one of absorbing 
interest, and it was impossible for a i>erson with Lovejoy's vigorous 
intellect and feai-less nuiiiner of speaking, not to become invohed 
in its discussion and not incur the hatred of its advocates. The 
subject ha\ ing arrested his attention he wrote an editorial on it, 
ami left the city to attend a Presbyterian synod. During his 
al)sence it imide its appearance in tlie columns of the Observer, 
and such was the commotion it excited, tlnit the owners of the 
l)ress were comp<'lled to publish a card to allay the excitement and 
l)revent a- mob from destroying their proj>erty. On his return a 
]);i])er was presented him by a number of leading citizens and the 
minister who received him into tlu; church, in which they ex[)ressed 
the opinion thatslaveiy is sanctioned by the bible, and asked him 
to desist from its further discussion. Though the authors of this 
request re])resented the intelligeiu'e and morality of St. Louis, if 
honest, how little they understood the ])ersonal rights of mankind, 
and how little they su])posed this cpiestion was destined in less 
than half a century to shake the continent with civil commotion. 
This ])a|)er was inserted in the Observer and also a. reply from Mr. 
Lov(^joy, in which he claimed the right to i)ublish his honest con- 
Aictious. In answer to the biblical view given of slavery, he 



428 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



reminds bis ctuisors of tlie jiolden rule— make not slaves of others 
if you do not wish to be made slaves of yourselves. His state- 
ments, although eouched hi the most inoffensive language, again 
exeit(^d the ire of the citizens, and the proprietors of the press 
took possession of it to prevent a recurrence of the disturbance. 
A friend, however, interposed and agreed to restore tlie press to 
him, provided he would remove it to Alton, where he might use it 
safely. The offer was accei)ted, but after he had gone thither to 
make arrangements for publishing the paper, he Avas invited to 
return to St. Louis. On going' back he resumed his editorial lai)()rs 
and continued them until the summer of 1835, when he again be- 
came involved in difticulties. 

On the 23d of Apiil, the police arrested a negro by the name of 
McFntosh, who, while on the way to prison, drew his knife and 
killed one and badly wounded another of the ofiicers having him 
in charge. In consequence of the murderous assault, a large 
crowd surrounded the jail in whicili he was imprisoned, and taking 
him thence they bound him to a stake and burnt him to death. 
The community being largely in symi)athy with the per])etrators 
of this unlawful and fiendish act, it was a long time before they 
were brought to trial. When at length the matter was presented 
to a grand jury, the judge, by the most gross pervei'sion of facts, 
informed them thaf the Ofeerre/- had caused the uegro to murder 
the policeman, and that there was no law for punishing them who 
burnt him at the stake. A succeeding' number of this sheet 
repelled the flagrant charge nuide by the judge, alluded to the 
fact that he was a Catholic, and intinmted tluit his views respect- 
ing the enforcement of the law could only result from Jesuitical 
teaching. The editor, aware that the statement would be followed 
by another outburst of indignation and an attempt to destroy the 
press, immediately caused it to be shipped to Alton, whither it 
arri\('d July 21st, 1S2G. The day being' the Sabbath, Mr. Lovcjoy 
proposed to let it remain on the wharf till Monday, but the 
ensuing' niglit it was secretly visited by a luimber of jjersons, who 
broke it into pieces and threw it into the river. When this 
dastardly act became known the next day, the people became 
excited and the ensuing evening a large meeting' assembled in the 
Presbyterian church, to listen to addresses by Mr. Lovejoy and 
other speakers. The former stated that he had come to Alton to 
establish a religious newspaper, that he was pleased with the town, 
ami as most of his subscribers resi<led in Illinois, it would be best 
for him to make it his future home; that he regretted his presence 
had caused so nmch excitement, and the people must have a 
Avi'ong appreciation of his object; that he was not an abolitionist, 
and had be<'n frciinently denounced by Garrison and others as 
being' pro-slaveiy because he was not in favor of their measnres; 
that he was oi)])osed to slavery, ever had been and hoped he 
always would be. This statement corresponds with his pre\ ions 
declarations and position in regard to slavery. He always nnini- 
fested a strong sym])athy for the oppressed, and in common with 
a large and intelligent class of peisons at that time, in both the 
m)rth and south, regarded colonization as the best means of free- 
ing the country from the cnrse of slavery. With the ]>rogress of 
events, this scheme, though it had enlisted the regard of statesmen 
and philanthropists^ was abandoned for more practical views. Mr. 



DUNCAN'S ADMINISTRATION. 429 

Lovejoy, wlio iicTer permitted hiniself to fall beliiml the iiiaicli of 
iilea.s, also took a more advanced position. In tlie same meeting 
lie also said that "he was now removed from slavery and could 
publish a newspaper without discussing- it, and that it looked like 
cowardice to tlee from the place where the evil existed and come 
to a }»lace where it did not exist to oppose it." ^^'ith these decla- 
rations, extorted to a gieat extent by the tyranical censorship of 
the sla\e power, he no doubt after his arrival at Alton intended 
to comply. Indeed he might justly have concluded that it was use- 
less to waste his time an(l energy in endeavoring to beneht a 
community which was endeavoring to exercise o\er him a bondage 
Avorse than that which fettered the body of a shive. Yet, as the 
contest between freedom and slavery grew warmer and earnest 
cliami>ions wea'e needed to contend for the right, IMr. Lo\(joy 
concluded that duty recpiired him to again enter the arena of 
discussion. 

As the result of the meeting, funds were raised, another i)ress 
was sent for. and the tirst number of the Alton Ohaerver was issued 
Sept. 8, 1830. Its editor, gifted with more than ordinary ability, 
soon extended its circulation, its discussions at tirst being' mostly 
contined to subjects of a moral and literary character. By and 
by the question of slavery was also broached. ]\Ir. Lovejoy. no 
doubt smarting' under the unjust surveillance to which he was 
subjected at the starting of his paper, seenu'd now determined to 
exercise his constitutiomd rights to free speech, being willing' 
that the laws of his country, not the dictation of rufhans, should 
decide as to whether he abused this i)ri\i]ege. 

in the issue of June 21>, 1837, at tlie instance of the American 
Anti-slavery Society, he faxored the circulation of ajjetition for the 
abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia, and in the suc- 
ceeding number he speaks of the importance of organizing an anti- 
slavery society for the State of Illinois. In the same pa])er he also 
indulged the following retlections, suggested by the 4th of -Inly: 
" This day reproaches us for our sloth and inactivity. It is tlie 
day of our nation's birth. Even as we write crowds are hurrying" 
past our window in eager anticipation to the appointed bower, to 
listen to the declaration that 'AH men are created equal;' to hear 
the ehxiuent orator denounce, in strains of manly indignation, the 
attemi)t of England to lay a yoke on the shoulders of our fathers 
Avhich neither they no)- their children could bear, Alas what bit- 
ter mockery is this. AVe assemble to thank God for our own free- 
dom, aud to eat with joy and ghulness of heart while our feet are 
on the necks of nearly 3, ((()(», 000 of our fellow-men. Is^ot all our 
shouts of self- congratulation can drown their groans; even that 
very flag which waves over our head is formed from material cul- 
tivated by slaves, on a soil moistened by their blood, drawn from 
them by the whip of a republican task-nnister." As soon as this 
was read, the pro-slavery men assem.l)led in the market house and 
passed a number of resolutions, in which, with strange incongruity, 
they claim the right of free speech for themselves, while they 
plot to deprive another of the same i)rivilege. A committee was 
appointed to inform Mr. Lovejoy that he must cease agitating the 
question of slavery, and they accordingly dropped a letter in the 
post-oftice, containing a dema.nd to that etiect. The editor replied 
to the communication, by denying" their right to dictate to him 



430 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

what it was i)roper to discuss, and at tlie same time tendered them 
the use of bis paper to refute his opinions if they were wrong-. 
They, however, chose a more summary manner for ending the con- 
troversy. On the niglit of the I'oth of August a mob imide an as- 
sault on the oftice of the Ob.serre)\ with stones and briclcbats, and 
after driving out the emph)yes entered and completely demolislied 
the press. Mr. Lovejoy himself was afterward surrounded in the 
street by a number of riiftians, it was believed, for the purpose of 
offering him vioh-nce. These outrages were boldly committed, 
without any attempt being made by the city oflicials to bring the 
rioters to justice. The anti-slavery party of the town, of course, 
were justly incensed at this wanton outrage and willful disregard 
of individual rights, but being largely in the minority, all tiiey 
could do was to quietly submit and send for a new press. This, 
however, the proscribed editor was never to see. Leaving Alton 
shortly after to attend a presbytery, the press arrived Sei)tem- 
ber 2ist, and in his absence it was demolished and, like its ])rede- 
cessor, thrown into the Mississi])pi. These unlawful proceedings 
had now been perpetrated so often in St. Louis and Alton with 
impunity, that not only these localities but other places were rap- 
idly becoming denn^ralized. Not long after the destruction of the 
third press Mr. Lovejoy visited his mother-in-law at St. Charles, 
Mo. Here he w^as violently assailed by a crowd of rufiHans, with 
the avowed object of taking his life, and it was oidy at the inter- 
position of his heroic and devoted wife that he escaped their mur- 
derous intent. 

In the meantime the friends of IMr. Lovejoy sent for a. fourth 
press, and it was in connection with this that the tragedy occurred 
which cost him his life. Li anticipation of its arrival a series of 
meetings were held in wdiich both the friends of freedom and sla- 
very were represented. The object of the latter was to effect a 
compromise, but it was om^, in which liberty was to make conces- 
sions to opi)ression ; in Avhich the ])roprietors of the Observer were 
to forego the legitimate use of their property to appease an igno- 
rant mob, and in which right and modern progress were required to 
submit to injustice and the exi)loded ideas of the past. Mr. Ilogan, 
the Methodist minister, endeavored to ])rove frcmi the Lible the 
inexpediency of the course pursued by Mr. Lovejoy and his friends, 
in which he remarked: " The great apostle had said all things 
are lawful for him, but all things are not expedient; if Paul yielded 
to the law of expediency would it be wrong for Mr. Lovejoy to fol- 
low liis exami)le "l The spirit of God did not pursue Paul to his 
destruction for thus acting, but on the contrary commended his 
course ; Paul had never taken uj) arms to propagate the re- 
ligion of his nmster, nor to defend himself from the attacks of his 
enemies; the i)eople of Damascus were op])osed to Paul, but did 
he argue with the populace the question of his legal right; did he 
say 1 am a minister of ('hrist and must not leave the work of my 
master to He(! before the face of a mob." 

This was stiange advice to come from the abettor of a faction, 
first to inaugurate violence, and at that very time conspiring 
against the life of one who was legally void of' offense. The rev- 
erend gentleman seemed to think the aggi'ieved should exercise 
forbearam-e, while the mob might insult and destroy with 
impunity. Mr. Beecher, president of Illinois Colleg'e, was 



duncan'.s administration. 431 

present and delivered addresses, in wliieh lie took a i)osition 
almost as objectionable as that of ^Ir. Ilogan. He believed that 
shivery Avas morally wroni^', and shonld not be tolerated for a 
moment. He contended, that if the constitution traiictioned 
iniquity, it was also wron^', and could not be binding' upon the 
peoi>le, that for his part he did not a('kiu)\\ied<j,e olx'dience to the 
constitution, and as long as it tolerated slax'ery, he could not. 
But when he caine to urge the rights of his friends to frccflom of 
speech and the pcniceable use of their ].)roi)erty, h*> invoked nil 
t-lu^. guaranties of the constitution and go\einnicid to i)rotect 
them in the enjoynuud. of these })rivileges. He would now ha\'e 
others to submit to the law, whik', he was unwilling to do it him- 
self. Mr. Lovejoy, who was more consist(Md than either of these 
gentlemen, contended only for his undoubted rights, and express- 
ed, in a conciliatory manner his unalterable determination to main- 
tain them. "Mr. Chairnnm," said he, ''what have t to compronuse ? 
If freely to forgive those Avho have so greatly injiued me; if to 
pray for their tem|)oral and eternal Iiap])iness; if still to wish for 
the prosperity of your city and State, notwithstanding the 
indiginties I have sutfered in them ; if this be the coin]»romi.se 
intended, then do I willingly make it. I do not admit that it is 
the business of any body of men to say, whether I shall or 
shall not ]uiblish a paper in this city. That right was given to 
me by my Creatoi-, an<l is solemnly guaraideed by the constitutions 
of the United States and this State. But if by compromise is im^ant 
that I shall cease from that which duty requires of me, I cannot 
make it, and the reason is, that I fear God more than man. It is 
also a very different ({uestion, whether I shall vohudarily, or at 
the request of my friends, yield u[) my i)osition, or whether I shall 
forsake it at the denumd of a nn)b. The former I am ready at all 
times to do when the circumstances reipiire it, as I will never jint 
my ]>ersonal wishes or interests in conq)etition with the cause of 
that master whose minister I am. But the latter, be assured I 
never will do. You have, as the lawyers say, nnxde a false issue. 
There are no two parties between whom there can be a comprom- 
ise. I plant myself down on my unquestionable rights, and the 
question to l>e decided is, whetlier I shall be protected in those 
rights ? that is the question. You nniy hang me, as the nu^b hung' 
the individuals at Vicksbnrg. You ma.y burn me at the Stake, as 
they <lid old 3IcIutosh at St. I^ouis, or you nniy tar and feather 
me, or throw me into the Mississippi, as you have threatened to 
do, but you cannot disgrace ine. I, and 1 alone, can disgrace my- 
self, and the deei)est of all disgrace would be at a tinu^ liki^ this 
to deny my Maker by forsaking his cause. He died for me, and I 
were most unworthy to bear his mime should I refnse, if need be, 
to die for him. 

The boat having the obnoxious press on board arrived early in 
the morning, Kov. 7th, bSo7, and the latter was immediately 
removed to the stone warehouse of Godfrey, Gilnuui & Co. The 
proprietors and their friends now assend)led with arms to defend 
it. No violence was offered till the ensuing night, when a mob of 
about 30 persons came from the drinking: saloons and demanded 
the press. This insolent and unjust dennind was of course 
refused, when the assailants, with stones, bri(;kbats and guns', 
commenced an attack on the building. Those within, among 



432 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

wlioni was Mr. Lovejoy, returned the fire, by which one of 
the inob was kilk-d and several others wounded. This wnrui 
reception caused them to retire, some to bear away the dying 
man, others to summon reinforcements, but the most of them 
visited the adjacent grog-shops for the purpose of reviving their 
courage. Soon after, the bells of the city were rung, horns were 
blown, and an excited multitude came rushing to the Avarehouse, 
some urging on the drunken and imbiuted mob, and others per- 
suading them to desist. Ladders were placed against the side of 
the building, without windows, where there was no danger from 
within, and several persons ascended to fire the roof. Mr. Lovejoy 
and some others on learning their danger, rushed out and firing 
upon the incendiaries drove them away. After returning to the 
inside and reloading their pieces, Mr. Lovt^oy, with two or three 
companions, not seeing any foe on the south side, again stepped 
out to look after the roof. Concealed assassins were watching, 
and simultaneously firing, five bullets entered his body, when he 
exclaimed, ''My God! I am shot," and expired. With the fall of 
the master spirit, the defenders of the i>ress surrendered it to the 
mob, who broke it into fragments and threw them into the river. 

The following day a grave was dug on a high bluff, in the 
southern part of the city, and the body, without ceremony, was 
thrown into it and covered u}). Some years afterward, the same 
elevation was chosen as the site of a cemetery, and in laying out 
the grounds, the main avenue chanced to pass over the grave of 
Lovejoy. To obviate the difticulty, his ashes Avere interred in a 
new locality, and within a few years past, a simple monument was 
erected over the spot, bearing the inscription: Hicjacet Lovejoy; 
jam parce sepulto. 

Of those who participated in this infamous crime, it mny be 
mentioned that the leader of the outlaws finally became a prisoner 
in the Ohio penitentiary ; the person most instrumental in com- 
mitting the nnirder was killed in a brawl in Kew Orleans, while 
many others, it is said, ended their lives in violence and dis- 
grace. 

The aggressive life and tragic death of Mr. Lovejoy, furnishes a 
subject for profitable refiection. In common with all true 
reformers, he possessed a grasp of intellect which enabled him to 
see and act in advance of his time, and hence was unappreciated 
by his less gifted cotemporaries. The worhl has often murdered 
the authors of its progress, and it is not strange that he lost his 
life. Every considerable advance in theology has had its persecu- 
tions and martyrs. The maf/na chartaof English liberty was wrung 
from the grasp of tyranny by the death of jjatriots. France has 
battled and bled for republican government, yet her object is only 
half attained. The cause for which Lovejoy died finally 
triumi)hed, yet it cost one of the most bloody civil wars known to 
history. Such has been in general the past history of reform. 



Chapter XXXVII. 
STATE INTERXAL IMPROVEMEXT SYSTEM. 



In liis message to the legislature at tlie special session begun 
December 7, 1835, Gov. Duncan said: "When we look abroad 
and see the extensive lines ot inter-communication penetrating 
almost every section of our sister States — when we see the canal- 
boat and the locomotive bearing, with seeming triumph, the rich 
l^roductions of the interior to the rivers, lakes and ocean, almost 
anniliilating time, burthen and S}>ace, what patriot bosom does not 
beat high with a laudable ambition to give to Illinois her full 
share of those advantages which are adorning her sister States, 
and which a magnitlcent Providence seems to invite by the won- 
derful adaptation of our whole country to such improvements." 
Pennsylvania and other States were at the time engaged m exten- 
sive works of internal improvement. The legislature responded 
to the ardent words of the governor in a liberal nmnner, Ijy char- 
tering- a great number of railroads, almost checkering the map of 
the State, and pledghig its faith for $500,000 of the canal loan; 
but further than this they did not go; the supreme folly of the 
period being left for their successors to enact. After the adjourn- 
ment, when the i)eople contem}>lated the i)roject of a vast system 
of internal improvements, as portrayed by His Excellency, they 
were fired with an inordinate desire to have it speedily in successful 
operation. 

They were already inoculated with the fever of speculation, 
then rife throughoutthe west. Chicago, a mere trading post in 1830, 
Lad in a few years grown into a city of several thousand inhabi- 
tants. This remarkable city had now started upon her wonderful 
career of improvement, unsurpassed by individual effort in the 
annals of the world, steadily maintained to tins day; and at 
present, after her terrible visitation by the tire fiend, also unsur- 
passed in the annals of the world for the magnitude of its 
destructiveness, since the days of Sodom and Gomorrah, she bids 
fair to eclipse all her former rapidity of growth. The story of 
speedy fortunes made in Chicago, which excited wonder and adven- 
ture 36 years ago, is still fraught with nmrvels. Early reports 
of the rapid advance of property in Chicago, spread to the east. 
Every vessel came crowded with immigrants, bringing their 
money, enterprise and industry to the enchanted spot of sudden 
opulence. They have not been disai)pointed. The rapid develop- 
ment of the town inspired emulation. Throughout the State, 
towns, and additi<Mis were plotted with the hope of profiting by 
the infiux of emigrants. In some cases maps of splendidly situated 
towns would be taken to Chicago, to attract the attention of the 
28 433 



434 HISTOKY OF ILLINOIS. 



emigrant, and auction sales of lots would be made far from the 
place of location. Others were sent east. It was said at the 
time that the staple articles of Illinois export were town plots, and 
that there was danger of crowding the State with towns to the 
exclnsion of land for agriculture.* During the year 1830, hinds 
to the amount of $5,00(),()00 were entered in Illinois. From this 
it was not unreasonably deduced that an extraordinary tide of 
emigration would speedily set into this State. Even the sober 
judgment of careful business men and staid fanners tluctuatcd, 
iiud they became fired with the idea of leaping into sudden fortune. 
The genius of speculation overspread the State with her golden 
wings, casting dazzling beams of bright }u-omise across the paths 
of our people, beyond which it was difticult to .see. They invested 
to the utmost of their credit, which at that time of bank exi)an- 
sion, was almost unlimited. To prevent their extensive purchases 
from becoming a drug upon their hands, and to further invite 
immigration and place the prosperity of the State upon a lirm 
basis, by developing its resources — bringing its interior within the 
range of markets; settling it up ; building up its towns and cities; 
having the muscle to Avring from its vigorous soil the products of 
wealth, and enhance the price of ])roperty, was a great, a grand 
disideratum. xVll this could be accomi)]islied, it was ingeniously 
argued, and doubtless demonstrated to nuiny, by a general system 
of internal improvements, based on the faith and credit of the 
State. A new legishiture was to be elected in August of th.it 
year, 1836. The dazzling scheme was now vigorously agitated. 
Tlie press espoused the project. Public meetings were held all 
over the State, and resolutions, as the exi»ressions of the people 
in favor of the scheme, were adoi)ted. The subject was kept 
alive. The great natural surface advantages of the State for the 
building of railroads were dilated upon ; the State which already 
possessed every elenieut of greatness — extent of territory, ri(di- 
ness of soil, variety of climate, almost bounded by uaviga))le 
waters — lacked only these improvements to reach and develope its 
vast and ina(;cessible interior. Its broad and fertile prairies lay 
ready prepared, awaiting only |)oi»ulation and the hand of industry 
to respond with abunclant pro(lucts, to freight these aA enues of 
commerce connecting them with the markets of the world. That 
these views were in the nuiin correct has by this time, with our 
7000 miles of completed railroads, been denu^nstrated ; but that 
the State should carry forward the herculean project was most 
vissionary, and proved most disastrous. 

Tlu' ](>gislature elected August 1836, was supplemented by an 
intermd imi)rovement convention, composed of many of the ablest 
men of the State, which was to meet at the seat of government 
sinndtaneously with the legislature. It is probable that the more 
zealous advocates of the project entertained doubts regarding the 
stamina of the honorable members of the legislature, when the 
vast project should be fully In'ought forward for action. The con- 
vention devised a general system of iuternal improvements, the 
leading characteristics of which was ''that it should be commen- 
surate with the wants of the people." It was an irresponsible 
body, determined to succeed in its one object, regardless of con- 
sexpiences. The wildest reasoning was indulged. Every theory 

♦Ford's History. ~ 



DUNCAN'S ADMINISTRATION. 435 

that the teeiniiig;- brain of man coukl sng-g:est was brought into 
reqnisition to further the suecess of the .scheme. Possibihties 
were argiKMl into probabilities, and tlie hitter into infalibilities. 
Doubts regardinij tlic advantages of the systeni were scouted; 
the resources of the State magnitied a hundred fold, and the ulti- 
mate ability of the works to meet all their liabilities without det- 
riment to the State, predicted with a positiveness as if inspired 
by the gift of prophecy. (Tovernor Duncan in his message reiter- 
ated his recommendation to establish a general aiulnniform sys- 
tem of internal imi)rovements, in which the State might take a 
third or half interest to hasten the works to comi)letion, which 
would secure to her ai lasting and abundant revenue, to be ap- 
plie«l ui»on the principles of the plan proi>osed, "until the whole 
country shall be intersected by canals and railroads, and our 
beautiful ]»rairies eidivened by thousands of steam engines, draw- 
ing after tlKMU lengtheiut'd trains, freighted with the abundant 
productions of our fertile soil." The production of the conven- 
tion was c(uitided to the hands of Kdwa.rd Suiith, of NVabash, chair- 
man of the committee on internal improvements in the legislature, 
who, after the introduction of a setof r(\solutions covering the same 
ground, on the 0th of January, 1837, nnule a report on the memo- 
rial and the governor's message relating to the same subject, 
which it may safely be asserted is one of the most assuring, ex- 
pectant, and hopeful pajjcrs to be found among the archives of 
Illinois. It occupies some 12 pages, and is replete with specious 
reasoning. The committee argued that public expectation, both 
athouieand abroad, would be greatly disappointed if some system 
of internal improvement, was not adopt(Ml at the present ses- 
sion ; tliat the internal trade of a country was the greatest 
lever of its prosperity ; that it was the legislator's duty, by his ex- 
ample, to calm the apprehension ot the timorous and meet the 
attacks of calculating o]i)posers of measures which would multi- 
ply the i^opidation and wealth of the State; that the surface of 
the State was peculiarly adapted to the construction of railroads, 
and that the ]»racticability of renuning obstructions to the navi- 
gation of oui- rivers could not be doubted ; that a general systein 
of internal improvements was then within the policy and means 
of the State, deman<led by the people as expressed by their highly 
talented delegates, lately assembled in convention, and also looked 
forward to by the people abroad who had purchased laiuls here 
with a view to settlement, and whose expectations ought not to be 
disappointed by over cautious legislation, which would divert emi- 
gration to other States ; that the cost of buihling railroads, from 
the uniforuiity of the country, and by analogy with similar works 
in other States, could be calculated with the utmost ])recision 
without previous surveys, ($S,(K)0 per mile being the estimate); 
than an internal improvement fund should l)e constituted of all 
moneys arising from loans, sale of stocks, tolls, rents of land and 
hydraulic powers, interest on stocks, sale of State lands enteredfor 
the works, a portion of the deposits received from the national 
treasury, ainl portions of the annual land tax; that with the ex- 
])iratiou of the go\'ernmenr e\'emi)tion in five years time, there 
would be 1L*,(>*'(>.(KH> acres of land to tax; that by the disbursements 
of large sums of money, means would speedily be ])laced in the 
hands of the people to enable them to purchase their homes ; 



430 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



tliat tlie railroads as fast as completed botli ways from tlie cross- 
ings of rivers and important towns, would yield the interests on 
their costs ; that in the advance of the routes of improvements the 
State should enter lands to re-sell at an enhanced price; that a 
board of fund commissioners should be elected, to consist of such 
eminent financiers as to retlect great credit upon the State, and 
thus add to its financial resources ; and that with these active 
resources at command no great financial skill was required of fu- 
ture legislatures to ])rovide the ways and means to carry to com- 
pletion" the public works without burthening the people with taxa- 
tion. The works recommended, together with the estimated costs, 
were as follows : 

1st. Improvemeut-of the Great Wabash river - - $100,000 

od " <' Illinois river - - - 100,000 

3d. " " Rock river . - - - 100,000 

4th " " Kaskaskia river - - 50,000 

5tb' " " Little Wabash river - - 50,000 

6th. " " Great Western Mail Route - 100,000 

7th' " " Central Railroad from mouth of the 

Ohio to Galena - - 3,500,000 

8th. " " Southern Cross railroad - 1,600,000 

9th. " " Northern Cross railroad - 1,850,000 

$7,450,000 

A bill covering these provisions was submitted by the commit- 
tee, who coucluded : 

" The maxim is well understood by political economists, that the 
wealth of a country does not consist so much in the abundance of its 
coffers as in the number and general prosperity of its citizens. In the 
present situation of the country, the products of the interior by reason 
of their remoteness from market, are left upon the hands of the produ- 
cer, or sold barely at the price of the labor necessary to raise and prepare 
them for sale. But if the contemplated system should be carried into 
effect, these fertile and healthy districts which now languish for the 
want of ready markets for their productions, would find a demand at 
home for them during the progress of the works, and after their comple- 
tion would have the advantage of a cheap transit to a choice of markets 
on the various navigable streams. These would inevitably tend to build 
towns and cities alqng the routes and at the terminal points of the re- 
spective railroads." 

The legislature, in adopting "An act to establish and maintain 
a general system of internal improvement," approved February 
27, 1837, not only came fully up to the requirements of the con- 
vention, as rei)<>rted by the committee, but went over two million 
aiul a quarter beyond — $10,230,000, as follows: Toward the im- 
provement of the Great Wabash, $100,000; the Illinois river, 
$100,000; Rock river, $100,000; Kaskaskia, $50,000; Little Wa- 
bash, $50,000 ; (Ireat Western Mail Route from Vincennes to St. 
Louis, $250,000, as follows: on the Purgatory swamp, opposite 
Vincennes, $;iO,000, Little Wabash river bottoms, $15,000. on the 
American bottom oi)posite St. Louis, $30,000, the balance on 
bridges and rcpaii's; for the Central railroad from Cairo to the 
Illinois and iMichigan canal and railroads from Alton to Mt. Car- 
inel (Southern cross-road) and Alton to Shawneetown, $1,000,000; 
N(n'thern cross-railroad from Quincy to Indiana State line (present 
T. W. & W^), $1,S00,000; a branch of the Central from Hillsboro' 
via Shelbyvine and Charleston to Terre Haute, $050,000; from 
Peoria via McComb and Carthage to Warsaw, $700,000; from 



DUNCAN'S ADMINISTRATION. 437 

Alton to Hillsboro, and the Central railroad, .$(500,000; from 
Belleville via Lebanon to intersect the Southern eross-railroad, 
$150,000; from Bloomington to Mackinaw in Tazewill county, 
thence a briinch to Pekin, $350,000; and tinally, of the first 
moneys obtained, $1*00,000 were to be distributed aniony those 
counties throu.iih which no roads or improvements were projected. 

A board of fund commissioners was provided to consist of three 
members, who should " be practical and experienced tinanciers," 
" who were to contract for and negotiate all loans authoiized by 
the legislature on the faith and credit of the State for ttbjects of 
intermil improvements on the best and most favorable terms," 
sign and execute bonds or certiticates of stocks, receive, manage, 
deposit and ap])ly all moiU'y'S arisingfrom said loans; make quar- 
terly reports, &c., and keej) a complete record of all their fiscal 
transactions. The commissioners chosen at this session by joint 
vote of both houses, were: CUiarles Oakley, M. M. Kawlings, and 
Tluunas blather. Their trust was enormous, and while they han- 
dled millions of the peo[>le's money, a bond was exacted of only 
$,■50,000. They were allowed a secretary and a per diem compen- 
sation of $5. For the })ur])ose of promoting and uniting the va- 
rious branches of improvement, a board of " Commissioners of 
Public Works" was created, consisting of seven members, one 
from each judicial district, to be elected biennially by joint vote of 
the General Assend)ly, and to continue in oltice Ibr two years. 
An oath of office and a bond of twenty thousand dollars was re- 
quired of each; no commissioner was permitted to retain in his 
bands more than $liO,000 at any one time. Both commis- 
sioners and engineers were required to take an oath to keep 
secret, for the benefit of the State, all iufoimation they nnght le- 
ceive relating to lands or choice town sites, that other i)ersoiis 
might not enter or purchase them to the detriment of the State. 
A violation of this jirovisiou was to be deemed a misdemeanor, 
punishable by fine not exceediug $5,000 and inca})acity of hold- 
ing office. The commissioners were authorized to locate, su- 
perintend, ami construct all the ])ublic works for the State, except 
thecauaL They were to organize and meet semi-annually at the 
seat of government, at which times the general outlines of the 
oi)erations were to be determined; examine and audit the ex- 
penditures of moneys ou the works; make estimates of {uobable 
costs; serve authenticated copies on the fund commissioners, and 
make out a report of their proceedings for the governor to lay be- 
foie the legislature. Certain duties or divisions of the work might 
be assigned among themselves ; they were to cause examinations 
and surveys of rivers to be made, aud generally to let the works to 
the lowest bidders, for which due notice was to be published and 
sealed proposals recei\ed ; contracts were to pro\ide for forfeiture 
in case of non-compliance, abandonment, &c., by contractors ; no 
sub-letting was permitted. 

Any vacant lands lying within 5 miles of any probable routes of 
the works were to be entered for the State. The raib'oads were to 
be built on the nn)st direct and eligible routes between their speci- 
fied termini. Individuals or ]nivate companies might connect 
any railroads or biaiiches with the State works. Finally the 
board of public works were empowered to adopt and enforce all 



438 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

such rules and regulations as tliey miglit deem necessary and 
expedient, to carryinto full effect rhe objects of the act. 

Tlie K^ortheru Cross railroad, from Jacksonville to Springfield, 
Tvas to be immediately constructed ; but with regard to the other 
railroads, it was provided in section 25 of the act, that the work 
ishould be commenced sinudtaneously at each end, at important 
trading towns, and at their iidersections with navigable streams, 
to be thence built in both directions. This i)rovision, which has 
been called the crowning folly of the entire system, was the result 
of those jealous cojnbinations, emanating from the fear that 
advantages might accrue to one section over another in the com- 
mencement and completion of the works, which evince, both the 
weakness and short-sightedness of luunan nature. We can appre- 
ciate the magnitude and enornnty of the "grand system" better 
perhaps, by ai)i)lying facts and figures to it. The cens^is taken iu 
1835, returned the population of the State 271,727 ; in 1S70 it is 
2,539,891, or nearly ten times greater. The ratio of increase iu 
the wealth of the State as fully as great.* The debt authorized 
for these improvements in the first instance was $10,230,000. 
But it Mas shortly found, that the estimates of the cost of the 
works were too low by half. We may Avith certainty assert, there- 
fore, that the State was committed to a liability of $20,000,000, 
equivalent to $200,000,000 at the present time, with ten tinies the 
l)opulation, and nuire than ten times the wealth. Yet what would 
be the indignation of the i)eople, if any legislature should now 
dare to impose the enormous lial)ility of $200,000,000, or even 
half that sum, upon the State, notwithstanding its great wealth 
and resources ? 

The bill did not meet the approbation of the council of revision. 
It was assigned as a reason, ''that such works can only be made 
safely and econonncally in a free government, by citizens or by 
independeut corporations, aided or authorized by government." 
Allusions was also made to the undue inlliience over legislation that, 
such vast public works would exercise. Notwithstanding these 
objections the bill was again i)assed by the constitutional major- 
ity and became a law. Messrs. E. 1>.' Webb and John McCo'wn, 
njembers of the House from White county, entered their solemn 
protest againt its i)assage, setting forth their reasons at large, 
which were s])rcad ui)on the journal. 

Various combinations, or what is in modern parlence termed 
"rings," were forme<l in the legislature to effect the passage of 
the act. rrevi<ms to this all estimates of the cost of the canal, 
then in course of construction, were ui»on too low a scale. Its 
completion was very much desired by a large portion of the })eo- 
ple, and it had been regarded as a \vork of great publii- utility 
with much ujmnimity among ])ublic men, but now farther aid was 
menaced to bewithheld if other portions of the State were refused 
the improvements which their situations demanded. The canal 
was thei-elbre connected with the general system, and a i)rovision 
inade ])ledging the faith of the State for a, loan of $500,0U0 toward 
it. The canal is not yet done playing an important part in obtain- 
ing appropriations from the State treasury. To enlist the requis- 
ite number of members for its i)assage of the bill, provision was 

*The taxable wealtli ol the State in 18^9 was only 558,889,525, now it exceeds $500,000,- 



DUNCAN'S ADMINISTRATION. 439 

made for impiovenieiits in almost every part of tlie State, and 
those out-of-tlie-w;iy comities which could not be reached, were to 
share in a fund of ■*-*)(), 000, first to be raised. Alton, then muni- 
ficently supplied with millions by the State bank to build her up 
as the mercantile center and metropolis of the west, would not be 
satisfied with less than the termini of thi-ee railroads. In 1834, 
she had received the hi<ihest number of votes as the seat of 
government, after the 20 years limitation at Vandalia should ex- 
pire ; but upon this she did not now insist — she pr<'ferre(l rail- 
roads. Several efforts were made to cut down the schemc'to less 
dimensions, with failures each time, and not unfrequently more 
works added. Although the internal improvement convention 
had long since adjourned, there was still a powerful N)bby busily 
engaged applying the pressure to pliant members of the legislature. 
The lobbies witnessed many oratorical efforts of ingenious and 
logical argument. The manifest destiny of government was pro- 
trayed in glowing colors; deductions from similar systems in i)ro- 
gress in other States were made a])})licable to Illinois, and their 
certiun success driven home and clinched with i)redictions ; and 
who (^an argue against p]'o[>hecy ? The subsequent i'acts of signal 
and disastrous failure, were then hidden in the womb of time. 
What a])pears ridiculous and absurd now, was then by nniny 
confidently believed, because there were no facts to gainsay it, but 
much positive asservation that it would be a success. 

The question of removing the seat of government from Vandalia, 
the "20 years limitation under the constitution having nearly ex- 
pired, played no inconsiderable part in the i)ass;ige of this 
measure. Sangamon county, then the most populous in the State, 
was represented by two senators and seven representatixes, 
familiarly knoAvn as the "long niiie," all whigs but one. Says 
Gov. Ford: 

"Amongst them were some dexterous jugglers and managers in 
polities, whose wliole object was to obtain the seat of govennnent for 
Springfield. This delegation, from the beginning of the sef^^sion, llirew 
itself as a unit in support of, or opposition to, every local nuasure of 
interest, but never witlK)Ut a bargain for votes in return on tlie seat of 
government question. INIost of tlie other counties were small, having 
but one representative, and many of them with but one for the whole 
district ; and this gave iSangamon county a decided i)reponderance in the 
log-rolling system of those days. It is worthy of examination wliether 
any just and equal legislation can ever be sustained where some of the 
counties are great and powerful and others feeble. But by sucli means 
'the long nine' rolled along like a snow l)all, uathering accessions of 
strength at every turn, until they swelleil up a considerable iiarty for 
Springfield, which party they managed to take almost as a unit in favor 
of the internal improvement system, in return for wliich the active sup- 
porters of that .system were to vote for Springfield to be the seat of gov- 
ernment. Thus it was made to cost the State about. *?(>, 0(10,(100, to remove 
the seatof government from Vandalia to Springfield, lialf of whicli svim 
would have purchased all the real estate in that town at three prices; and 
thus by log-rolliug on the canal measure, by multi])lyiug raih'oads, by 
terminating three railroads at Alton, that Alton migl'it become a great 
city in opposition to St. Louis, by distributing money to some of the 
counties, to be wasted by the county commissioners, aud by giving the 
seat of government to Springfield, was the whole State Ijought up and 
bribed, to api)rove the most senseless and disastrous policy which ever 
crippled the energies of a growing countr3\" 

The first board of conimissioners of jutblic works, consisted of 
Murray McConnell, William Kinney, Elijah Willard, Milton K. 



440 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

Alexaucler, Joel Wright, James W. Steplieuson, and Ebeiiezer 
Peck. An effort was made to elect members of the legislature to 
this important place of trust. To evade the provision of the con- 
stitution, that '-no senator or representative shall, during the time 
for which he shall have been elected, be appointed to nuj civil 
ofiice under this State," and also the determination of Governor 
Duncan not to commission any member who might be chosen, a 
law was endeavored to be passed to over-ride the constitution and 
do away with a commission, notwithstanding- the requirement 
that all civil officers shall be commissioned. In the light of a late 
decision of the supreme court, however, a commissioner is not an 
officer. Still, at the joint meeting of the two houses an effort was 
made to elect members as commissioners, but there were some 
scruples in the way ; an adjournment for a day was had, when 
men were chosen, not members of either house. 

It was now fondly hoped by those whose heads were not entirely 
turned that the fund commissioners would be unable to negotiate 
the bonds of the State. But this was soon swept away. Through 
the aid of the United States bank, then trading in State stocks, 
which served to bankrupt it, loans were effected in the summer 
of 1837; work was commenced at many different points before 
the end of the year. Throughout the State public expectation 
was wrought to the highest pitch over the scheme. Money became 
abundant by reason of local expenditures and in payments for 
estimates upon works. It had been confidently believed that the 
bonds of the State Avould bring' ten per centum premium in 
market. Gov. Duncan had disposed of $100,000 in canal bonds 
the summer preceding at 5 per centum premium, which he con- 
sidered too low and declined a larger sum at that rate. But now 
the commissioners could effect loans in this country only at par ; 
London was tried with worse effect, "those in Europe were at 1> 
per cent discount. The bankers paid 00 cents on the dollar to the 
State, and, as is alleged, 1 per cent, to the fund commissioners, 
for brokerage."* Besides which a heavy contract was given for 
railroad iron at a most exorbitant price. Labor progressed 
meanwhile upon all the works. 

*Ford's History. 



Chapter XXXVIIL 
1838-1842— ADMIXISTKATION OF GOVERNOR CARLIN. 

Continuation of the Subject of Internal Improvement — Collapse of 
the Grand System — Hard Times — Reorganization of the Judiciary 
in 1811. 



While the umvieUly internal iiiiprovenient .system of the State 
was in full operation, with all its exi»ensive niachiiiery, amidst 
bank suspensions throughout the United States, a great stringem-y 
in the money nuirket everywhere, and Illinois bonds forced to sale 
at a heavy discouut, the general election of 1838 was approach- 
ing. Discreet men who had cherished the hope of a speedy sub- 
sidence of the public infatuation, met with disappointment. A 
governor and legislature were to be elected, and these were now 
looked forward to for a repeal of the ruinous State policy. But 
the grand scheme had not yet lost its dazzling iuHuence ujxm the 
minds of the i)eople. Time* and experience had not demonstrated 
its utter absurdity. Hence the question of arresting its career 
of protiigate expenditures did not become a leading one with the 
dominant party during th<* cam])aign, aiul nu)st of the ohl members 
of the legislature were returned at this election. 

Of the gubernatorial candidates, Cyrus Edwards (brother t)f the 
late governor,) whig, came out strongly for the system; while 
Thonuis Carlin, the denu)cratic nonnnee, well aj^prised of the pultlic 
infatuatiou not yet sobered, failed to declare an emphatic opinion 
either for or against. This was the first time that the two i)olitical 
parties had the tield to themselves in a gubernatorial cami)aign, 
unembarrassed by other tickets. In December preceding, the 
Democratic State convention had nominated James W. Stephen- 
son for governor, and John S. liacker for lieutenant governor. In 
April following, Hacker withdrew from the contest, and Ste]»lien- 
son, who was charged with being a defaulter, also witlnbew, 
a sacritice to the demands of party interests. The convention was 
recalled and met June 4th, wlien Thomas Carlin was nominated 
for governor, and S. H. Anderson for lieutenant governor. Carlin 
was elected, receiving- 3r>,o73 votes to Edwards LM),(!21). Anderson 
received 30,335 votes, to W. H. Davidson, the whig- nominee for 
lieutenant governor, 28,710. 

Gov. Carlin was born in Kentucky, near Frankfort, July 18th, 
178!». His father was an Irishman. The educaticm of youngs 
Carlin was meagre. In early manhood he applied himself to 
remedy this deficiency, being his own tutor, lie was fond of 
reading through life. In 1803 his father removed to IVlissouri, 
then Spanish, "where he died in 1810. In 1812 the subject of our 

441 



442 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

sketch came to Illinois and participated in all the "raiigiug" ser- 
vice incident to the war of that period, i^roNing himself a soldier 
of iindannted l)ra\ ery. He was married to Rebeca Huitt in 1814, 
and lived on the bank of the Mississip[)i opposite the month of the 
Missouri 4 years, when he removed to Greene connty. He located 
the town site of Carrollton, and njade a liberal donation of land 
for county building' ])urposes in 1825. He was the first sheriff of 
Greene county, and afterward was twice elected a senator to the 
legislature. In the Black Hawk war he commanded a spy 
battalion, a jjost of considerable danger. In 1834 he was ap[)<)inted 
by President Jackson receiver of public moneys and removed to 
Quincy. After the close of his gul)ernatorial term he remo\ed 
back to his old home at Carrollton, where he si)entthe remainder 
of his life, as before his elevation to oftlce, in agricultural pursuits. 
In 184!) he served out the unexpired term of J. D. Fry in the 
lower house of the legislature. He died Feb. 14, 1852, leaving 
surviving him his wife and seven children, out of thirteen born to 
them.* 

Gov. Carlju was a man of remarkable physical energy and 
capacit3\ In stature he was above the medium height; light com- 
plexioned, a spare looking face, high forehead, long nose, and thin 
lips, giving to his mouth a compressed ai)pearance. He was un- 
yielding if not obstinate in disi)osition, ])ossessed in private life 
an unblemished character, and was a democrat of the straightest 
sect. While he did not seek preferment, he did not reject oltice. 
Mentally he was not without vigor. His messages are smoothly 
and rather well written, but he did not attempt public sx)eaking. 

The lieutenant governor elect, Antlerson, was a native of 
Tennessee. He proved an efficient officer, and attached to himself 
numy warm friends through life. He resided in Jefferson county. 
After the expiration of his term of office, he received from Pies^- 
dent Folk the office of United States JMarshal. In politics, it }s 
needless to add, he was a democrat. 

Ul)ou. the meeting of the legislature, 1839, the retiring governor, 
Dnncan, in his message spoke in eniphatic terms of the impolicy 
of the internal improvement system by the State; presaged the evils 
threatened by that measure, which exi)erience had already suffici- 
ently shown would have a most deleterious effect u^ton the i)ro})erty 
of the State; and urged that to correct the mistake, without too 
great a sacrifice of public or private interests, should occupy the 
most Serious and patriotic delibei'ation of the legislature. But the 
incoming governor, contrary to the hope of many wise and discrete 
men, while he strongly assailed, in true Jacksonian style, the 
banks and their sus})ensions, which had been legalized, lield the 
following language on the sid)ject of internal improvements: 

"The signal success which has attended our sister States in the con- 
struction of their extensive systems of improvements can leave no doubt 
of the wise policy and utility of such worlds. They open new channels 
of commerce and trade, furnish the farmer and mechanic the means of 
transporting the prockicts of their labor to market, develope the natural 
and iiidden resour(,'es of the country, and t^timidate the enterprise and 
industry of the i)eople. *' * In the princiiiles and policy of tiiis plan, 
contrasted with tliat of joint stock companies antl private "corporations, I 
entirely concur. Had I occupied my present situation at the establish- 

♦Froin a memoir by bis daughter, Mrs. E. C . Woodward. 



carlin's administration. 443 

meiit of the system, I would have recommeiuled its adoption on a less 
extensive scale, and the construction of the most important works first. 
Under the present plan of proceeding, however, near two million dollars 
have been expended, and whatever diversity of oi)inion may now exist 
as to the expediency of the system as originally projected, all must 
admit that the character and credit of the State forbid its abandonment." 

It was, therefore, to be exi)ecte(l that those who saw the folly of 
the State in the prosecution of this system, and had du^rished the 
ho])e of a chaiii;e, would be disa|>{)ointed. The new legislature 
not oidy did not repeal oi' modify the ex])ensive i)roJe(rt, but made 
further speeitic api)ropriations and autliori/ed additional worlcs, 
involvino' an outday of neai' a million dollars: .$50, ()()() for the im- 
provement of liock river; .i5l5(),()()() to improve the navi. nation of 
the Little Wabash; .$LM),(HH> on the western mail i-oute;* sS5lOi>,(HK) 
for a new railroad Ironi liushville to Erie, on the bank of the Illinois 
river; $20,000 to improve the navii;ation of the Kudtarras ]'i\'er; 
$1:0,000 for the r,i,u- .^luddy; and $10,000 for a road from Cabokia 
Creek to Kaskaskia. Besi(les these s])ecitie amounts, the improve- 
ment of the navii;iition of the Illinois river was directed to be 
extended to Ottawa, (which according to modern experience would 
have taken many nullions more) and a lateral branch railroad from 
some eligible point on the xVlton ami Slielby\ille railroad between 
Hillsboro and Alton to run to Caiiinville. The governor was ako 
authorized to negotiate a loan of $4,000,000 to prosecnte the work 
on the canal. The lands ami pnblic works of the State were ex- 
emi)ted from taxation. So thoroughly was the legislature still 
ind)ued with the idea of the Stateexclusively owning all the public 
works, that the (;hairma-n of the Comnuttee on Internal Improve- 
ment, Mr. Smith, of Wabash, in reporting adversely ui)on a. bill 
for "an act to incor})orate tlie Albion and Grayville liailroad 
Company," at this session, said: '-In tlie opinion of the com- 
mittee, it is inexpedient for tlie legislature to authorize corporations 
or individuals to construct railioads or canals calculated to come 
in competition with sindhir works m)W in course of construction 
under the State system of internal iin])rovements." 

Here let us stop. and speculate over tlie probable future of our 
State, had this remarkable 31r. Edward Smith live<l. As chairnnm 
of the committee on internal improvements, he drafted that glow- 
ing report of the committee which so tired the honorable members 
upon the subject of develo})ing the resources of the State as to 
cause them to vie with each other in actually doing more than 
that not very modest document asked; and who, apparently, 
possessed the nnignetic; power to bring the nuMubers squarely u}) 
to the support of these improvement measures, like a skillful 
general marshaling his hosts for victory. He seemed to be born to 
command in this particular held of enterprise. Unfortunately, 
before the next session, .Air. Smith died, when the si>lendid system 
collapsed. Had he remained in life, with the peculiai' force that 
characterized him in ])ushing through these measures, the linal 
result of this herculean undertaking of the State becomes a sub- 
ject of curious contem}>lation. It nuist have either bankrupted 
the State beyond all hoi)e of redemption, or made In^r treasui\y the 
rcci[>ient of all the many nullions of aiimial earinngs of the vast 
net-work of nearly 7,000 miles of completed railroads at the i)resent 
time, which now find their way into the coffers of piivate cori)ora- 



444 HISTORY OP ILLINOIS. 



tioiis, enriching them to au unlimited and uncontrollable extent. 
With such an enormous income by the State, the burthen of taxa- 
tion would be entirely removed; we would be enabled doubtless 
to ship our produce to market for half of the present rates, which 
would double the value of crops and farms, and incidentally all 
other real and personal property; the cheapening of travel in a 
corresponding ratio would double the amount of it; we would 
visit our distant friends oftener, cultivate an extensive social inter- 
course by rail — indeed the whole country would be much as a city 
now is with its street railroads ; promote harmony and good fellow- 
ship throughout the length and breadth of the State — in a word, 
have a very millenium in Illinois! 

We have noted the fact that of the governor being authorized 
at the session of 1838-9 to negotiate a further loan of $4,000,000 
for the canal. Money wus stringent at the time both in Europe 
and America. The fiscal negotiations of the fund commissioners, 
made in Europe prior to this, were anything but satisfactory. 
Gov. Carlin, therefore, unwilling to put the new canal loan in the 
hands of these agents, and ambitious doubtless for the glory of his 
administration, commissioned ex-Governor Eeynolds, the very last 
public man in the State, perhaps, for a duty so responsible and 
delicate, requiring an extensive and accurate knowledge of 
domestic and foreign fiscal affairs. The latter urged the associa- 
tion with himself of II. M. Young, then a senator in congress, to 
which the governor ultimately acceded. In tlieir over-weening 
desire to raise money to carry forward the i)ublic works, lioth the 
fund commissioners and Gov. Carlin's financial agents made some 
verv ill-advised and bungling loans, attended with heavy losses to 
the' State. 

lleynolds hurried immediately forward to ISIew York, where he 
met and obtained the advice and assistance of Mr. Eawlings, one 
of the fund commissioners. They sold to Mr. Delalield, of X. Y^., 
April 23, 1830, 300 bonds of |1,000 each, bearing per cent, 
interest, payable half-yearly at I'hiladelphia and New Y^ork — the 
prin<;ipal becoming due in 1800. In this the law was exceeded, 
because it provided only for annual interest. The whole of the 300 
bonds were delivered, and payment was sti])ulated as follows : 
$50,000 within 15 days into the bank of the New York Banking 
Company, thence to be drawn out on not less than ten days sight 
drafts, in forty different installments; the next payment of $50,- 
000 was not to be made till the 1st of August, 183*9, in the notes 
of some bank or banking association of New York city, of a 
denomination not exceeding $10; and in like manner the remainder, 
commencing October 1st, in monthly installents of $50,000 each. 
Here was a sale of interest-bearing bonds nuide in April, the 
bonds all immediately delivered, and yet they were not filially to 
be paid for until the following January, 1840.' 

April 29, 1839, the same gentlemen contracted with Thomas 
Hnnlap (whose performance Avas guaranteed by the United States 
bank of Pennsvlvaiiia,) to sell him 10 00 bonds due in 1870 of 
£225 each, animal interest per cent.; and both principal and 
interest ])ayal)le in London, ''at the rate of 4s. Od. sterling to the 
dollar." rayment for the bonds sold Avas to be made in ten equal 
monthly installments of $100,000 each, without interest, in $10 
notes. This million dollars it was estimated by the house com- 



carlin's administration. 445 



mittee of the Illinois assembly, could be redeemed with 250,185 
sovereigns, lis. 2d., instead of £2-25.0()(), realizing a gain of 18,- 
314 sovereigns, 8s. lOd. to the pundiasers, ecjual to a loss of 
$91,250.34 to the State of Illinois. The contract was, besides, a 
glaring departure of the law, because the commissioners bound 
the State to pay in British coin £225,000, instead of .*|1 ,000,000 ; 
and while the State was paying intei-est on her bonds she not only 
did without the money for ten nn)nths but got no interest for that 
time. The money was to be [)aid in bills of the United Slates 
bank, but before the State actually received it, it became depre- 
ciated 10 per cent., making a loss of $100,000 on the amount. 
The total loss of this one transaction was near $200,000. Tlie 
law required ready payment in cash for all bonds sold. 

These transactions with Delaliehl and Dunlap, amounting to 
$1,300,000 in IlHuois bonds, becanu^ in part the basis for start- 
ing into operation the N^ew York free banking system, about that 
time autliorized, which required a deposit of State stocks, in 
double value of the circulation, tog<'ther with a small percentage 
of specie in the bank vaults. Our timmciers thus eimble several 
of the "wild-cat" institutions to start business, by furnishing tlieni 
Illinois bomls on credit, and receiving in payment the nn)ney — 
after proper exchange with other baidcs doubtless — issued in 
pursuance of the charters, Illinois meanwhile paying interest for 
the privilege of advancing their bonded capital! 

After the negotiations in New York and riiiladelphia, the gov- 
ernor's .agents, ex-Gov. Reynolds, and two of the fund commis- 
sioners, Gen. Rawlings and Col. OakU'y, in May, 1830, rei)aired to 
Europe to effect further loans for the State. Judge E. M. Young, 
the other agent of Gov. Carlin, in custody of the bonds, subse- 
quently joined them in London. The money nnirket in Europe 
was tight, but the comnnssioners, whom the law required to be 
"experienced and skilled in hnance," were not to be baffled. After 
coiisiderable delay, ^fessrs. Young and Keynolds, on October 30th, 
1839, deposited with John Wright & Co., of London, 1,000 ])oiids, 
representing $1,000,000, to be again reckoned in British coin of 
£225 each, authorizing them to sell or negotiate the tionds af a 
rate of not less than £91 for the £100. If more than 91 per cent, 
could be obtained for them, the suri)lus, not exceeding 4 per cent, 
was to be retained by Wright & C'o. as commissioners; an 3' exces.s 
beyond 95 per cent, for said bonds, was to be (Mpially divided be- 
tween the State and the said l)rokers. On tliis contract the 
brokers agreed to aihance £30,000. 

The law under whi<;h the flmincial agents acted, we will reiterate, 
expressly required ready ]iayment in cash for all bonds negotiated, 
and that none shouhl be sold for less than par. Although the 
bonds might be hypothecated, yet when th<i agents authorized 
Messrs. Wright & Co. to sell them at 91 per cent., they acted 
without warrant of law. The brokers sold about half a million 
dollars worth of the bomls, when they failed, with both the ju'o- 
ceeds of these sales and the remainder of the bonds in their 
hands. The unsold bonds, being the property of the State, Avere 
afterward returned by the receivers, but the money received on 
those sold was adjudged as assets of the firm, in wiiich the State 
was com])elled to share prorata with other creditors, amounting to 
a few shillings on the pound. 



446 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



Tlie Hon. E. B. Webb, from the bouse judieiary committee, to 
wboin tbe accounts for tbe sales of bonds were referred, reported 
Jan. 29, 1840, saying: "Tbe anxiety of tbe agents to procure 
money for tlie State,"or tlieir eagerness to succeed in effecting 
sales \vbere otbers bad failed, induced tliein to enter into contracts 
injurious to tbe best interests of tbe State, derogatory to ber dig- 
nity, and in every way calculated to depreciate ber securities." 
Kcsolutions were' adopted by tbe bouse, disapproving of tbese 
transactions, wberci.y tbe State was required to receive in pay- 
ment local bank bills, as under tbe contracts witb Delatield and 
Dunlap, and tbe sides made on credit; condemning, as in contra- 
veidion of law, tbe bypotbecation of bonds witb Jobn Wrigbt & 
(Jo., to be sold at 91 per cent. ; declaring tbat tbe agents bad tran- 
scended tbe powers vested in tbem, and tbat tbeir London nego- 
tiation was void, copies were to be transmitted to J. Wrigbt & Co., 
Covent Garden, London. By tbis time it bad become patent tbat 
no more loans could be effected at par, as tbe law required. 
Tbe dark cloud of infatuation wbicb obscured tbe vision of tbe 
people began also to be dissipated, and as glimmers of ligbt sbone 
tbrougb tbey became clamorous against tbe large extent in wbich 
tbe works were feebly prosecuted simultaneously at all points. 
The ideas of Governor Carlin, in one sbort year's time, underwent 
a total revolution witb regard to tbe gj-and system of internal im- 
proxcment. He now found from correct data, tliat tbe State would 
S]>ecdi]y inq)ose upon berself a debt of not less tban $21,740,444, 
at an annual interest of $1,310,770, witb a revenue of less tban 
one sixtb tbat amount— $200,000 ; tbat tbe tben debt of tbe State 
excee(UMl already $14,000,000, wbicb rested upon a community of 
less tban balf million souls, remote from markets, and witb little 
commerce to bring in money. Tbe giddy magnitude of tbe idea 
became a[)palling to bis ex(!ellency, and lie convoked tbe legisla- 
ture in extraordinary session for J)ecend)er 9tb, 1839. 

In bis message, after alluding to tbe spirit of speculation so 
rife in 1830, whereby not only individuals but deliberative bodies 
were lured from tbe paths of prudence and economy by tbis over- 
weening delusion, be says: 

" At tbis critical and most important crisis, a bill was introduced into 
tbe legislature, providing for a general system of internal improve- 
ments by tbe construction of nearly 1,300 miles of railroad, and the 
improvement of various rivers; and such was the zeal with which it 
was urged, and so numerous and powerful were its friends, that it passed 
tlirougii liotii houses hy large majorities. No fear seemed to be enter- 
tained by its advocates, but the ability and resoui'cesof the State would 
prove ecjual to the accomplishment of such a herculean task, and tliey 
pointed with pride and exultation to that bigh rank in the scale of 
wealth to whicii the measure would hnally elevate us." 

His excellency, now discovering impending ruin and disbonor, 
in\'okcd the legislature to tbe exercise of wisdom and unity of 
action in tbe a(lo]»tion of sucb measures of reform as would best 
subserve tbe j)ublic welfare and save tbe State from bankruptcy 
and degradation. 

The legislature, whose rutbless band was destined to destroy 
tbe stui)emloiis system, was composed in the main of tbe same 
mend)ers who bad origimilly passed it; who bad but one sbort year 
before sui)]»leinented and endorsed it by tbe addition of works in- 
volving a further expenditureof $1,000,000, now by tbeir delib- 



CAELIN'S ADMINISTRATION. 447 

erate action to place the seal of condemnation npon their clier- 
ished off>;prino-, was (certainly most humiliating-, and they hesitated 
in their course. If they could liave wiped the system out, leaving 
no debtor menioi'v of it behind, it wonld not have been so disa- 
greeable, but when they reflected that their folly would cost the 
people $150,000 for every member, the politicians Avere smitten 
with fear regarding the futniv of their preferments, l^ut thanks, 
the unpalatable task was performed. By the two acts ot February 
1840, it was [)rovided that the board of fund commissioners and 
cOunnissioners of public works be abolished; one fund com- 
missioner was [)ro\'ided to perform the same duties as before re- 
quired of the board, "except that he shall not be authorized to 
sell State bonds or borrow money on behalf of the State." He 
was to receive and take charge of the railroad iron purchased in 
Europe and pay the duty on it; receive back all bonds from per- 
sons failing to comi)ly with their contracts, and register and burn 
the same; to audit and settle the accounts of the late board of 
fund commissioners and the late board of public works, and bring 
suit against each member in arrears in the Sangamon circuit court, 
for which purpose jurisdiction was given it to any county. Three 
instead of seven commissioners of pid)lic works were now provi- 
ded who were to settle and adjust all liabilities under the internal 
improvement system, and give drafts for the amounts due (;on- 
tractors on the Fund Commissioners, whereu])on such contracts 
were to be regarded as cancelled. If the drafts could not be 
wholly cashed, the amount }>aid was to be endorsed, and the resi- 
due to draw interest. All engineers and agents whose services 
were not indispcnsible to ascertain the amounts due contractors, 
were to be immediately discharged. The board was to secure and 
operate such roads or parts of roads as were completed, fix and 
establish tolls, and provide for their collection and payment over 
to the fund commissioners. 

The progress of the work on the canal was not arrested ; but 
of tlie remainder of the works of the grand system (with the 
exception of a part of the Northern Cross railroad) sinniltaiieous- 
ly begun in various parts of the State, nothing was ever done, 
except in detached parcels on every road, where excavations and 
embankments may even yet be seen— memorials of supreme legis- 
lative folly. That ]>ortion of the Northern Cross Kailroad from 
Meredosia to Springfield, was afterwards finished at a cost to the 
State of $1,000,000; its income i)roved insufticient to keej) it in 
repair and it was subsecpu'idly sold for $100,000 in State indebt- 
edness. Of this road some 8 miles of track was laid in 18.')8, from 
Meredosia east, the tirst rail being laid May 0th. The first 
locomotive that ever turned a. wheel in the great valley of the 
Mississippi was put on the track of this road at ]\[eredosia, Nov. 
8th, 1838. George W. Plant, afterward a pronnnent business 
man of St. Louis, was the engineer. The locomotive ran over 
the track 8 miles and ba(?k, carrying Gov. Duncan, Murray Mc- 
Connel, one of the commissioners of the pul)lic works, James 
Dunlap and Thos. I. January, contractors, Charles Collins and 
Miron Leslie of St. Louis, and the chief engineer, Geo. P. Plant. 
Twelve years before only, 1820, the. first railroad in the United 
States was built, connecting Albany and Schenectady, in New 
York. Her eager desire in the race of empire now gave to Illinois 



448 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

a clieck for 12 yesirs before another railroad was built. Tliis 
was the Chicago and Galena, finished as far a.s Elgin in 1850. 
Then dawned Tipon the State the great railroad era which has 
sinee (covered her surface with a net-work of these iron arteries of 
commerce, affording rapid and easy connnuincation with ahnost 
every county. 

Tlnis, in 1840, after a short but eventful life of less than three 
years, fell by the hands of its creator the most stujiendous, 
extravagant and almost ruinous folly of a grand system of inter- 
]ud improvements, that any civil community, perhaps, ever engag- 
ed in, leaving a debt of $14,237,o48. While great disai)])ointment 
Ijervaded the people at the failnre of the splendid scheme, they were 
not surprised nor crushed with tlie news of its repeal. Indeed, 
their sobered senses had for some time taught them that to this 
extremity it must come at last, and they felt that sort of relief a 
man feels at the loss of half his fortune — he has learned his fate 
and is thankful it is no worse; possildy he learns a profitable 
lesson at the same time. While they felt chagrined, there was no 
one to blame in great part but themselves, for in many cases their 
rei)resentatives had but obeyed the ^oice of the peoi)le, as the 
voice of God. IM^ny names since prominent, honored and great, 
are recorded in favor of the original passage of the measure, as 
may be seen by reference to the journal of the assembly of 1837. 

Illinois was not the only State which eml)arked in these wild 
schemes of State undertakings, Indiana, in 1837, pursued the 
same course. Her bonds to upward $11,000,000 were disposed of, 
and after expending the proceeds improvidently, extraAagantly, 
and doubtless fraudulently, there remained nothing' to show for it 
but 40 miles of railroad, pieces of canal, and scnne unfinished 
turnpikes. Pennsylvania had taken the lead in like schemes of 
developing the State, for which she at one time owed a debt of 
$40,000,000, part of which was paid by the sale of the works. 
The same held good with Ohio ; and Missouri, more recently, for 
the purpose of building lailroads and other works of internal 
improvement, on the breaking out of the rebellion, found herself 
loaded with a debt exceeding a score of millions of dollars. 

Hard Times. — With the collapse of the great internal improve- 
ment system, the suspension of banks and a depreciated currency, 
hard times obtained. The total debt of the State was as 
follows : 

For bank stock, - . . . . $5,614,196 94 

On account of internal improvements, - - 5,614,196 94 

Canal debt, --.... 4,338,907 71 

State house, ---.._ 116,000 00 

School, college and seminary fund (borrowed) - 808,085 00 

Due State bank for auditor's warrants, - - 294,190 00 

Annualinterest upon this amount ($13,836,377,65) - 830,188 77 



Total, $14,666,562 42 

To meet this debt, outside of taxation, the State owned 42,000 
acres of land, bought under requirements of the internal improve- 
ment law ; 230,407 acres of canal donation remained undisposed of, 
besides 3,401 town lots in Ottawa, Chicago, and other places 
along the Hue of the canal ; the State obtained shortly after by 
the distribution act of congress of 1841, 210,000 acres of laud 



carlin's administration. 449 

more from tliut source. . These, together with tlie ill-advised 
EuroiK'iiii purchase of railroad iron, and the various pieces of 
uiitiiiislied raih'oads in different parts of the State, almost worth- 
less, constituted the resources of the State to dischar<;-e a debt, 
which, considerini;' our i)oi)ulation (4SS.*>L'1> in 1S4(>), as one-sixth 
of wiiiit it is now, (mr wealth, ($3.S,7r)L*, KiS in ]S40), iis one-eijihth 
of wiiat it is now, and the value of money then and now at a 
dilfcrence of 1(10 per cent, which, owiuji' to the lar.i;e yields from 
the California, Australia, and other mines since, is an estimate 
perhaps not out of the way, was e(pial to a debt upon the State 
at the present of at least !igir)(>,()()(M)()(). This was indeed a heavy 
burden. The annual revenues — $117,821, in 1840 — were no more 
thai*i would meet the ordinary expense of the State government, 
leaving a deticit annually to the amount of the interest on the 
debt — $8;30,18i>, — to further yearly augment the debt. The 
State hiid sold and hyi)othecated its bonds until its credit was 
well nigh exh;iusted ; the i)eo[)le were both unable and unwilling 
to i):iy Idgher taxes, and they were besides largely indebted to the 
merchants; the merchants to the banks, or f(»r goods i)urchased 
abroad ; while the banks, on account of sus))en(ling specie pay- 
ment, owed every Ixxly wlio carried one of their rags in his pocket. 
None could pay in ]niv funds, for they were not to be had. 

lu this condition of the State, it required great unanimity 
of action and harnioiiy in counsel to carry it safely over the 
financial crisis. This did not wholly obtain. The character and 
genious of the people were very incongruons. Wide differences, 
social ami political, of the two great geographical sections 
of the State, have prevailed even down to this day. The disparity 
in wealth between the north and south, the rapid settlement of 
the tbrmer after the close of the Black Hawk war, were not with 
without jealousy, of which public men partook and carri ed into 
the counsels of the State. This mutual misunderstanding of 
character and purposes was a stund)ling blo(4v in the way of 
united and harmonious action in the adoj)tion of the wisest meas- 
ures for public relief. The canal, as it afterward jiroved, afforded 
the best and only avenue leading out of the financial embarras- 
ments, and toward restoring the credit of the State. It stood 
inde})endent, to a certain extent, of the other works of internal 
improvement, u])on a landed capital of its own, the gift of the 
nation, and when the latter were abandoned, the work ui)on it 
was still more or less ])rosecuted. I>ut the canal, from the want 
of unity in the sentiments of the people, now became the sub- 
ject of bitter attack, for no other reason that it Avas in the north- 
ern part of the State. 

Besides, there did not obtain with the peoi)le a clear conception 
of State i)olicy. Men were elected to the legislature with refer- 
ence to their national politics, greatly intensified by the excit- 
ing contest of 1840, and not with regard to the affairs of the 
State, then of deepest concern to the welfare of the peoi)le. 
Politicians were better acquainted with the devious ways of 
obtaining office than qualities to discharge its duties in accord- 
ance with enlarged principles of statesmanship. This is too much 
the case at the i)resent time; people in the election of officers are 
actuated by a desire to confer favor upon the nnin, rather than 
choosing" a servant who is to perform a service for them and the 
29 



450 HISTOKY OF ILLINOIS. 



public ;it large with wisdom and impartiality. It was therefore 
difhcult to make the questions of present embarrassment ami 
fature State prosperity paramount, in a broad view, to all other 
considerations. 

By various expedients, means were provided to meet the accru- 
ing interest of 1841, on canal loans in iSTew York and London, bat 
not so with regard to the interest on the State debt generally. 
The fund commissioner, in liis re})ort, stated the difliculty of 
meeting that which would fall due January 1st, 1811; the legisla- 
ture, elected in August previous, was convoked some weeks earlier 
than the time of the regular session, for the express purpose of 
devisiug means to this end. This was the session by the sine die 
adjouriuneiit of which it was attemi)ted to crush the State baid^s, 
or c()mi>el theiu to resume s})ecie payments — a thing impossible 
for them to do. ]Much conflict of opinion obtained among mem- 
bers and found expression in a Hood of resolutions, as usual at tlie 
outset of a session. The questions of difference were as to not 
paying interest at all, or withholding it only on bonds for which, 
by the mismamigmeut of the tlnancial agents, the State had either 
received less than par, or, as in some cases, nothing. To the 
credit of the State it is to be recorded, that no idea of re})utlia- 
tion obtained among a large nnijority of the members. On the 
contrary, the desperate remedy was i)roposed of issuing more 
bonds and hypothecating them for what they would fetch in 
market. The course pursued by the financial agents of the State 
in disposing of bonds contrary to law, at less than par value on 
credit, was severely animadverted, and that the State should ])ay 
interest only on what money she had actually received on her 
bonds was strenuously insisted upon. The op[>onents of this view 
contended that bonds were articles of commerce, against whi(*hno 
equities could arise while in the hands of innocent i>uvchasers ; 
that the State must be held responsible for the conduct of its 
agents; that the legislature in the selection of the fund commis- 
sioners, and the governor in the api)oiiitment of Messrs. Yonng 
and Keynolds, had fully committed the credit of the State to their 
hands, and if they blundered, the State was bound nevertheless 
by their acts — she should have chosen agents more "skilled in 
finance." In this conflict of views, legislation was well-nigh de- 
feated altogether. Alfred W. Cavarly, of Green, now discovered 
the happy exi)edient by which to extricate the legislature from its 
dilemna. lie prepared a bill of two sections, whii-h became a law 
Dec. KJth, 1840, emi)owering the fund comnnssioner to hyitothe- 
cate not exceeding $;>00,000 of the State internal improvement 
bonds, to raise a sufticient sum of money to pay the interest which 
would le<i(dl}i fall due on the internal improvement debt in 
January 1811 ; the bonds were to be redeemed any time before 
1813, and not to draw interest unless forfeited. Thus was the 
question of contention taken out of the halls of legislation, and 
the decision of the Jcf/aliti/ of the loans inqxtsed upon the commis- 
sioners — not an unfre(|uent e.\'i)edient of deliberative bodies. The 
legislature further autliorized the issuance of State interest bonds, 
to be sold in market lor what they would bring, the proceeds to 
be applied to the payment of interest and the redenq)tion of hypo- 
thecated bonds — a most execrable measure. By another act, Feb. 
27th, 1841, an additional tax of 10 cents on the $100 worth of 



CAELIN'S ADMINISTRATION. 451 

property was imposed, to be set apart exclusively as au "interest 
iniid," plediied to pay the interest on tliese bonds; and the niini- 
niuni assessiueut of all lands was to be $3 per acre. The fnnd 
eoninussioner, Mr. Barrett, by hypotheeatiny internal iin[>rove- 
nient bonds, paid off the January interest, 1841; but by the time 
the July interest was to be raised, Illinois storks had depreciated 
in market so that Mr. J. 1). Wliitesides, the U(nv fund commis- 
sioner, liypothecated witli Macallister and Stebbins, of New York, 
.$S04,(K)0 in interest bonds for $.'>21. (>()(), as was promised him, but 
of wliich amount only $li()l,4(!() was ever by them paid. This was 
the origin of the notorious 'Olacallister and Stebbins bonds," of 
wliich more hereafter. Another law, showing the extremity to 
which this legislation went, was that of Feb. L'Ttli, 1841, regula- 
ting- the sale of pro[)erty under execution. This serves to illus- 
trate both the Jiard times and the inconsiderate and unjust 
legislatiiui to afford relief to the debtor class at the expense of 
the creditor. It provided that property levied upon should be 
valued as in "ordinary times," to be made by three householders 
summoned by the oliicers, of whom the creditor, <lebtor, and 
ofticer should each choose one — placing it in the power of the 
oflicer to favor either ])arty at his option ; the property was not to 
sell unless it brought two-thirds of tlu'ir valuation ; no way was 
provided by which the creditor, if two-thirds of the valuation was 
not bid, could h<»ld his lien — forcing him to stay collection or suffer 
a disconiit of oo^ per cent. The law was made applicable to all 
judgments rendered and contracts accruing j)rioi- to the 1st of 
May, without reference to the l(\gal obligations of the time when 
contracts were entered into — being in violation of that clause of 
the constitution of the United States, declaring that "no hiw shall 
be passed imparing the obligations of contracts." In the case of 
McCracken vs. Howard, the suprenu^ court of the United States 
subsequently held the law to be unconstitutional.* The law in the 
meantime had been instrumental, by various arrangements between 
parties, in extinguishing nuiny debts. But this species of legisla- 
tion seldom effects the benetits intended. It is apt to be harrass- 
ing and vexations to both debtor and creditor, while experience 
teaches it to be distructive of all confidence between men in busi- 
ness, requiring' promi)t compliance with contracts ; ami it tends 
further to a.ttect inimically the trade and commerce of the State. 
These views were enlarged upon in a solemn protest against its 
passage, sigiu'd by such names as John J. Hardin, D. M. Wood- 
son, Lyman Trumbull, and many others. f 

After July, 1841, no further effort was made to pay interest on 
tbe debt of the State. Her bonds declined I'apidly in market to 
14 cents on the dollar. In a lew nu)nths, Feb. 1842, from prox- 
imate causes already stated, the State ba'nk, with a circulation 
exceeding $.'5, 0(10, 000, finally went down ; in Jiuiethe Illinois hank 
at Shawneetown, with a circulation exceeding Sl,r)00,000, also 
broke, thus rendering worthless about the only money there had 
been for some time in the country, and added nuiterially to the 
pressure of the times. The baidcs had managed to keep up the 
value of their circulation far al)o\'e the bonds of the State, but to 
conciliate an unfriendlv leuislatnre bv advances on auditor's war- 



*See 2d, Howard, 608. 
tSec House Journal, 1841. 



452 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

rants, for the State house then buikliiig-, and to carry forward tlie 
public wt)rk.s, an unwarranted expansion snapped their threads of 
life, spreading- disaster round about them. The condition of this 
fair State, with her calamities thus augmented, was truly distress- 
ing. Abroiid, her name was freely associated with dishonor; em- 
igrants, dreading high taxation, gave it a wide berth, unless it 
were those who, having no character of their own, cared little 
for that of the State of their adoption ; while the i^eople here 
with rare exceptions were anxious to sell out and flee a country 
which presented no alternative but dishohor or exhorbitant taxa- 
tion. The chances to sell were, however, in inverse ratio to the 
desire, ami while impending financial ruin, disgrace, and the fear 
of taxation kei»t the State from gaining population as rapidly as 
had been her wont, the impracticability of effecting sales saved her 
against loss. In the meantime, an utter dearth and stagnation in 
all kinds of business i)revailed. The notes of the banks were 
receivable in payment of taxes for which purpose they had been 
to a small extent hoarded by the people ; but now the governor, 
auditor and treasurer, forbade their receipt by the collectors of 
the State reveiuie, except at specie rates — 50 cents on the dollar. 
This step was unwarranted by the law, and condemned by tlie 
press and people in public meetings, irrespective of party until 
such a breeze was raised about the ears of the "officers of State" 
that they were fain to retract their pretentious proclamation, and 
taking the other extreme, suspended the collection of the taxes 
till the meeting of the legislature. 

At this crisis in the fair fame of our State, there were not Avant- 
ing men, in position to aid in moulding public opinion, who 
favored repudiation, both by the plan of omission and by directly 
declaring this purpose, and "setting the moral sense of mankind 
at defiance." Gov. Ford says : 

"It is my solemn belief that when I came into office, I had the power 
to make Illinois a repudiating State. It is true I was not the leader of 
any party ; but my position as governor would have given me leader- 
ship enough to liave carried the democratic party, except in a few coun- 
ties in the north, in favor of repudiation. If I had merely stood still 
and done nothing, the result would have been the same. In that case a 
majority of both parties would have led to either active or passive repu- 
diation. The politicians on neither side, without a bold lead to the 
contrary, by some higli in office, would never have dared to risk their 
popularity by being the first to advocate an increase of taxes to be paid 
by a tax-liating people." 

Again he says : 

"The people of Bond county, as soon as the internal improve- 
ment system passed, had declared in a public meeting that the 
system must lead to taxation and utter ruin ; that the people were not 
bound to pay any of the" debt to be contracted for it; and that Bond 
county would never assist in paying a cent of it. Accordingly, tliey re- 
fused to pay taxes for several years. When the system went down, and 
had left the State in the ruinous condition predicted by the Bond county 
meeting, mauy people remembered that there might be a question 
raised as to the obligation of payment. Public men everywhere, of all 
parties, stood in awe of this question ; there was a kind of general silence 
as to wliat would be popular or unpopular. The two great political 
parties were watching eacli other with eagle eyes, to see that no one 
should get the advautage of the other. The wbigs, driven to despe- 
ration by repeated ill-success in elections, were many of them in favor of 
reijudiating, as a means of bettering their party. The Sangamon Journal 



caelin's administration. 453 



and the Alton TehcjnipU., the two leading whig newspapers of the State, 
boldly took grountl that the debt never could and never would be paid, 
and that there was no use to say anytliing about it.* Very many demo- 
cratM were in favor of the same course, for fear of losing the power the 
tlemoei-atic party alrefulj' possessed. 

It was thought to be a very dangerous subject to meddle with. At a 
democratic convention wliich nominated Mr. Snyder for governor, a 
resolution against repudiation oftered by Mr. Arnold of Chicago, was 
laid on the table by an overwhelming vote of the convention, so as not 
to commit the party one way or the other. It was evident that this was 
to be a troublesome question, and a great many of the politicians on 
both sides were as ready to take one side of it as the other, and their 
choice depended u^xin which might finally appear to be most powerful 
The whigs were afraid, if they advocated the debt-paying policy, the 
democrats would take the other side, and leave the whigs no chance of 
ever coming into a majority ; and the democrats feared that if they 
advocated a correct policy, the other side might be more popular, and 
might be taken by the whigs. I speak only of the leaders of parties, 
amongst whom on all sides there was a strong suspicion that rei^udiation 
might be more popular than taxation." 

EEORGANIZATION OF THE JUDICIARY. 

TarimDh Malice and IteroUttioaary Gon.duet. — liy act of Feb. 10, 
1841, the Icijfi.shitiire re[)cale(l out of office the then U circuit judges, 
jucreased tlie junuher of .sn[)reiiie judges froui 4 to 1), and, in 
addition to tlieir duties as a suiu-enie courtaiul their functions astlie 
<'(.mjjcil of revision, imposed U{)()u tlieni all tlie circuit court luisi- 
Kics.s in the Sta,te. Since I8;i.> the su})renie judges, relieved of 
circuit duty, had acted solely as a court of ai»j)eals, errors and 
revisif)n. The present cliauge was a bitter partisan nieasur<', in 
tiie language of Gov. Ford, "coufe;ssedly violent and soniewluit 
rev<dutionary." 

TJjree of the four supreme judges were of the whig party — the 
sxinority party of the Htate— while Judge Smitli was a, democrat. 
Gov. Ford says: "It is .lue to trutli here to .say, tliat Wilson and 
Lockwood were in erery resj»ect aiinable and a.cconi]>lis]iedgeutIe- 
ineij ij) private life, au<l conimandt'd tlui esteem and r('S})ect of all 
g()o<l men for the ))urity of their conduct and tjjcir prol)ity iu 
otlicial station. Wilson was a Vii'giuiau of the ohl sort, a man 
of good edru-atioji, sound judgment, and an elt'gant writer, as his 
publisbed opinions will show. Lockwood was a New Yorker. He 
^\ as au excellent lawyer, a man of sound judgment, ami his face 
judicated unconunon i)uriry, modesty, aud intelligence, togetiier 
witlt energy and stnuig determination. His face was the true 
audi'x of his character. IJrown was a line, larg;e, affable, ami good 
Jooking man, had a tolerable share of tact Jind good sense, a com- 
plimentary, smiling and langhing a<blres.s to all men, and had 
been elected and continued in office u))on the ground that he was 
believed to be a clever fellow." 

The State, iu the exciting party struggle of 1840, had gone for 
Van Biu-en and both houses of the legislature were lai-gely demo- 
cratic, llie supreme court had two years before offended the 

*Ait<-r the iHibiieation of Gov. Fords history, in T8;M. more than throe yrars after 
lii-;« -iitli, hotl> t!i<_' -l/fon 'Vdc^tra pli -AnA IlliiKiiK SVrtte Joutiial, foiiiicrly the Satmamon 
.'(viriwl. (iiMMed li:ivinir fiivoivd icpuiliatiou, either directly or iifliroetly ; that they 
uiiitortnly npiK^ed it with zeal, and always advocated the liii'nidation of the entire pub- 
lie dt-bt at as e u-ly a diiy :is the means of the State would justify.— See Illinois State 
Journal, 31arch 7, 1855. 



454 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

sense of supremacy of tlie domiuaiit party, in deciding a case of 
appointment to oftice by tbe governor. Pending before the same 
tribunal tliere was still another case fraught with political conse- 
quences far graver, which it was thence surmised would also be 
decided against the party in power. When men are themselves 
actuated by party feelings and prejudices in everything, they are 
apt to think others are similarly intluenced, no matter what their 
position or how exalted in public life. 

• Alexander P. Field was and had been secretary of State, since 
his api)ointment by Gov. Edwards, having served through both 
the administrations of Govs, lieynolds and Duncan. In politics he 
was a whig, though originally, like Duncan, he had been a violent 
Jackson man. When Gov. Carlin came into office in 1838, he 
clainicd the x>ower of appointing a new secretary of State without 
a vacancy existing in that office. The claim was based ui»on the 
idea that a secretary of State under our hrst constitution, like a 
cabinet officer in the national government, was a contidential 
adviser of the governor, and for purposes of harmony in such 
relation, should be of the same political i)arty with his excellency. 
The governor nominated John A. McClernand, then of Gallatin, 
to the senate for that office. P>ut the senate, although democratic, 
by a vote of 22 to 18 passed a resolution, "That the executive 
does not possess the power to nominate to theseiuite a secretary of 
State, except in case of vacancy in that office, and that, inasnnich 
as the senate has not been advised of any vacancy in that office, 
thenominationof John A. McClernand be not advised and consented 
to by the senate." They were further of opinion that the 
tenure of office might be limited by the legislature; which hail not 
been done, however. Daring the session, the governor sent to 
the senate several other names for that office, but all were 
rejected. 

After the adjournment, he again ap]iointed McClernand seci'e- 
tary of State, who thereupon demanded i)ossession of the office 
from the whig incumbent, Mr. Field, but was refused. JVIcCler- 
iiand then laid an information in the nature of a quo warranto 
before Judge Breese, in the circuit court of Fayette county, and 
upon hearing, that court decided in favor of the com})lainant. 
Fiehl took an ai)peal to the sui)reine court, where the cause was 
reversed. The (pu'stion decided by the court, aside from the polit- 
ical or partisan bent given to it, derived importance frou\ the fun- 
danuMital princii)le of government involved, (^uite an array of 
able counsel api)eared on either side. For the a])pellant Field, 
there were Cyrus Walker, Justin Buttertield and Levi Davis ; and 
for the api»ellee McClernand, S. A. Douglas, Jas. Shields and 
Wi(;kliflte Kitcheli, attorney general. Three separate opinions 
were written by the judges, Wilson and Lockwood concurring, 
Smith dissenting, and IJrown, being connected l)y affinity, with 
the relator, declined sitting in the cause.* Chief Justice Wilson 
rendered the decision of the court in language clear, cogent and 
elegant, whi(;h is both exhaustive of the subject and convincing 
in its conclusions. The court decided that the governor had not 
the constitutional power at his will and i)leasure, to remove from 
office the Secretaiy of State; that Avhen that functionary was 
once appointed, the power of appointment was suspended until a 

*See 2d Scam., 111. reports, p 70. 



carlin's administration. 455 

vacancy occurred ; tliat when tlie constitution created an office? 
an<l left tlie tenure inidetined, tlie ofiicer lield during' good be- 
havior, or until the legislature by law limited the tenure or author- 
ized soiue functiouaiy of the government to remove the othcer at 
will. The constitutiou was the charter of the governor's authority. 
All the i)o\vers delegated to him, or in accordance with that in- 
strument, he was entitled to exercise and no other. While it was 
a liuiitation ui>on the i)o\vers of the legislative department, it was 
to be regarde<l as a grant of jtowers to the others. Neither the 
executive nor the judiciary, therefore, could exercise any authority 
or power, except such as was clearly granted by the constitution. 
In Eugland the king was the source of power, and all rights and 
prerogatives not granted were adjudged to hi)n, but here the 
theory is that the people are sovereign and the source of power, 
and that the executive could exercise only those powers specially 
delegated to him ; and as it was not even pretended that any ex- 
press grant of this character was to be found in the constitution, 
it must be denied. A grant l)y imjtlication could not be main- 
tained, because the enumeration of the powers of a dei)artment of 
government ojterated as a restriction and limitation of a general 
grant. " The executive power of the State shall be vested in a 
governor," was a mere declaration of a general rule. Besides, the 
power of appointnu'ut in case a vacancy existed, was given to 
the governor conjointly with the senate ; and a nomination would 
not confer office without ai)})roval by the senate. 

The decision caused a great partisan outcry against the " whig 
court," as it was called. The democrats, largely in the ascend- 
ancy ill the State, were yet debarred from exercising uncontrolled 
l)Ower and the enjoyment of all the benefits and emoluments of 
oftice to which their ascendancy entitled them, by this decision, 
which proclaimed in their teeth, asit were, the existence of office 
for life incumbents. 

But the other tiuestiou, still pending and far more iini)ortant, 
was liaught not only with preclusion from the secret;! rN's office, 
but with the danger of losing i»olitical control of the State, and 
eons<Mpu'ntly all power and jtatronage. This was the celebrated 
(bdena alien case. The alien vote wiis nine-tenths democratic, 
and sufficient in strength — about I(>,()()(> — that if i)rechuled from 
the i>olls to <letermine the ele<'tion in faAor of the whigs at the 
approa<'hing }>residential election of IHM). As the McClernand- 
Fiehl <-ase was by the nnscru]»ulous boldly chiirged to be partisan, 
it was now <loubtless believed by many that the court in this cnse 
was prepared to violate a ]>lain provision of the constitution. The 
constitution provided that "in all elections, all white niaU^ inhabi- 
tants above the age of 21 years, having resided in the State six 
months next preceding' the election, shall enjoy the right of an 
elector." 

The id<'a had gained currency that suffrage and citizenshii) were 
concomitant and indispensable qualifications to constitute a man 
an elect(U-, an<l therefore the i)rovision above quoted, if brought 
to the test bcfoie the i>roi)er tribunal, would be declared null and 
void. An agreed case had been made iit (bden;), where there was 
a large alien vote concentrated in and about the mining region, 
between two whigs, one of whom sued the other, who had acted 
as judge at the August election of 1838, and in that capacity re- 



456 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

ceived the vote of au alien, to recover $100 under the election law 
of 1829, for the use of the county, which it was supposed would 
present the constitutional question fairly. The suit was brought 
in the circuit court at Galena, Judge Ban. Stone, presiding; and 
as the case was adndtted, he, without hearing argument, or prob- 
bly giving the question much examination, decided that an alien, 
unlike a citizen, was not entitled to exercise the election frau- 
chise. The decision, when it became public, produced great iip- 
prehension in the ranks of the democracy, and steps were imme- 
diately taken to bring the case before the supreme court. 

In view of the decision in the McClernand-Field case, it was 
further imagined that that tribunal wonld aftirm the decision be- 
low, and that the remedy A^as the re\'olutionary one to reform the 
supreme court by adding a sufficient nmnber of democratic mem- 
bers to change its political comi)lexion, and thus either avoid the 
fearful contingency of such a decision, or, if too late for that, to 
have it overruled. This precedent is not without a tolerably close 
modern parallel in luxtional atiairs. 

The case was ably argued in the supreme court at the Decem- 
ber term, 1839, upon its merits and continued to the June term, 
1840. This was during the heat of the presidential canvass of 
that year. If the case was now decided adversely to the aliens 
the State might be lost to the democracy. There was a general 
api)rehension that such would be the decision. And now Judge 
Smith, the only democrat on the supreme bench, sharing in tlie 
ai»preliension, clandestinely pointed out to counsel a defect in the 
record, consisting in a clerical error. A motion to dismiss was 
tliereupon founded, because it appeared by the record that the case 
argued was alleged to have occurred at a time when by the laws 
of the State, as the court must judicially take notice, no general 
election could be held,to-wit, on the 0th of August, 1839, the year 
meant being 1838. For the purpose of correcting the record a 
continuance was granted to the December term, which put it be- 
jond the presidential election in November, 1840. The achieve- 
nu'nt of discovering the flaw in the record was accounted a re- 
nun kable stroke of legal acumen. 

When the csise came up tinally for decision at the December 
term, 1840, it was fouiul that the constitutional question ujjon 
Avhicli it was expected the case should turn, was not really before 
the court, but simply a question under the election law of 18i;9: 
If any judge <^>f election shall knowingly adnnt any i)ersou to 
vote, not (puililied according to law, he shall forfeit and pay to the 
C(mnty the sum of $100; ami any person presenting himself to 
vote, and his qualillcation be suspected, he shall swear that he is 
a resident of the county; has resided in the Stute sixnu)nths next 
preceding the election ; is 21 years old and has not before voted 
at that election. The court held that, as it was admitted that one 
Kyle, upon the reception of whose vote the question was made, 
possessed all the qualilications required by theatlidavit, under the 
law of 1829, it would ha\e simply been sui)erogatory either to 
challenge him or to have administered the oath to him ; and there- 
fore the court below, in fining the judges of election, erred, and 
the case was reversed. The broad and important question of alien 
suifrage under the constitution, did not arise in the case, an<l no 
opinion of the court was expressed upon it. Judge Smith, how- 



carlin's administration. 457 

ever, not to disappoint partisan expectation, took occasion, in a 
sei)arate opinion elaborated at j^reat lenjitli, to arjiue the consti- 
tntiona] (jnestion, qnotin;^' freely Ironi a si)eeeli of, James Bucliauau 
made in Congress ou tlie admission of JMicliij^an as a State.* 

Meanwlnle the bill to reorj^anize the Sni)reme court was pend- 
ing' before the legislature, and with the ren<lition of this decision 
by the court, it was cir(;ulated about by the politicians, and boldly 
charged by Douglas, in a speech made in the lobby of the house, 
that the main question had been purposely evaded by the court 
to allay the apprehensions of democrats as to the alien vote, and 
to conciliate their favor, with, the object of defeating the bill. 

" Douglas," says Gov. Ford, " had been one of the counsel for the 
aliens, and it appeared from his speech, that he and Judge Suuth had 
been in constant comniunieation in relation to the progress of tlie case. 
Judge Smith, (I regret to say it of a man who is no more), was an ac- 
tive, bustling, ambitious and turbulent member of the Democratic party. 
He had for a long time aimed to be elected to the U. S. Senate: his de- 
vices and intrigues to this end had been innumerable. In fact he never 
hicked a plot to advance himself, or blow up some other person. He 
was a laborious and ingenious schemer in ijolitics, but his plans were 
always too complex and ranutied for his power to execute them. Being 
always unsuccessful himself, he was delighted witli the misha])s alike 
of friends and enemies, and was ever chuckling over the defeat or blasted 
hopes of some one. In this case he sought to gain credit with the lead- 
ing democrats, by the part he took, and atfected to take, in the alien case 
as he had before in the case of the secretary of State. He it was who 
privately suggested to counsel the defect in the record which resulted in 
the continuance in June 1840, and during the whole time the case was 
pending, with the same view, be was giving out to Douglas and others, 
the probal)le opinion of the court. He affirmed that the judges at one 
time all had their opinions written ready to deliver, and all but himself 
decided against the aliens; and that the case \^ ouldliavebeen decided if 
he had not discovered the aforesaid defect in the record. Upon his 
authority Douglas denounced the court and brought all these charges 
against the whig judges, and endeavored to make it appear that they 
had now onlyevaded a decision for the time being, in the vain hope of 
stopping the career of the legislature. The judges on their i^art, deined 
all these charges; and Judge Smith uniting Avitli the AVhig judges, pub- 
lished their denial in the ^Sangamon Journal newspaper, published at 
Si)ringfield." Gov. Ford further adds, "and there is now no doubt that 
the whole of it was false." 

In this connection we subjoin the following- correspondence: 

" House of Representatia'es, Springfield, January 26, 1841. 
"7\) Wi/liiaii Wilsov, Theoph'ihts W. Smith, Thomas C. Broivn and Samud D. Lock- 
wood, Judges of the Supremfi Court of the State of lU'inois: 

" Mr. McClernand, a member of this house, (who is now speaking) 
has made the following statements, in substance, in his speech in favor 
of the bill to reorganize the judiciary of this State. 'I am authorized to 
say, and I do say on my own responsibibty, if any such resixnisibility is 
needed, that the judges of the supreme court preimred an opinion against 
the rigiit of foreigners to vote at the last June term of that court; but 
on account of objections made by counsel to a nnstake in the record, 
they witldield their opinions, but did so most reluctantly. 

"'i'he opinion has gone abroad that these judges have made the decision 
recently tlelivered on the subject of the right of foreigners to vote, in 
order to defeat the bill under consideration and to prevent these judges 
from going on tiie circuit. 

"This eommunication is made to call your attention to the statements, 
and I think it but due to yourselves that an answer should be made to 



' See case of Thomtis Spragins v. H. H. Hoiij;liton in tlie )il. S. C. iii orts. 



458 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

these [statements], as deductions may and will be made from silence 
which would seem to imply an acquiescence in the truth of these state- 
ments. 

"Desiring to know whether these allegations are true, I trust an 
answer will be given. Yours, 

" JOHN J. HARDIN." 

"Springfield, January 26, 1841. 

"Jb/wi /. Hardin, Esq. 

"Dear Sir: Your letter of to-day has just been received, and wepx'O- 
ceed to answer it without hesitation. 

"In doing so, we cannot, however, but express our great astonishment 
at the character of the statement to which you refer. You say that Mr. 
McClernand, a member of the house of representatives, has asserted in 
debate, in sustance [here follows a quotation of the language as given by 
Hardin.] 

" To this statement we give the most unqualified denial in all its parts; 
neitlier of the members of the court having ever prepared or written 
any opinion against the right of aliens to vote at elections. 

"In reference to the mistake in the record, the error alluded to was 
discovered by one of the judges, and suggested to the counsel in the cause, 
as interposing a supposed difficulty in coming to a decision, which, with 
a subsequent motion made by counsel for the plaintiff in error to dismiss 
the cause for that reason, and for the further reason, that the cause was a 
feigned and not a real one, produced the continuance of the cause, as 
will be seen by a copy of the motion herewith enclosed. 

"As to the insinuation that the decision was made at this time to defeat 
the judiciary bill, we reply that it is in all its parts equally unjust, and 
without a pretence for its justificaUou. Having been repeatetlly urued 
to come to a decision of the cause, and having been moreover assured 
that individuals were industriously engaged in circulating reimrts that 
the judges had opinions written against the right of aliens to vote, and 
that as soon as the judiciary bill before the legislature was defeated, these 
opinions would be delivered. To refute these groundless assertions, on 
this subject, we concluded to decide the case without further delay, 
having no other means of refuting these aspersions. 

"We have thus promptly complied with your request, and we cannot 
close this communication without remarking on the great injustice done 
to ourselves, not only by the statements referred to, but numerous other 
slanders which, in our situation, we have no means of repelling. 
We have the liouorto be, respectfully. 
Your obedient servants, 

THOS. W. SMITH, 
SAMUEL D. LOCKWOOD, 
WM. WILSON, 
THOMAS C. BROWN." 

With this contradiction, MeC'leriiniid, under date of January 
*29, called niton liits inl'oniiant, INIr. lJou<ihis, to sustain him — in- 
viting immediate attention to the subject. Besides Douglas, six 
otlier gcntleincn, viz: A. li. Dodge, V. Hickox, J. H. italston, 
Joliii Pearson, M. McConnell, and J. A. McDongal, all of wliom 
derived their information from Judge Sniitli alone, furnished 
letters, some of which state positively tliat Smith had informed 
them distinctly tliat all the judges had their opinions written out 
and ready to deliver at the June term, and others that they under- 
stood from him that he (Smith) was thus i>rc] tared.* There is now 
lU) doubt that Smith made the former statement, nor is there any 
doubt that it was false. 

"As to Judge Smith," says Gov. Ford, "he made nothing by all 
Lis intrigues. By ojtposing the reform bill, he fell out and qnar- 

•See Illinois State Register, Feb. 5. 1841. 



caklin's administration. 459 

relied with tlie leaders ol" liis party. He lost the credit he had 
gained by being the democratic chaiii})ioii on the bench, and failed 
to be elected to the United States Senate; and was pnt back to 
the laborious duty of holding circuit courts." 

The judiciary bill ])roduced much excitement and party 
animosity at the capital, both among members and the goading, 
insatiate lobby vultures. It was no easy task for the dominant 
party to rally its force to the blind supi)ort of a measure so ]»ur(']y 
one of revenge. A great deal of opi)osition came from the friends 
and interests of the circuit court judges, every one of whom 
would be rei)ealed out of office and the majarity of whom were 
democrats. However, the bill linally passed both houses. The 
council of revision returned it with their objections, urged at 
length. 

The council regarded the requirement that the supreme court, 
uith five additional judges, hold circuit courts in all the counties 
of the State; attend at the seat of government, aiul act as coun- 
cil of revision during the sessions of the legislature, and i)reside 
in the supreme court until all the business of that tribunal was 
disi)osed of, as physically ini])ossible. Owing to the magnitude 
of the circuit court business, the nine circuit judges, for no fault 
of theirs, had been unable to attend to it and fully subserve the 
interests of the i>ublic. To thrust all this business u])on the hands 
of the supreme judges, in addition to their other duties, Avoukl 
result in srn-h delay in the administration of justice as to be equiv- 
alent to a denial of it. The law would i)rejudice the rights of 
citizens and the cluiracter of the State. 

The bill, however, was re-passed, notwithstanding the objections 
of the council, in the senate, by a large inajority, but in the house 
by barely one. A solemn jirotest by the undersigned members, 
many of whom have since attaiiuMl imperishable renown, was 
spread upon the journal, Febiiiaiy L'(!, 1841. After stating their 
objections at length, they sum up as follows : 

1st. The bill violates the frreat principles ot government by subject- 
ing the judiciary to the legislature. 

2(1. It is a fatal blow at the independence of the judges, and the cou- 
stitutional term of their oftiee. 

3d. It is a measure not a^l-ced tV)r, or wished by the j^eople. 

4th. It will gieatly increase the expenses of our courts or greatly di- 
minish their utility. 

otii. It will give the courts a political and partisan character, thereby 
inqtairing pul)lie confidence in their decisions. 

(Itli. It will inqiair our standing in the opinion of other States and 
the world. 

7th. It is a party measure for party jnuposes, from which no practi- 
cal good to the people can jjossilily arise, hut winch may be tlie source of 
innumerable evils. * * The blow had already fallen, but tliey felt ini- 
l)elled to point out the danger of the measure, its inqjolicy aiul its usur- 
pation, in order at least that the desjiotism of a momentary majority 
may not become a precedent for succeeding enormities, or future crimes. 
We liave struggled ineffectually to guard tlie principles of our govern- 
ment from unhallowed innovation, and contended for the sujiremacy of 
the constitution. 

(Signed): Joseph Gillespie, John J. Brown, Leander Munsell, Wil- 
liam"!?. Archer, John F. Cluirles, Isaac Funk, Alden Hull, .John Dar- 
nielle, Geo. W^ Waters, Cyrus Fdwards, James T. Cunningham, John 
Bennett, Tlios. Threlkeld. A. Lincoln, J. M. McLean, H. W. Thornton, 
Wm. A. ^Marshal, James JNI. Bradford John .1. Hardin, Jeremiah Cox, 
Peter Menard, jr., W. H. Henderson, James Reynolds, W. W. Bailey, 



460 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



D. M. Woodson, E. B. Webb, John Denny, Isaac Fromaii, Jas. A. Beal, 
Josiah Francis, Daniel Gray, James Parkinson, John Canady, Alexan- 
der Phillips, James N. Brown. 

The live additional supieiue judges elected by the legislature 
under this law were, Thomas Ford, (subsequently gov.) Sidney 
Breese, Walter B. Scates, Samuel H. Treat, and Steplien A. 
Douglas,* all democrats. By this means all apprehension Mas 
allayed in the democratic breast regarding the continued support 
of tlie alien vote, so far as any interference from the sui>reme 
court was concerned. ISTor did the majority of that court now 
question the right of the executive to appoint his own secretary of 
State ; and had the question been now presented to the court, the 
McClernand-Field decision would have been overruled. Such is 
l)arty intluence upon the judiciary. One of the newly appointed 
judges, writing of this reorganization of the court says : The high- 
est courts are but indifferent tribunals for the settlement of great 
political question ; * * when any great political question ou 
which parties are are arrayed comes up for decision, the utmost 
which can be expected of them is, an able and learned argu- 
ment iu favor of their own party, whose views they nuist 
naturally favor.t The court, however, as newly organized, ])roved 
not entirely acceptable to the dominant party; the judges gener- 
ally enjoyed great personal popularity, but the bench became the 
subject of frequent malevolent assaults by the legislature. That 
body, fresh from an exultant constituency, imbued often with ex- 
treme partisan views, could illy brook any independence in the 
other departments of government.| 

At this session of 1844-5, the legislature, ostensibly as a meas- 
ure of retrenchment, passed resolutions drafted by INIr. Trumbull, 
A^•ho was not a member though an aspirant for the ermine, calling 

*Thc last named gentlcmaa had been of counsel for the aliens, had derived his inloi-- 
mation of how the case was going to be decided in June preceding from Juage Smith, 
had obtained the continuance then on the defect in the record as jjointed out bj' him, 
had made a violent attack upon the old judges by a characteristic speech in the lobby, 
and had furnished McClernand the data upon which the latter denounced the court ; 
In view of all of wiiich, it seems strange that he had sought and obtained a position 
side by side with the gentleman he had traduced and attempted so much to bring in- 
to disrepute. Partisan scheming and the cravings of office could not well go 
further. 

The new judges were charged with partisan conduct, by the whig press of the 
period, iu the secret appointment of a clerk of the supreme court. Ebenezer Peck, 
it seems, as a member of the legislature had orit^iiially (ii)iiiised the judiciary bill ; but 
his position became suddenly changed, and the bill jiassed the House by one majority 
over the objections of the council. After taking their seats, the new members of the 
court had no consultation with the old judges on the subject of the clerkship, and not 
a word was said in open court about removing the incumbant, Duncan, Indeed, one 
of them had given out that to avoid the imputation of being a partisan court, the 
clerkship was not to be disturbed. The public astonishment was not inconsiderable, 
therefore, when shortly after its adjourement, Peck announced himself as the clerk 
by apijointmentof the majority of the court.— Sa iKjaimm. Journal. 

tFord's History. 

:i:At the session of 1843-43, there was an effort made to remove Judge Brown, on the 
ground of incompetencj'. This gentleman, whose home was at Shawneetown, upon 
the reorganization of that court, had been assigned to the remote Galena circuit, with 
the view to render his position uncomfortable and irksome, and worry him into a 
resignation. This failing, four lawj'crs from his circuit, viz : C. S. Hempstead, Thoinns 
Drunimond. Thompson (^unpbell, ana A. L. Holnii's, Hied their siiecflficatidn^ chaigip.g 
that he had not thai nat\iral strength of intellect, and lacked tli(> legal and literai-y 
learning, requisite and indispensable to a proper discharge of the high and responsible 
duties devolvinu- upon him as a judge of the supreme court; that his opinions deli\- 
er(<l in that couit were written and revised by others, and that his decisions \ipon the 
circ'uit had been the mere echo of some favorite attorney ; and that by naturi', educa- 
tion and hahit, he was wholly unlit for his high position. 1'heir stinging language 
indicated something more than a purpose to solelj' subserve the public good. The 
S'uate de<'lined to participate in the examination of the charges. The house in com- 
mittee of the wh' le went several times into the investigation of them, but finally ask- 
ed to be discharged from their further consideration and so the iliatter ended and 
Judge Brown retained his seat.— House Journal, session 1842-43. 



carlin's administration, 4G1 

on the judges and oovenior to relinquish a portion of their .sala- 
ries. This wiis refused, on the ground of the prineii)le invohed 
as to the right of tlie legislature to make sueh a recjuest. It im- 
plied a control to a certain extent, of a co-ordinate dei)artment of 
government, however the recjuest coupled with it the consent of 
the incumbents. Although tlieir salaries were fixed, coercion was 
in this manner sought through the fear of losing public fjivor, 
interest, and popularity. It was an unworthy means, and <les- 
trnctiveof the first great piinciple of free constitutional govern- 
ment — the independence of the co-ordinate branches to each oth- 
er. The supreme court, as constituted under the act of Feb. lOth, 
1841, was finally dissolved l)y o])eratioii of the constitution of 
1848, the judges going out of oliice December 4th, that year. 



Chapter XXXIX. 
1842— 1846— ADMIXISTKATIOX OF GOVEEXOE FORD. 

The Campaign — Life and Character of Gov. Ford — Lieut Gov. 
Moore— Means of Belief from the Financial Fmbarrassments — 
The State at the Turnimj Point — Restoration of her Credit. 



As early as December, 1841, tlie State democratic convention 
met at Springtield, and nominated Adam W. Snyder, of St. Clair, 
and John JMoore, of McLean, ;us tlieir candidates for governor and 
lientenant governor at the election of Angnst 1842. In the spring 
following, ex-Gov. Josei>h Dnncan and W. H. Henderson became 
the candidates of the whig piirty for the same ottices. Charles 
W. Hunter and Frederick Collins were also, respectively, candi- 
dates for the same i)ositions. Mr. Snyder was an effective speaker 
and possessed an ostentations and i)lausable address. He had 
been a member of congress and state senator, and in the latter 
capacity, to gain the favor of the ^lormons, who wei'c looming np 
in the State as a considerable jiolitical jtower by reason of their 
unity, had been largely iiistriimeiital in the passage of the 
obnoxious " Mormon charters," by which that modern sect were 
placed abo\e and l)eyond the laws of the State — constituted a 
l^etty sovereignty within their cor])orate limits, whence they issued 
forth, committed the'r depredations upon the neighborhoods out- 
side, retired to their legal citadel of Xauvoo, and detied the process 
of any court of the county to follow them. 

The JMormons, driven from Missouri by a democratic governor, 
denied protectictn by a democratic })resident, but in congress coun- 
tenanced by Messrs. Clay and ,lohn T. Stuart, in 1840 had given 
their support to the Avhigs. IJut now Joe Smith, their proi)het, 
issued his procl*imation exhorting his followers in favor of Mr. 
Snyder, and " declaring Judge Douglas to be a master spirit." 
This jnandate showed the wliigs that the democracy had, by the 
extension of these very liberal charters, woed the Mormons with 
success. But the odium of this sect was already rajjidly spread- 
ing over the entire State; and of this circumstance, Gov. Duncan 
as the whig (candidate, who was not concerned in the })assage of 
the obnoxious charters, sought to take advantage, and more than 
retrieve fronj the peojile the whig loss by the Mormon defection. 
Imleed things bon^ a \ery piomising look in that direction, lint 
at this Juncture Mr. Snydersickened and died, and the newchoice 
as the standard bearer of the democracy for governor, fell npou 
the Hon. Thomas Ford, who, although well known as a 
jurist, was in no wise prominently connected with politics, 



ford's administration. 4G3 

and ceitaiiily not with tlio passage of tlie obnoxious Mormon 
cliarters. The democracy appieliending' the drift of public opinion, 
placed Jud<ie Ford in the position made vacant by by the death 
of JMr. Snyder, because of his aAailabiJiry. It is doubtful whether 
any of the democratic leaders, in the then temper of the people 
toward the Mormons, could have been elected over so adroit and 
conraiicous a coiui)etit«)r as Duncan. The death of Snyder proved 
the triumph of the <lemocracy. 

l)<*sides the odious ^lormon charters and the alleged intrigues 
and cf)rrupt Itargains between certain politicians and the pro}>het, 
the other public (pu'stions of the day were, a revival of the work 
on the canal, repeal of the bank charters, and the claim of Wis- 
consin to 14 of our northern counties. The i)osition of the new 
democratic candidate ui)on the questions was variously and 
oppositely reported in the public i)ress of different sections of 
the State, to be everywhere in harmony with the varying, but pre- 
vailing, sentiments of the people. Much allowance ought to be 
made, however, for the statements of the iiress during a heated 
political campaign, l^uncan charged Ford during the canvass 
with concealiii!^' his opinions on all these questions. 

The folliMving arc the nuiuber of votes cast for governor in 1842: 
For Thomas Ford, 4(i,l)()l ; Josei)li ])uncan, 08,084; Charles W. 
Huuter, 1)09. For lieutenant governor: John Moore, io/jiil ; W. 
H. Henderson, 38,420; Frederick Collins, DOo. 

Thomas Ford was born at Uniontown, Pa., in the year 1800. Tie 
was a half-brother to George Fonjuer, his senior by six years. 
Their mother, after the death of her tirst husband, nnirri(Ml liobt, 
Foi'd, who, in 1802 was killed in the mountains of rennsylvania 
by Indians. She was left in indigent circumstances, with a large 
family, mostly girls. With a view to better her condition, she, in 
1804, removed to Missouri, where it had been customary by the 
Spanish government to give land to actual settlers, but upon her 
arrival at St. Louis she found the country ceded to the United 
States, and this liberal policy, unlike as at present, changed by the 
new ownership. After some sickness to herself and family she 
finally removed to Illinois, and settled some three miles south of 
Waterloo, but the foHowing year jiioved closer to the Mississii)pi 
blurt's. Here the boys received their first schooling under the 
instructions of Mr. Humphrey, for which they walked three 
miles. 

Their mother, though lacking in a thorough education, was a 
wonuui of superior mental endowments, joined to energy and 
determination of character. She inculcated in her children those 
high-toned moral i)rinciples which distinguished her sons in public 
life. She exercised a rigid economy to provide her children an 
education, but George Forquer, her oldest son, at an early age had 
to quit school, to aid by his labor in the support of the family. 
He acquired the trade of a house-joiner, afterwards became a 
merchant, failed, and studied law, which his vigorous intellect 
eiuibled him to readily master in s])ite of a defective early educa- 
tion. He was determined and and)itious, had a good voice and 
became a fluent and elegant speaker. He filled many public 
offices ; was a member of the legislature from Monroe, secretary 
of state under Gov. Coles, attorney general, senator from Sanga- 
mon, subsequently register of the land office at Springfield, and 



464 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

but for his early death avouUI probably have been elected to the 
TJuited States senate. Joined to his other intellectual qualities 
was rare merit as a writer. He was of an amiable and generous 
dis])osition, and was successful in accumulating a considerable 
estate.* 

The younger brother, Thomas Ford, with somewhat better oppor- 
tunities, received a better, though limited common school, educa- 
tion. His luind gave etirly promise of superior endo\Yments, with 
an inclination for mathematics. His proficiency attracted the 
attention of the Hon. Daniel P. Cook, in whom young Ford found 
an efticient patron and friend. The grateful heart of the protege 
did not forget its beuefactor. On ])age. To of his History of 
Illinois, Ford pays that gentlenmn surh unwonted compliments 
as no other of all his public coteuqxiraries receives at his hand. 
Through Cook, young Ford turned liis atteution to the law, but 
Fonjuer, then merchandisiug, regarding liis education defe(;tive, 
sent him to the Transylvania University, Avhere he renniined, 
however, but one term, owing to Forquer's failure in business. 
On his return he alternated his laAV reading with teaching school 
for support. In 1829 Gov. Edwards appointed him prosecuting 
attorney; in 1831 he was reappointed by Gov. Keynolds; after that 
he was four times elected a judge, by the legislature, without o]>po- 
sition; twice as circuit judge, judge of Chicago, and as associate 
judge of the supreme court, when, in 1841, that tribunal through 
partisan nmlice was reorganized by the addition of live judges, all 
denu)crats. Ford was assigned to the 9th judicial circuit, and at 
the time of his nomination for governor was holding court in Ogle 
county. He immediately resigned his office, accepted the nomina- 
tion and entered ui)on the canvass. In August he was elected 
governor. The offices which he held, although perhaps he was 
willing enough to have them, were unsolicited. He received them 
upon the true Jefferson principle, never to ask and never to refuse 
office. 

As a lawyer. Gov. Ford stood deservedly high, but his cast of 
intellect fitted liim rather for a writer upon law than a practicing 
advocate in the courts. In the latter ca, pacify he was void of the 
moving power of eloquence, so necessary to success. As a judge 
his written opinions are sound, lucid and able expositions of the 
law. He was a stranger, in practice, to the tact, skill and insinu- 
ating address of the politician ; but, as we may well infer from his 
hist(n\v, no man of his time had a clearer percei)tion of the wiles 
and sinuosities of that devious class than he. Yet despite this 
appreciation, his confidence in the honest i)urposes of others, 
joined to indecision or hesitation perhai)s, enabled the unscrupu- 
lous to deceive him, and in the nondescript Mormon war cause 
him unwonted trouble and vexation. 

As a man, Governor Ford was plain in his demeanor.f He 
lacked that sanguine and determined boldness and decision of 
character requisite to fit one for a great political leader. For 

•Reynold's Pioneer History. 

[+ It is relivted that after the expfratidn of his term of office, upon the occasion of 
the asseniblinK of thi- Icaislature, which always collected a horde of greedy seekers 
for siibdrdiiiatc i)()siiuitis at the capitol, a wafr pointed him out to a certain "ring" as a 
formiilMhlc ;\si)iniiit for door-kfopei- of the house. He was hunted up in his room at 
the hotel, in the siniill hours of the night, and approached fora bargain or combination. 
On discovery the ''ring" felt mortified and the ex-governor perhaps not highly flat- 
tered.] 



ford's ADMliSflSTRATION. 465 



money getting' lie cared little more than wonld affoi d liiiri a decent 
8ui»i)ort, and wcar(;ely that. He accnniuhited no wealth and ni)oii 
his retirement from the gnbernatorial chair he resumed tlie practice 
of tlie law. G-ov. Ford was small of atature, slender, dark com- 
plexioned, with a i)rofusion of black hair, sharp features, deep set 
eyes, a pointed, acquiline nose, with a decided twist to one side, 
aiid liad a small nnjuth. His appearance was said to be somewhat 
cyni<'al and he was, perhaps, not witliout vindictixenesis. He was 
by nature a student, and the traits of his mind tilted him for close 
thouglit,' though he lacked in imagery, the gilt of genius. He 
had ills weak trait; one besetting sin into which his convivial na- 
ture betrayed him, and which contributed to his early death. 

As an author he deserves our special consideration. He has 
left to the State in which he was reared, trusted and lionored with 
the highest office in the gitt of the people, and which he dearly 
loved, a legacy in the form of a history, which, though but a frag- 
ment comprising' his own time, and not topically arranged, will be 
more and more ai»[)reciated with the advance of years. 

His writings show a natural (low of compact and forcible thought, 
never failing to convey the nicest sense. In tracing with his trench- 
ant pen the devious operations of the professional politician, 
in which he is inimitable, his text is open perhaps to the objec- 
tions that all his cotemporaries, nuiny of whom liave since luul 
their names written high on the scroll of national fame, were mere 
})oliticians, and that he fails to discover little else in aJl their a(;ts 
and deeds than the seltish prom})tings for place, ])o\ver, or some 
local benetit. It has been inferred — indeed his book is somewhat 
calculated to to leave such an impression ui>on the mind of the 
reader — that it was dictated by spleen, and his enemies have 
charged it to be the jealous bile of disappointed ambition. 15ut 
except, perhaps, as to his own administration this is a mistaken 
view. That he was an accurate observer of his own times, aud 
that he relates events truly and describes men correctly, may aside 
from the iuteriud conviction which his book produces, be inferred 
from the fact that he wrote concerning those who survived him, 
but who have never contradicted him. 

The lieutenant-governor elect, John Moore, was born Septem- 
ber 8, 179o, in Lincolnshire, England. Bereft of parents at the 
age of 20 he enngrated to America. Sojourning for a while in Vir- 
ginia, he located in Hamilton county, Ohio, and about l^oO re- 
mo\ed to lllhiois, settling permanently at l\andol])h (irove, 
McLean county, where he pursued his vocation of wheelright, a 
trade which he had learned in England. His force of character 
was such that he speedily rose from obscurity. In 1831 he ^vas 
elected a justice of the peace; twice afterward to the lower house 
of the legislature and in 1839 to the State senate. His sterling 
qualities of head and heart gained him distinction throughout the 
State, causing his party to designate him as its standard bearer 
for lieutenant-governor in 1812. On the breaking out of the Mexi- 
can war, animated by an ardent patriotisnx for the cause of his 
adopted country, he volunteered in the ranks, was chosen lieut. 
colonel of the 4tli regiment, and participated in all its active ser- 
vices. After that, by the partiality of the peo})le, he was twice 
elected State treasurer, and in that capacity earned the hor.ored 
soubriquet of " Honest Johu Moore." He was long and favora- 
30 



466 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

bly known in the State as a consistent leader of tlie democracy, 
and died Sept. 23d, 1863. 

With the advent of Governor Ford's administration, lie sums 
up the condition of the State as follows : 

" The domestic treasury of the State was indebted for the ordinary 
expenses of government to the amount of about $313,000. Auditor's 
warrants on the treasury were selling at 50 per cent, discount, and there 
was no money in the treasury whatever; not even to pay postage on " 
letters. The annual revenues applicable to the payment of ordinary 
expenses amounted to about $130,000. The treasury was bankru])t ; the 
revenues were insufficient; tlie people were unable and unwilling to 
pay high taxes; and the Htate had borrowed itself out of all credit; a 
debt of near $10,000,"000 had been contracted for the canal, railroads and 
other purposes. The currency of the State had been annihilated ; there 
was not oyer $200,000 or $300,000 in good money in the pockets of tlie 
whole people, which occasioned a general inability to pay taxes. The 
whole peo]>le were indebted to the merchants, nearly all of whom were 
indebted to the banks or foreign merchants ; and the banks owed every- 
body, and none were able to pay." 

In his message, the governor says : 

"We have suffered all. the evils of a depreciated paper circulation ; 
the first of which is a great and sudden scarcity of money. The specie, 
which ought to be in circulation, is locked up in the banks; a large 
amount of the depreciated jiaper has been purchased up and held on 
si)eculatiou, and the residue has just been sufficient to keep money of a 
better character from coming among us. Consequently, we have been 
left without money, property has fallen unusually low in jjrice, and the 
products of the farmer have been almost unsaleable. Twt) courses have 
operated to prevent an increase of population for a year or two past; one 
is the prevalent fear of exorbitant taxes ; the other the reproach to 
which we are subject abroad. The remedy for this is obvious. Let 
it be known in the tirst place that no oppiessive and exterminating taxa- 
tion is to be resorted to ; in the second, we must convince our creditors 
and the M'orld that the disgrace of repudiation is not countenanced 
among us — that we are honest and mean to pay as soon as we are able." 

In the legislature, which came into power simultaneously with 
Governor Ford, there was no party in favor of taxation to i)ny 
interest on the public debt. Some wanted to make no effort for 
live or ten years, but await he influx of immigrants, trusting- that 
the future might develope something laAorable; all would gladly 
yield up to the holders of the internal iniprovenjent boiuls the 
l)ublic works as far as completed, and the lands, railroad iron and 
other property ])urchased to carry forward the system, in liquida- 
tion of the indebtedness, if they would finish the canal, but this 
was imi)racticable for obvious reasons. The great majority were 
neither willing to tax nor yet to repudiate. Governor Ford, in his 
message, said: "Although the elections in August last weie con- 
ducted Avith warmth on the part of Ihe candidates and people, not 
more than one or two individuals were found Avilling to offer their 
services upon principles of repudiation, and they were unsuccess- 
ful." The majority (piieted their consciences by the adoption of 
resolutions recognizing both the moral and legal obligations to 
l)ay interest and prin<'i])al, but that the present ability to do so 
was out of the (lucstion. Outside there were not wanting many 
Avho were outs[)oken in favor of repudiation, contending that 
neither the legislature nor the State financial agents possessed the 
power to legally obligate the people to the payment of debts in- 
curred in a scheuu'. of such gross and reckless infatuation as that 
of the internal improvement system of the State. 



ford's administration. 467 



Another source of anxiety and trouble to tliouglitful and con- 
servative men, wastlu^ piostrate banks. They liad been for along 
time odious to tlie peoph' on account of tlieir oft infirmities. Any 
extremity pursued toward tliem would meet tlie liearty ap]>roba- 
tion of the peoi»le, howexer such course might be detrimental to 
the country. Ib'iice politicians, who looked only to poi)ularity 
with their constituents, were clamorous for -the repeal of the bank 
charters, lllniois bonds in market were worth oidy 14 cents on. 
the dollar at the tinu^. The State owned hank stock to tlu' amount 
of $3,100,000, which it was urged by tlie re])udiating i)arty should 
be returned to the banks in exchange for State bonds held as col- 
lateral ; that the latter should be force<l upon the market as assets, 
and with the proceeds pay the debts of the banks. This woiihl 
liave further depressed Illinois bonds. The bank stock was nuich 
more valuable than State boiuls,the bills of the bank being worth 
about 50 cents on the dollar, yet the madness of the hour de- 
manded a surrender and even exchange. 

These were some of the obstacles in the way of harmonious de- 
liberation for the best interests of the State. l>ut fertile brains 
were immersed in thought to devise ways out of the em- 
ban^assing circumstances under which the State labored. The 
canal, upon which work had been longer continued than the other 
public works, was greatly advanced, requiring only some $3,000,- 
000 more to tinisli it u]»on the tirst magnificent plan. It was now 
pro}tosed to make of this work a. fulcrum by which to raise the 
credit of the State out of its slough of despond. And as some 
sort of canal was better than none, it was further proposed to lin- 
ish the remainder of it by abandoning the deep cut for the shallow, 
which could be accomplished at about half the price, or $1,000,- 
000. Tlie completion of the canal would inspire confidence abroad, 
invite emigration, and revive the drooi)ing energies of the peoi)le 
at home. The plan was to induce the caiuil bondholders to ad- 
vance this amount on the pledge of the canal, its lands and reve- 
nues, as a first mortgage, postponing all creditors who should 
refuse to contribute until" the former were reind)ursed. It seems 
that Justin Butterfield, an eminent lawyer of Chicago, was entitled 
to the credit of suggesting this plan, which, altera brief delay, 
proved successful. He first mentioned it to Arthur Uronson, a 
heavy operator in Illinois stocks, and a large landholder in the 
northern part of the State, who was on a visit to Chicago, in the 
summer of 1S4LJ, looking after his interests. Mr. liutterlield fur- 
ther iml)ued Mr. Michael Ilyan with this idea, and the latter, when 
shortly after in New York, enlisted Mr. David Leavitt, Mr. Bron- 
son, and other operators in Illinois stocks, both in London and 
New York, in the scheme. The plan received definite sha]X> from 
these financiers, and upon the meeting of the legislature, Decem- 
ber, 1842, awaited the sanction of that body. 

But the more absorbing question of repealing the baidv charters 
and winding uj) those institutions, boded evil to the success of 
the new canal loan, even if the bill to convey the canal in trust 
for the advance of $1,000,000, did become a law. The financial 
embarrassments of the State would probably become involved iu 
an inextricable coil, to disentangle which would consume years of 
time. There was a question of law as to the vested rights of the 
banks under their charters, which they asserted their determiua- 



468 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

tioii to coiit(vsts Avitli all the law's delay that tLe United States 
courts aUtbrded, if forcible liquidation was attempted. In the 
meantime, their assest would be absorbed in litigation or squan- 
dered by villainous oflflcials. It would, besides, produce mistrust 
and a want of confidence in the minds of capitalists abroad, upon 
Avhom we depended for the new loan to complete the canal. If 
the bank charters could be repealed and banking corporations 
arbitrarily crushed, what guarrantee was there that a succeeding- 
legislature would not treat the new canal company the same 
■way ? 

Gov. Ford, for the best interests of the State, determined upon 
a just compromise with the baidis, and labored earnestly to tbat 
end. But with the convening of the legislature, the retiring- 
executive. Gov Carlin, (says Ford), "recommended repeal in his 
valedictory message. When he fiist came to the seat of govern 
ment he showed me his message, recommending' wise, just, and 
honorable measures to the baidvs. He also showed me what he 
had ])repared on the subject of repeal, assuring me that he had 
decided not to i)ut it in. But sliortly afterwards, some of the 
ultraists got a hold of him, and induced him to alter his message, 
by recommending repeal. This reccmimendation embarrassed me 
then, and has embarrassed me ever since. Here was a respecta- 
ble recommendation of something more ultra than I thought was 
warranted by the best interests of the State. It gave counteiumce 
to the ultraists ; they could rally around it, win a character for 
stern and inttexable democrats. It at once put them ahead of the 
new governor and his frieiuls," As a further source of opposition 
to the banks, Gov. Ford continues: "There w'as quite a party 
out of the legislature, expecitauts of oflflce and others, who 
hoped that if the banks were repealed out of existence and 
jjut into forcible liquidation, some of them mrght be ai)i)oint- 
ed commissioners and put in charge of their specie and effects. 
It was known that if the bardc debts were paid pro rata, a large 
amount of specie would renmin on hand for a year or more, the 
use of which could be made profitable in the meantime. Then 
there were to be bank attorneys and agents in collecting and 
securing' debts ; and the whole would furnish a handsome picking' 
for the buzzards and vultuies who hang about lobl)ies and sur- 
round legislatures. As for myself, I decided .at once in favor of a 
comi)romise ; and I gave notice to all these greedy expectants of 
oflice, who were hanging' arouml with eyes straining to devour 
their substance, that if the banks were repealed, and the appoint- 
ment of commissioners was vested in me, none of them could 
exi)ect an a])pointment. This I know cooled some of them." 

The g'overno]', who lalioied under a greater apprehension in re- 
gard to the power of the idtra anti-bank party than there was 
jierhaps any call for, drafted the bank bill himself, giving' it 
rather a higlier sounding title than its provisions deserved or its 
effects wonld warrant, namely "an act to diminish the State debt 
and put the State bank into li(iuidati()n." The ofticers of the bank 
were wh^H a])i)rised of its provisions and had agreed to them. "It 
w\as then," says the governor, "shown to Mr. McClernand, chair- 
man of the finance committee. Gen. Shields, Judge Douglas, and 
myself, were invited to be present at the meeting." I was desirous 
of having the bill introduced as a democratic measure, and 



FORD'S ADMINISTRATION. 469 

for this reason tlie wLigs of the committee were not invited 
to be present. The project was stated to the committee, and all 
the members agreed to it but one, and he was soon argued out of 
his objections by Judge Douglas. The next day it was introduced 
into tlie lower house as a report from the finance committee. 
This circumstance put Mr. IMcClermind in the position of being 
its i>rincipal advocate ; and it was soon known to be a favorite 
measure of tlie new administration." It met with geiu'ral favor 
among the members. 

Th(M)pposition to it came luainly I'rom the outside expectants 
of ottice in winding u^) the concern. Says Ford : "Lyman Trum- 
bull, secretary of State, ]uit himself at the head of this oi)position. 
In taking this ground, JMr. Trumbull was [irobably less influenced 
by a hope of pecuniary advantages to himself, than Dy a desire to 
serve his friends, to be considered a thoroughgoing [)arty man, 
and by a hatred of McClernand and Shiekls, who both favorecl 
the measure.* 

"As soon as McClernand took his position on the bank question, 
Trumbull arrayed himself in o[tposition. He pretended that 
McClernajul's measure was not sufliciently democratic ; in fact, 
that nothing could be democratic in relation to the banks but to 
tear tliem up ami destroy them root and branch, and he ho[)ed to 
fasten upon McClermuid the imi)utation of being a "milk aiul 
water democrat,' and thus lower him in the estinuition of the party. 
At the instance of Ebenezer I'eck, clerk of the su])reme court, and 
others, he put up a notice that he would address the lol>by on the 
subject, in the evening after the legislature had adjourned. Most 
of the members attended to hear his discourse. 
"The next day McCIernainl, who possessed a kind of bold aiul 
denunciatory eloquence, came down upon Trunil)ull and his con- 
federates in a speech in the house, which for argument, eloquence, 
and statesiJKiiisliip was far superior to TnunbuU's. This speech 
silenced all opposition thereafter to the bill in the house. The out- 
door opposition, after this, forseeing signal defeat in the house, 
turned their attention to the s'enate. "-■ * * Trund)ull took his 
«tand in the lobby and sent in amendments of every sort, to be 
proposed by Orain, of Washington, Catlin, of St. Clair, and others. 
The mode of attack was to load it down with obnoxious amend- 
iuents, so as to make it odious to its authors ; and Trund)ull ojtenlj' 
boasted that the bill would be so altered and amended in the sen- 
ate that the framers in the house would not know their own bant- 
ling when it came back to them. From this monu'utl determined 

[■" "HisquarreJ with McClernand spriiiiiJ' out of his appointment to the office of sec- 
retary of State two years before. MeClernand was a nieinlier of the leg'islature in 
1848, but not beiiijran applicant then, Juiifie Doiierlas was appointed at the hefiinninsr 
of tlie session without opposition. ]5ut when Douglas was elected a judge of the su- 
preme court, toward the end of the session, McClernand incited his friends to g-et up 
in his favor a strong recomniemiiition from the members of the ieyislature for the va- 
cant office. * « ♦ Gov-. Oarlin had already allowed the uKMiibers of the legisla- 
ture and his political friends to dictate to him the appointment of .McClernand on a 
former occasion He had lately yielded to similar dictation in the appointment of 
Doiiu-las in opposition to his own wishes, for he had previously promised the office to 
Isaac N Morris, of Quincy. [He] subsequently use<i his inliuence with the legislature 
to get Morris elected to the office of president of the board of canal commissioners. 
Hut this contest between McClernand and Trumbull tooli place at the close of the ses- 
sion, when the governor had nothing more to hope or fear from tuat legislature. * * 
Trumbull was nominated to the senate: and McClernand and Shielfls as inijncdiately 
went to work in that body to procure the rejection of his appointment. They came 
within a vote or two of defeating his nomination. Ever since then there has b>jeu no 
good feeling between McClernand and Trumbull."— Ford's History. 



470 IIISTOKY OF ILLINOIS. 

to remove Tiuiiibull from the office of secietaiy of State, [which 
was done]. Tiie obnoxious amendments were rejected, and the 
bill passed by a hirge majority, and was a])i)roved by the council 
of revision. Judge JJoughis, notwithstanding he had a<lvised the 
measure before the finance committee, voted against it in coujicil. 
[The bill passed the house by 107 for to 4 against.] A bill 
somewhat similar, passed in relation to the Shawneetown bank. 
By these two bills the domestic- treasury of the State was at once 
relieved, and another debt of !i;2,."'<"^^**^' '^^'^'^ extinguished imme- 
diately. 

''The legislature at this session also passed laws for the sale of 
State lands and property; for the reception of the distributive 
share of the State in the proceeds of the sales of the public lands ; 
for the redemi)tion of interest bonds hypothecated to Macalister 
and Stebbins, and for a loan of il,()(!0,()()0 to com})lete the Illinois 
and Micliigan canal. By these various laws provision was made 
for the reduction of the State debt to the anu)unt of eight or nine 
millions of dollars. * * From this moment the aflairs of the 
State began to brighten and impiove. x\uditoi''s warrants rose to 
85 and 90 per cent. State bonds rose from 14 to 20, 30 and 40 
per cent. The banks began to pay out their specie, and within 
three months time the currency was restored, conlidwice was in- 
creased in the prospects of the State, and the tide of emigration 
was once more directed to Illinois."* 

But the new canal loan of $1,000,000 met with delay in its ne- 
gotiation. European capitalists were well disposed toward it, but 
there was no reliable evidence placed before then) as to the value 
of the canal ; nor were they willing to take the loan witlK)ut 
some evidence of public faith and recognition of the obligation of 
the State, and some legislation for taxation to make at least a be- 
ginning to pay interest on t)»e i)ublic debt. 

In his message to the legislature of 1844-5, tliei'efore, Gov. 
Ford recommended taxation. In September ])receding, however, 
Mr. William S. Wait, of Bond county, through his published let- 
ter to the governor against taxation, had already afforded him an 
opi)ortunity to make known his views in a i)ublic letter written iu 
reply, which did great (;redit to his sentiments of honor and ca- 
pacity as a sagacious statesman. It gained a wide circulation and 
produced so favorable an effect in Euroj)e as to immediately cause 
the completion of the subscrii)tion to the loan. Tlie State revenue 
was derived from a land tax, a i)ortion of which had been in 181i7 
diverted to tlu^ counties then generally in debt, to aid them towaitl 
the erection of court-houses and jails, which had long since been 
built, and the go\'ernor in his message says: 

" This land tax ougiit to be resumed to the State treasury. Frequent 
attempts have been made to elFect this, Init witliout success. The objec- 
tion has always been that tliere was more land taxable in the old than 
in the new part of the State, and that the measure would be unequal. 
[Fuder the compact witii congress in the enal)ling act of 1818, lands 
w^ere not to be taxed till five years after their eulry.] 1 would recom- 
mend tluit tlie additional revenue thus derived, and such additional 
tax as tiie legislature in its wistlom will ]»rovide for, be formed into a 
fund, tlie proceeds aiul increase of which sliall he sacred and (kMUcated 
to the extinction of a portion, however small at first, of the interest on 
the public del)t. Whatever we do in this way, ought to liave the great- 

*Foi'd's History. 



ford's administration. 471 

est permanency. * * And thus by setting a limit to the fears and 
imaginations of men in relation to the huge phantom of expected taxes, 
we might reasonably calculate to restore ourselves in the estimation of 
mankind, turn the tide of emigration again into our country, accom- 
panied by wealth and intelligence." 

But from various causes quite an opposition liad been raised to 
the adniiiiistration. This yxew out of the "Monnan war," and 
the jealousies of political aspirants. Two bank conunissiouers, a 
secretary of state, three judges of the su})renie court, and a U. S. 
seiuitor had been appointed. For these oftices tliere Avere many 
a]>i)HcaHts, and tlie disapixnnted ones joined their intiuence to oj)- 
pose the administration measures. Many chari^es were brou<iht 
against the administration and an investigating committee was 
appointed, wliich, while it made a thorougli in(j|uisition of tlie ex- 
ecutive otlices and found nothing amiss, still did not possess the 
magnanimity to make any report at all — "the newest way of dis- 
crediting an administration," which ouglit to be jiatented, says his 
excellency. 

The ujain a<bniuistration measure at this session was a sujjple- 
menta] canal bill, and to pro\ide lor paying a portion of the inter- 
est on the State debt. It provi<le<l for a transfer of 1 mill from 
the county to the State tax, so as to make the State tax 3 mills, 
the latter to remain permanent, and together with all suiplus 
moneys in the treasury constitute an " Interest Fund," to be sa- 
credly set apart for the payment of interest on the public debt. 
The bill giving to the foreign bondlntldcrs two canal trustees and 
to the State but one, afterwards divided and ]»assed in two laws, 
was ])repaTed in accordance with the i)ropositi()ns of the foreign 
creditors, as made by the Boston committee. Governor Davis, of 
Massachusetts, and Mr. Leavitt, of ifew York, being i>resent 
during the latter part of the session. 

Besides disaffected democrats, a strenuous effort was made 
to array the whig party in opi)osition to this measure. To this 
end a secret meeting of the whig leaders was called to form a 
coalition with the southern democrats. But to these intrigues, 
fraught with mischief to the credit ami prosi)erity of the State, 
Judge Stephen T. Logan, of Springtield, N. I). Strong, of Alton, 
and other whigs, set their faces as steel ; and in the house these 
juachinations met with signal defeat, the bill passing by some 20 
majority. In the senate, altera suhstitue offered by Edwards and 
amemlments by Worthington and Constable, (whigs,) all tending 
toirs defeat, were voted down, that body refused to order the bill 
to a third reading — 19 to 22. Now followed nuuli i)arliamentary 
manueA'ering, and charges of bribery and corruption were fjcely 
made. 

"The vote on the bill in the senate l)eing reconsideicd. it was 
referred to a select comnnttee, together Avith another bill ol' an 
important character, which had already passed the house of icp- 
resentatives. It was known that one senator would not vote r(U' 
the tax and the canal both in the same bill. By their conneetioji 
the tax was made to ai)pear as a local measure, intended only for 
the benefit of the north. The committee, therefore, divided the 
bill. They struck out of the canal bill all tlnit related to a tax, 
and they struck out all of the bill referred with it, and inserted 
the taxing part in that. And these two bills being now reported 



472 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

back to the senate, the senate concuiTed in their passage as tlms 
amended. They were sent back to the house the same hour for 
concurrence, which was given ; and thus tliese important meas- 
ures passed into laws ; or rather ihey wabbled through the legis- 
lature. To Thomas M. Kilpatrick, senator from Scott, is due the 
honor of the good numagement in the senate, in dividing and 
amending the measure, and thus securing its passage. I give the 
facts, curious as they may appear, to illustrate the fertile genius of 
western men, and as a specimen of the modes of legislation in a 
new country."* 

Thus was shown a recognition of our obligation to i)ay the pub- 
lic debt, and a willingness to contribute to do so as far as lay in 
our i)o\ver. This, too, at a period of sore trial to the peoi)le of the 
State. For the two i)rece(ling seasons the crops had been a par- 
tial failure; the uni)recedented freshets of the Mississipi>i, the 
Illinois and many other streams in the State, in 1844, had de- 
stroyed a large amount of pro])erty, and laid waste many a home- 
stead ; and an unusual amount of sickness had not only followed 
in the wake of the floods, but generally pervaded the country. 

Another "Hard Times" measure, adopted at this session, was 
the reduction of interest to per- cent. During the Hush tin)es^ 
prior to 1840, when money was abundant and unlimited, the peo- 
ple overtraded themselves, and, tinally, on settlement, gave their 
pnsmissory notes, bearing 12 per cent, interest, which they did 
rather than be sued and lia^s e their i)roperty sold under execution. 
Tile reader will have noticed that for tweuty-tive years the ten- 
dency of legislation in Illinois, and indeed all western states, a 
tendency not yet arrested, was to faAor the debtor classes. 

At the close of Gov. Ford's administration,! we lind the domes- 
tic debt for the ordinary exi)enses of the State government to be 
only 131,212, iiistead of $ol3,000 as when he came into ofticej 
now, without the sum due from the general government to the 
school fund being j)aid, there was in the treasury $9,2(j0, when at 
that time it did not contain enough to pay postage on a letter ; now, 
auditor's warrants were worth over 90 cents on the dollar, then, 
not 50 ; now, people were in the nniin out of debt, then they were 
overwhelmed with jnivate liabilities. The baidvs had been put 
into li<juidation and gradually wound uj), their dei)reciated circu- 
lation retired and replaced by a reasonable abundance of specie 
and the issues of solvent banks from other States. By exchang- 
ing the bank stock of the St a t£'. fVu- the bonds, and the sale of 
pul)lic property, about $3,000,000 of the i)ublic debt had been 
extinguished ; aiui by the canal, then promising to be completed 
within the next year, some $5,000,000 more were effectually pro- 
vided for in the enhanced value of the canal i>ro]ierty, aiul the 
fact of its conveyance in trust to the foreigii canal bondholders; 
being a reduction of some $8,000,000, extinguished and provided 
for, during Gov. Fords' administration, notwithstanding itsbegin- 
ing under cinnnnstances the most adverse and unpromising. The 
State, which for years before had been overwhelmed with debt; 
which had not for 4 years paid even interest on its bonds, and 
loth to even recognize its ]>ul)lic debt; which was on the brink of 
rei)udiation — discredited throughout the civilized world, had diu-- 

*l Forcrs History. 

*See his message, Dec. 1846. 



FOED^S ADMINISTRATION. 473 

iiiji-liis ndiiiiiiistratioii its credit greatly restored, and wa« enabled 
to borrow $1,()()0,(>()0 to complete tlie canal. It now had a popu- 
lation of about 7()(>,<!(l(), and tlie H niill tax to be exchi- 
sively api>lied as interest on the public debt, would yield for the 
year^ 184(), $12o,(J()0. With the dissipation of the clouds of 
threatening' dishonor, emigration, ^vith an increasing tide, again 
sought our lands for homes, and i>opulation was augmenting" 
faster than any previous time. The list of taxable property, and 
the aggregate wealth of the State, was rapidly on the im-rease. 
From the i>eople here, erst so anxious to sell out and depart the 
State, the terrors of high taxation had been removed, and now 
when opportunity tosell and leave was almost daily presente<l, 
they were content to remain. The reputation of Illinois before 
the civilized world, now stoo<l forth almost without spot or blem- 
ish, the peer in Innior and credit of any in the sisterhood of 
States. The year 1845 was the turning point in her financial em- 
barrassments, and marks the beginning of her since unabated 
pros])erity and march to greatness. 

"We may date the commencement of onr returning ]>ros]terity 
to the passage of that law" — the law reijniring the l)anks of this 
State to ])ut their affairs in process of gradual liquidation — says 
Gov. French in his inaugural nu'ssage. This law, we have seen, 
was conceived by the brain an<l drafted by the hand of Gov. 
Ford himself; through his admirable lettei' in re|)ly to W. S. 
Wait, of JJond comity, onr foreign creditors took heart and sub- 
scribed the money for the conii)letion of the canal ; he had the 
courage to recommend taxation, and suggested the permanant 
tax or "hiterest fund-' bill, which after a severe struggle became a 
law. We see thus the directing finger of Gov. Ford in every im- 
portaid measure which aided in restoring the credit of the State, 
and snatching it from the jaws of repudiation and dishoiuu-. 
And this was done, not with the united supjjort of his own party 
friends, but in the face of their many intrigues, jealousies and 
l>arty machinations. Illinois was most fortunate in securing his 
services for its helm of State at this critical juncture other finan- 
cial career; and ])osterity will ever owe a debt of gratitude to liim 
for his clear insight into the condition of her affaii's, the meas- 
ures which his genius brought Ibrward for her extrication, and the 
fidelity with which he discharged the liigh trust reposed in him at 
this crisis in her history. In his valedictory message he says: 
"Without having indulged in wasteful or extravagant habits of 
living, I retire fiom oifice poorer tlian I came in ; and go to i»ri- 
vate life with a full determination not to seek again any place in 
the government." Gov. Ford died, Nov. 2d, 1850, at Peoria, in 
very indigent circumstances. 



Chapter XL. 
THE ILLINOIS AND MICHIGAN CANAL. 

Trials and Troubles Incident to its Construction. 



The importance of a canal coiniectin<i' tlie waters of Lake Micli- 
igaii and those of the Illinois river, and thence by other navigable 
streams hundred miles in extent to the Gulf of Mexico, was at a 
A^ery early time appreciated, and its consuinmatio]i fondly cherished. 
The French traders and voyageurs in their exi)l()rati()ns of the 
west, between one and two centuries since, i)assed with their boats 
from Lake Michigan into the Des Plaines at some seasons of the 
year, via the Calumet river and lake. The portage between the 
south branch of the Chicago river aiul the Des Plaines was oidy 
some live or six miles. Until the artiUcial connection between the 
waters of Lake Michigan and the Illinois river ^\ as practically 
essayed, it was regarded as of easy iiccom}>lishment; but the facts 
lia\'c shown the contrary. The canal, which in 18-5 and prior was 
estimated at $010,000, has iirst and last, including the Chicago 
dee[)eiiing for sanitary purposes, cost near twenty times that 
sum. 

During the war of 1812, with the massacre at tlie mouth of the 
(3hicag<), and the retreat of the savages westward, national atten- 
tion A\as tirst directed to the importance of this work, and the 
jnesident in his message in 1814 brought the subject to the atten- 
of congress, and a select committee repented it as "the great ^^•ork 
of the age," for both military and comn)ercial purposes. ''In 
181(i," says Gov. Edwards, who was one of the commissioners, "a 
tract of land bounded on Lake Michigan, including Chicago and 
-extemling to the Illinois river, was obtained from the Indians, for 
the pni'pose of opening a canal c(nnnninication between the lake 
ami the river. * * I peisonally know that the Inibans were 
induced to believe that the opening of the canal would be very 
adxantageous to them, and that, under authoiized expectations 
that this would be done, they ceded the land fov a tritle.' * In 
1817, Major Long made a I'cport to congress that "a canal, uniting 
the watt'rs of the Illinois river with those of Lake Michigan, nury 
be considered the Iirst in im]»ortance of any in this quarter of the 
country, and the construction would be attended with very little 
exjiense compared with the nnignitude of the object." Another 
rcpoi't i'avorabh^ to the canal was at that time made by Ivichard 
Graham and Chief Justice Phillips, of this State.t In' 1810, Mr. 
Calhoun, secretary of war, directed tlie attention of congress to the 

•Ed war Is' Life of Edwards. 
+I"uid 

474 



ILLINOIS AND MICHIGAN CANAL. 475 

canal on account of its importance for military pui'poses,* lu 
1822 conj;ress autliorized this State to construct the canal tlirou^uli 
tlie public lands, <;Tantin,t;- for the purpose a strip of ground 90 
feet in width on both sides of it, and reserving the lands through 
which it might i>ass from sale until further direction. It was to be 
commenced within three and completed within twelve years. To 
the State was given the privilege of taking from the government 
land, materia] for its construction. Upon this slender beginning- 
congress subsecpuudly enlarged considerably. 

In 1818, (iov. Uond, in his message, strongly recommciKU'd the 
construction of the canal ; Governor Coles, four years later, did the 
same, and every governor of the State espoused its cause. No 
secitional question was made of it for many years. The legislature, 
at the sessiou of 1822-3, appointed a board of canal commissouers 
"to UKxke or cause to be nuide, estinuites, etc., for com])letingsaid 
canal," and report to the next general assembly. Enmnuel J. 
West, E]-astus Brown, Theopilus W. Smith, Thomas Sloe, jr., and 
Samuel Alexander were ai)pointed commissioners. The board 
emitloyed licne Paul, of St. Lous, and Justine Post, as engineers 
to survey the route and nuike out the estimates. They reported 
the route highly practicable and estimated the cost of the work at 
from $(]1(),(H)0 to not exceeding .$710,110.71, which has proven to 
be very wide of the nuirk. The ex.innimtiou was superlicial ami 
no idea was fonned of the anu)unt of rock excavation which 
afterwards })rovod so formidable. These preliminary steps cost the 
State $10,580.87.t 

By a(^t of .Ian. 10, 1825, the "Illinois nud ]\Iieliig;in Canal Asso- 
cintion," with a capital of -$1,000,000 was iucorpoi'iited. The com- 
pany was to build and com[>lete the caual within 10 year's time; 
to re(;eive for its own use and benetit all the i)ublic lands which the 
United States, States, or individuals might donate in aid of the 
undertaking, and the tolls for 50 years after its completion; at the 
expiration of which time the canal and all its unsold lands were to 
be turned over to the State and the total sum expended in its con- 
struction, with () per cent interest, was to be paid. 

The act, after its passage, incurred the strenuous opposition of 
the Hon. Daniel 1\ Cook, our only mend)er in congress. A grant 
of land for the construcrion of the canal, ui)on the ground of its 
national character, was then with sonu' degree of confidence hook- 
ed forwiird to during the administration of i\lr. Adams. The 
House conunittee, through IMr. Cook, had made a favorable re- 
l)ort ui)()n it. But the act of the legislature, by which any bonus 
to aid the work, Avas in advance turned over to a cori)oration of 
pri\at(i individunls, would ju-obitbly defeat the measure in con- 
gress. Mr. Cook published a long address to his constituents, 
under date of Oct. 28, 1825, forcibly attacking the canal ]»olicy of 
tlu^ State; urging the legislature to resume its i)ossession and re- 
l)eal the charter before any work was commenced, and the claim 
of vested rights should be set up. He demamied ''that the rich 
harvest which it was destined to yield, should go into the treas- 
ure of the State;" and declared "that in less than 30 years it 
would relieve tlie people from the payment of taxer., and even 
leave a suiplus to be a])i)lied to other works of public utility." 

*Vol. 4 Pul). Doc. 15 ConuTC'SS. 2d sossion. 

iSee Report of George Forquer, Senate Journal, session 183-t-5. 



470 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



These hopeful predictions have not been fulfilled. So sanj;uine 
was he, that to raise capital to bnild the canal, he was ready to 
sell or pledge a million acres of the school lands to carry forward 
the work. But no sto(;k was ever snbscribed by the ''canal asso- 
ciatiou;" the incorporators voluntarily surrendered their charter 
and tlie act was repealed. 

This obstacle out of the way, the legislature, at the special ses- 
sion of January, 1820, called by acting Gov. Hubbard, transmitted 
to congress a very able memorial, drafted by ^Ir. linssell, of Bond, 
l)raying- aid for the canal. We quote two sentences: "The con- 
struction of the canal, uniting the waters of Lake Michigan with 
the Illinois river, will form an important addition to the great con- 
necting links in the chain of internal na\agation, which will 
effectually secure the indissoluble union of the confederate mem- 
bers of this great and i)owerful republic. By the completion of 
this great and valuable work, the connection between the north 
and south, the east and west, would be strengthened by the ties 
of coiumercial intercourse and social neighborhood, and the union 
of States bid defiance to interim! comiuotion, sectional jealous}', 
and foreign invasion." 

Tim memorial, together with the efforts of our delegation in 
congress, Cook (in tiie house,) and Kane and Thomas (in the sen- 
ate), but notably the first named, whose genial influence and un- 
tiring labors in this behalf have placed the State, and particidary 
Chicago, under lastiug obligation to his memory, ])roduced a 
favorable effect, aud congress by act of March 2d, 1827, grant- 
e<l to the State of Illinois "for the puri»ose of aiding her in 
0[)eiiiug a canal to connect the waters of the Illinois ri\'er with 
those of Lake Michigan," the alternate sections of the public 
lands on either side of the canal for five miles, along its entire 
route, which when set ai)art by the i)resident were found to contain 
224,.')22 acres. The lands Avere subject to the disposal of the legis- 
lature "for the purposes aforesaid, an.d no other." The canal a\ as 
regarded as of national utility ; it was to be commenced within 5 
years thereafter and completed within 20 ; and if not so comple- 
ted, the State was to jjay the general government for all lands 
sold up to that time, and the renuiiinler were to revert. This 
grant was the beginning of those enormous landed subsidies to 
western railroads which have become so frequent of late, but it 
will be noticed that this and the next, also in Illinois, for tlie con- 
stiuctiou of the Central railroad, were made to the State, where- 
as latterly the grants are to private corixjrations directly. It is a 
curious fact that the largely democratic State of Illinois obtained 
both these grants, by which she was more materially ])enefited 
than all else ever(h)ne for hei', from whig administrations. 

In 1829 the legislature organized a new board of canal commis- 
sioners, "to exi)lore, exanune, fix and determim' the route of the 
canal," dis[)ose by sale of the lands and lots and commence the 
work. Governor Edwards a])pointed Charles Dunn, afterwaids 
U. S. judge of Wisconsin Territoiy, Dr. Gersham Jayne and Ed- 
mond JJoberts, both of S[)ringfield, as commissioners. For lack 
of funds little or nothing was done; times were rather haid, 
owing to the financial end)arrassments caused by the old State 
bank of 1821. Feb. 15, 1831, an act amemlatory "of that of 1821>, 
was passed. Under the provisions of these tw'o acts, the board 



ILLINOIS AND MICHIGAN CANAL. 477 

laid out the towns of Cliica^io and Ottawa, the map of the foiuier, 
jjiepared by James Tlioiiii)soii, who made tlie svciveys, bearing' 
date August 4, 1830. When Thompson began his suivcvs of 
Chieago, in 1820, only 7 families li^■ed outside of Fort Deaiboiii. 
Town lots and eanal lands were sold to the amount of $18,Ul.'4,S3, 
and a re-examination and re-snr^■ey of the entire route of the canal 
were nuide, the engineer this time being ^Ir. lUieklin, whose esti- 
mate ran the work into millions instead of hundrt-ds of thousaiuls. 
The question of building a railroad over the route, instead of the 
canal was also considered. The commissioners rept)rted their 
estinuite to the legislature at the session of l8oo, the cost ol' the 
canal at $4,04o,38(>,r)U— still too low by about half — and the cost 
of a railroad at $1,().")13, 488,19. The expenses of these examina- 
tions and surveys was $10,1)74,80. The board of canal commis- 
sioners, by act of March 1, 183o, was abolished. The incund»ents 
were required to pay o\er all moneys, ami deliver uj) all papers, 
vouchers, &c., of their transactions, to the State treasurer, and 
if upon examination any of the ofticers aforesaid had not faifli- 
fully and fairly accounted for all moneys &c., suit was directed to 
be commenced ui)on their oflicial bonds," for which purpose, .juiis- 
diction Avas given to the Fayette circuit court, its process running 
to any county in the State. 

Meanwhile there were various projects of turning the constiuc- 
tion of the canal and all its ])r()perty gifts over to a company, and 
of building a railr<)a<l instead between Chicago and I'eru. The 
distance was about 100 jniles and the cost of a railroad was esti- 
mated at about $10,000 per mile. At the time, considering the 
expedition with which railroads are built, and the delay which has 
attended the comi>letion of the canal, the former would doubtless 
have served the country more accei)tably. A railroad woidd have 
been fully adequate to all the wants of the country and for pas- 
senger travel it is far i^referable, while for the transi)ortation of 
freight it offers the advantage of carrying in winter as mcII as 
summer. The consent of congress to divert so nuich of the avails 
of the canal lands as might be needed for this object was readily 
obtained. By act of March 2d, 18;)3, the State was authorized to 
use the lands granted for the canal, in buildiiig either a railroad 
or canal, as the legislature might elect; and the time for com- 
mencing either was extended live years. 

In LSof) the governor ^\ as authorized to negotiate a loan not ex- 
ceeding $500,000, "solely on the pledge of the canal lands and 
tolls," for the construction of the caiial. The stock Avas to be 
called "Illinois and Michigan canal stock," and in no case to be 
sold for less than par. Governor Duncan told the legislature such 
was the universal estimate of the importance of the canal by all 
men of intelligence, that he had no hesitation in believing ample 
funds could be procured for its speedy completion. But the efl'ort 
to obtain the loan proved a failure. Ex-Gov. Coles, residing at 
Philadelphia, was deputed to negotiate the loan for the full sum 
authorized. Under date of April 28, 1835, he wrote that capital- 
ists were unwilling to take it because the bonds were not based uj)- 
on the faith of the State. Kor were any funds for the paymentol 
either principal or interest i)rovided, excei)t such as might arise 
from the lands a]id net revenues of the canal. 



478 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

To ineet these objections, the act of Jan. 9, 1S3G, was passed, 
whicli repealed the foniier act and anthoiized the same loan of 
$500,000 on the credit and faith of the iState, irrevocably pledged 
for the payment of the canal stock and its accrning- interest. 
James M. Strode, a senator then representing' all the country north 
of and inclnding Peoria, introduced this bill, which served as an 
entering wedge to the State treasury, and became the nu^del for 
subsequent like legislation. The mojiey borrowed, premiums on 
sales ot stock, the proceeds of the canal lands and lots, and all 
other moneys arising from the canal, were to constitute a fund 
sacred to the canal till it was completed, except to pay interest on 
the stocks. Tlie board of canal comnussioners was constituted a, 
body })olitic and corporate, subject to the control of the governor, 
one was to be the acting commissioner and general sui)erinten- 
dent of the work, who was to report to the board. They were to 
hold till January following, wlien commissioners were Jiuide elec- 
tive biennially. The salary of the acting commissioner was 
$1,200, and the comi>ensation of the other two $3 i)er day m hen 
en![>loyed. Moneys from sale of stock or other sources were to be 
dei)osited in the State banks, to be thence drawn as needed by 
warrants on the treasurer. Immediate steps were to be taken for 
the (tonstruction of the canal, the contracts to be let to the lowest 
bidder. JNiaterials for the canal were exempted from execution. 
Town sites. were to be located and lots sold at auction. A sale of 
Ottawa lots, and the fractional section No. 15, adjoining Chicago, 
was nnule June 20^ 1846 ; the latter under the extraordinary nuniia 
of speculation Then rife regarding Chicago,* is said to have 
brought $1,503,495. The dimensions of the canal were to be not 
less than 45 feet at the surface, 35 at the base, and a navigable 
depth of at least 4 feet of water. Quarterly rei)orts were to be 
made to the go\ ernor. The commissioners aj)pointed by Gov. 
])uncan were William F. Thornton (acting commissioner), Gurdon 
S. Hubbard and \N'illiam IJ. Archer, all whigs. The canal was to 
extend from Chicago to the mouth of the Little Vermilion, work 
to be begun at its northern terminus. Of the loan no^^ author- 
ized. Governor Duncan negotiated $100,000 in New York at a jn^e- 
mium of 5 per cent., which he deemed too lov imd declined a 
larger amount at that rate. Subsequent ex])erience showed that 
he should have taken more. The survey and estbnate made at this 
time by chief engineer Goodwin, w as $8,(594,33.51 — a hundred per 
cent higher than that of liucklin — $80,000 per mile, being 4 times 
the cost of the Erie canal. The estimate was based upon a sur- 
fa(;e width of GO feet, 40 at the bottom, and depth of water (to 
tlow from the lake) of G feet. These dimensions were larger than 
the Erie, and would have made it one of the most splendid works 
of internal imi»rovement anywhere to be found. Eut for such a 
work the estimate was yet too low. Contracts were let, and on the 
4th of July, JS3G, ground was iirst broken for the canal. The 
occasion was publicly celebrated at Chicago, by reading the 
Declaration of Indei)endence, and the delivery of an able and 
appiopriate address by Dr. Egan, picturing in glowing colors the 
I'utui'c of Chicago and of the State of Illinois. Those glowing 
colors have been already dininit'd by the reality. 

• See Brown's History IJlinois, p. 417. Note— Evidently a mistake. 



ILLINOIS AND iMICIIIGAiSf CANAL. 479 

Much of the route of tlie canal lay tluougli marshy ground, 
inundated in the spring and fall, rendering it difiicult of access. 
Forty thousand dollars was expended the first year upon roads 
leading to the work. The country l)ordering uixui its route was 
but scatteringly settled, affording neither provisions nor shelter for 
laborers. Supplies had to be gathered from abroad. The work 
preceded the local demands of the country', other thau those cou- 
ceived in the brilliant imaginations of "corner" or "water lot" 
si)eculators in Chicago. Labor and provisions were high. The 
foanier from |20 to $oO per month and board. I'ork at Oliicago 
was from .$L*U to |oO per barrel; flour $9 to $12; salt $12 to .$15 ; 
oats and potato(\s 75 cents per bushel; and other articles of con- 
sum])tionin ratio. 

To give a further idea of the difficulty of this great work, we 
repro<luce from an exhaustive legislative report, made by the lion. 
Newton Cloud in 1837, the following. The canal is treated in three 
divisions: The first, comprising a high level from Chicago to 
where it runs out (Lockport) distance 28 miles. On this, from 
Chi(;ago river to Point of Oaks, a cut of 18 feet was requiied, to 
allow the waters of Lake Michigan to flow througii. Half of the 
excavation for the entire 28 miles consisted of stratified and solid 
rock. The whole of this summit division was described as a sunken 
plain^ largely underlaid with rock, the waters of the Des Plaines, 
Portage Lake, and the Sagaiuiskee swamp extending over it ami 
forming at times a continuous lake; 15 or 16 feet of the canal cut, 
on this division, lay below the surface of the Des Plaines and con- 
tiguous to it; and as drainage was impracticable, the .difficulties 
and expense to be encountered from this ol)ject alone baffled the 
power of calculation. Besides, as the line was many feet below 
the river and the surface of the lake, subterraneous veins or foun- 
tains of water might be expected. Li the rock cutting, nuich would 
depend upon the compactn<>ss of the rock and its capacity' to ex- 
clude the suberincumbent water from the prism of the canal. If 
fissures, peculiar to lime stone regions, shoidd be met with the 
work would be exceedingly slow, enormously expensive at any 
time of the year, and impracticable during rainy seasons. An 
abstract of the engineers estimate i)ut the total cost of this 
division at $5,897,701.13; but the legislative committee, by 
referring to contracts already let, (which they cite) found that 
solid rock excavation per cubic yard would cost $2.50, instead of 
$1.54; earth excavation 40 cents, instead of 33; contingencies 
and superintendance 15 i)er cent, instead of 3, &c., »&c.; whence 
they deduced that the sun)mit level would cost $10,192.4()1, a 
ditfereiu^.e against the engineer's estimate exceeding $4,250,000. 
These obstacles led to the consideration of the high le\'el or 
shallow cut plan, as run by engineer Lucklin, ten feet abo^ e Lake 
Michigan, using the Calumet or I^es l*lai)ies rivers for feeders. 
They estimated thatu])on this plan the summit division, including 
the necessary feeders, might be constructed for one-fourth the cost, 
or $2,500,000. The Calumet was preferred for a feeder, because 
of its coiniecting 80 miles of navigation with the canal from the then 
contemi)lated internal im])rovements of the State of Indiana in that 
region. The middle division of 37 miles Avas estimated at $1,510,957; 
and the western division at $1,272,055— total $5,283,012. They 
further reported that by connecting the canal with the river at lake 



4S0 ni.sToiJY OF lLL^^■olS. 

Juliet, 60 miles would be saved ; that the river could be locked aud 
daniiiied thence to l*eru atacot^l of.i^.jTOjdG.j, reduciii.ii' the cost of the 
entire work tooidy $o,551,(J05 — the improvements of the i-ivergiving- 
to the State, besides, a hydraulic power capable of running' TOO pair 
of mill stones, yielding an annual rental of $210,000. None of 
these suggestions were adopted ; though tlie State was, from 
financial embarrassments, afterwards forced into the adoption of 
the shallow cut i)lan. 

By act of March 2d, 1S37, supplemental to the law of Jan, 9, 
183(), the canal commissioners were rendered inde])endent of the 
governor. Besides an acting commissioner, one was to be presi- 
dent of the board and the other treasurer, the latter to give 
additional bond for the safe keeping and disbursement of the funds. 
In the al)sence of the acting commissioner, the others were to 
perform his duties. They wei'e to, A^ithout delay, prosecute the 
canal to final completion upon the plan of 1830. A new survey 
and estimates, on tlje established route, were to be nuide under 
oath, with the view to ascertain if sufticient water could be 
obtained to feed the canal on the summit level. A route diverging 
from the nmin trunk was to be surveyed through the Aug-sag- 
nash-ge-ke swamp and Grassy lake to intersect the Calumet river, 
estinuites to be made, and tlie canal built Avhenever the State of 
Indiana should undertake a corresponding work connecting 
therewith. A navigable feeder, from the best practicable point on 
Fox river to Ottawa, was to be constructed, and at the latter 
idace, basins or a lateral canal connecting with the Illinois river 
Avere also to be built. Sales of Chicago lots to the amount of 
'$1,000,000 were oidered ; the governor was to borrow $500,000 
upon the credit of the State, to be expended on the canal in 1838; 
to i)romote competition between contractors, no bond should be 
required, but a certain percentage on estinuites reserved until the 
final completion of their jobs. JSTotwithstanding congiess had 
nmny years before given license to the State to takenniterials from 
the i)ublic lands for the construction of the camd, the legislature 
now authorized the circuit courts to ai>point men to appraise all 
danuiges arising to settlers upon them from the construction of the 
canal. Many claims were presented and allowed, costing the 
State many thousands of dollars. But at this time the canal had 
become connected with the great internal imi>rovement system, 
and with the then inflated notions pervading the public mind 
nobody' doubted either the credit or ability of the State to compass 
all these grand works, and suchajiower could not afitbrd to be 
niggard to individuals with claims. 

Up to January 1, 1839, the gross expenditures on the canal, 
derived from the various sources of loans, lot and land, amounted 
to $1,100,000. All of it, but about 23 miles between Dresden and 
Marseilles, was contracted, ami the jobs let were roughly estimated 
at $7,500,000. The legislature, still infatuated with the huge 
State internal im])rovement system, af the session of 1838-9, 
encouraged the canal by directing the fund commissioners to loan 
to its fund $300,000, and authorizing the governor to make a 
further loan for it by the sale of $4,000,000 of State bonds. This 
was the canal loan, to negotiate which. Gov. Carlin, unwilling to 
put it into the hands of the fund commissioners, employed ]\Iessrs. 
Young and Eeynolds, who made a very bungling job of it, entail- 



ILLINOIS AND MICHIGAN CANAL. 481 

ing upon the State a loss of several huiidred tlionsaiid dollars, by 
their various transactions with Dnnhip, of Philadelphia, Delatield, 
of New York, and Wrii^ht & Co., of London. The latter, for a 
million dollars, except the advance of £oO,0()0, proved almost a 
total failure; Delath^ld became unable to pay his installments, and 
was unwilling to sui-render the bonds; and that t)f Dunlap was 
jiaid in such dribs of depreciated currency as to be of little avail 
in carrying" forward the work. 

In the meantime it became apj^arent that no more loans could 
be effected for the State without heavy sacrifice; the great system 
of internal improvements showed symptoms of a speedy collapse, 
and in February, 1840, the legislature put a period to its wild and 
reckless career. The work upon the canal was not interrupted by 
legislative action; provision was made to meet the liabilities oi 
the State to contractors by issuing to them checks for the amounts 
found due on estimates, to bear interest at the rate of per cent. 
The contractors had taken their jobs during the flush times 
(for Illinois) of 18o(»-7, when prices ruled much higher than iu 
1840. They couhl afford to lose 25 per cent, on them and still do 
well ; and as the State hesitated to sell her boiuls much below par, 
they engaged to receive them on tlieir estimates at par. $1,000,000 
were iu that manner paid to them. Gen. Thornton, canal com- 
missioner, was deputed to go to London with the bonds, where 
lie effected a sale of .$1,000,000 at Si) cents on the dollar, the con- 
tractors suffering the discount — being ten per cent, better than 
liis instructions. By this expedient life was kept in the canal, 
though work on every other internal improvement had long since 
been abandoned. With the completion of their jobs some of the 
contractors proposed to receive, in like manner, the residue of their 
estimates, and $197,000 more was i^aid to them, when, with the 
final breaking of the State bank in February, 1842, an extraor- 
dinary depreciation of Illinois stocks in market took place, which 
put a period to this character of payments. After that no fur- 
ther payment was made to contractors for over two years, when 
the canal passed into the hamls of the foreign bondholders, though 
work was not wholly intermitted upon many of the jobs during 
this tune. The new board of canal commissioners, elected by the 
legislature at the session of 1841, were : Isaac N. Morris, presi- 
dent; Jacob Fry, acting commissioner, and Newton (Jloud, treas- 
urer. 

After July, 1841, no further efforts were made to pay interest on 
the public debt. The financial embarrassments of the State be- 
came alarming. To add to the distress of the peo])le, the State 
banks, earlj- in 1842, broke down completely. The governor, 
auditor, and treasm^er issued their circular, stating that the notes 
of these institutions would not be received in payment of taxes — 
nothing but gold and silver. The treasury was empty. There 
X)revailed a dearth in trade and business amounting to stagnation; 
values declined; many despaired of the State's ability to ever pay 
off its enormous debt, exceeding $14,000,000, and equal to a pres- 
ent debt of at least $150,000,000, counting the lessened value of 
money and increased population, resources and capacity of the 
State. The people were unwilling to submit to higher taxation. 
Eepudiation was openly agitated by not a few at home and abroad, 
and the fair name of Illinois became freely associated with dishonor. 
31 



483 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

lu tliis crisis, besides the compromise legislation with the banks, 
the canal afforded the only practicable avenne out of the diffi- 
culty; its completion, it was thought, would give a new and pow- 
erful impulse to every department of business and industry 
throughout the State ; and the advantages and facilities to be 
afforded by it would cause tides of emigrauts and floods of 
wealth to pour into the State. The want of money and anxiety 
to have auy sort of caual, now caused an advocacy of the high 
level or shallow cut, which could be completed at half the cost of 
the deep cut. The idea was to induce tlie holders of canal bonds 
to advance the money for its completion, upon a pledge of tlie canal, 
its lands and revenues in the nature of a first mortgage, and thus 
infuse life into a work now dormant, wliich would quicken every- 
thing else. Justin Butterfield, of Chicago, first suggested this idea; 
Michael Ryan, a caual engineer and State senator, in the summer 
of 184-5, met Messrs. Bronson, Leavitt and other large canal bond- 
holders in ISTew York, and devised a plan for raising $1,(J00,()00 to 
finish the canal on the shallow cut; and Gov. Ford recommended 
it in his first message. 

In accordance with the above plan, the act of February 21, 1843, 
was x>assed authorizing the governor to negotiate a loan of $1,G00, 
000, solely on the credit and pledge of the canal property, its 
revenues and tolls for a term of years at 6 i)er cent, interest. 
payable out of the first moneys realized. The holders of the canal 
bonds and other evidences of canal indebtedness, were first enti- 
tled to subscribe the loan. A board of 3 trustees was established, 
1 to be ap])ointed by the governor and 2 by the subscribers of the 
loan — one vote for every $1,000 of stock. The former were to ap- 
portion their duties among themselves. The canal proi)erty was 
to be conveyed by .the governor in trust, and to be managed by 
the trustees much in the nninner of former proceedings. They 
might adopt such alterations of the original plan as they deemed 
advisalde, Avithout materially changing the location, having due 
regard to economy, permanancy of the work and an adequate sup- 
ply of water. It was to be conq)leted in a good, substantial, work- 
manlike numner, ready for use, if practicable, in two and a half 
years time. On payment of all debts the canal was to revert to 
the State. In the interest of economy, by another act, the num- 
ber of canal officers were greatly reduced. 

And now, when there appeared every favorable prospect for the 
speedy completion of the canal, it became involved in the meshes 
of national politics. Col. Charles Oakley and senator Michael 
Ryan were by the governor appointed agents to negotiate the new 
loan of $1,(500,000. The treasury was "empty; to give them au 
outiit $3,000 of the school fund was borrowed, which became the 
subject of attack upon Goa-. Ford by ]\Ir. Trumbull,* the lately re- 
nujved secretary of State. The agents proceeded to New York ; but 
with a view to the making of political c;ipital, letter writers at home 
and })artisan editors abroad attacked the canal policy of the State, 
in the hope that a measure so fraught with good should not re- 
dound to the credit of the dominant party. The action of the 
legislature was misrepresented, the party in power charged with 
disrcgard-ngthe interests of the people, and the State creditors 
advised that if they advanced further funds, the succeeding legis- 

*Ford's History- '~~ 



ILLINOIS AND IVnCHIGAN CANAL. 483 



lature would bi^ea.k fiiitli with tlieiu and repeal tlieir fraucliise. 
But these publications i)rodueedthe opposite eifect intended. The 
financial agents, with truth on their side, employed the public 
l>ress in a series of aiticles in reply. The real condition of the 
State, tlie legislation adopted to reduce its debts, and its future 
])rosi)ects, were candidly and ably brought before the public, and 
the result was that the State stocks advanced in a Meek from 14 
to 20 cents on the dollar, and in a sliort time doubled on that. 
Tiirough the aid of David Leavitt, president of the American 
Exchange Bank of I'Tew York, which owned $l*.3(),U()0 canal bonds, 
the American creditors were called together, who resolved to 
subscribe their ratio of the new loan. 

Thus assured, Messrs. Oakley and Eyan hastened to Europe 
with letters of these proceedings to Baring Brothers, of London, 
Hope & Co., of Amsterdam, and to Magniac, Jardine & Co., all 
wealthy bankers and creditors of the State. But these houses 
disapi)ointed the ardent hopes of the State agents. They de- 
manded something more substantial than ne\vsi>aper articles, which 
had raised the spirits of the Is^ew York bond-holders. They 
wanted accui-ate data of the sufficiency of the canal property as 
security for both tlie i)resent loan, and ultimately the payment of 
the entire canal del>t, some Ao.lKKMJOO more; and further, some 
legislative effort at taxation and submission of the people thereto, 
in paynuiut of interest on the i)ublic debt. It was tinally ar- 
ranged tliat Abbott Lawrence, Thomas W. War<l, and William 
Stnrgis, of Boston, shoidd designate two competent men to exam- 
ine the canal and its pro})erty, estimate the value thereof, ascer- 
tain the total debt and report the whole; that .$40<),(K)() should be 
subscribed in America toward prosecuting the work; and that the 
governor recommend taxation in his next message to the legisla- 
ture; whereupon the agents returned home in November, 1843. 
Ex-(xOV. John Davis, of Mass., and W. H. Swift, a reputable en- 
gineer and a captain in the U. S. army, were selected l)y the Bos- 
ton committee to examine the canal, its property and debts. This 
excited the political jeah)usy of the eastern press to a renewed in- 
terference with the domestic affairs of Illinois. 

Gov. Davis' imme was at the time mentioned in connection with 
the vice-i)residency on the whig ticket in 1844. Tlie (J lobe news- 
pai>er at Washington, the great organ of the democracy, boldly 
charged that Gov. Davis liad been selected for this m (U'k with the 
view to intiuence the peoi)le of Illinois toward the su])p(U't of the 
Avhig ticket, and in favor of the policy of the general government 
assuming the State debts. Senator Byan came again to the res- 
cue and published a nuuited and vigorous reply, in which Gov. 
Davis, the foreign bond-holders, and the people of Illinois, were 
ably defended, and the editor of the Globe deservedly rebuked for 
his impertinence. 

The careful examination, of the canal and elaborate report of 
Messrs. Davis and Swift, confirmed substantially the representa- 
tions of Messrs. Eyan and Oakley, and they recommended the 
loan as a safe investment. Gov. Eord promised to recommend to 
the legislature increased taxation toward paying interest on the 
public debt. Thus armed, the sanguine financial agents again re- 
paired to Europe, only to meet again with failure. The subscrip- 
tion of $400,000 was wanting. The foreign bond holders refused 



484 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

to perfect the new loan, alleging that the legislature and people 
should take some steps in good faith toward a recognition of their 
obligations to their creditors. Gov. Davis was sent for in the 
meantime, to proceed to London for fulh^r explanations of the de- 
tails of the work and inspire greater confidence for the subscrip- 
tions. Thus the summer of 184:4 passed ; in December, the Illi- 
nois legislature would nieet, and further effort was suspended to 
await the action of that body, of which Kyan was a senator. 
Ryan, chagrined at this failure, now yielded to the unworthy 
weakness of attempting to cast the blame ujion Gov. Davis, from 
political motives. Through the public press of new New York, he 
reiterated the calumnies of the Washington Globe, against that 
gentlenian, which he himself had formerly so ably refuted; and 
further charged him with causing the delay of the loan pending 
the presidential election. Messrs. Baring Bros, of London, took 
occasion, in an open letter addressed to Mr. Eyan, in a very plain 
manner to deny the charges.* 

In the fall of 1844, after the election of the mem1)ers of the 
legislature, but prior to their meeting, William S. Wait, of Bond, 
addressed a long letter to Gov. Ford through the public press, 
reviewing the illegal action of the State's financial agents in dis- 
posing of bonds, and bitterly inveighing against taxation to pay 
the public debt. The object was to elicit an expression from the 
governor as to repudiation or taxation. Now this was the very 
pretext the governor wanted, and he embraced it with alacrity. 
Although his excellency well knew the nnpopidarity of an advoca- 
cy of increased taxation, he replied in a very able letter, remarka- 
ble not oidy as a literary production of rare merit, but for its 
clear exposition of the embarrassed condition of the State, from 
which there was no hope of honorably escaping, excei)t by taxa- 
tion ; and while it was replete with broad, common sense and 
sagacious views, it characterized in fitting terms the disgrace of 
repudiation, breathing a noble spirit of self-abnegation and 
patriotism. The governor's reply was extensively re-published in 
newspapers, and elicited general commendation for its high tone. 
Mr. Leavitt, of the American Exchange Bank of New York, which 
lield largely of the canal stock, was greatly encouraged, and after 
procuring subscriptions to the new loan in New York, joined Col. 
Oakley, who was still in that city, and early in the winter of 1844- 
45 they returned to Europe. The governor's letter had preceded 
them, and caused a marked change in the views of our London 
creditors, who now, without hesitation, subscribed liberally to the 
new loan, each more than originally intended. Thus, alter many 
delays, (such are the vexations incident to a ruined credit) did the 
new loan of $1,600,000 become an accomplished fact, and the com- 
pletion of the canal assured. 

Mr. Leavitt and Col. Oakley, on their return home, joined by 
Gov. Davis, hastened to Illinois before the adjournment of the 
legislature. They arrived iu S[)ringfteld the middle of February, 
1845, where they became directly the curious objects of attraction 
as the envoys of Illinois' creditors. A prejudice was attempted to 
be excited against the administration policy of taxation, and these 
gentlemen were slyly denounced as moneyed kings, aristocrats, 

*Letter of Baring Bros to Michael Hyan, in Ford's History. 



ILLINOIS AND MICHIGAN CANAL. 485 

etc.* But by their kindly and pleasant intercourse with the 
members, all prejudice a^aiust them was speedily dissipated. 
They reported the proposition of the foreign bond holders through 
the executive, and the linance committee broun'ht in a bill, to 
which we have made allusion in the preceding chai)ter, Avhich 
provided for raising by taxation an "interest fund" to be sacredly 
set apart for the payment of interest on the State debt ; and as 
suplemental to the camil act of 1843, that the goverm)r should 
execute and deliver, under the seal of the State, a, de(Ml of trust to 
the camil trustees, of all the canal }uoperty both real and i)erson- 
al, as the first mortgage, the subscribers of the new loan to have 
priority in the payment of their advances for both interest and 
principal, out of the proceeds of said trust proi»erty. The bill in 
its present form, met with decided t)pposition ; it passed tlie 
house, but was defeated in the senate. 

The expedient was now resorted to of dividing the measure, 
l^utting the pro\ision for taxation and that relating to the canal 
into two separate bills. It was taking two bites at one cherry, 
for both bills became laws." The opponents, after the adjourn- 
ment, took their departure in ill-humor, threatening that the 
southern part of the State should be thoroughly canvassed to 
arouse the people against the enormity of these nu'asures. But 
when they fouud the friends of the measures as ready as them- 
selves to enter the iield, to ex[)Ose their machinations and dema- 
goguery, the purpose was abondoned. During the summer fol- 
lowing, two conventions in that portion of the State, one at 
Marion and one at Fairlield, ])assed resolutions both in favor of 
the canal and of taxation to pay the public debt. In these 
measures of the legislature, the hydra of repudiation met its final 
quietus. 

The canal, its lands and appurtenances were coiiveyed by the 
governor to the trustees, the bond holders under the act of 1S43, 
having elected two, jMessrs. William H. Swift and DaAid Leavitt, 
the State trustee being Jacob Fry; the new loan was i)erfected in 
June, 1845 ; the new board was organized, the canal was accurately 
examined and careful estimates of its cost made; jobs were let 
and work was resumed in September, 1845. Thus, much of the 
working season was gone, the autunui proving uni)roi)itious on 
account of sickness in the valley of the Illinois, and but little 
progress was made. The people were impatient at this tar-, 
diness. They were next promised that the canal slioidd be in 
navigable order by Jidy 4th, 1847, only to be again disap- 
pointed. Meanwhile a host of canal officials were drawing 
their large salaries with unerring fidelity. The foreign trustees 
received $2,500 each, the engineer the same, secretary §2.000, 
&c. There were a dozen or more subordinate oflicials. These 
were large salaries for the period, exceeding those of our State 
officials at the time by nearlj!^ 100 per cent. Estimates of work 
were made quarterly, but by the time they were a]^])ro^'cd by the 
foreign trustees, residing in AVashington and New York, and the 
money sent on and paid out to the contractors aiul hands, weeks 
weie consumed. Much dissatisfaction and public clamor pre- 
vailed. Even the eastern press commented with severity upou 
the delay, while the money on deposit was drawing interest. 

•Ford's History. 



486 HISTOHY OF ELLINOIS. 



Filially, by tlie opeuiiig season of 1848, the Illinois and Miclii<;an 
Canal, a stni)endous public work, urged for 30 years, and in 
course of actual construction for 12, after many struggles with 
adverse circumstances, ^^■as completed. It was finished on the 
shallow cut plan, the datum line on the summit level being 12 
feet above Lake Michigan. On this level, extending from the 
Chicago river to Locki)ort, the water was supplied by pumping.* 

The success attending its first season's operations, yielding, as 
it did during that of 1848, $87,890 87 in tolls, seenjed an earnest 
to the hopes of its warmest friends. For the first season its 
capacity for business was comparatively but slightly taxed, and 
its promises of revenues for the future li'om a largely increased 
business were undoubted. The law required that the lands and 
lots, constituting part of the canal fund, should within a very 
short time after its comi)letion, be appraised and offered for sale, 
A sale was accordingly had in September, 1848, at Chicago and 
other towns, which yielded 8780,758 87, less $11,060, on which 
payment was not made ; which sum exceeded the original valua- 
tion of all the canal lands by 2 per cent., and was an excess over 
the appraisal of $40,724 87. The appraisal of all the canal lan<ls 
and lots, before the sale, was 82,126,o55 09 ; but if the remainder 
brought as great an advance over the ai)praisement as this sale, 
$3,500,000 would be obtained from this source ; a most encourag- 
ing prospect, as this property would go far toAvard liquidating the 
canal debt, aside from its tolls. 

The aggregate amount ultimately realized from the congres- 
sional grant of land to the canal, from 1830 to J 869, when the 
selling ceased, was $5,337,554. The total receipts for tolls, from 
the opening of the canal, in 184S, to the close of 1868, 21 seasons, 
were $3,997,281 22. The total expenditures on the canal, under 
the act of 1836, were $4,979,903 ; under the act of 1843, $1,429,- 
606— total cost $6,409,509. The entire canal debt at this time 
(1848) was some $6,000,000.t 



*We have seen that Mr. Leiivitt, early in xha winter of 1844-5, returned to Europe, 
and the Governor's letter to Wait having- preceded him, the foreign canal bono holders 
readily subscribed the new loan of SI, (jU0,t.UO. This agency of 31r. Lea\itt, Gov. Ford 
said, "• was entirely voluntary, and [he was] not advised that any compensation was 
expected." But in 1849 Mr. Leavitt-brought'lorward a claim of 5;40,OOu for negotiating- 
the loan. As the foreifi-ii bondholders were disinclined to allow it, Mr.L renounced his 
demand and was re elt-eteri trustee Subsequently the claim was variously referred, 
but not decided. In 1854 he obtainr-d the certihoates of a number of bankers and 
.prominent citizens of this State, stating' that the-Jo i^-r cent, was a reasonable charge. 
Gov. Matteson, after some hesitation, approved the claim, and certified it to the Ci^nal 
trustees. Josiali McRobt its. State trustee, drew a check for the amount, hut with- 
held it till the claim was tirst approved b^- the board, which had to be done by mail, as 
the members resi<Ud ajiart. Capt Svi'lfl, the other member besides Leavitt, objected 
tojhe allowance, and MeUoberts did not act luither. Thus the rontter rested until 
the administration of Gov. Bis.'rell, Avli^ n C. R. liay.ol the Chicago 'J libune. relieved 
McKoberts. The Governor appro^•eri the claim and Kay paid It ctit of tlie eanal fund. 
Swift entering a vigorous protest against it. Ray was furiously assailed for his action 
by the press of Illinois, and suit was brought against him and Leavitt to recover the 
amount. By agret-ment the matter was referred to Hon. B. F, Thomas, of Boston, and 
Edwin Bartlett, New York, as arbitrators. In 1859, the matter became the subject of 
investigation by our legislature, which reported auainst the allowance. An award 
was tiniill.v iiiadi' b.\ the arbitrators by which Leavitt wasallowed !gli ,(h 0, and after en- 
joying- the money for ti years, he disgorged 5py^',f'63 'JO, the costs of suit and iiJl.OOO as 
compensation to the arbitrators. 

+It is a curious tact that the early growth of Chicago was greatly in accord with the 
progress of the canal. The eanal may be said to have made Chicago. When the sur- 
vey of the site was commenced and platted, by order of the canal commissioners, in 
18:2i», there resided upon its site only about a half dozen families outside the palisades 
of Fort Dearborn ; but with the pif)spect of the inauguration of this great work, pop- 
ulation began to pour in freely. The Black Hawk war perhaps checked it a little, but 
with theremoval of thf fiulians. the tide oi iiiiiiii,<j)-i:ti' n wasresumed. AVhen, iul8;J5, 
the lirst canal loiiii ot 3^50(l,(i(iO was authorized, a new inipiilse was given to the settle- 
ment of the town, and with the additional legishition of Januaiy, 1836, her population, 
swollen to about 4,000, the extraordinary fcvcj- for speculating in town lots still rife, 



ILLINOIS AND MICHIGAN CANAL. 487 

111 1857 tlie arreariiges of interest on tlie public debt, including 
that of the canal, were funded by the act of that year. The new 
loan of |1, 000,000 and interest were tlnally paid off in 1858, and 
the same year the trustees couinienced paying- off" the principal of 
the registered canal debt, the State aiding to the amount of $000,- 
000. But the incumbrances were not tiually removed until Aug., 
1871, Avhen the trustees, after a faithful service of L'5 years, turned 
over the canal to the State witli a surplus of $92,009JJ]. 

The legislature, by act of 1805, sui)plemented in 1807, authorized 
the city of Chicago to deepen that portion of the canal known as 
the summit level, a herculean feat which has been accomplished. 
The city was impelled by sanitary reasons tocut down the channel, 
turn the pure waters of the lake into the disease breeding Chicago 
river, reverse its current, allow it to course through the deepened 
canal into the Illinois in order to cleanse it. For this most necessary 
work to the city the State gave her a lien ui)on the canal revenues, 
after its old indebtedness was discharged, for a sum not exceeding* 
$2,500,000, from which redemption might however at any time be 
made. The annual net revenues of the canal averaged only about 
$110,000, not near i)aying the interest on the outlay of the city. 
The canal, contrary to the ardent hopes of its early friends, who 
predicted for it a source of unfailing revenue suflicient to defraj' 
the expenses of the State goverinnent, utterly disapi)ointed these 
fond expectations. The more there was exi)ended upon it the 
more was demanded, and neither Cliicag'o nor the State wanted it as 
a financial investment. But when on the 9th of October, 1871, the 
great metropolis was overwhelmed by the tire lieiid and prostrated 
in ashes and want, the State, unal)le by the terms of the constitu- 
tion to directly render the aid and succor that charity and the 
exigency demanded, through her legislature at the extraordinary 
session of October loth, indirectly extended a noble bounty 
bv redeeming the non-paying canal from her lieu of some $3,000,- 
000. 

There is a further history of the canal, as connected with the 
various efforts to obtain government aid to enlarge it to the 
dimensions of a ship-canal; the river improvements; the lock at 
Henry ; and the repeated struggles in the legislature to i>i<><^'iii'e 
appro])riations; but the dettiils would be voluminous, nnd unin- 
teresting. We will only add that the year 1853 was the first to 
obtrude upon public recognition the disagreeable fact that the 
Illinois river recjuired nrtiiicial aid to render it navigaltle through 
the boating season. That of 1853 lasted from JMarch to December, 
9 months; but from the lirst of July on, the river for its greater 
length was uselessfor craft of any considerable toniuige, curtailing 
the through carrying trade of the canal very greatly. 

and the actual commenecniriit of the work, we flnd the prosperity of thiit period to 
culminate. Shortly after tame the great revulsion of 18:57, which, with the collapse 
of the visionary internal improve nient system of the State, two and a half years later, 
would have utterly prostrated Chica.a-o but (or the persistency with which tiic work on 
the canal was sustained. As it was her prosperity was checked materially for 7 years. 
In ISW the taxable valuation of her real estate was 55:.'3(),84::;, but in 1840' it lap.«ed to 
§94,437 ; and in the covirse of the next two years real estate was offered at less than 5 
per cent of the price paid during the period of inflation in 1836 By 1848 the wi.rk on 
the canal, not having been entirely suspended, the population had" slowly increased 
to 7.5.S;) hut with the resumption of work, in 184.5, we find her inhabitants in that year 
speedily swollen to the number of of 12.088, and a corresponding increase in the value 
of taxable real estate ; and in 1848, with the completion of the canal, they had veacbed 
the number of 20,923 souls.— His. Chicago. 



488 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

Had tlje uavigatioii of the river during' tbat long season not 
been iuterrnpted, the tolls of the canal, it was estimated, would 
liave reached $300,000 instead of $173,327. The fact is recognized 
all over the State, that as the country becomes settled many tribu- 
taries of the larger rivers become almost drj' every season, and in 
all, by the removal of obstructions, the water runs speedily to a low 
stage. Surface water generally has fallen many feet in the past 
few years. Wells, which formerly afforded a bounteous supply at 
a depth of 16 to 20 feet, have gone dry and 25 to 40 feet are now 
required to reach water. Springs that have become historic and 
lakes that dotted our maps have disappeared, and while the health 
of the country has been materially improved, the scarcity of water 
is a very general complaint. To render the Illinois river perma- 
nently navigable during the forwarding season, there is no 
alteinative but to thoroughly improve it by dredging and by locks 
and dams. 



Chapter XLI. 

1840-4— MOEMONS OR LATTER DAY SAINTS. 

Joe Smith — Proxilieiic Mission — FoUoivers Bemove to Missouri — Ex- 
pidsion from the State — Settlement in lUinois — Obnoxious Kanvoo 
Charter and Ordinances — Arrest and Acquittal of Smith — His 
Assassination. 



Ill tlie spring of 1840, a relisiious sect styled Moinioiis or Latter 
Daj' Saints, made its advent in Illinois, and located on the east 
bank of the Mississippi, in the county of Hancock. This strange 
people had previously resided in Missouri, but having been guilty 
of larceny and other crimes, they sought refuge in Illinois to 
escape the indignation of the inhabitants and the penalties of 
outraged law. They purchased a considerable tract of laud 
and commenced building a city, which they called Nauvoo, a 
name signifying peaceable or pleasant. Joseph Smith, thelbunder 
and pretended prophet of the religion, was born at Sharon, Wind- 
sor county, Vermout, Dec, L'od, 1805. His parents being in humble 
circumstances, the prov)het's opportunities for acquiring knowl- 
edge in early life were limited, and when to the want iiunins is ad- 
ded the want of capacity, it is not strange that he lived and died a 
jierson of ordinary attainments. 

Ill 1815 his father left Vermont, and settled on a farm near 
Palmyra, Wayne county, New York, where young Smith began to 
exhibit the traits which distinguished his subsequent life. Both 
he and his father became famous as water wizzards, professing to 
discover the presence of water in the earth from the movements 
of a green rod, and offering their services to point out suitable 
localities for the digging of wells. Many anecdotes formerly 
existed, respecting the vagrant habits of the son, who spent most 
of his time wandering in the woods, dreaming of hidden treasures, 
and endeavoring to find them l)y the use of charms. Such 
was the character of the young profligate when he made the 
acquaintance of Sidney Rigdon, a person of some intelligence and 
natural abiUty, who had (;onceived the design of starting a new 
religion. A religious romance, written by a I'resbyteriaii clergy- 
man of Ohio, who was then dead, falling into the hands of Rig- 
don, suggested this idea, and finding in Smith the requisite dupli- 
city and cunning to reduce it to practice, it was agreed that he 
should act in the capacity of prophet. They then devised the 
story that Smith had discoAcred golden plates buried in the 
earth, near Palmyra, containing a record engraved in unknown 
characters, and that this romance was a translation of the 
inscription. 

489 



490 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

The tictiou puri^orts to be a history of the ten lost tribes of 
Israel, giving an account of their ^vanderiugs in Asia and subse- 
quent emigration to America, where they flourished as a nation, 
and where Christ in due time appeared and established his relig- 
ion as he had done among the Jews. It also contained the histo- 
ry of the American christians for seveial hundred years after- 
ward, when in consequence of their wickedness, judgments were 
visited upon them and they were destioyed. According to the 
account several powerful nations inhabiting the continent were en- 
gaged in war, and at lasta^ decisive battle was fought, between the 
Lamanites or heathen, and the Kephites or Christian, and the lat- 
ter were defeated. This mighty contest, called the btittle of Cum- 
orah, was fought at Palmyra, New York ; hundreds of thousands 
were killed on both sides, and all the Nephites, except a few who 
fled to the southern part of the continent, were exterminated. 
Among the survivors were Mormon and his son Moroni, who were 
righteous men, and who were directed by God to engrave the his- 
tory of these important e^'ents on plates of gold and deposit them 
in the earth for the benelit of future generations. 

Smith pretends that when he arrived at the age of fifteen he 
began to reflect on the necessity of i)reparing for a future state 
of existence, but the nature of the preparation A^as an unsettled 
question in his mind. He regarded this a consideration of infi- 
nite importance, for if he did not understand the way it was im- 
possible to walk in it, and the thought of resting his soul's salva- 
tion on uncertainties was more than he could endure. If he sought 
information of the different sects of religion, they all claimed to be 
right, but as their doctrines were in many respects in diret^t con- 
flict, it is impossible for most of them to be true. Tlie vital issue 
to be determined was, if any of the conflicting systems of theolo- 
gy lu'eva lent in the world are correct, which one is it; and until 
this question was decided he could not rest content. Under these 
circumstances he concluded to study the scriptures, and soon be- 
came convinced that if he sought wisdom of God he would be 
eiuibled to judge Avhich of the opposing creeds conformed to the 
teachings of Christ. He therefore retired to a grove, in the 
vicinity of his father's house, and kneeling down, commenced call- 
ing on the Lord. At first the powers of darkness endeavored to 
overcome him, but continuing in prayer the darkness fled away, 
and he Avas enabled to ask for knowledge with great faith and 
fervency of spirit. While thus pouring out his soul in supplica- 
tion, theie ai)peared in the Ijeavens above a bright and glorious 
light, which, as it drew near the tops of the trees increased in 
splendor and magnitude, the whole wilderness glowed Avith the 
most brilliant illumination. He expected to see the foliage of the 
trees consumed, but not perceiving any effect produced, he was 
encouraged to hope that he also would be able to abide its pres- 
ence, and (piickly he Avas enveloi)ed in the midst of it Avithout sus- 
taining any injury. The natural objects about him soon vanished 
and he was caught away in a heavenly vision, in Avhich two glori- 
ous personages appeared and informed him that his sins were 
forgiven, and that none of the existing eclesiastical organizations 
Avere ac(!ei)ted by God as his church ami kingdom. After being 
especially informed not to go after them, and promised that in 



THE MORMONS. 401 



the fullness of time tlie true gospel should be uuide kuowu to 
liiin, the vision disa|)i)eare(l. 

Notwitlistauding this glorious ainiouiiceinent, he afterward be- 
came entangled in tlie vanities of the world, hut seeing the error 
of his way, and truly repenting, it pleased God to again hear his 
prayers. On the 21st of Sept., 1823, he retired to rest as usual, 
whi'U his soul was tilled witli a desire to comuume with some mes- 
senger who eonld make known the jirineiples of the true ehurch 
and his aeeeptanee with God as i»rumised in the former vision. 
Wliile in this state of mind, suddenly a si)lendor, purer and more 
glorious than the liglit of day, burst iuto the room and the entire 
building was illumiiKited as if tilled with a eonsuming tire. The 
unexpeeted appearaiiee of a light so brilliaut, eaused in his whole 
system a shoek whieh was soou followed by ])eaee of mind and 
oVerwhelming raptures of joy. In the midst of this happiness a 
personage stood before him, whose stature was above the ordinary 
height of man, whose garments were perfectly white and without 
seam. ITotwithstanding the glare whieh filled the room, the glory 
which accompanied him enhanced its brightness, and though his 
countenance was as lightning, the benignity of its expression ban- 
ishi^d all fear.. This glorious being informed him that he was an 
angel sent from God to declare the joyful tidings that the cove- 
nant which had been made with ancient Israel concerning their 
posterity, was about to be fulfilled, and that the second coming of 
the Messiah was at hand, when the Gospel would be i>reached in 
its purity and a ])eople prepared for the millennial reign of uni- 
versal peace and joy. lie was also informed that tlu^ American 
Indians were a remnantof the ancient IIeb]-ews, who had come 
to the country ; that ibr several hundred years after their arri- 
val they enjoyed a knowledge of the true God, and that their 
sacred writings contain an account of the princii)al events that 
transpired among them during this interval. AVhen, however, 
they neglected the religion of their fathers most of them perished 
in battle, but at the command of God, their sacred oracles were 
entrusted to a surviving proi)het who buried them in the earth to 
prevent their falling into the hands of the wicked, who sought to 
destroy them. He was then told if he continued faithful he would 
be the highly favored instrument of bringing these important 
documents to light, but it must be done for the glory of God and 
none could be entrusted with them who would use them for sel- 
fish })urposes. After giving- him many instructions concerning 
the past and future, the heavenly messenger disai)peared ami the 
gloiT of God withdrew, leaving the nund of the prophet in per- 
fect peace. Not many days thereafter, the vision was renewed and 
the angel appearing, pointed out the place where the records were 
deposited, and directed him to go immediately and view them. 

According to the Mormon account they were deposited in a stone 
box, buried in the side of a hill, 3 miles from the village of Man- 
chester, New York. When Smith first visited the depository, 
September 22d, 1823, the crowning stone was visible above the 
surface and a slight eftbrt brought the contents to view. The 
words were beautifully engraved in Egyptian characters, on both 
sides of plates, eight inches long and seven inches wide, having 
the thickness of tin and the appearance of gold. Three rings 
passing through the edges of the plates united them iu the form 



492 IIISTOliY OF ILLINOIS. 

ol-' a book about 8ix inches in tliiclcness. Besides the plates the 
box contiiiiied two triinsparei)t stones, clear as crystal, the Urim 
and Thuniinim of ancient seers, by which they obtained revela- 
tions of tilings past and future. 

While contemplating the sacred treasure the heavens were 
opened, the glory of God shone about him, and he was tilled with 
the Holy Ghost. The heaACidy messenger who had visited him 
on previous occasions, again stood in his presence and said, look; 
and as he spake he beheld the power of darkness with an im- 
mense retinue of associates tlee away. The angel instructing him 
declared that it was then inipossible to possess the records, that 
they could oidy be obtained by i)rayer and faithfulness in serving- 
God who had preserved them, not for the temporal but the spirit- 
ual welfare of the world. In them is contained the Gospel of 
Christ as it was delivered to his people of this land, and when 
brought forth by the power of God it shall be preached to the 
nations; the Gentiles receiving will be saved and Israel obeying 
it will be brought into the fold of the liedeemer. After it is known 
that the Lord has shown you these things the wicked will en- 
deavor by falsehoods to destroy your reputation ; nay, they will 
even attempt your life, but yon observe the commandments, and 
in due time you shall bring them forth. When interpreted the 
Lord will appoint a holy i»riesthood, who will proclaim the Gos- 
pel, bai)tize with water, and have poAver to confer the Holy 
Ghost by the laying on of hands. In due time the ten tribes of 
Israel sludl be revealed in the north country, where they for a 
long time have resided. The knowledge of the Lord shall be 
greatly extended, and your name shall be known among the na- 
tions by the works which shall be wrought by your hand. 

On the 2LM of September, 1827, after a probation of four years, 
during which he was frequently counseled by the angel, the re- 
cords were delivered into his hands. When it was known among 
the inhabitants of the surrounding country that the prophet 
had seen visions and discovered the records, he was not only- 
ridiculed and slandered but waylaid and assaulted, for the pur- 
l^ose of destroying the plates. These persecutions increased to 
such an extent that the house in which he lived was frequently 
beset by mobs, and finding his life thus exposed to constant dan- 
ger he concluded to leave the place and go to Pennsylvania. Dur- 
ing the journey thither he was twice overtaken by officers with 
search-warrants for the plates, but they failed ir. the accomplish- 
ment oi" their designs. After arriving in the northern part of Penn- 
sylvania, where his father-in-law resided, by the aid of the Urim 
and Tliuinmim, he made the translation of the plates known as the 
book of Mormon. This translation is from an abridgment com- 
posed by Mormon from the sacred writings of his forefathers, with 
additions subsequently made by his son Maroni, who survived 
him. The latter, in his continuation of the narrative, informs us 
that the Lamonites destroyed all the Kephites who esca])ed the 
battle of Curmorah, exce])t such as forsook their religion, and that 
he, for the preservation of his own life, was compelled to hide him- 
self. 

This story, in its pretended miracles, visions and prophecies, is 
like other forgeries of the kind, which at different times have been 
imposed on the credulity of mankind. As dishonesty and igno- 



THE MORMONS. 493 



raiice will always exist, it may yet flourish and exert upon the fu- 
ture of the race an influence as controlinji' as that of other sys- 
tems which have preceded it in the past. While the holiest affec- 
tions of the heart cluster about the religious element of man's 
nature, there is also a weakness connected with it which in all 
ages of the world has subjected him to the grossest impositions. 
In his social and ])olitical relations he exhibits a sagacity which, 
if it does not always i)r<)tect him against abuse, is at least divested 
of the superstition which beclouds his religious aspirations and 
so frequently nmkcshim the dui)e of falsehood. He insists in his 
secular investigations upon the most rigid inductions, theories are 
subjected to the most searching analysis, and no doctrine can ob- 
tain credence unless sustained by indubitable facts; but in theol- 
ogy vague conjecture is substituted for })ositive knowledge, and 
errors which outrage the character of Deity and imbruit the intel- 
lect of man are accepted without even questioning their authen- 
ticity. To this inflrmity of human nature, and the cupidity of de- 
signing men, Mormonism and other similar delusions owe their 
origin. If the parties who originate and manage them are iiitel- 
ligent they give them plausibility, but this is not important, for 
no system can be devised so al)surd that fools will not believe it, 
and that knaves will not be found to profit by their ignorance. 

According to the statements of the saints, after the book of 
Mormon was translated, the Lord raised uj) witnesses totestify to its 
truth. Oliver Cowdry, Daniel Whitmore and Martin Harris thus 
affirm : "We certify that we have seen tlie i)lates which contain the 
records ; that they were translated by the gift and power of God, 
for his voice hath declared it unto us, wherefore we know that the 
work is true, and declare with words of soberness that an angel 
of God came down from heaven and laid the plates before our 
eyes, and we saw the engravings on them." Eight other witnesses 
also declare : "Jose])h Smith, the translator of this work, hath 
shown us the plates herein spoken of, which have the appearance 
of gold, and as many of the leaves as the said Smith hath trans- 
lated we have handled with our hands, and we also saw the en- 
gravings thereon, all of which had theai»pearance of ancient and 
curious workmanship," The i»arties connected with these certifi- 
cates were no doubt accomplices in the fraud, for if humanity 
could furnish a spawn base enough to originate the deception, 
plenty of men could bo found sufticiently degraded to assist in its 
promulgation. 

Another statement is given respecting the plates, by those in 
the confidence of the prophet, which does not coincide with the 
above certificates. It is said that the early followers of the 
prophet were desirous of seeing the plates, and imi)ortuning him 
for the privilege, he told them that they could not be seen by the 
carnal eye, that they must obtain a lively faith by fasting and 
prayer if they would have their holy curiosity gratified. Acting 
upon his suggestion, they engaged in continuous sup[»lica- 
tious that the hidden things of God might be made manifest, and 
when finally becoming impatient, Smith produced the box con- 
taining the treasure and opened it in their midst. Not seeing 
anything in it, they said, "Brother Joseph, we do not see the 
plates." The prophet answering said "Oh ye of little faith, how 
long will God bear with a wicked and perverse generation ? I)o\\ti 



494 HISTORY OP ILLINOIS. 

on jour kuees, brethren, every oue of you, and pray God for the 
forgiveness of your sius and for the liviug faith which conies 
down from heaven." As commanded they fell upon their knees, 
and beseeching- God with great earnestness for more than two 
hours for faith and spiritnal discernment, they again looked and 
the plates were visible. In this case it has been suggested that 
the parties, operated upon by a fanatical enthusiasm, may per- 
hai)shave imagined they saw the plates, but it is far more proba- 
ble that they had sellish ends to accomplish and wilfully misrep- 
resented to impose on the ignorant. 

On the Gth of April, 1830, the church of the Latter Day Saints 
was organized at Manchester, New York. Their numbers now 
rapidly increased, and with a view to securing a permanent loca- 
tion, in 1833, they moved to Missouri. i>urchased land in Jax^kson 
county, and cojinnenced building the town of Independence. 
There the commission of petty crimes, and their arrogant pre- 
sumptions that as saints of tlie Lord tliey had a right to the whole 
country, incensed the neighboring ])eople against them. After 
some of their nund)er had been ducked in the river, some tarred 
and feathered, and others killed, the whole community removed to 
Clay county, on the opposite side of the ^lissouri river. Kemainiag 
in this place oidy a short time, most of them went eastward, and 
located at Kirtland, Ohio, twenty miles from Cleveland, and com- 
menced building a tenii)le. In 1836 a large convocation of their 
elders met, and according to their reports, the work of the Lord 
had greatly increased in America, Europe and the islands of the 
sea. 

About this time a financial institution, styled the Kirtland Sav- 
ings Lank, was organized, and Smith appointed lu'esident. For 
the want of capital and integrity among the managers, it soon 
failed, under circumstances of more than ordinary depravity. 
Property to a large amount was purchased with the bills, andafter 
the title became vested in the saints, the bank failed and its notes 
were never redeemed. Thus swiiulled, the people of the adja- 
cent country, as at other places, became exasperated and a 
third hegira became necessary. Accordingly thei)rophet, apostles, 
elders and a great body of the saints, shaking the dust from their 
feet as a testimony against Oliio, started for Missouri, and this 
time settled in Davis and Calhoun counties. There they also pur- 
chased land of the United States, and built the town of Far West 
and other small villages. Still exhibiting the same conduct that 
at other places had involved them in difficulties, it was not long 
till they were accused of every possible crime. The breach thus 
opened between the saints and gentiles continued to widen, and 
in a few years both i^arties became so embittered that a resort to 
physical force was the only alternative by which the quarrel could 
be adjusted. The Mormon leaders declared that they would no 
longer submit to to the government of Missouri. Joe Smith, as 
he was generally called, ordered the circuit clerk, who was a disci- 
ple, not to issue any more writs againts the saints, and one of the 
elders, in a sermon, informed his people that henceforth they were 
not amenable to the laws of the State. Armed parties of ]\ror- 
mons commenced patroling the country and i)lundering the pro- 
perty of the iidiabitants, mIio assend)led in arms to protect them- 
selves and drive the felons from the State. A company, under 



THE MOKMONS. 495 



Major Bogart, wlio liad formerly commanded a battalion of rangers 
in tlie Black Hawk war, met one of these marauding parties, and 
a battle ensuing, tlie Mormons were routed after they had burnt 
two towns and ravaged a large extent of country. Gov. Boggs 
called out the militia for the i>uri)ose of either exterminat- 
ing the plunderers or driving them from the country. A 
large force, commanded by Gen. Lucas aiul Brigadier Gen. Doni-' 
phau, surrounded them in the toMU of Far West, and although 
armed with the determination of resisting to the last extremity, 
they surrendered without an engagement. A large part of the 
stolen property was recovered, and, with the exception of the 
leailers, the Mormons were dismissed under promise to leave 
the State. Smith and other principal men were tried before a 
court martial and sentenced to be shot. The criminals would 
doubtless have been executed had not Gen. Doniphan, who con- 
sidered the proceedings against them illegal, interfered and saved 
their lives. They were next arraigned before a civil tribunal, and 
indictments being found against them for murder, treason, rob- 
bery and other crimes, they were committed to jail, but l)efore 
y^eir trials came on they escaped from prison, and tied the State. 
y In the years 1839-40 the whole body of saints arri\ed in Illinois, 
and, according to their own account, the cruel treatment of their 
enemies, and their i)erils by held and llood, would make a story 
without a parallel in the annals of suffering. Bepresenting that 
they had been i^ersecuted in Missouri on account of their leligion^ 
and being the vanquished party, they soon excited the sympathj" 
of our i)eoi)le. The inhabitants of Illinois have always been 
justly esteemed for their eidightened spirit of toleration, and the 
Mormons were kindly received as sufferers in the cause of reli- 
gion. Several comnmnities even vied with each other in offers of 
hospitality and efforts to induce the persecuted strangers to settle 
among them. As already stated, they finally located on the east 
bank of the Mississippi, in the county of Hancock, where they 
commenced building the city of Xauvoo, which they desigiu-d 
shoidd be the center of their future operations in the conversion 
of the world to the new religion. 

On their arrival in the State the effort of politicians to get their 
patronage soon brought them into iiotice. As they were already 
lUTuierous and rapidly increasing in numbers, it was sui)i)Osed 
that at no distant day they would exert a controling influence in 
the elections. Knowing their jiower in this resi)ect, and intimat- 
ing that they would support the men and measures most likely to 
I)romote their own welfare, both parties by acts of kindness and 
promises of help endeavored to win their sui)port. In jMissouri 
they had always sustained the democratic party, but having been 
expelled from the State by a democ.ratic governor, and having 
afterwards been refused relief by Van Buren, a democratic presi- 
dent, in a spirit of retaliation, they voted for a time with the 
whigs. When, however, the legislature met in 1840, Avishing to 
obtain the passage of several bills for the incorporation of Kau- 
voo and other purposes, they flattered both parties in order to 
secure their joint influence. W^itli these objects in view Dr. John 
C. Bennett, a Mormon by profession andoneof themostjuofligate 
men in the State, was sent as their agent to the seat of govern- 
ment to operate as a lobbyist. Arriving in Siiriugfield, he aj)plied 



496 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

to Mr. Little, tlie whig senator from Hancock, and to Mr. Donglas, 
the democratic secretary of state, wlio both promised liim their 
influence, and wlien an act incorporating the city of IsTanvoo was 
presented to tlie legislature, although in many respects in the 
higliest degree objectionable, such was the dexterity with which 
these politicians managed their resi)ective parties that it passed 
both houses without discussion or opposition. In the lower house 
it is said it was not even read, each party being afraid to oppose 
it for fear of losing the Mormon vote, and each in sustaining it 
verily believed it would secure their favor. 

This act, which is a perfect anomaly in legislation, made the 
original boundaries of Nauvoo not only equal to the limits of some 
of the larger cities, but also provided for their indeflnite exten- 
sion. It reads: "Whenever any tract of land adjoining Kauvoo 
shall have been laid out into town lots, and duly recorded accord- 
ing to law, the same shall form a part of the city." The 
corporation was also empowered to deal in real and personal 
l>roperty for speculative puri)oses, a privilege not at that 
time conferred upon any other cities of the State by legisla- 
tive enactment. One section of the law gave to the city council 
the extraordinary power to enact any ordinance not repugnant to 
the State and national constitutions, whereby they could nullify 
at pleasure the statutes of the State within the corporate limits 
of the city and over as much of the adjacent county as they could 
extend them. A mayor's couit was established, Avith exclusive 
jurisdiction ot all cases arising under the city ordinances, but sub- 
ject to the right of appeal to the nninicipal court. The nuiyor and 
four aldermen as associates composed the municipal court, which 
was clothed with power to issue writs of habeas corpus, and had 
jurisdiction of appeals from the mayor's court, subject again to 
appeal to the circuit coui t of Hancock county. It made the Nauvoo 
legion, with the exception of being subject to the governor, 
independent of the military organization of the State, and 
its commissioned officers a perpetual court martial, having 
authority to enact such regulations as should be considered neces- 
sary for its welfare. The legion was made subservient to the 
mayor in executing the laws of the city, was entitled to its propor- 
tion of the State arms, and by subsequent enactments of the 
legislature any citizen of Hancock county might unite with it, 
whether he lived in the city or out of it. A bill was also passed 
incorporating the ISTauvoo House, in which Joe Smith and his 
heirs were to have a suite of rooms in i)erpetual succession. By 
this unusual legislation the courts had little dependence on the 
constitutional judiciary, and the military establishment, empow- 
ered to regulate itself, was indei)endent of the laws of the State. 
The diflerent departments of the city government were blended 
into one, whereby the same public functionary could be entrusted 
with the discharge of legislative, executive, judicial and military 
duties at the same time, and such instances frequently occurred 
as the events which immediately followed prove. 

In the year 1841, the Mormons organized a city government and 
Smith was elected mayor; presiding in the council as a legislator 
he assisted in making laws for the government of the city, and as 
mayor it was his duty to see that the laws were faithfully executed. 
By virtue of his office he was judge of the mayor's court and chief 



THE MORMONS. 497 



justice of the municipal court, in which situation he was the ex- 
pounder and enforcer of tlie hiws wljich lie had assisted to make. 
In the organization of the Xauvoo legion it ^vas made to consist 
of divisions, brigades, and cohorts, each of wliich had a general 
and over the whole as comnumder-in-chief Smith presided as 
lieutenant general. If to these multiform duties we add his call- 
ing as a real estate agent and his anticipated ])ositiou as tavern 
'keeper, the list of his vocations will he complete. 
/ It has already been said that Smith and other leading jNformons 
escaped from jail in Missouri, and hence in the autumn of 1841, 
the governor of that State made a demand on (ioverrior Carlin of 
Illinois for the arrest and delivery of the fugitives. A warrant 
was accordingly issued l>y which Smith was arrested and brought 
before Judge Douglas, wlio, at that time was holding couit in 
Hancock and adjoining counties. In the trial which ensued, Smith 
Mas discharged on the ])lea that the Avrit by which he had been 
arrested was defective. The pro])het, not being well enough 
versed in law to understand the legal nature of the question, 
regarded his acquittal as a great favor from the democratic party. 
In consequence of this decision the Monnons once more renewed 
their allegiance with that political organization and to strengthen 
the alliance, Bennett, who was then an aldennan in Xauvoo and 
the inajor general of the legion, was made masti'r in chancery and 
adjutant general of the State militia. At these signal marks of 
favor, Smith issued a ])roclamation exhorting his followers to unite 
with the democratic party, and the whigs on seeing themselves 
outgeneraled in this manner, commenced a tirade of denunciations 
against the IMormons, their pajiers teeming with the enormities of 
Nauvoo and the wickedness of the party which would consent to 
receive the supi)ort of such miscreants. 

As soon as the machinery of the government of Kauvoo was 
properly put in motion, ordinances Avere enacted in conflict with 
the laws of the State. The Mormons, believing that another 
attempt would be nuide by the governor of Missouii for the arrest 
of their leaders, declared that the public mind in that State was 
so i^rejudiced against them that a fair trial there was impossible, 
and should any of their fraternity be taken thither, if they could 
not be legally convicted and punished, they would l)e murdered by 
a mob before they C(mld get out of the State. Determined to 
guard against any future demands of this kind, they commenced de- 
vising a scheme whereby they could protect themselves through 
the instrumentality of the city ordinances. A law was therefore 
passed by the common council virtually declaring that the muni- 
cipal coin^t should have jurisdiction whatever might be the nature 
of the offense, thus giving a latitudinarian construction to the 
charter, which was oidy intended to grant the right of adminis- 
tering justice in cases where imprisonment resulted from a breach 
of the city ordinances. Smith was afterward arrested by a writ 
from the governor, but it is unknown whether he was rescued bj' 
his followers or discharged in consequence of this ordinance. 

A combination of circumstances now concurred in rendering the 
Mormons unpo[)ular. Besides impolitic enactments, they were 
furnished by the State with three pieces of cannon and 2~A) stands 
of small arms, which jealousy and popular rumor increased to 30 
cannons and 5,000 or 0,000 muskets. Many thought they euter- 
32 



498 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

tained tlie treasonable design of overturning the government, 
driving out the original inhabitants and substituting tlieir own 
popnhition in their stead, as the chiklren of Israel had done in the I 
land of Canaan. I 

In 1842, the Mormon population of Hancock county had in- 
creased to about 10,000, and several thousand more were scattered 
over various parts of the United States and Europe. Mr. Henry 
Caswel, an English gentleman of talent and respectability, 
ascending the Mississippi in a steamboat, gives the following 
graphic account of his observations respecting the Saints at that 
time : 

"Having been told that three hundred English emigrants were on 
board to join the prophet at Nauvoo, I walked to that part of the vessel 
appropriated to the poorer classes of travelers, and beheld my countrymen 
crowded together in a comfortless manner. I addressed them and touiid 
they were from the neighborhood of Preston, in Lancaster ; they were 
decent looking people and by no means of the lower class. I took the 
liberty of (questioning them concerning their plans, and found they were 
the dupes of Mormon missionaries. Early on Sunday morning I was 
landed opposite Nauvoo, and crossing the river in a large canoe, filled 
with Mormons going to church, in a few minutes I found myself in this 
extraordinary city. It is built on a grand phm, accommodated to the site 
of the temple and the bend of the river. The view of the winding 
Mississippi from the elevation where the temple stands is truly magnifi- 
cent. The temple being unfinished, about half past ten o'clock a con- 
gregation of perhaps 2,000 i^ersous assembled in a grove, within a short 
distance from the sanctuary. Their appearance was quite resi)ectable 
and fully equal to that exhibited at the meetings of other denominations 
in the western country. Many gray-headed old men were there and 
many well dressed females. Their sturdy forms, clear complexions, and 
heavy movements, strongly contrasted with the slight figure, the 
sallow visage, and the elastic step of the Americans. There, too, were the 
bright and unconscious looks of little childreu, who born among the 
privileges of England's churches baptized with her consecrated waters 
and taught to lisp her prayers and repeat lier catechisms, had now been 
led into this clan of heresy, to listen to the ravings of a false prophet 
and to imbibe the principles of a semi-pagan delusion. Two elders 
shortly came forward and one of them having made a few common-place 
remarks on the nature of prayer, and dwelt for a considerable time on 
the character and perfections of the Almighty, proceeded in the follow- 
ing strain : 'We thank thee, O Lord, that thou hast in these latter days 
restored the gifts of prophecy of revelation, ami of great signs and 
wonders as in the daj^s of old. We thank thee that thou didst formerly 
raise up thy servant Joseph to deliver his brethren in Egypt, so hast 
thou raised up another Joseph to save his brethren from bondage of 
sectarian delusion, and to bring them into this great and good land, 
flowing with milk and honey, which is the glory of all lands, and which 
thou didst promise to be an inheritance for the seed of Jacob for ever- 
more. We pray for this servant and prophet, Joseph, that thou wouldst 
prosper and bless him ; that although the archers have sorely grieved 
him, and shot at him, and hated him, his bow may abide in strength, 
and the arms of his hands may be made strong 'by the hand of the 
Almighty God of Jacob. We pray, also, for thy temple that the nations 
of the earth may bring gold and incense, that the sons of strangers may 
build up its walls and fly to it as a cloud and as doves to their windows. 
We pray thee, also, to hasten the ingatiieriug of thy peo^jle, every man 
to his lieritage and every man to his land. We pray that as thou hast 
set up this place as an ensign for the nations, so thou wouldst continue to 
assemble here the outcasts, and trather together the dispersed from the 
four corners of the earth. May eveiy valltV be exalted and every moun- 
tain and hill be made low and crooked places be made straight'and the 
rough places plain, and may the glory of the Lord be revealed and all 
the flesh in it together. Bring thy sons from afar and thy daughters 



THE MORMONS. 499 



from the ends of the earth, and let them briug their gold and silver with 
them.' 

" After prayer the otlier elder commenced a discourse on the necessity 
of a revelation for America as well as Asia, and on the probability of 
continued revelations. At its close a hymn was sung, and a third 
elder came forward and observed that his offic-e required liini to speak 
of business, and esi^ecially of the Nauvoo House, and among other 
things said, 'the Lord had commanded this work and it must be done ; 
yes it shall be done, it will be done ; that a small amount of the stock 
had hitherto been taken, that the committee had gone on borrowing and 
borrf)wing till they could borrow no longer; that mechanics had beeu 
employed on the house, that they wanted their pay and the committee 
are nf)t able to pay them; that he came there with seven thousand 
dollars and now had but two thousand, having expended five thousand, 
on the work of the Lord;' that he therefore called upon the brethren to 
obey God's command and take stock. The address being com^luded, 
others followed in the same strain, and appeared as familiar with wordly 
business and operations of finance as witli prophecies and the book of 
Mormon. None, however, came forward to take stock, and one of the 
elders thereupon remarked, that as they had not made up tneir minds as 
to the amount of stock they would take, he wished them to come to his 
house on the next day lor that purpose. The public exercises l)eing closed, 
accompanied by a prominent member of the church, I next visited the 
temple. Its position is commanding, and designed to be one of the best 
edifices in the country. It is one hundred and twenty feet by one hun- 
dred, and when completed will be fifty feet up to the eaves. Its exjiense 
is estimated at three hundred thousand dollars. The baptismal fount is 
finished. It is a capacipus laver, above twenty feet square, rests on the 
backs of twelve oxen, well sculptured, and as large as life. The laver 
and oxen are of wood painted, but are to be gilded. Here baptisms 
for the dead are celebrated as well as baptisms for the healing of disease. 
Baptisms for the remission of sins are performed in the Mississippi. I 
was next introduced to the prophet, and had the honor of an interview 
witli him. He is a coarse, plebeian person in aspect, and his countenance 
exhibits a curious mixture of the knave and clown. His hands are large 
and fat, and on one of his fingers he wears a massive gold ring with some 
inscription upon it. His dress was of coarse country manufacture, and 
Ids white hat was enveloped in a piece of black crape, being in mourning 
for a brother. I had no opportunity of observing the eyes of Smith, he 
appearing deficient in that open, staid-fixed look which characterizes an 
honest man. The Mormon system, mad as it is, had method in its 
madness, and many shrewd bands are at work in its maintaiuance and 
propagation, and whatever may befall its originators, it has the elements 
of increase and endurance. Mormon missionaries have been sent forth 
and are now at work in almost every country in Christendom. They 
have recently gone to Russia with letters of credence from the Mormon 
prophet. Their numbers in England, we have no doubt, are increasing 
rapidly, aiid it remains for christains of the present day to determine 
whether Mormonism shall work to the level of those fanatical sects, 
which like new stars have blazed for a little while and then sunk into 
obscurity, or whether like asecond Mahomedanism it shall extend itself, 
sword in hand, till Christianity is leveled in the dust." 

Ill 1842, Dr. John C. Bennett was expelled from the Mormon 
cliurcli, and thereafter traveled tlirougli different parts of the 
country, avowing', in lectures and publications, that the Mormons 
entertained tresisonable designs against the government. One of 
Bennett's principal objects was to induce the authorities of jNIissonri 
to bring another indictment against Smith for an alleged attempt 
to murder Gov. Boggs. Being succcssftd in his endeavors, June 
T), 1S4.'5, an indictment was found against the proi)het and another 
prominent Mormon, and sliortly afterwards a messenger i)resen- 
ted himself to Gov. Foi-d with a new demand for their arrest. In 
l)iirsnance of the laws of the United States, the writ was given to 



500 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

a constable in Hancock county forexecntion. Tbe Missouri agent 
and a constable hastened to Nauvoo for the purpose of serving- 
it, but finding on their arrival that Smith was on a visit to Hock 
river, they repaired thither, and made the arrest in Palestine 
grove, in the county of Lee. The prisoner was then left in the 
custody of the agent, who set off with him to Missouri, but had 
not proceeded far, when he was met and captured by an armed 
body of Mormons, who released the prophet and conducted him 
in triumph to Nauvoo. A writ of habeas corpus was sued out iu 
the numicipal court of that city, and Cyrus Walker, the whig can- 
didate for congress, appeared as attoiney for the accused. In a 
labored effort of great length, he endeavored to show that this 
court, which was composed of Smith and his friends, had juris- 
diction to issue the writ, and proceed in the defense of the prison- 
er, under the ordinances of the city, and he accordingly was 
acquitted. Mr. Hodge, the democratic candidate, was visiting 
Nauvoo at the time of the trial, and both he and Walker were 
called on in a political convention to give their opinion relative to 
the city ordinance, empowering the municipal court to issue writs 
of habeas corpus in all cases of imprisonment, and both solemnly 
declared that they considered it valid. It is hardly necessary to 
state that this advice was given for the purpose of obtaining 
votes, as both candidates knew it was false. Instead of being 
actuated by that integrity which combats and coirects public 
opinion when wrong ,the only true passport to ofticial position, 
both willfully sanctioned an error for the accomplishment of selfish 
ends. 

The Mormons, on the other hand, in consequence of stupidity 
and ignorance, were ever ready to be duped and brought in 
antagonism to the laws of the State, by the chicanery of party. 
If the action of the government bore hard upon them, however 
justly it might be administered, they regarded it as wantonly 
oppressive, or if judicious advice was given them, it was rejected 
with scorn whenever opposed to their favorite schemes. Un- 
scrupulous x)oliticians becoming aware of this characteristic, 
would first learn their predelictions and advise them accordingly, 
whereby they became the sport of party and the victims of the 
most corrupt men in the country. 

On the release of Smith, the Missouri agent applietl to Gov. 
Ford for a military force to assist in arresting him, but the 
application was refused. Smith having once been arrested, and 
the Avrit returned as fully executed, the governor had no further 
cognizance of the case except to issue a new wairant, provided 
another requisition should be made for his re-arrest by the execu- 
tive of Missouri. While it was readily admitted that Smith had 
been forcibly rescued and suffered to go unpunished by a court 
transcending its authority, yet it would have been an illegal and 
perhaps dangerous expedient to attempt to call out the militia to 
correct or reverse the decision. 

The Mormons, emboldened by success in this trial, in the winter 
of 1843-4, passed another ordinance to further protect their 
leaders. TLey enacted a law providing that no writ issued from 
any other place except ISTauvoo for the arrest of any person in the 
city, should be executed without an approval endorsed thereon 
by the mayor; that if any public ofticer, by virtue of any foreign 



THE MORMONS. 501 



writ, sliouW attempt to make an arrest in the city without such an 
approval of his i»rocess, he shoukl be subject to imprisonment for 
life, and the governor of the State shouhl not have the power of 
l)arclouing' the offender without the consent of the mayor. 

The passage of this ordinance created great astonisliment, and in- 
duced many to believe that there was a reality in the accusations 
Avhich had been made against them, respecting the establishment 
of an independent government. After this law went into opera- 
tion, if robberies were committed in the adjoining country, 
the thieves woidd tiee into Nauvoo, and if the plundered 
parties followed them, they were tined by the Mormon courts for 
daring to seek after their }>roperty in the holy city. The 
Mormons themselves were fretpiently the guilty parties, and by 
this means sought both to retain the stolen goods and escape 
the just punishment of their crimes. 

The most positive evidence that they con tern ])! a ted the organi- 
zation of a separate government, was based on the fact that about 
this time they sent a petition to congress, asking for the estab- 
lishment of a territorial government, of which Nauvoo was to be 
the center. Another act characteristic of their vanity, was the 
announcement of Smith, in the spring of 1844, as a candidate for 
the presidency oi the United States. His followers, sanguine of suc- 
cess, sent from two to three thousand missionaries into the field 
to convert tlie people, and laboi- for the election of the prophet. It 
was stated by dissenters in the ^Mormon church, that Smith 
also entertained the idea of making himself the temi)oral as well 
as the spiritual leader of his peojtle, and that, for thisiuirpose, he 
instituted a new order of church dignitaries, the mend)ers of 
which were to be both kings and priests. 

He next caused himself to be annointed king and priest, but of a 
liigher order than the others, who were to be his nobility, and to 
whom as the upholders of his throne he administered the oath of 
allegiance. To give character to his pretensions he declared his 
lineage in an unln-oken line from Josei)h the son of Jaco)), and 
that of his wife from sonu* other important i)ersonage of the 
ancient Hebrews. To strengthen his })olitical pow<'r he also in- 
stituted a body of police styled the Danite band, who were sworn 
io protect his person and to obey his orders as the commands of 
God. A female order previously existing in the church., called 
spiritual wives, was modified so as to suit the licentiousness of 
the prophet. A doctrine was revealed that it was imi)ossil)le for 
a woman to get to heaven except as the wife of a Mornn>n elder; 
that each elder might marry as many women as he could main- 
tain, and that any female might be sealed to eternal life by 
becoming: their concubine. This licentiousness, the origin of 
l^olygamy in the cliurch, they endeavored to justify by an appeal 
to Abraham, Jacob and other favorites of God in a former age 
of the world. 

After the establishment of these institutions, Smith began to 
play the tyrant over his people, as all persons of inferior intel 
lect and unduly develoiied passions always do when others 
become subject to their will One of his first attempts to abuse 
the power with which he was intrusted, was an ettbrt to take the 
wife of AVilliam Law, one of his most talented and respectable 
followers, and make her a spiritual wife. Without the sanction 



502 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

of law lie established offices iii Kauvoo for recording" property titles 
and issuing n)arriage licences, whereby he sought to monopolize 
the traffic in real estate*^ and control the marital relations of his 
peojile. The despotism thus practiced soon caused a si)irit of in- 
subordination and disaffection in the Mormon church and com- 
munity. Law and tlie other leaders determined to resist the en- 
croachments of Smith, and for the purpose of exposing the abuses 
growing out of the new institutions, they procured a press and 
commenced the publication of a ne\vs]»aper. Thti appearance of 
the paper was the signal for o])position, and before the second 
number could be issued, by an order of the council, the heretical 
press was demolished, and the i)ublishers ejected from the church. 
It is difficult to decide whether this trial, which is one of the 
most singular instances of adjudication to be found on record, 
was the result of insanity or depravity. The i)roceedings were 
instituted against the press instead of tlie owiiers, who were not 
notilied to attend. ]S^o jury was called, the witnesses were not 
required to testify under oath, and the evidence was all furnished 
by the jdaintifts in the absence of the dt.'fendants. It was not 
difficult, under these circumstances, to prove that the publish- 
ers of the pai)er were the vilest of sinners, and that the press was 
the greatest nuisance, hence the order to have it abated. 

The holy city becoming a dangerous place of residence for the 
seceding Mormons, they retired to Carthage, the county seat, and 
obtained warrants for the arrest of Smith and the members of 
the city council and others connected with the destructi»)n of the 
press. Some of the i)arties having been arrested and discharged 
by the authorities in Xauvoo, a convention of citizens assembled 
at Carthage, and appointed a coniinittee to wait on the governoi 
for the purpose of pro(;uring military assistance to enforce the ex- 
ecution of the law in the city. The governor, on learning the 
position of affairs, determined to visit the comity aiul inquire into 
the nature of the conii)laints before he gave his official sanction to 
any particular course of action. When he arrived a message was 
sent to the mayor and common council informing them of the com- 
plaints made against them, and requiring that a committee might 
be sent to answer the charge. A number of x>ersons were accord- 
ingly sent, and in the examination which ensued, it became evi- 
dent that the whole proceedings of the mayor and common 
council were irregular and illegal. Though such proceedings could 
not be tolerated in a country claiming to be governed by law and 
order, yet they were excusable to some extent in consequence of 
undue statements frequently made to the ISTauvoo officials by 

*The Mormons maije no efforts to conceal their design of monopolizinij: the lands in 
the vicinity of Nfiuvoo to the exclusion of those who had welcomed them with such 
genuine sympathy, when banished fi'om Missouri. It is said, when they wished to 
possess the property of a gentile thej^ ollcred what they considered a reasonable 
price for it, and in case of refusal they proceeded to enforce acce))tance by various 
intolerable annoyances Whittling was resorttd to as one method of vexation. For 
this purpose throe persons were appointed who, armed with sticks and jack-knives, 
tooka position in frontof tlie obdurate owner's residence and commenced whittling-. 
If he went to church, the post otiice, market or other place of business, the.v followed 
him whittling- If he expostulated, became angry, threatened or swore, they ans- 
wered by wluttling-. If idle boys laugheu and jeered the victim, his tormentors de- 
murely whittled AVhen he returned home the whittlers followed and again tcok their 
places in front of his house and continued their annoyance frorri early dawn till late 
at nig-ht. The irritated owner could not look from a window without encountering- the 
insolent stare of his jicrsecutois, wlio were still whittling Generally a single day, it 
is said, was sufficient to make him submit, very rarely he held out two days, but never 
■was able to endure more than three days of this ludicrous yet insufferable martyrdom. 



THE MORMONS. 503 



some of the bCvSt lawyers in tlie State wbo, as eaudidates for 
oftice, sought their support by purposely exaggeratiug the extent 
of their authority. 

The destruetion of the press was a bh^w dealt agaiust ci\il lib- 
erty, and hence among a repul)liean peoi)le jealous of their rights, 
it was well calculated to raise a tlauie of excitement. The 
Moriuon leaders, if honest, little understood the fact that a well 
conducted press is essential to a free governuient, and tluit a 
profligate one, by venality and falseboud, is sure to h),se its influ- 
ence and thus defeat the iiuproper object it seeks to accomplish. 
Attempts to interfere with the freedom of the press causes the 
suppression of information ^hich should be dessiminated among 
the people, and are always attended with a greater loss to ci\ il 
liberty than can possibly result from the temporary indiscretions 
of a few imprudent publishers. Besides, when calumnies are cir- 
culated in this manner the authors are amenable to the law, which 
is the proper means of redress, and not the wanton destruction of 
property. 

In the investigations made by the governor while at Carthage, 
it was proved that Smith sent a number of his followers to Mis- 
souri for the i)uri)ose of kidnapping two witnesses against a mem- 
ber of the church, soon to be tried for larceny; that he had as- 
sailed and brutally beaten an oflicer of the county for an alleged 
non -performance of duty, when in conse(juence of sickness he 
Avas not able to attend to it ; that he stood indicted for perjury, hav- 
ing falsely sworn to an accusation of nuirder against a real estate 
agent, that he might be expelled from the city, and not interfere 
with his monopoly as a land speculator; and tliat the municii>al 
court of which he was chief justice, had frequently discharged 
Mormons accused of crimes conunitted in various parts of the 
county, thus obstructing the administration of justice and making 
the common council of Nauvoo independent of the State govern- ] 
/ment. 1 

// In addition to these actual infringements of law, other causes ; 

^'' served to increase the tide of opposition now turned against the \ 
saints. The extJ'avagance of their theological i)retensions had ' 
incurred the ill will of other denominations of religion, while the 
ettbrt to elect their prophet to the i)residency brought them in con- ■ 
flict with the zealots and bigots of both [)olitical jtartics an.d cov- 
ered them with ridicule. A IVuittul cause of hostile feeling grew 
out of the fact that at several pieceding elections they cast their 
vote as a, unit, whereby it was evident that no one in the country 
could obtain oftlcial position without flrst securing their su])[)ort. 
It was believed that Smith instructed the Danite band, which he 
had chosen as the ministers of his vengeance, and the instruments 
of the intolerable tyranny which he exercised over his peo])le, that 
no blood, except that of the church, was to be regarded sacred if 
it contravened the accomplishment of his object. It was asserted 
that he inculcated the legality of perjury and other crimes, if com- 
mitted to advance the cause of the true believers; that God had 
giA'cn the world and all that it contained to his saints, and since 
they were kept out of their rightful inheritance by force, it was no 
moral offense to get possession of it by stealing. It was rei)orted 
that an establishmeiit existed in ISTauvoo for the manufacture of 
counterfeit money, and that a set of outlaws were maintained 



504 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

there for the purpose of putting it in circulatiou. Statements 
were circulated to tlie eifect that a reward had been offered for tlie 
destruction of tlie Warsaw Signalj a newspaper published at 
Warsaw, in opposition to Mormon interests, and that Mormons 
dispersed over the country threatened all persons who offered to 
assist the constable in the execution of the law, with the destruc- 
tion of their property and the murder of their families. There 
were rumois also afloat that an alliance had been formed with the 
Western Indians, and in case of war they would be used in mur- 
dering their enemies. In short, if only one-half of these reports 
were true the Mormons must have been the most infamous peo])le 
that ever existed, aud if one half of them were false they must 
have been the worst slandered. 

Previous to the arrival of the governor the whole body of the 
militia in Schuyler and jMcDouough counties had been called 
out, and armed forces commenced assembling in Carthage and 
Warsaw to enibrce the service of civil j^rociess. After the forces 
had appointed their officers, the governor, apprehensive that the 
Mormon leaders might be made the victims of i)oi)ular fury, ex- 
acted a pledge trom both officers and men that in the discliai-ge 
of their duties they Avould, under all circumstances, keep within 
the pale of the law. All signified their willingness to co-o})erate 
with him in preserving order, i)romised to pursue a strictly legal 
course and protect the persons of the accused in case of violence. 
The constable and ten men were then sent to make the arrest, 
being instructed to inform the accused that if they i)eaceabl3' 
submitted they would be protected, but if not, they must receive 
the consequences, as the whole force of the State, if necessary, 
would be called out to enforce submission. 

In the meantime. Smith had declared martial law ; his followers 
residing the country, were summoned to his assistaiice; the 
legion was assembled and underarms, and the entire city was one 
great military encami)ment, no ingress or egress being permitted 
except on the strictest examination. However, on the arrival of 
the constable and his escort, the mayor and members of the com- 
Qion council at once signiiied their willingness to surrender, and 
accompany them on the following morning to Carthage. Failing 
to make their ap])earance at the appointed time, the constable 
hastened away without attemi)ting to make the arrest. It was 
subsequently ascertained that the cause of the hurried dei)arture 
was the fear that the Mormons would submit and thus entitle 
themselves to the protection of the law. There were daring and 
active men traversing the country and making inflamatory si>ceches, 
with the hope that a po])ular movement might be inaugurated for 
the exi)ulsion of t\w, Mormons from the State. The constable 
aud those who accompanied him were in the conspiracy, and en- 
deavored, by the partial performance of their duty, to create a 
necessity for calling out an overwhehnning force to effect this 
object. The artifice was, however, soon detected by the governor, 
and another opportunity given the accused to surrender. A requi- 
sition was also made on tlieui for the return of the State arms, be- 
cause the legion to which they had been entrusted had used them 
illegally in the destruction of the press, and the enforcement of 
martial law as a means of preventing civil process. On thel*4th of 
June, 1815, in obedieuce to the last summons, Joe Smith, his brother 



THE MORMONS. 505 



Hiram, the iiieuibers of the city council and others, went to 
Carthage, and .surrendered themselves prisoners to the constable, 
on the charge of riot. All euteied into recognizance before ii 
justice of the peace to appear at court, and were discharged. A 
new writ was, however, inunediately issued and served on the two 
Smiths, and both were arrested and thrown into prison. The 
prophet, it is said, whether desirous of courting martyrdom or 
alarmed at the i)oi)ular storm which threatened him, seemed to 
have a presentiment that he never would return to Nauvoo alive. 
According to the statement at Carthage, he reunirked, "1 am 
going like a lamb to the slaughter, but I have a conscience void 
of otfence toward God and man." 

The jail in which the jjrisoners were confined, was a stone 
building of considerable size, furnished with a suite of rooms for 
the jailer, cells for the close continement of convicts, and a large 
apartment not so strong but more comfortable than the cells. The 
prisoners were first contined in the cells by the jailor, but at the 
remonstrance of the Mormons, and the advice of the governor, 
they were afterwards transferred to the large apartment, where 
they were more pleasantly situated, and where they renuuned till 
the occurrence of the tragedy in which they lost their lives. No 
serious apprehensions were entertained of an attack on the jail, 
nor was it su[)posed that the Smiths would make an effort to es- 
cape. At the time the prisoners were incarcerated, the forces at 
Carthage and Warsaw, amounted to 1700 nu'n,most of whom were 
anxious to be led into NauMX) to destroy the ap])aratiis with 
which it was said the Mormons manuiactnaed counterleit money. 
It was also belie\'ed by the governor, that if an imi)Osing demon- 
stration of the State forces should be nuule, it might overaw the 
IMormons and exert a salutary infiuence in pre^ enting the nuuders, 
robberies and burnings appreheiuled as the result of the proceed- 
ings against their prophet. In accordance with this view, ar- 
rangements were made for the marching of the trooi)s on the -7, 
of June, and Golden's l*oint near the ]Mississippi, and midway 
between Warsaw and ]S^auvoo,was selected as the ]»lace of ren- 
dezvous. Before, however, the movement was fully inaugurated, 
the governor discovered his mistake, and immediately counter- 
manded his previous orders for the assembling of the forces. 

It Mas ob.served, as the preparations for marching advanced, 
the excitement prevadiiig the i>ublic mind correspondingly 
increased, and threats were occassionally nuide to destroy the city 
and exi)el the inhabitants from the State. Subsequent develop- 
ments rendered it e\"ident that an agreement had been made by 
some of the most daring and reckless spirits, to fire on the forces 
of the State when they arrived in jSTauvoo, and afterwards attiib 
ute it to the Mormons, as a means of bringing on a general 
engagement. The city at that time contained a population of 
12,000 to 15,000 inhabitants, many of whom were helpless women 
and children, and humanity shudders at the wanton destruction 
of life and property thatnuist have resulted froni such blind and 
obdurate fury. Besides, if the disposition had existed to i)recipi- 
tate upon the city a calamity of this kind, the forces of the State 
were iiuulequate to afford such i)rotection to the adjacent country 
as would have been necessary. After the surrender of the 
Smiths, at their request, Captain Singleton with a company from 



500 HIST OK Y OF ILLINOIS. 

Brown county, was sent to take command of the Nauvoo legion and 
guard tlie city. According to bisre})ort, when the legion was called 
out for inspection, they assembled 2000 strong and were fully equip- 
ped with arms. This was after the public arms had been taken 
away, and now they were prepared Avith weajjons of their own for 
any emergency. The State forces had three pieces of cannon, lliOO 
muskets and rations for two days, afcer which tliey would 
have been compelled to discontinue operations for the want of 
subsistence. It was therefore deemed advisable to abandon the 
enterprise as imi)racticable, and the forces with the exception 
of three companies were accordingly disbanded. Two of these 
were selected to guard the jail, and the remaining- one was retain- 
ed as an escort for the governor, who jtroposed to visit ISiauvoo 
for the ])urpose of inquiring into the charges preferred against 
the inhabitants, and to warn them tliat if any secret violence 
should be committed by them on the persons or ))roperty of 
those who had assisted in the execution of the law, it would 
inevitably be followed by the most summary retribution. 

Leaving- Gen. Denniingin command of the guards, on the 27t]i, 
of June, the governor accompanied by Col. Buckmaster, and 
Captain Davis' dragoons, departed for Nauvoo, eighteen miles 
distant. Before proceeding far, Col. Bucknuister informed the 
governor that while at Carthage some circumstances of a susi>ic- 
ious character induced him to believe that an attack upon the jail 
was meditated. The latter, however was incredulous. It was 
notorious that he had gone to Nauvoo, and it was not probable 
that while there any outrage would be committed on the Smiths^ 
which would endanger his own safety and that of his comi)an- 
ions. Nevertheless, to guard against all possible contingencies, a 
messenger was sent back to inform the guard of danger, and to 
insist on their defending the jail at the iteril of their lives, till 
the governor returned. It was also decide<l, to defer to some 
future time the examination of the misdemeanors alleged agahist 
the Mormons, that the company might immediately return and 
render assistance, in case tlie jail shouldbe assavdted. 

The parties arrived in Nauvoo about 4 o'clock on the 27th of 
June, and as soon as notice could be given, a large number of the 
inhabitants convened to hear a dis(!ourse from the governor. In 
the address deli\ ered, the illegal action of their public functiona- 
ries was explained ; they were advised of the infanu)us rejjorts 
rife in all the country respecting- their conduct, and the conse- 
quent i)rejudice an<l liostility engendered in tlie pulilic mind, and 
admonislied that in future they would have to act with great cir- 
cumspection, or their lives aiul the safety of their city would fall 
a sacrifice to poi)ular indignation. During- the delivery of the 
speech, some impatience and excitement was exhibited by the 
auditors at the various allegations made against them, which they 
persistently denied as untrue. They claimed to be a hiw abiding- 
people, and carefully observed its provisions, that the;y- might in 
turn have the benetitof its protection. After the conclusion of 
tlie address, the qnestion, as to whether they would conform to the 
laws of the State, in opi)osition to the advice of their leaders, was 
submitted to a vote, which resulted unanimously in favor of the 
proposition. Their subsequent conduct, however, proved that 



THE MORMONS. 507 



Avhen yuilty of the fji'eatest extrava.naiiees, tliey would make the 
loudest pvoCessious of attaelnneiit to law aud order. 

The party left the city a short tiuie before suudowu, and had 
not .youe far before they met two niesseuyers, who informed them 
tliat the Smiths had been assassinated about five o'eloek that 
afternoon. All were astounded at the reeeption of this intelli- 
iHenee, aud fearful aitprehensions Mere entertaini'd respeetin.i;- the 
cousequenees likely to ensue from the massaere. The ^Mormons 
were an infatuated, fanatical jx'ople, not likely to be inllneiu'ed by 
the motiA'es Mhieh ordinarily govern the conduct of men, and a 
desultory war nnyiit be the result. To prevent the news reaching- 
Xauvoo the messengers were ordered into custody, and the g'o\- 
eruor hastened to Carthage to be in readiness for the outburst of ex- 
citemeut and lawlessness that might foilowthedissemiuatiou of the 
iutelligeuce. A courier was also desi)atched to Carthage to inform 
the citizens of the tragedy. The}', however, a])peared to umler- 
staud the matter better tlum the messenger, and before hisarri\'al 
bad commenced renu)viug their families across the river to guard 
against impending danger. The ensuing night the}' sent a com- 
mittee to Quiiu'y for heli», aud at an early hour ou the following 
morniug a. large concourse of the citizens assembled to devise 
means of defense. At the meeting it was reported that the ]\Ior- 
mons had attemi)ted to rescue the Smiths: that a party of Mis- 
sourians aud others had killed them to prevent their escape ; that 
the governor and his cortege, who were in Xauvoo at the time, 
had been attacked by the legion and forced to take refuge iu a 
house, aud that if assistauce was not furnished withiu two days 
he would fall a victim to Mormou vengeance. A force of some 
250 meu was immediately raised, and by teu o'clock the same 
morning they embarked on a boat and steamed down to jSTauvoo 
to assist iu rescuing the governor. On arriving at the city the 
whole story proved a fabrication originated to iuteusify the excite- 
ment and cause a collision between the 3Iormons and State forces. 
Subsequent evidence also rendered it highly i)rol)able that the 
conspirators connected with the assassination contemplated 
inx'ohing the governor in the same misfortune. Circumstan- 
ces warranted tlie conclusion that the assassins had arranged 
that the nuirder should occur while the governor was in 
ISTaux oo ; that the Mormons on hearing the catastrophe would 
sus])ect him as an accomi)lice, and at the tirst outburst of indig- 
nation put him to death as a means of retaliation. The nH)tive 
for this treacherous attem])t against the executive ofticer of the 
State was to arouse a spirit of opposition, aud cause the exter- 
mination of the Mormons. 

The governor arrived in Carthage about ten o'clock, aud found 
the citizens in a state of consternation, some having left and 
others ])reparing to follow. One of the companies which had 
been left to guard the jail, departed before the attack Avas made, 
and many of the others left shortly afterwtird. General Deming, 
who was absent when the murder occurred, volunteered to remain 
and giuird the town with the snuxll force Avliich remained, unless 
compelled to retire before superior numbers. The governor retired 
to (^uincy and imme<liately issue<l orders for provisionally raising 
and equipping an imposing force, in case they should be needed. 



Chapter XLII. 

1844-6— MOEMOK WAE. 

Manner of SmitJi's Death — Character of the Mormons — Apostles 
Assume the Government of the Church — Trial and Acquittal of 
the Assassins — Saints Driven from the Vicinity of Lima and 
Green Plains — Leading Mormons Retire Across the Mississippi — 
Battle at Nauroo — Expulsion of the Lnhahitants. 



When the assassination of the Mormons became known, it ap 
peared that the force at Kauvoo, agreeably to orders, had marched 
on the morning' of the 27th in the direction of GoUlen's Point to 
form a connection with troo])s at that phice, but after they had 
advanced about 8 miles they were met by a messenger from 
Carthage Avitli an order to disb;ind and return home ; the gover- 
nor, who issued it, fearing he could not control the intlannnable 
material he was collecting, determined to scatter it. About loO 
of the men, instead of complying with the order, blackened 
their faces witli powder, hurriedly started for Carthage and en- 
camped some distance from the village. Here they learned tluit 
one of the companies left to guard the Smiths, had gone home 
and that the other, the Carthage Grays, was stationed in the 
square, 150 yards distant, and that Sergeant Franklin A. Worrel, 
with only 8 men, was detailed to watch the prisoners. As soon 
as messages could be interchanged it was agreed among the con- 
spirators that the guns of the guard should be charged with 
blank cartridges and tired on the assailants, when they should 
attempt to enter the jail. 

Gen. Deming, who had been left in command, discovering the 
l)lot to assassinatethe Smiths, and having been deserted by the prin- 
cipal i)art ot the troops, retired from the village, lest an attempt 
should be made on his own life. After perfecting their scheme of 
murder, the assailants scaled the slight fence enclosing the jail, 
and immediately disarming the guards, who according to agree- 
nuMit discharged their pieces, they ascended the flight of 
stairs leading to the room containing the prisoners. At the time 
the assault was made, two other Mormons, Kichards and Tailor 
as visitors, were in the large apartment with the Smiths. Hearing 
the rush on the stairs, the imi)erilled men instinctively held the 
door by pressing their weight against it. The attacking party 
thus denied entrance, fired ui)on the door, and the bullets passing 
through it, killed Hiram Smith, who falling, exclaimed "lama 
dead man." Tailor receiving 4 wounds, retreated under the 
bed, and Eichards, after the door was burst open, secreted himself 

508 



MORMON WAR. 509 



beliind it, tliongh afterward in relating tlie niimler, lie claiined 
tliat he .stood in the uiid.st of danger, warding- off the balls ^\ith 
a consecrated wand. The prophet, armed with a six barrelled pis- 
tol which had been furnished by his friends, fought bravely in 
defence of his life, and wounded four of his antag(»nists before he 
was killed. At length when his pistol was exhausted, severely 
wounded, he ran to the window, and partly leaped and partly fell 
into the yard below; there with his last dying energies he gath- 
ered himself up in a sitting posture, but his disabled condition 
and vague, wandering glances excited no conii>assion in tlie in- 
furiated mob, thirsting for his bluod. The broils which had so 
long distracted the country, infused into the avengers the s[)irit 
of demons, and the shootuig of Snnth was not considered any ; 
more criminal than taking the life of a wolf or tiger. AVhile in f 
this position a l)arty of Missourians discharged their guns at him, 
and he fell crying out "Oh Lord my God." Four balls had 
pierced his body and before the smoke cleared away the Mormon 
prophet was no nK)re.* 

When the tragedy was over horror succeeded the frenzied rage 
which had possessed the assassins, and in silence they hurried 
across the dusty prairies to WarsaAv, IS miles distant. 
The murder occurred at half-past five, and at a quarter before 
eight the fugitives dragged their weary limbs along the streets 
of Warsaw, at such an astounding rate had the lash of a guilty 
conscience driven them. An outburst of vengeance on the part of 
the Mormons Avas anticipated, but nothing of the kind occurred. 
The appalling disaster which had thus befallen the church was 
not followed by revenge, and it was a long time before they re- 
covered from the stupor and despair attending it. A delegation 
repaired to Carthage for their dead, and on returning to Nauvoo 
they were buried with the honors belonging to the geneial of the 
legion. 

"Thus fell Joe Smith, the most successful impostor of modern 
times. A man who, though ignorant and coarse, had some great 
natural i)arts which fitted him for temijorary success, but which 
were so obscured and counteracted by the iidierent corruption and 
vices of his nature that he could never succeed in establishing a 
system of policy which looked to permanent success in the future. 
His lusts, his love of money and power, always set him to study- 
ing present gratification and convenience, rather than the remote 
consequences of his plans. It seems that no power of intellect 
can save a corrupt man from this error. The strong cravings of 
the aninud nature will never give iair play to a fine understanding; 
the judgment is never allowed to choose that good which is far 
away, in preference to enticing evil near at hand. And this may 
be considered a wise ordinance of Providence, by which the coun- 
sels of talented but coirupt men are defeated in the very act which 
promised success. 

" It must not be supposed that the pretended prophet practiced 
the tricks of a common imi)ostor; that he was a dark and gloomy 
person, with a long beard and grave and severe asi)ect, and a re- 
served and saintly carriage ; on the contrary he was full of levity, 
even to boyish romping, dressed like a dandy and at times drank 



* John Hay in the Atlantic Monthly of December, 1869 



510 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

like a isailor and swore like a pirate. He could, as occasion re- 
quired, be exceedingly meek in liis deportment, and then again, 
r<mgli and boisterous as a Ligliway robber, being always able to 
satisfy liis followers of tlie propriety of his conduct. He always 
quailed before power, and was arrogant to weakness. At times 
lie could put on the air of a penitent, as if feeling the deepest liu- 
miliation for liis sins, snfteriiig unutterable anguish and the most 
gloomy forebodings of eternal woe. At such times he would call 
for the prayers of the brethren in his behalf with a wild and fear- 
ful energy and earnestness. He was full six feet high, strongly 
built and uncommonly well muscled. ]*^o doubt he was as much 
indebted for his iutlnence over an ignorant people to the superi- 
ority of liis physical ^•igor as to his cunning' and intellect.*" 

The M(u-moii church at this time, consisted of two classes, the 
rulers and the ruled, knavery in Ihe one and credulity in the 
other being the heterogeneous characteristics which kept them 
together. The former consisted of unprincipled men of talent, 
who, abandoned in character and bankrupt in fortune, espoused 
the cause of Mornionism for speculative purposes, knowing it was 
an adventure in which they had nothing to lose, while it might be 
the means of retrieving their fortunes. Having neither respect 
for God nor man, and not reverencing- any religion, they proposed, 
like Mahomet and others, to found a new system of theology, and 
if they could impose it on the credulity of mankind and live on 
the labor of their dupes, they had no higher object to accomphsh. 
They i'ormed a nucleus which attracted to Nauvoo adventurers 
and ack'pts in every species of crime, while the extraordinary 
powers which had been conferred on the city authorities enabled 
them to screen the guilty from the penalties of the laws they habit- 
ually violated. At their social entertainments, where music and 
dancing constituted the principal pastime, great attention was 
l)aid to dress, while little prudence was exercised in the selection 
<.)f their company. There were in the same gay assemblage the 
braz(m-faced desperado who despised the law, and the venal mag- 
istrate who protected him in his crimes, the wanton wife and the 
truant husband on an equal footing with those who respected the 
sanctity of marriage, the reckless adventurer in search of fortune, 
and the successful impostor in possession of ecclesiastical emolu- 
ments and honors. ]3iscordant and incongruous in nature, they 
managed to keep time to the same music, and to forget minor dif- 
ferences, provided their principal objects, sensual pleasure and 
public plunder, were subserved. 

The lay members of the church, on the other hand, were gener- 
ally honest and industrious but ignorant, and the dupes of an 
artful delusion. In devotion to the ])rinci])les which they pro- 
fessed, they were not suri»assed by the believers of other creeds, 
for humanity exhibits little difference in this respect, whatever 
may be the system of religion. If the system is crude, the intel- 
ligent devotee rejects it, but if his want of knowledge allows him 
to belie\(' it he will adhere to its dogmas with a tenacity equal to 
that exhibited by the enlightened advocate of a lational theology. 
A\'ith the great majority of tiie IMormons their religious belief 
amount e<l almost to infatuaticui, and they were, therefore, more 

*Ford's History. 



MORMON WAR. 511 



proi)ei'ly objects of compassion tliaii persecution. Certainly no 
greater calamity can befall a member of the liuman family than 
to have the adoration which he offers the Ueity per\erted by the 
vagaries of such a monstrous su]>erstition. 

Mormouism, instead of i)erishing by the death of Smith, received 
a new impetus fnmi his nmrtyrdom. His followers now regarded 
him as a saint ; his words on going to Carthage were adduced 
as fresh proof of his prophetic character, and a thousand stories 
were circulated respecting the meekness with which he met death. 
Proi)hecies were published that in imitation of Christ he would 
raise from the dead, ^lany contidently expected the fullillment 
of these i)redictious, aiul in due time it was rei>orted he was seen, 
attended by a celestial army, coursing his way through the heavens 
on a great white horse. 

The principle that the death of the martyr is the seed of the 
church, prined true in regard to ^Mormonism. Smith, though well 
cpialitied to originate a movement of this kind, was unable to 
safely direct it through the comi)lication of perils which always 
besets religious innovation. By dying henmde room forr.righam 
Young, the present head of the church, who, by his superior ad- 
ministrative ability, perhaps, saved the Mormon theocracy from 
disorganization and its subjects from dispersion. Cunning and 
duplicity nuiy be used by the founders of a sect, but great pru- 
dence and judgment best befits him who would afterwards har- 
monize its jarring elements and shape its future career. 

The church, as originally organized, eontained 3 presidents, 
Joseph Smith, Hiram Smith and Sidney lligdon, and VJ, apos- 
tles. The latter were abroad, and till they could return home the 
saints were in doubt as to the future government of the church. 
Eigdon, being the only surviAing member of the i>residency, 
claimed the government, and fortified his })retensions by declaring 
that the will of the prophet was in his favor, and that he had re- 
ceived several new revelations to the sameett'ect. One of his rev- 
elations, requiring the wealthy to dis])oseof their possessions and 
follow him to l*ennsylvania, rendered him uni)opular, the rich 
being reluctant to i>art with their property, and the i>oor un- 
willing to be deserted by those whose patronage enabled them to 
live. When the apostles returned a fierce conflict arose between 
them and Eigdon for suprenmcy, which resulted in the expulsion 
of the latter from the church. 

He afterwards retired with a small fragment of the saints, and 
established a little delusion of his own near Pittsbuigh, while the 
larger part submitted to the apostles, with Brigham Young, a 
talented but dishonest ami licentious man, as their leader. 

Missionaries to the number of 3,000 were now sent abroad 
to preach in the name of the martyred Joseph, and ^lor- 
monism increased more rai)idly than it had at any time in its i)ast 
history. In their wild enthusiasm they were williiig to c()mi)ass 
sea and land to make a single concert, and everywhere the^' went 
they found the ignorant and credulousready to become infatuated 
with their strange fanaticism. Xo other religion promised such 
great spiritual and temporal advantage with such little self-denial, 
and not only dupes but sharpers united with the church, and it 
is said that within 14 years after its organization it numbered 200,- 
000 members. The missionaries always informed their wondering- 



512 HISTORY OF TLLINOIS. 

ami deluded converts that it was necessary to repair to tbe place of 
oatlierinji' where the sublime fullness of the gospel alone could be 
fully revealed and enjoyed. When removed thither, by seeing 
and hearing nothing but Mormonism, and associating with those 
who placed implicit confidence in its dogmas, they ultinmtely be- 
came so dehuled as to believe the greatest extravagances and 
submit to the most intolerable despotism. Many by this system 
of training became devoted disciples, who would have simrned 
the empty pretensions and licentiousness of their religion, had it 
at first been presented to them in its real deformity. 

About a year after the apostles had assumed the reins of gov- 
ernment, they concluded to suspend for a tin)e their eftbrts to 
convert the world, and accordingly their missionaries and all 
others connected with the church were called home. In a short 
time Mormons commenced pouring into Kauvoo from all parts of 
the world, and the infuriated elders, instead of expounding the 
gospel to the congregations which weie regularly called together, 
indulged in a tirade of abuse against the gentiles, curses on the 
government and all who were not of i he Mormon church or its 
tools. Xor were the anti-Mormons or those Avho opposed them 
idle. The death of the Smiths had not ai>peased' their desire 
for vengeance, and more determined than ever to expel their 
adversaries from the country, they frequently called on the gov- 
ernor for aid. The IMoimons also invoked the assistance of the 
executive in punishing the murderers of their prophet, and both 
parties were thoroughly disgusted with the constitutional provisons 
which imposed restraint on the summary attainment of their 
unlawful designs. The elections coming off in August, 18-44, for 
members of the legislature and congress, ajid another pending 
for the presidency of the United State, further complicated the 
difficulties and enmities of the parties. Tlie whig politicians, 
who were unable to secure their sujiport, uniting with the anti- 
Mormons, sent invitations to the militia cai)tains of Hancock and 
all the adjoining counties of Illinois, Missouri and Iowa to ren- 
dezvous with their companies in the vicinity of ISauvoo, prepara- 
tory to engaging in a wolf hunt, it being understood that the 
Mormons were the game to be hunted. Prei)arations were made 
for raising several thousand men; the anti-Mormons commenced 
anew the most exaggerated accounts of Moimon outrages, the 
whig press in every part of the United States came to their assist- 
ance, and the i)ublications of the opposite party, which had hith- 
erty been friendly, now quailed under the tempest which followed, 
leaving the denunciated and discredited sheet at ]S^auvoo alone to 
correct public opinion. Prominent ])oliticians who had received 
theMormon vote, were now unwilling to risk their reputation in 
defending them, so great was the cowardice of the one and the 
odious character of the other. 

In the meantime, the anti-Mormon force, which had been sum- 
moned to meet in the guise of hunters, commenced assembling for 
the purpose of assaulting Nauvoo, and driving its inhabitants out 
of the country. To avert the blow, the governor, assisted by Gen. 
J. J. Hardin, and Cols. Baker and Merriman, raised a force of 500 
men and nuirched to the scene of the threatened outbreak. When 
he ariiVed a large part of the malcontents tied across the river into 
Missouri. Flight, however, was unnecessary, for the State forces 



MORMON WAR. 513 



liad not been long in the disaffected district beioie tliey espoused the 
cause of the rioters, and instead of driving tlieni out as enemies, 
were disposed to receive them as friends. Despite his demor- 
alized forces, the governor, whose sense of justice seems to have been 
in i)art sliarpened by political motives, determined to follow the 
fugiti^■es and arrest three of their leaders, against whom writs had 
been issued for the mur<ler of the Smiths. Uoats were procured 
and secretly landed a mile above Warsaw, and the troojts marched 
to the same place, prei)aratory to crossing the river and seizing the 
accuse<l. 

In the meantime, however, Colonel Baker visited the encamp- 
ment and effected arrangements for the surrender of the alleged 
assassins, and the further prosecution of the expedition was 
abandoned. Two of the suspected persons accordingly recrossed 
the river and surrendered themselves i)ris()ners, it having been 
agreed that they should be taken to (^uincy Ibr examination -, that 
the attornej' for the people should be advised to admit them to 
bail, and that they should be tried at the next term of the Carthage 
court. The faith of the governor had been ijledged for the protection 
of the Smiths, and he deemed it especially im[)ortant that their 
assassins should be punished as a means of vindicating the honor 
of the State, restoring the supremacy of the law and i»reventing 
the recurrence of such infamous crimes in the future. Able 
lawyers were therefore secured to prosecute the prisoners, and the 
trial came off' in the siunmer of 1845. The i)anel of jurors 
selected by the Mormon officials of the county was re'iected,in con- 
sequence of being effected l)y prejudice, and two elisors were 
chosen, one a Mormon and the other an anti-Mormon, to select a 
new one. Ninety-six i>ersons were ]>resented, before any 
could be found sufficiently ignorant and indifferent to administer 
justice. They all swore they had never formed nor expressed au 
opinion as to the guilt or innocence of the prisoners, although 
at the same time they belonged to a military mob, which to the 
nund)er of 1,000 men was in attendance with arms to overawe the 
IMormons and extort from the court the verdict in favor of the 
accused. The principal Mormon witnesses were Brackenbury, 
Daniels, and a Miss (Jraham. The tirst two had accompanied the 
expedition from Warsaw to Carthage, had witnessed the killing 
of the Smiths, and were able to identify the uuirderers. From 
Carthage they went to Nauvoo, where they united with the 
church and were boarded by the Mormons to secure their evidence 
at the trial. While here Brackenbury secured the services of a 
sign painter who executed the death and ascension of Smith, 
which he exhibited ostensibility for the spiritual edification of the 
saints, but more for the augmentation of his own private resources. 
Daniels, not to be outdone by his associate, wrote an account of 
the death of Smith, in which, among a great many other absurd- 
ities, he says he beheld descending fjom heaven and resting on the 
head of Smith, a bright light, which struck some of his uuirderers 
with blindness, and that he heard celestial voices confirming his 
mission asaprophet. Owing to these fictions, the evidence both of 
the showman and scribbler was rejected as invalid. Miss Graham 
was present and assisted in feeding the hungry mob at the War- 
saw House, after it came straggling in from Carthage. Her 
nervous and sensitive organization, however, had been so wrought 
33 



514 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

upon by tlieMormou delusion, tliatshe"vras unable to distinguish ber 
suspicions and fancies from actual facts, and so blended tlieni in 
lier evidence tliat it was contended she proved nothing except 
her own honest but insane zeal. Other witnessess were examined 
who knew all the facts, but under the dominating intluence of a 
faction they refused to divulge them. The judge was held in 
duress by an armed mob, which filled the court house, and stamped 
applause or hissed defiance, according as they approved or disap- 
proved the jiroceedings. The trial closed and though there was 
not a man in the jmy, court house, or county, that did not know 
the prisoners had committed the murder, yet nothing could be/ 
proved and the^' were accordingly acquitted. 

At a subsequent term of the court the Mormons, were tried for 
the destruction of the heretical press. The tribunal in this case 
consisted of a Mormon coui't, a ]M()rmon slierift" and a Mormon 
jury, selected on acconnt of their partiality for the accused, as in 
the previous trial, yet all swore that they knew nothing of the 
gnilt or innocence of the defendants, who of course were ac- 
quitted. No leading man of eitiier faction could now be arrested 
without the aid of an army, and when thus secured, neitlier party 
would permit an impartial trial in tlieir own comity, and since a 
change of venue to a disinterested locality could not be effected 
without the consent of the accused, it was impossible to convict 
any one of a partisan crime. The administration of the criminal 
law was impossible, civil government was at an end, and the en- 
tire community was in a frightful state of anarchy. 

During the summer and fall of 1S45, several occurrences trans- 
pired, calculated to increase the irritation existing between the 
Mormons and their neighbors. A suit was instituted in the cir- 
cuit court of the United States against one of the apostles to le- 
cover a note given in Ohio, and a marshal was sent to sunnnon 
the defendants, but they refused to be served with the process. 
Indignation meetings were held by the saints, intlamatory speech- 
es delivered by their principal men, and the marshal threatened 
for attempting to serve the writs, while it was agreed that no 
further attempts of that kind should be made in Kauvoo. About 
the same time an anti-Mormon made an assault upon Gen. 
Beming the sheriff of the court, and was killed by the latter in 
repelling the attack. The vanquished part}' had many friends, 
and his death occasioned a fresh outburst of passion. To allay 
the storm, the officer who was believed to be friendly to the Mor- 
mons was held to bail, although he had acted strictly in self- 
defence, and was therefore not guilty. It was also discovered in 
trying the right of property at Lima, in Adams county, that^he 
Mormons had an institution connected with their church to secure 
their effe(;ts from execution. It was an association of five persons, 
any of whom was to own all the proi^erty, and in the avent of its 
being levied on for debt, they could refer the ownership to such a 
niend)er of the firm as Avould defeat the execution. Incensed at 
this action, the anti-jMornu)ns of Lima and Green Plains, held a 
meeting to devise means for the expulsion of the ]\tormons from 
that part of the country. It was accordingly arranged that a 
number of theii' own party should fire on the building in which 
the.y were assembled, in such a manner as not to injure any one, 
and then report that the Mormons had commenced the work of 



MORMON WAR. 515 



plniider and death. Tliis i>lot was <lu]y executed, and the start- 
hiiii intelMgeiiee soon called together a mob, which threatened the 
Mormons with fire and sword if they did not immediately leave 
the neighborhood. The Mormons ot' this locality had previously 
annoyed the inhabitants by petty larcenies, and now refusing- to 
dei»art, the mob at once executed their threats by burning 125 
houses and forcing the inmates to flee for their lives. The fugitives 
arrived in Xauvoo in the midst of the sickly season, carrying with 
them the infirm, whose pitiable condition excited the ntnu)Stindig'- 
luition among the inhabitants. 

As soon as the intelligence of these events reached Si)ringfield, 
the governor ordered Gen. Hardin to raise a body of men sufficient 
to enfoice the law, but before it was ready to march, the sheriff 
of the county took the matter in his own hands. Gen. Deming, 
the former sheriff, was dead, and J. B. Backinstos, his successor 
and a prominent Mormon, owing to unpopularity ^vas unable to 
get assistance from the anti-]\Iormons, although many of them 
were strongly opposed to the riotous i)roceedings. He, therefore, 
hastened to Xauvoo auvl armed several hundred Mormons, estab- 
lislu'd a permanent guard at Carthage, and swept over other 
parts of the county in search of the incendiaries. The guilty 
parties fleeing to the neighboring counties of Illinois, Iowa and 
Missouri, he was unable to bring them to battle or make any 
arrests. One man,, however, was killed Mithout provoca.tion, 
another attempting to escape was shot, and afterwards hacked and 
mutilated as if he had been murdered by Indians, and Franklin A. 
\\'oiTel, who had command of the jail, and betrayed his trust iu 
consenting to the assassination of the Smiths, lost his life from 
the effect of a rifle ball discharged by some unknown i)erson con- 
cealed for that purpose in a thicket. The anti-Mormons also com- 
mitted one muider. A party of them set fire to a quantity of 
straw near the barn of an old JMormon ninety years of age, and 
when he appeared to extinguish the flames, he was shot and 
killed. The perpetrators of this cold blooded nnirder were after- 
wai'ds examined before an anti-Mormon justice of the peace and 
discharged, though their guilt was sufficiently apparent. 

The Anti-Mormons having left their proi)erty exi)osed in their 
precipitate retreat trom the county, those who had been burnt out 
of their homes sallied forth from Nauvoo and plundered the whole 
country, taking whatever they could carry or drive away. Gen. 
Hardin finally succeeded in raising a force of ooO men, and nmrch- 
ing to Carthage dispersed the guard Avhich had been stationed at 
that place by the sheriff, checked the Mormon ravages, and re- 
called the fugitive anti-Mormons home. 

While he was here a convention, consisting of delegates from 
eight of the adjoining counties, assembled to concert measures for 
the expulsion of the Mormons from the State. The peoi)le of these 
counties became fearful that Hancock would be deserted hy the 
original inhabitants, and that their own homes and property would 
thereb}' become exposed to the depredations of the common 
enemy. The Mormons, on the other hand, believing the times 
forboded a series of fresh disasters, seriously contemplated emi- 
gration westward, having dispaired of establishing their religion 
in the midst of a people whose opinions and prejudices were hos- 
tile to its teachings. At this juncture they were advised by the 



516 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

governor and other j)roniinent iiieu tliat a witlidrawal from the 
State ^Yas the only possible alternative lor escaping the impending 
calamities and Gen. Hardin being sent withinstrnctious for eflectiug 
this pnrpose, was successfnl in negotiating arrangements for their 
removal. It was agreed that the greater part of the jNIormons 
shonld retire from the State dnring the following spring; that no 
arrests should be made by either hostile party for crimes pre- 
viously committed, and that a military for(;e should remain iu the 
county to preserve the peace. A small force was accordingly left 
in command of Major Warren, who discharged his duties with 
such etticiency that the turbulent spirit of faction was kept in 
subjection. 

During the winter of 1845-0, the most stupendous preparations 
were made by the Mormons for removal; all the principal dwellings 
and even the temple was converted into workshoi)s, and before 
spring 12,000 wagons were in readiness. Previous to the depar- 
ture indictments had been found against most of the apostles for 
counterfeiting the coin of the United States, and an application 
was made to the governor for a sufficient force to arrest them, 
but iu pursuance of the amnesty agreed on for old oifeuces, the 
appbcation was dismissed. It was deemed impolitic to arrest the 
leaders and thus terminate the preparations for removal when it 
was notorious that they could command witnesses and evidence 
sufficient to render conviction impossible. With a view, however, 
to hasten their departure, the impression was made that a portion 
of the regular army would be ordered to Nauvoo as soon as navi- 
gation opened, to enforce the writs, and hence the leaders, on the 
15th of February, with 2,000 of their followers, crossed the river 
on the ice and started westward in advance of the others. By the 
middle of May it was estimated 1,400 more, with their flocks, their 
wives and little ones, followed the former band, to seek a ne^v 
home in the mountain fastnesses of the western wilderness. 

Xanvoo, before the Mormon exodus, contained a population of 
17,000 souls. Its buildings, commencing at the margin of the 
river and spreading over the upland, si)arsely covered an area of 
6 square miles. The temple, rising high above the adjacent ob- 
jects, was built of compact polished limestone, obtained in the 
limits of the city. Ko order of architecture was observed in its 
erection, and the Mormons claimed that it was commenced with- 
out a plan and built in accordance with instructions received 
directly from heaven as the work advanced. It w^as 128 feet 
long, 88 feet wide, 05 feet to the top of the cornice, and 105 to the 
toi> of the cu]»ol;i. The basement was a large, imperfectly venti- 
lated room, containing a baptistry, supported by 12 oxen, hewn 
out of limestone. In the main story was the audience room used 
for public worship. At the end of this large apartment were 4 
seats, reguhirly elevated one above the other, on which were sta- 
tioned, according to their respective rank, the elders who ad- 
dressed the i)eop]e. The second story also contained an audience 
room, and the third a large hall for educational purposes. 
Besides the large apartments there were in all the stories rooms 
connected with the ecclesiastical and governmental interests of 
the people. From the toj) of the cupola a scene of enchanting- 
beauty met the eye, from which few could turn away with indiffer- 
ence. Woodlanils and prairies, diversitied with gentle nndula- 



MORMON WAR. 517 



tioiis and covered Avitli farm houses, herds of c;»tth», fields of 
waving grain and otlier evidences of agricultnial tlirift, could be 
seen for a distance of 20 miles. Through tliis extensive land- 
scape glided the Father of AVaters, in whose Hoods repose a great 
luimber of islands, all in the range of vision, and captivating the 
eye of the beholder by their surpassing loveliness, 
' A small remnant of about 1,0U0, unable to dispose of their pro- 
l)erty, remained behind. These were sufticient, however, to con- 
trol the vote of the county, and lest they should endeavor to 
make the attempt, their opponents discovered a pretext for new 
broils. For this pur]>ose a party of Mormons who had been sent 
to harvest some wheatlields in the vicinity of Nauvoo, were 
severely whipped, the perpetrators declaring that they had dis- 
turbed* the neighborhood by their boisterous conduct. Writs 
were sworn out in the city against those who had inflicted the 
castigation, and they were arrested and kei)t under strict guard 
until they could give bail. The anti Mormons in turn jnocured 
writs for the arrest of the constable and posse who had served 
the first writs. The JMormons, believing that instead of being 
tried they would be murdered, refused to be taken, whereupon 
several hundred anti-Mormons assend)led to enforce the process. 
The difficulty was, however, adjusted without making the arrest. 
A committee having been sent to Nauvoo reported the Mormons 
had agreed not to vote in the ensuing election, and that they were 
making every possible preparation for remoAal, and ]>roceedings 
against them were suspended. Notwithstanding this agreement, 
aWicu the election came oft' they all voted the democratic ticket, 
and so determined were they that their support should be ef(l('ient, 
all voted three or four tiiaes for each mendjcrof congress. Their 
excuse for violating their pledge was that the president of 
the United States had permitted tlieir friends to temi)orari]y oc- 
cupy the Indian lands on the Missouri river, and for this favor 
they felt under obligations to support his administiation. The 
want of good faith in this respect greatly incensed the whigs, 
and the certainty that many designing men were endeavoring to 
induce them to remain i)ermanently in the country, revived the 
general opi)osition which i)re\iously i)revailed against them. 
Writs were again issued for the arrest of i)rominent JMoriiions, 
and to create a pretext for assendiling a large force toexecure them, 
it was asserted by the constable that if the ac(;used were taken 
an<l carried out of the city they would be murdered. Under these 
circumstances they refused to be arrested, and the posse sum- 
nu)ned to enforce the law soon amounted to several hundred men. 
The Mormons in like manner obtained writs for the arrest of prom- 
inent anti-Mormons, and under the pretense of executing them 
called out a [)Osse of their own people, and hence constable was 
arrayed against constable, law against law and posse against 
posse. 

While the hostile parties were assembling their ibrces, the new 
citizens of Nau\(>o, who had pur(;hased property of the Mormons 
at the time of their exodus, ai)plied to the governor for sufilicient 
force to restore order and contidence. ]\lajor Parker^ a whig, Mas 
accordingly sent, it being sui)posed, in consequence of his poli- 
tics, he would have more inhuence with the malcontents, who were 
mostly of his party. When, however, he arri\ed the anti-Mor- 



518 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

niou constable refused to be superseded by bini,ai)d declared that 
he cared little for tbe arrests, thereby evideiiciug that his faction 
was only using the process of the hiw as a- })retext for accomplish- 
ing their real object, the ex])ulsion of the jMornions. The anti- 
Mormon faction continued to increase till it numbered 800 men, and 
while they were i)reparing to march on Nanvoo the inhabitants 
were preparing for a vigorous defense, a i)ortion of the new citi- 
zens uniting with them, and some assisting their enemies. At 
this stage of the proceedingsMason Brayman, a citizen of Spring- 
field, was sent by the governor to inquire into and report tlie 
nature of the difticulties. When he arrived an attempt was made 
to effect a reconciliation. It Avas agreed by the leaders of both 
factions that the Mormons should remove from the State in two 
months, and that their arms iji the meantime should be i)laced in 
the custody of a i^erson aiipointed to receive and redeliver thenj 
to the owners at the time of their departure. When this 
agreement was submitted for ratification to the anti -Mormon 
forces it was rejected. Gen. Singleton a^id Col. Cliittenden, their 
commanders, then withdrew and the governor was inforuied by 
Mr. Brayman that the better portion of the anti-Mormons would 
abandon the enterprise and return honie. Subsequent events^ how- 
ever, proved that Mr. Brayman was u)istaken in his conjectures. 
When Gen. Singleton retired, Thonms S. Brocknum, a dislioijcst 
and vulgar man, bigoted and bitter in his })rejudices against the Mor- 
mons, was put in command. Brockman immediately marched 
his forces to ISTauvooand commenced skirmishing with the inliabi- 
tants, while Mr. Brayman, owing to the threatening aspect of 
affairs, hastened to Springtield to obtain further assistance for 
the defense of the city. In this emergency, troops could not be 
called from a distance in time to be made available, and hence an 
effort was made to })rocure them in the neighborhood of the con- 
flict. Orders were issued to Major William T. Flood, commander 
of the militia of the adjoining populous county of Adams, author- 
izing him to raise a volunteer force suflicient to rest»)re the ob- 
servance of law. Tlie excitement by this time had sjuead through 
Adams and all the adjoining counties, and it was e^ ideut that if 
the State attemi)ted to laise a force a much larger one would 
march to the assistance of the insurgents, and hence this ofticer 
declined nuUdng any effort. 

To meet this contingency he had previously been insfructed, in 
case he failed to raise the required force, to hand over liis com- 
mand to some one who would projierly execute it. Major Flood, 
liowevex, without immediately authorizing any one to act iii his 
stead, hastened to Nauvoo to use his inliuence -with the antago- 
nistic factions for the restoration of peace. Failing in his media- 
tion, he entrusted his authority to the Mormons, who selected 
Major CliftVnd to command them. 

The foi'ces under Brockman numbered 800, and were armed 
with muskets and five pie<;es of small (cannon, belonging to 
the State, given them by indeixqident militia ('()m[)anies in the ad- 
jacent counties. The Mormon forces, including a portion of the 
new citizens, at first amounted to 2~A) men, but before 
any decisive fighting commenced, were dinunished by de- 
sertion to 150, Their weapons consisted of sixteen-shoot- 
ing rifles, common musketSj and five pieces of cannon, 



MORMON WAR. 519 



hastily and riulely coiistriicted by themselves from the shaft of a 
steamboat. Acting on the defensive they took a position in the 
subnrbs of the city, a mile east of the temple, and threw up bieast 
works for the protection of their artillery. The attacking force 
was sufticiently numerous to have simultaneously marched on 
both flanks of the besieged, beyoiul the range of their battery, 
and thus have taken the city without tiring a single gun. Brock- 
man, however, approaching directly in front, stationed his ineu 
about half a mile from the battery, and ea(;h party commenced a 
lire from their cannon, while s(mie of the combatants with sjuall 
arms occasionally approaclied closer, but uever sufticiently near 
to do any damage. 

The contest was thus continued at a great distance, with little 
skill till the amnuinition of the besiegers was exhausted, Mhen 
they retiied to their camp to await a fresh supply. In a few days 
ammunition was ])rought from Quincy, and the conflict again re- 
sumed, and kept up several days, during which the jMoriuoiis ad- 
mitted a loss of one nuin killed and 9 wounded, and the anti-JMor- 
mons of 3 killed and 4 wounded. It was estimated that some 800 
cannon balls were fired on each side, and the small number killed 
can only be accounted for on the supposition that the belligerents 
either ke[)t at a safe distance, or were very unskillful in the use of 
arms. The contest was finally ended by the interposition of an 
anti-Mormon committee from Quincy. According to the terms of 
€a]>itulation dictated by the superior force of the besiegers, the 
Mormons were to surrender their arms to the committee. All, 
with the exception of trustees for the sale of their propeity, were 
to renu)ve out of the city, and the anti-jMormon i)osse was to march 
in and have a sufticient force there to guarantee the performance 
of the stipulations. The posse with l>rockman at its head, ac- 
cordingly started on its mission, followed by several liundred 
spectators, who had come from all the surrounding country to see 
the once i>roud city of Nauvoo humbled and delivered into tlie 
hands of its enemies. 

As soon as they got possession of the city Brockman, whose 
vulgar soul became intoxicated with success, commenced acting 
the ])art of a tyrant. Arrogating to himself the right to <leci(le 
who should remain aiul \\ho should be driven away, he summoned 
the inhabitants to his presence, and at his dictum most of them 
were compelled to leave tlieir homes in a few' hours in a destitute 
condition. It was stipulated that only JMormons were to be ex- 
l)atriated, yet at his behests armed ruffians commenced expelling 
the new citizens, ducking sonu^ of them in the river, and ibi-cing 
others to cross it at the point of the bayonet. In a fcAv days the 
entire Mormon population and the new citizens who had co-op- 
erated with them in resisting the mob, were expelled. The latter 
class had strong claims to be treated with more generosity by the 
con(pierors. Having been attracted to ISI^auvoo from various i)arts 
of the United States by the low price of property, and knowing 
but little of the i)revious ditflculties, it was but natural that they 
should offer their services to defend the town from mob violence 
and their property from destruction. They saw that the Mormons 
were industriously preparing to leave, and therefore considered 
the effort to expel them not only unnecessary but unjust ami cruel. 



520 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

The mob, however, uuder the influence of passion, could see no 
merit in this portion of their adversaries, and in tiie flush of ^'ic- 
tory dealt out indiscriminate brutality to all. 

Brockman having sufficiently glutted his vengeance, returned 
home, leaving 100 of the lowest and most violent of his followers 
to prevent the return of those who had been driven into exile. 
This temnant of the mob continued its acts of violence and 
oppression till they heard that a force was moving against them 
from the seat of government, when they also dei)arted. 

In the meantime, the Mormons were thrown houseless on the 
Iowa shoi'e, without provisions and means to procure them, and 
were in a starving condition. It was also the height of the sickly 
season, and many had been hurried away while suflering with 
disease to die from exposure and privation. Without food, med- 
icine or clothing, the mother Avatched her sick babe till it died, and 
then became herself a victim to the epidemic, flnding the grave a 
refuge from perse(;ution and a balm for her sufferings. After this 
distress became known all parties hastened to their assistance, the 
anti-Mormons vicing with the Monnons in furnishing relief. The 
people of the State at first looked with indifference upon these 
outrages, but the hardships attending them at length began to 
cause reflection. They had seen a large tract of country com- 
pelled to submit to tlie domination of a self-constituted i)ower, 
the legitimate government trampled mider foot and a reign of 
terror substituted in its place. 

With this change of sentiment, a force was raised in and near 
Springfield, of 120 men, and the governor ])roceeded with it to the 
scene of the disturbance. The piincipal object the expedition was 
to restore the exiled citizens to their new homes and proi)erty, a 
large part of the latter having been stolen in their absence. When 
the force arrived the riotous pojtulation was greatly incensed at 
the governor and could hardly find language sufficiently strong to 
express their astonishment that he and the peo])le of other 
counties should interfere iu the domestic affairs of Hancock. 
Public meetings were held in Nauvoo and Carthage, at which it 
was resolved to again drive out the citizens as soon as the State 
forces should be withdrawn. 

Writs were also again sworn out against some officers of the 
State forces, with a view" to calling out a i)0sse and expelling them 
from the county, but the mob failed to eidistmore than 200 or 300 
men, and these hesitated and finally abandoned their design of 
making the arrests or resorting to violence. To i)revent further 
outbreaks a small forces was left in the county till the assembling 
of the legislature on the 15th of December, 1S4G, when the cohl 
weather put an end to the agitntion and they were withdrawn. 
The western march of the Mormons who left the State the pre- 
ceding spring, was attended with greater suffering than had been 
endured in their banishment from Missouri. On the 15th of Feb., 
1840, the leaders crossed the Mississii)pi and sojourned at 
JVIontrose, Iowa, till the latter part of March, in consequence 
of the deep snow which obstructed the v/ay. 

When finally the journey Avas resumed, the fugitiA^es taking the 
road through Missouri, Avere forcibly ejected from the State and 
compelled to moA'C indirectly through Iowa. After innumerable 
hardships, the advance guard of emigration reached the Missouri 



MORMON WAR. 521 



river, at Council Blnffis, Avlieu a United States oftieer presented a 
requisition for oOO men to serve in the Mar against Mexico. Com- 
pliance with this order so diminished the number of effective 
men, that the expedition was a<iain delayed and the remainder, 
consistinji' mostly of old men, women and children, hastily i)re- 
pared habitations for winter. Their rudely constructed tents were 
hardly completed before winter set in with great severity, the 
bleak prairies being incessantly swept by piercing Avinds. 
While here cholera, fever and other diseases, aggravated by the 
previous hardships which they had endured, the want of comfort- 
able quarters and nunlical treatment, hurried many of them to 
premature graves Yet, under the intiuence of religious fervor and 
fanaticism, they looked death in the face with resignation and 
cheerfulness, and even exhibited a gayety which manifested itself 
in nmsic and dancnig during the saddest hours of this sad winter. 
At length welcome spring made its appearance; by April, the peo- 
ple were again organized for the Journey, and a pioneer party, 
consisting of I>righam Young and 140 others, was sent in advance 
to locate a home for the colonists. ( )n the 21st of July, 1847, a day 
memorable in Mormon aniuds, tlie vanguard reached the valley of 
Great Salt Lake, having been directed thither, according to their 
accounts, by the haiul of the Almighty. Here, in a destitute wil- 
derness, midway between the settlements of the east and the 
Pacific, and at that time a thousand miles from the utmost verge 
of civilization, they commenced preparations for founding a 
colony. Those who were left behind arrived at diflerent times 
afterward, in companies sufficiently large to preserve discipline 
and guard against the attacks of the Indians who continuously 
hovered about them for purposes of i)lunder. At first they endur- 
ed great sufferings for the want of food; immense numbers of 
grasshoppers having come down from the mountains and consum- 
ed a great portion of their crops. Ac<;ording to the Mornutu 
historian, the whole would have been destroyed had not the 
Almighty sent great flocks of gulls which devoured the grasshop- 
pers and thus saved the people from famine and death. The 
lands, as soon as they were properly irrigated, produced abund- 
antly all the necessaries of life ; and at length i)lenty alle^"iated 
the privations of hunger, and peace followed the fierce persecutions 
w hich had attended them in their former place of residence. iSTew 
settlements were made as fresh conqtanies of emigrants arrived, 
aiul in a short time the s])ace occui)ied by the colonists extended 
nearly a hundred nnles north and south, and Salt Lake City, the 
present capital of the territory, became a populous city. Nestled 
ill a sea of verdure, at the base of the surrounding mountains, 
washed on the west by the Jordan, and connnanding a view 25 
miles southward, over a luxuriant i)lain silvered with fertilizing 
streams, it is now one of the most romantically situated cities on 
the continent. So jiicturesque is the valley, and its metropolis 
especially, when decked in the beauty of spring, that the 
traveler when he crosses the desert, imitating the enthusiasm of 
the saints, is wont to liken it to the New Jerusalem, surrounded 
by green pastures, and fountains of living water. 



Chapter XLIII. 
1846— ILLi:^OIS m THE MEXICAN WAE. 



We cannot enter into details regarding all the causes of tbis 
war. Proximately, it grew out of the annexation of Texas. In 
1836 the American settlers in that country defeated the Mexican 
forces at San Jacinto, captured Santa Anna, the dictator of all 
Mexico, and under duress wrung from hiin a treaty acknowledg- 
ing the independence of Texas. But this treaty the republic of 
Mexico ever rex)udiated. From 1836 on, overtures were frequent- 
ly made to the United States by the "lione Star," for admission 
into the Union. Mexico took occasion several times to inform the 
government of the United States that the annexation of Texas 
^vould be regarded as a casus hdli. The question entered into the 
presidential contest of 1844, and the election of l^olk was construed 
into a popular ajjproval of the step. Congress no longer hesitated, 
and on the 1st of March, 1845, gave its assent to the admission of 
Texas into the Union. Mexico immediately broke off diplomatic 
intercourse with the U. S. In July the army of occupation, under 
Gen. Zachariah Taylor, was ordered to Corpus Christi. During 
the following winter, while Mexico was in the throes of revolu- 
tion, during which Parades came to the surface as president, and 
while the administration sought an adjnstment of the questions of 
boundary, through an envoy (Mr. Sliilell), it ordered the army of 
occupation to a i)oint opposite Matamoras, to take possession of 
the territory h)ng in disi)ute, lying between the Xuces and theEio 
Grande. This was a repetition of the (1ii)]()macy of Frederick the 
Great in Silesia. The Mexicans occupied the territory at the time 
with a military force stationed at Ib'azos Santiago, which, on the 
approach of Taylor to Point Isal)e], withdrew west of the Kio 
Grande. Many outrages and robberies u[)<)n our citizens residing 
in jMexico had also been i)erpetrated through official sanction, 
with losses amounting to several million dollars, which our govern- 
ment had labored to have adjusted, but with very tardy ])rogress. 

On the 28th of March, 184(5, Taylor's army of some 4000 troops 
took position on the left bank of the llio Gi-ande within cannon 
shot of Matamoras, opposite. On the -;4th of April Gen. Arista 
assumed command of the Mexican forces. On the same day Gen. 
Taylor, having learned that a large body of JNIexicans had crossed 
the liio Grande 20 miles above, detached a force of 60 men, umler 
Captains Thoni])son and Hardee, to reconnoitre the enemy. They 
fell in with what they supposed was a scouting ])aity, but which 
proved to be the advance guard of a strong body of the enemy 
posted in thechapparal. The Ameri(;an commanders, contrary to 
the advice of their Mexican guide, charged and pursued the 

522 



MEXICAN WAR. 523 



guard across a clearing', and in an instant tlicir forces were sur- 
rounded by the, niain body of the Mexicans, wlio fired n])on tlieni, 
killing 16 and taking pi'isoiiers the remainder. A wounded soldier 
was sent into Taylor's camp by the Mexican commander, with a 
message that he had no tra\'eling hospital to render him the needed 
medical aid. 

Thus were hostilities actually commenced. ^STotwithstanding it 
was reasonably well known that war was almost inevitable from 
the advance of the army of occupation, which was al)out all the 
army the country had, all military preparation to meet su<-h a. ca- 
lamity was cahnly avoided. This ga^•e it the ai)pearance of a sur- 
2)rise. Eeports of this disastrous engagement reached ^Vashing- 
ton May 9rh, together with manj- painful rumors that Taylor was 
surrounde<l and cut off from his base of supplies at I'oint Isabel. 
Consternation was rife; the president sent into congress an ex- 
traordinary message, declaring that IVIexico had "at last invaded 
our territory, and shed the blood of our fellow citizens on our owu 
soil." Congress, with an alacrity unusual, two days after, passed 
an act declaring that "by the act of the rei)ublic of Mexico a .state 
of war exists between that government and the United States ;" 
authorized the [)resident to accept the services of 50,000 volunteers, 
and ai>propriated $10,000,000 to cany on the war. The intent 
was tt) con(]uer a peaci.' in slioit order with an over})Owering force. 

All this was in the midst of the i>ublic excitement incident to 
the Oregon boundary question — "54 40 or tight," being 
our motto. Mr. I'olk had been elected with the understanding 
that he would insist u})on the line. The notice terminating the 
joint occupation of Oregon had passed congress, Ai)ril 2.')d. But 
now happily with one war on our hands a collision with Great 
Britain was avoided by adopting the 49.th i)arallel of north lati- 
tude, and sacriticing all that vast region of the northwest, equal 
to several States: but we gained largely in the southwest. 

The call for volunteers was aj)i)ortioned mostly to the western 
and southern States. The requisition upon Illinois was for "three 
regiments of infantry or ritiemen." Th<^ i)ay was $8 per month, 
but with commutations it amounted to $15.50. The enlistments 
were ibr 12 months from the time of mustering into service at the 
place of rendezvous. The men were to unilorm themselves, for 
which they would be allowed. The selection of oflicers was left 
to the \olunteers, in accordance with the militia laws of the State 
wlnnice they were taken. The luunber of i)rivates were limited 
to 80 men in each company. Under date of May 25th, Gov. Ford, 
commander-in-chief of the militia of the State, issued his general 
order calling upon the major and brigadier generals and other 
militia otticers to aid in I'aising and organizing the three regiments. 
As the militia had for a long time been in a disorganized state, it 
was further ordered that the sheriffs convene the regiments or old 
battalions e» wrtAv^c, and enroll such volunteers as might offer in 
their respective counties. The governor proposed to receive the 
first full companies that offered. The company officers were to 
act under tlieir certificates of election until commissioned. And 
now many portions of the State seemed alive with the zeal of 
patriotism. The animating strains of nuirtial music were wafted 
upon the air, everywhere inspiring the soldierly im])ulse. Our 
public men rallied the people with spirited, patriotic and effective 



524 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

appeals. The militia generals issued tbeir orders convening their 
brigades, and exhorted them to volunteer and "maintain their 
honorable position on the jjresent occasion." We note the first of 
these orders as by the gallant J. J. Hardin, who "enrolled himself 
as the first volunteer Ironi Illinois."* The responses to the demands 
of patriotism were prompt, eager, and overwhelming. It was 
esteemed an honor to be permitted to contribute to the nation's 
call. In 10 days time 35 companies duly organized were ofiicially 
reported to the governor, while tlie busy notes of i)reparation still 
resounded from all parts of the State. By the middle of June 
the requisition was exceeded by more than 40 companies. The 
ladies, too, aninnited by the patriotism of their brothers, with a free 
will formed sewing societies and made uniforms and garments for 
the volunt(^ers. 

The place of rendezvous was appointed at Alton. Brigad'er 
General James Shieldst was by the governor designated to inspect 
and muster into service the Illinois Aolunteers; this was not his 
excellency's province, however, and the war de})artment sent out 
Col. S. Churchill, Inspector General of the United States Arjny, to 
supervise the mustering in. This gentleman entertained through- 
out the war an affectionate regard for the Illinois troops. From 
the governor's office the 30 full comi)anies were ordered, by letters 
addressed to their respective captains, to repair to the place of 
rendezvous as fast as uniformed. Of course, out of the more than 
75 companies, some fragmentary and others reidete tooverfiowing, 
more than half were disappointed. Much fault was now found 
with Governor Ford, here and there over the State, by the disap- 
IJointed ones, who, in their chagrin, charged him with partiality, 
favoritism and dishonorable conduct, in the acceptance of compa- 
nies, using language anything but temperate.^ 

The first regiment of Illinois volunteers was organized July 2d, 
as follows : The first battalion consisted of companies commanded 
by Captains J. D. Morgan, of Adams ; Elisha Wells, of Cook ; 
Noah Fry, of Greene; J. S. Roberts, of Morgan ; and W. A. Eich- 
ardson, of Schuyler. The 2d battalion consisted of com]>anies 
mider the command of Captains Lyman IMowers, of Cook ; T. Lyle 
Dickey, of LaSalle ; A. W. Crow, of Jo Daviess; William Weath- 
erford, of Morgan ; and Samuel Montgomery, of Scott. Gen. Jolm 
J. Hardin was elected colonel with great unanimity ; Captain 
William Weatherford was elected lieutenant coloiu'l, and W. B. 
Warren, major — all three of Morgan county. B. M. I'rentiss was 
ai)pointed adjutant, John Scanlan commissary, S. M. Farsons 



*See Illinois Stutc Heaistt-r, May 29, 1846. 

tNoTK.— .Judtie Shii'Ids, who resided at Washington, as Commissioner of the Genei-al 
Land Offlee, on the outhreakinfr of the war, ever full of the martial spirit, promptly 
repaired to Illinois and labored ctliciently to rouse the patriotic sentiments of the peo- 
ple, bringing with him the I'resid.iu's (ironiise of a briiiadier-generalship, the Illinois 
reuimetits to constitute his bri^iade. KunKjrs in advance of the fact of hisappointment 
reached Illinois and consideralde dissatisfaction grew out of it at home, but the Presi- 
dent nominated him and he was confirmed . Criticisms and sneers at his military qual- 
ifications were freely indulged, but when his gallant behavior at Cei-ro Gordo, and his 
great servicesatCliur\iluiseoandChei>ultepec were heralded over the country, together 
with the well deserved iiraisesof his superior commanders, it appeared that a better 
choice from civil life could not well have been made, and his own State rewarded him 
with the highest office a foreigner can hold. 

•.|:See Capt. G. W. Aiken's letter dated Benton, .lune ^Oth, in Illinois State Kegister of 
•Tuly 10, 1840. See also proceedings of the Clark County Company at a public meeting 
in Marshall, July 6th, published in Illinois State Register, July 1", 1846. 



MEXICAN WAR. 525 



quarteim aster, E. A.Giller sergeaiit-iiiiijor, A. W.Fiy drum-major, 
Dr. White surgeon, and Dr. Zabriskie* assistant surgeon. W. J. 
Wvatt was also a captain in this regiment. 

The 2d regiment was organized on the same day. It consisted 
of companies ujider the command of Captains Peter Goff, of Mad- 
ison county; J. L. D. Morrison, of St. Clair; Erastus Wheeler, of 
Madison ; A. Dodge, of Kendall, Jersey and Madison counties; 
W. H. Bissell, of St. Clair; E. C. Colfee, of Washington; II. T. 
Trail, of Monroe ; John S, Hacker, of Union ; L. (1. Jones, of I'erry ; 
and II. L. Webb, of rulaski. Captain Wm. II. Bissell was elected 
colonel by 807 votes against ti, one of the latter being in his own com- 
pany and 5 in Cai)tain Morrison's. Capt. J. L. D. Morrison was 
elected lieutenant colonel, and V:\\*t. H. E. Trail nnijor. Lieut. A. 
Whitesides was appointed adjutant, and Lewis J. Clawson sutler. 
Julius liaith, Joseph Lemon and Madison JMiller were also cai>tains 
in this regiment. 

The od regiment was composed of the following companies : 
Captains Ferris Eorman, of Eayette county ; J. C. McAdams, of 
Bond; M. K. Lawler, of Gallatin ; Theo. McGinnis, of roi)e ; W. 
W. Wiley, of Bond ; J. A. Campbell, of Wayne ; W. W. Bishop, 
of Coles; S. G. Hicks, of Jefferson ; James Ereeman, of Shelby ; 
and J. P. Hardy, of Hamilton. Capt. Eorman, of Eayette, was 
elected colonel ; W. W. AViley, of Bond, lieutenant colonel, and 
Samuel D. Marshall of Gallatin, nnijor. Lieut. J. T. B. Stapp was 
appointed adjutant. Philip Stout and B. S. Sellers were also cap- 
tains in this regintent. Col. Churchill, of theU. S. army, inspcctc'd 
and mustered it into service. The 1st numbered S77 men, rank 
and file ; the 2d 8J>2, and the 3d 9()G. The insi)ecting ofticer pro- 
nounced them as fine a body of men as ever he saw mustered. It 
was a sid^ject of remark how little intoxication there Avas among 
the volunteers. 

In the meantime the Hon. E. D. P>aker, then a member of con- 
gress from the Sangamon distiict, had received authoiity from the 
secretary of war to raise an additional regiment of Illinois volun- 
teers. Gov. Eord issued his order of approval under <late of June 
oth, and authorized companies raised, or to be raised, to join this 
regiment by permission of Mr. Baker. He also authorized him to 
appoint the time and place of rendezvous for the regiment, and to 
provide for its sustenance, equii)ment and transportation. The 
following conjpanies constituted this regiment : Captains Pugh, 
of Macon county; Elkin, of McLean ; iioberts, of Sangamon; 
Harris, of Menard ; Morris, of Sangamon ; Kewcomb, of L)eWitt; 
Hurt, of Logan ; Jones, of Tazewell ; McKonkey, of Edgar — 9 
companies. The lOth company did not join until after its arrival 
at the place of rendezvous, Alton. It was at first expected that 
this would be either Captain Garrett's, of Chicago, or that of Cap- 
tain Eagan, of LaSalle ; but these failing to arrive in time, C'ap- 
taiu Mtirphy's, of Perry, formed the 10th company. The regimen- 
tal officers elected were : E. D. Baker, colonel ; ex-Lieut. Gov. 
John Moore, of McLean, lieutenant colonel ; and Capt. T. L. 
Harris, of Menard, major. The regiment lacked a few privates of 
being full ; but Illinois had raised a larger number of volunteers 

*Capt. Roberts resigned at Alton, and the brave Zabriskie, who fell by the side of 
the noble Hardin at Buena Vista, was chosen in his place. 



526 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

tliau any other State in the Union. Lewis W. Eoss and A. W. 
Wright were also captains in this regiment. 

Iniinediately after the arrival of the 4th regiment at Alton, a 
question of rank arose between its colonel, Baker, and Col. John 
J. Hardin, of the 1st regiment. Col. Baker had been elected at 
Springfield, and his commission ante-dated that of the other col- 
onels, whence he claimed seiuority. This was resisted by Colonel 
Hardin, who charged such irregularity in Baker's choice as to be 
no election at all by the regiment, first, because the governor had 
never ordered the election ; second, because there were but seven 
companies present to participate in the election ; therefore the im- 
proper issuance of the commission could not give priority to Col. 
Baker. Tlu^ matter was referred to a court of inquiry, consisting 
of Captains Bishop, Dickey, Crow, Jones. Elkin, Hicks, IMcAdams, 
Wiley, Coffee, Kobcrts and Morgan, with G. T. JM. Uavis as clerk. 
Alter due investigation Col. Hardin was declared the senior ofticer* 
At a meeting of the oflicers of the 3 first regiments, subsequently, 
a formal jtrotest was signed and forwarded to the })resident 
against the a])pointnuMit of officers on the I'ecommendation of mem- 
bei's of congress. t The 4tli regiment passed on to Jefferson Bar- 
racks. 

After the disaster to Captain Thompson's reconnoitering party 
on the 24tli of April, and before the news reached Washington, 
the important battles of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma, May 
8th and 9th, were fought and won by Taylor's forces, on the route 
between his camj) and Point Isabel, his de])Ot of sui)i)lies, which 
the Mexicans sought to cut off'. They had also bondtarded Tay- 
lor's camp opposite Matamoras, called I'^cut Brown, but the siege 
was lai'sed by the arri\al of the victorious army on the 10th of 
May, and Mahnnoras was surrendered without a further struggle. 
Thencelbrward the liio Grande was assumed as the base of military 
operations, and the Mexican villages at the mouth of the San Juan 
having also snrrendered, Comargo, 180 miles above the mouth of 
the Bio Graiule, was selected as the depot of supplies for Gen. 
Taylor's army. Thither the various Aolunteer reginu'nts which 
were to reinforce Taylor's army were to be sent. 

But while Gen. Taylor was passing the Rio Grande and direct- 
ing his columns toward the interior of Mexico, the cabinet at Wash- 
ington formed the plan of moving acorps on Santa Fe, and another 
to march on the capital of Chihuahua, believed to be the centre of 
much wealth and strength — a gross mistake. It was also sup- 
l)osed that the northern States of Mexico were ready for revolt. 
The former, called the army of the west, was assembled at Fort 
Leavenworth and placed under the comnumd of Gen. Kearney ; 
and the latter, under Brig. Gen. John E. Wool, was called tlie 
army of the centre, the trooi)s for which were ordered by the war 
departnu^nt to assend)le at Antonio de Baxar, on the San Antonio 
river, whence they were to proceed westward to Chihuahna. The 
troo]>s for these expeditions were the volunteers, scattered at the 
time in different jtaits of the U. S., strangers to the vicissitudes 
of war, and remote from the points of rendezvous. But the celer- 
ity of their assend)ling, their luodigious marches and cvpni du 
corps are among the wonderful incidents of that war. 

• Illinois State Reg. July 10, 1846. " 

t See Mo. Republican July, 1846. 



MEXICAIN' WAR. 527 



The Illinois regiments were not all formed into one brigade, as 
many liad fondly hoped. The 1st and 2d were assigned to the 
army of the centre, and the destination of the 3d and 4th was 
Comargo. They proceeded by water, The 1st and 2d left Alton, 
July 17th, ISth and 19th, on board the steamers Convoy, Missouri 
and Hannibal; w^ere transhi]>ped at New Orleans, and finally 
debarked at Levacca, on Matagorda Bay, July 29th. Gen. Wool 
accompanied them from Alton. They arrived at Pallida creelc, 12 
miles from Levacca, August 7th, and commenced their march 4 
days later. The route to San Antonio de Bexar was over an arid 
prairie under a tropical sun, whose rays were cooled but little by 
the frequent showers. At the crossings of the head streams of 
the Antonio and the Guadaloupe, the parched and weary volun- 
teers of the north found the only good water to quench their 
thirst, or shade for rest. An Illinois soldier wrote: "Heat — 
heat — heat; rain — rain — rain; mud — mud — nnid, intermingled 
with spots of sand gravel, form the i)i'incipal features of the route 
from Levacca to San Antonio. Loaded wagons, of course, moved 
slowly over the roads, and our troops moreover were scourged on 
the route by themumi)s and measles.''* On the 23d, the 1st and 
2d Illinois regiments were encami)ed on the San^ntonio, 2 miles 
below the Alamo, at Camp Crocket. 

The 3d regiment (Col. Forman's) took its departure from Alton, 
July 22d, on board the steamers Glencoe and John Aull. On the 
next day the steamers Sultana and Eclipse took on board the 4th 
regiment (Col. Baker's) at Jetlerson Barracks. It came first to 
St. Louis and made a parade through some of the streets, and 
in front of the Planters' Hotel executed with nice precision its 
evolutions and drill. It was handsomely uniformed and was much 
admired. The boats got oft' the same evening, and the troops, 
after considerable detention at the mouth of tlie Bio Grande and 
Matamoras, arrived at Comargo toward the close of Septeml)er. 

Our northern troops reached the enervating southern clinuite 
in the very heat of summer ; they were used to a more bracing air, 
a ^■ariety of Avholesome food, well cooked, good water, cleanliness 
of clothing and body, comf<u-table bedding and regularity of 
work and rest. All this was changed in their new life of the sol- 
dier, with its irregularities, its excitements, its unrest and its 
restraints. The food was new and untried, its quality often infe- 
rior, and its pre])aration unskillful. The residt Avas a percentage 
of sickness unprecedented, and a death rate extraordinary. The 
suftering of our once hale, yet brave young men, in this re- 
spect, was fearful. The burden of messages home was sickness — 
measles, diarrhoea, ague — the first named very fatal. 

Gen. Taylor's army, reinforced by volunteers, had gradually 
concentrated at Comargo, and about the first of September began 
to march up the valley of the San Juan, towards the important 
city of Monterey, whither the Mexicans, after evacuating Mata- 
moras, had retreated. Taylor's force, after leaving a strong gar- 
rison behind, consisted of about 7,000 eft'ective men. On the 19th 
of September, Monterey was reached. Gen. Ampudia was in 
comnuind of the city with an army of 0,000, and some raw re- 
cruits, though up to the tinu' of attack Gen. Taylor supposed it 
to consist of only about 3,000. The defences of the city, both 



•'•Rondenac" to Nat. Intel. Nlles Regis. 71—9 



528 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

natural and artificial, were very strong; and Gen. Ampudia for 3 
days made a vigorous resistance. On the 24th he sent a flag to 
the American commander requesting a cessation of firing. After 
negotiation, terms of cai)itu]ation -were entei-ed into by wliich the 
Mexicans evacuated ami surrendered the city, and retired beyond 
a line formed by the pass of the llinconada, the city of Linares 
and San Fernando de Presas, beyond which the Ibrces of the 
United States were not to advance during a period of 8 weeks, or 
until the orders of their respective governments could be receive<l. 
The war department disapproved the armistice, and under date 
of October 13th, directed Gen. Taylor to give notice that it should 
cease. By the middle of November, Saltillo^\as occupied by Gen. 
Worth's corps. 

The army of the centre under Gen. Wool, some 3,000 strong, 
began its march westward Septend)er 2")th. Its declared object 
was to aid in establishing tlieindepemlence of the northern States 
of Mexico. Its route hiy over a great barren region of country, 
rendering its subsistence extraordinarily ex])ensive. With it were 
the 1st and 2d Illinois regiments. The 3d and Itli regiments on 
the Eio Grande, did not reach Comargo in time to participate in 
the movements of Taylor's army up the pleasant valley of the San 
Juan and the reduction of Monterey. On the Eio Grande a great 
dearth in army movements i)revailed, rendering the volunteer oflti- 
cers, eagerly seeking the ''bubble repntation at the cannon's 
mouth," extremely impatient. Gen. Shields Avas now, however, 
detached from his brigade, consisting of the 3d and 4th Illinois 
regiments, and ordered to join the moving column under 
Gen. Wool. In addition to his staff. Gen. Shields called upon 
Gen. Patterson, in connnand of all the forces at Comargo, for an 
escort, for which he received from the 1st battalion of the 4th Illi- 
nois, 18 privates, a lieutenant, sergeant and corporal. They were 
mounted and had 6 pack mules. Their destination was the Presi- 
dio, where they arrived before the mi<ld]e of October, the 1st and 
2d Illinois being now assigned to Shields' brigade. At the time (Oct. 
14th) Bissells' regiment, which had not started with the advance, 
was a week behind. After the detachment of Gen. Shields from 
his brigade on the Rio Grande, the question of rank or seniority, 
which, as we have before noted, had its origin in Illinois, (;ameup 
between Colonels Formau and Baker, of the 3d and 4th regiments. 
The order to Gen. Patterson was to assign the senior colonel to 
the command of the brigade. The question, however, was left 
open for the present. Baker, taking the temporary command. Gen. 
Shields remained in his new position but a short time, when he 
was again detached and returned to Matamoras. An entire change 
in the conduct of the war had been i)lanned at Washington. This 
consisted in an attack on Tampico, (which invited deliverance 
from Mexican misrule), the invasion of Tamaulipas, and most im- 
portant, the descent on Vera Cruz. In November Gen. Scott was 
assigned with full power to the conduct of the expedition against 
Vera Cruz. Gen. Taylor had been instructed to organize a force 
in acco)"dance with these plans, for which i)ur])ose Generals Twiggs, 
Quitman and Pillow were ordered from JMonterey, and Gen. Pat- 
terson from Matamoras, to march by way of Victoiia and concen- 
trate at Tampico. This was a hard and ap])arently needless march 
for Gen. Patterson's division, to which the 3d and 4th Illinois regi- 



MEXICAN WAR. 529 



iiieiit.s beloiigod. It sliould liavc gone by water, as was first intended. 
The troops did not get finally started till in ])eceniber. Gen. 
Shields in the meantime had ])reeeded his brigade by water and 
on Deeember 19th he took formal eommand of Tampieo. On the 
2l'<l he issued his jioliee regulations, whieli were of a i-igid char- 
acter. Tami)ico liad been captured by Commodore I'erry, but was 
garrisoned by land forces.* 

We iJroposc first now to follow and sketcli tlie career of tlie 1st 
and iM Illinois reginu'nts. They were in Gen. Wool's exiiedition, 
phmned by the eabiiu't at Washington, to march to Chilmaliua and 
to promote the revolt of the northern States of JMc.xico. The 
army, some 3,(KH> strong, l)r()ke camp near San Antonio, Texas, 
September 2(>, ]84(!. Two months later it crossed the Kio Grande 
at San Juan, lietter known as the Piesidio, an old Mexican town, 
containing- many Jesuit ruins, distant 182 miles. Thence their 
route lay over a level but now desolate plain, through the dilapi- 
dated t(nvn of Nava, in the midst of it, by the Grove of the Angels, 
to San Fernando de Eosas. This ])lace was eml)OSomed appa- 
rently in an artificial groxe, surrounded on 3 sides by a fine stream 
of clear water, an<l stretching off in every direction were fertile 
plains. It contained some 4,000 inhabitants, was neatly built up 
in the JNIexican \style of architecture, the material being- stone and 
adobe. It was a perfect oasis in the long and weary marches of 
the arjny. The army thence traversed over si)urs of mountains, 
througirrugged defiles, to the valley of the Santarita, and enu-rged 
by a tortuous gorge u])on the broad ])lain of San Jose, stretching 
30 miles away before them. Through it fiowed two rivers, 4 or 5 
feet deep, Mith currents so swift tliat it -nas diflicnlt to hold a 
footing- in fording-. But with considerably delay, by the aid of 
ropes, all the forces, cannon, provision trains, &c., were i)assed 
over. On the 24th of October, the army entered the city of Santa 
liosa. The inhabitants, munbering some 3,000, offered no resis- 
tance, but furnished the supplies reqnired. This place was situ- 
ated at the base of the Sierra Gorda, a range of mountains rising 
4,000 feet above the level of the plain. Through these they now 
ascertained there were no defiles westward aftbrdingpassage toother 
than nude trains. It was impossible to lead an army over them. It 
became apparent that the nnutial and)ition of the War Depart- 
ment exceeded its geograi)hical knowledge, which had thus been 
obtained at a cost of many millions to the treasury of the luition. 
The only alternative was to push hundreds of miles out of the way 
south, to Monciova and Parras, and strike the great road from 
Saltillo to Chihuahua. This course was decided upon, and the 
army again took up its weary line of marcli f)ver the most rug- 
ged, mountainous and sterile country it had yet i)assed, about 
the only vegetation met with being the Mugney, celebrated as the 
plant from which an intoxicating licpior, called mesmJ. is distilled. 

After a short halt at the hacienda of Senor Miguel Blanco, they 
finally emerged into the valley of Mcmclova; crossing Avhi(;h, (Jen. 
Wool encamped his column before the city of that name. This 
was in consequence of the formal protest of the prefect, the first 
show of opposition with which the army liad met thus far on the 
route. Gen. Wool immediately took possession of the town, 
November 3d, and displayed the American flag from the top of the 

* See letter from Secretary ot War to Gen. Taylor, Oct. 22, 1846. 

34 



530 HISTOKY OF ILLINOIS. 

governor's palace on the principal plaza. In the meantinie, Gen. 
Taylor had ordered Gen. Wool, with whom he had eoniiunnieated 
several times, not to advance beyond Monclova until the termina- 
tion of his armistice with Ampndia. Being now some 700 miles from 
Lavacca, Gen. Wool determined to establish a depot of sni)i)lies at 
Monolova, for which purpose he employed the time to collect large 
quantities of stores and i)rovisions and in reconnoitering the coun- 
try, while he also perfected the disci|>line of the troops. After the 
delay of a month, the "Centre Division,^' except 2a0 men left to 
guard the depot at Monclova, once more took up its line of march 
for Parras, distant ISO miles. The route was sonth, and led 
through a number of towns before reaching Parras, containing 
about (5,000 inhabitants, located near the centre of the best grain 
region o-f Mexico, at the base of the Bolson de Malpami, 100 miles 
southwest from k^altillo and 300 miles from San Luis de Potosi. 

This key to Chihuahua (distant 450 miles) was reached on the 
5th of Deceml)er. By thistime the comiuest of Chihnahua had been 
abandoned, and, as wehave seen, other plans of inoseciitingthe war 
were in process of execution. Scott was in sui)reme command ; 
the army of occupation had dispersed from Monterey, Taylor 
being at Victoria, and Patterson ordered from Comargo to 
Tampico. Santa Anna was collecting a- large force at San Luis 
Potosi, threatening Monterey, the liio Grande, and all the con- 
quests of Taylor's army. Gen. Wool therefore left Parras, after 
12 days' stay, to throw himself across tlie i>robable route of Santa 
Anna's advance, and on the 21st of December occupied Agua 
Nueva, his movement culminating just two mouths later in the 
severest and most important battle of the war, that of Buena 
Yista. Thus was completed a fatiguing march of near a 1.000 
miles, made in about G weeks time (deducting sto])pages at Mon- 
clova and Parras), over a barren and desolate country, through 
which supplies were trans])orted at an infinite exi)euse, which 
proved utterly fruitless of results; and viewed at this day seems 
to have been planned without consideration, if not conceived in 
folly. Throughout the arduous and excessive marches the Illinois 
troops conducted themselves as veterans. 

Battle of Buena Yista. — It becoming more and more apparent 
that Santa Anna meditated a descent upon Saltillo, and i)robably 
the entire country over Avhich the army of occupation had fought, 
Gen. Taylor, in January, 1847, left Victoria and established his 
headquarters at Monterey. Directly, further information of Santa 
Anna's purposes were discovered in the ca])ture of C. M. Clay, 
and Majors Borland and Gains at Encarnacion. Leaving 1,500 
men l)ehind, Taylor now advanced with all his available force to 
Saltillo, distant 40 miles. After a short halt he proceeded forward 
to the camp of Gen. Wool at Agna Nneva, the whole effective 
forces concentrated there now being swollen to about 5,000 men, 
all volunteers except 500. 

Agua ISTueva was situated at the southeast corner of the elevated 
and well watered valley of Eucantada, where the great road from 
San Luis Potosi entered it. From thence north to Saltillo, a dis- 
tance of 20 miles, the road followed the pass of Buena Vista, 
which varied in width from 1^ to 4 miles, but at a point 6 miles 
south of Saltillo contracted to the " Narrows" — La Augosturea. 



MEXICAN WAR. 531 



Meaiuleriiig tlirougii the Pass was a small streivm of water, which 
had washed out at the Narrows a net work of iiidlies 20 feet deep, 
witli precipitous hanks. On the east side of the stream the ground 
was elevated to the height of GO or 70 feet. Into this, at right 
angles from the Narrows, extended 3 gorges of unequal length, 
varying from perhaps a ^ to ^ mile, the southermost being the 
longest and deepest. Between these were high ridges runnijig 
back into a plateau, which extended to the mountain further east 
about ^ a mile. Between the gullies and the taV)le hind thus cut 
into ridges there was a narrow strip of ground for the road, down 
on the lower level, leaving hardly room for two wagons to pass. 
Back of the plateau a dee}) ravine ran up to the mountain, and to 
the south of it there was also a ravine, broad, but not so dithcult to 
cross. Precisely two months before the battle, Gen. Wool, on a 
trip to Saltillo, pointed out tins detile as tlie spot of all others for 
a snniU army to tight a large one. And it was in fact a perfect 
TliermopyliC. 

When, therefore, Santa Anna with his splendid army of 20,000, 
poured into the valley at Agua Nueva, early on the morning of 
the 22d of Febiuary, hoping to surprise Taylor, he found nothing 
but destroyed dwellings, burning stacks of grain, and a small 
mounted force, which gave him room without i)arley. Everything 
indicated a hurried d<'i)arture, which his ready imagination con- 
strued into a precipitate retreat. Thus deluded, after a bare 
halt, he nnide pursuit, hoping to overtake the Americans and con- 
vert their retreat into a rout. He urged forward his famished 
and jaded forces 14 miles farther, without adequate rest or nour- 
ishment, aiid when he did overtake the Americans it was at these 
very "Narrows," wheie he could not recede without defeat or 
avoid battle without dishonor. 

Gen. Minon, who had hovered around Gen. Wool's forces for a 
week, had been disi)atched Avith 2,000 cavalry by a circuitous 
route to the east, to threaten Saltillo and cut off their retreat; 
and Gen. Uri-ea, with 1,000 rancheros, had been sent by a circuit- 
ous route to the west of the road. 

The approach of the Mexicans thiough the Pass was made visi- 
ble at a considerable distance by the clouds of dust raised. Our 
troops had halted north of the Narrows, about 1.^ miles, at the 
hanilet of Buena Vista. After refreshment on the nuuiiingof the 
22(1. they were marched back and i>la<*ed in position on the field 
by Gen. Wool. Gen. Taylor was away (! miles, at Saltillo, direct- 
ing the defences of the depot of sujqdies. Capt. \\'asIiington's 
battery of <S pieces was placed to occui)y the I'oad at the Narrows, 
supported l)y the 1st Illinois regiment, Col. Hardin, i»osted t)n the 
high road to the east of it. Still farther to the east, on the main 
plateau, was the 2d Illinois regiment and one company of Texans 
(Oapt. Conner's.) under Col. Bissell. Captains Morgan's and 
Prentiss' companies of the 1st Illinois, and Cajjtains Hacker's 
and Wheeler's of the 2d Illinois, were despatched under command 
of Major Warren to Saltillo, to guard the train and depot against 
attack from Gen. Minon. To the left of the 2d Illinois, near the 
ba.s(^ of the mountain, were the moiuited Kentucky and Arkansas 
regiments. Colonels Marshall ami Yell; and on the ridge to the 
rear of the Illinois trooi)s. as a reserve, were placed the 2(1 and 
3d Indiana regiments (Gen. Lane's brigade), the Mississippi rifles, 



532 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

the 1st and 2d dragoons, and the light batteries of Captains Bragg 
and Shenuan. The 2d Kentucky regiment (of foot), Col. McKee, 
occupied a ridge, around which the road divided to the rear of 
Washington's battei^y. 

As the Mexican ca^•alry came clattering down the road, the first 
intiiimtion they received of an enemy in the way was to behold 
him thus stationed in battle array. Before they came witliin 
rauge their bugles sounded a halt, and they directly wheeled to 
the right behind a protecting elevation of ground. As those iu 
the rear came up, the whole were formed into three columns, one 
to carry Washington's battery and tlie others to turn our left 5 
with still a large reserve. The enemy had 20 guns, among which 
there were three 24-pounders, three 10, five 12, besides a 7-inch 
howitzer. Before attacking, Santa Anna sent Gen. Taylor a fiag 
of truce, assuring him he would be cut iu pieces, and summoning 
him to surremler, which was promi)tly declined. It was now 3 
p. m. In the meantime Gen. Wool had passed along the lines, 
addressing a few spirited words to our troops. He reminded his 
own column, mostly lllinoisang, of their jtrotracted and imi)atient 
marches, but that every one would now have an oi)i)ortunity to 
win all the distinction desired. In honor of the day the watch- 
word was : "The memory of Washington." 

The enemy oi)eued with a brisk cannonade upon our right and 
centre, but he fought mainly to get possession of the two 
slopes of the mountain rising from the plateau on the east, to 
turn ourfiak. Tliis was met by the Kentucky and Arkansas reg- 
iments (dismounted), and a portion of the Indiana brigade, armed 
with ritles. A movement was also made on the west, to 3neet 
whicdi Bragg's battery was sent across the stream on an eminence 
opposite the Narrows, sup]>()rted by McKee's 2d Kentucky. A des- 
ultory fight was kept uj) till nightfall, but the two arndes did not 
become fully engaged. Gen. Taylor, who had returned, de]>arted 
for Saltillo to look after the safety of the stores and the i)rotec- 
tion of his rear. 

During tlie day Col. Hardin's 1st Illinois threw up a parapet 
along his whole front, cut a trench across the road to the brink 
of the gullies, in front of Washington's battery, and covered his 
position witlj an e])aidment, leaving an opening for the advance 
of the battery choked with two wagons loaded with stones, their 
wheels locked that the enemy should not profit by it. The troops 
bivouacked on the field without fires, resting upon their arms. The 
night was cold and dreary, with rain and gusts of wind, causing 
them to suffer with cold. Santa Annamade a spirited address to his 
troops, reciting in bnnnng words the wrongs heaped ui)on their 
country by the barbarians of the north, their viva f> being distinctly 
heard by the Americans. The delicious strains of his own band 
till late in the night, playing the exquisite airs of the sunny 
south, mellowed by distance, Avere fully audible to our troojjs. 
But at last silence fell over the hosts that were to contend unto 
death in that nar)ow ])ass oji the morrow. 

The battle was resumed early on the morning of the 23d, and con- 
tinued without intermission until the shades of night precluded 
fuither effort. i^Teverdid armies contend more bravely, determin- 
edly, stubboinly and arduously than these on this long and toil- 
some day. It was again opened on the mountain slope to the east 



MEXICAN WAR. 533 



of the i)lateau by Gen. Ampiidia's division of li.^lit infantry, lieav- 
ily reinforced. At 2 a. m. tliey clambered np the monntain to 
iiiink our riflemen, wlio had kindled tires, and atcUiwn the engage- 
ment became general. Gen. Wool sent reinfor<;ements to our rifle- 
men, under the command of Major Trail, of the lid Illinois, consist- 
ing of Captains Lemon's and Woodward's comi)anies, and Captain 
Conner's Texans, and a 12-i)ound howitzer and two guns under 
Lieut. O'Brien, which did great execution upon the INlexicans, as 
they poured upon our men in the number of eight to one. 

About 8 a. m. the eneniy made a strong demonstration against 
our centre, doubtless for a feint. His force was soon disi)ersed by 
the well directed shots from Washington's battery ; but in the 
meantime he was collecting a large force in tlie broad ra,vine south 
of the main plateau, under Gen. Pacheco, while Gen. Lombardini's 
division marched up the ridge (which hid the former) in plain view, 
su))ported by dragoons and lancers, the whole in their splendid 
uniforms presenting- a beautiful sight. The object was to form a 
junction on the south side of the main plateau, and, that gained, 
overwhelm our forces. Tlie plateau at the time was oc-cupied by 
the 2d Illinois, Col. Bissell's, and the 2d Indiana, Col. Bowies', 
the latter of Gen. Lane's brigade. Tlie object of the enemy was 
perceived: and to i)revent the junction of his two divisions. Gen. 
Lane ordered fcn-ward Lieut. O'Brien with three pieces of artillery 
and the 2d Indiana in support. They proceeded between 200 and 
'MH) yards in advance of all other troops, turning' down the ridge 
up which Lombardini's division was advancing. No sooner had 
they formed than the Mexicans opened upon them, the odds 
against them being as ten to one. There, isolate<l, they stood and 
fought the cohorts of Santa Anna with terrible eflect. But a Mex- 
ican battery, south-east of them and somewhat to their rear, began 
to play a murderous cross tire of grape and cannister upon them. 
The unequal contest was maintained not less than 25 minutes : to 
get out of the range of this battery Gen. Lane now ordered his 
force still forward and to the right, 50 yards farther, which was 
promptly done ; but at this juncture, perhaps from a misappre- 
licHsiou of Gen. Lane's order, Col.Bowlescried out to his regiment, 
*' cease firing, and retreat", which was obeyed not only with alac- 
rity but precipitancy. It was sought to rally the men back to their 
position, but without eflect The battery, with the loss of one 
l»iece, got away. 

Pachec^'s division, having by this time made the ravine, joined 
Lombardini's, and the twop<Hiied upon the main plateau, so Ibrm- 
idablo in lunnbers as to ai)i)ear irresistible. At this time the 2d 
Illinois, Col. Bissell, six <'<)jnpanies, a squadron of cavalry, and 
Lieutenants French and Thomas with their pieces of artillery, the 
whole having already advanced to a closer iK)int, came handsomely 
into action and gallantly received the concentrated tire of the en- 
emy, which they returned with deliberate aim and terrible eflect; 
every discharge of the artillery seeming to tear a bloody path 
through the heavy columns of the enemy. Says a writer: ''The 
ra[)i<l nuisketry of the gallant troops of Illinois poured a storm of 
lead into their senied ranks, wiiich literally stiewed the ground 
witli the dead and dying." But, notwithstanding his losses, the 
enejny steadily advanced, throwing a large body b<'tween the left 
of the Illinoisans and Shennan's battery, which had come up, so 



534 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

that our gallant regiment received a fire from three sides, front, 
left flank and left rear; but tliey nmintained tbeir position for a 
tiniewitli unflinching firmness against that immense host — to have 
charged which would have been speedy and complete destruction. 
At length, perceiving the danger of being enitirely surrounded, it 
was determined to fall back to a ravine. Col. Bissell, with the cool- 
ness as if on ordinary drill, ordered the signal '■'cease firing"" to be 
made; he then, with the same deliberation, gave the command, 
" Face to the rear ! Battalion, about face ; forward march !" — which 
was executed by the lUinoisans with the regularity of veterans to 
a point beyond the peril of being outflanked. Again, in obedience 
to command, these intrei)id and su-bordinate men halted, faced 
about, and, under a murderous tempest of bullets from the foe, re- 
sumed with promi)tness and i)recision their well-directed tire on 
his left, as he essayed to cross the i)lateau and gain their rear. The 
conduct of no troops anywhere could have been more admirable. 
Will it add any encomium to state that they liad never till tliat day 
been under fire f — that in the space of less than half an hour tbey 
had seen droj) by tlieir side their fellows to the nuujber of 80 — 
ofHcers and menf How diflerent from the four companies of the 
Arkansas regiment, which (dismounted) were ordered to the })la- 
teau, but gave way and dispersed after delivering their first fire I 

There now came to the aid of our struggling and shattered regi- 
ment four companies from the 1st Illinois under the gallant Harclin 
himself, the 2d Kentucky, Col. McKee, and Capt. Bragg, with two 
jfieces of artillery. Hereon the plateau now the battle long in even 
balance hung. In the meantime the enemy's left, 4,000 strong, 
was repulsed by the iron tempest from Washington's battery. But 
behind his serried ranks on the plateau, next to the base of the 
luountain, his cavalry swept past, driving the Kentucky and Ar- 
kansas mounted volunteers back. Seeing this, our riflemen a\»au- 
doned their position with great loss under the pursuit of Ami)u- 
dia's light infantry, who i»oured down in great masses on a sec- 
tion of the plain half a. njile north of the plateau, completely turn- 
ing our left. With the exception of Col. Hardin's i)arai)et, and 
Washington's battery at the narroAvs, both hehland su])i)orted by 
a portion of his regiment, our forces had now been driven i'roni 
every first position on the field, and our loss was immense. Gen. 
Wool had conducted the brilliant achievements of ourariny up to 
this time ; but the demand for reinforcements was now imjjerative. 
It was at this critical period that Gen. Taylor arrived from Saltillo, 
accompanied by the Mississippi Eifles, Col. Jeflersou Davis, a 
squadron of dragoons, Lieut. Col. May, two companies of infantry, 
Cai)tains Pike and Preston, and a piece of artillery. This force, 
tried in the storjning of Monterey, threw themselves with intrepid 
gallantry against Ampudia's hordes as they came pouring down 
the plain flushed ^^ith victory. Kiom their unerring rifles men 
dropp<Hl as grass before the scythe. The tide of victory was 
checked ; and the 3d Indiana coming to their support, the Mexi- 
cans were driven beyond range. 

In the meantime Santa Anna had, with infinite labor, brought 
his battalion de San Patri(;io (deserted Irish soldiers Aom our 
army) forward with a battery of 18 and 24-pounders, enfilading 
with grape and cannister the whole plateau. But by a vigorous 
sortie his heavy column was broken near its centre, a portion fly- 



MEXICAN "WAR. 535 



iiig north towards Ampiidia; the otlier, with Sauta Anna in their 
niidtst, (his horse shot,) pressing southward, and Hardin, ]>is- 
sell and McKee, with their forces dashini;' in pursuit to a point 
within close musket range, where they poured a ra|)id and most 
destructive lire into his ranks till he gained the cover of the ra- 
vine. His battery, however, held its position. Directly after. Gen. 
Taylor ordered Bragg's and Sherman's batteries to another part of 
tlie field, leaving but 4 ])ieces on the plateau. The 1st and I'd llli- 
iu)is and the 2d Kentucky regiments, together with 4 pieces of ar- 
tillery, were now stationed near the heads of the first and second 
gorges, holding in check the enemy's Lst and 2d attacking columns 
tilling the ravine next south of the plateau. For a long time the 
contest was maintained without decided advantage to either side 
on the plateau, the inain theatre of the battle. 

We have not space to follow in detail all the gallant fighting 
around on our left. Suffice it to say that the pieces of Bragg, 
Slierman, lieynolds, and Kilburn, the Mississipi)i Eifies, the od 
Induina and a fragment of the 2d, and Major Trail with two com- 
panies of the 2d Illinois, and Ca])t. Conner's Texans, the 1st and 
2(1 dragoons, and Colonels Marshall's and Yell's mounted Ken- 
tucky and Arkansas volunteers, and others, with signal success, 
beat back the enemy, cavah'y and infantry, from the hacienda de 
Bueua Vista, around on our left under the base of the mountain. 

I>ut now we have to relate the saddest, and for Illinois, the nu)st 
mournful event of that battle-fatigued day. As the enemy on our 
left was moving in retreat along the head of the plateau, our 
artillery was advanced Avell within range, and opened a heavy fire 
n])on him, Avhile 

*' Colonels Hardin. Bissell and McKee, with their Illinois and Ken- 
tucky troops, dashed gallantly forward in hot pursuit. A powerful re- 
serve of tlie Mexican army was just then emerging from the ravine, 
where it had been organized, and advanced on the plateau opposite the 
head of the southermost gorge. Those who were giving way rallied 
quickly upon it ; when the whole force, thus increased to over 12,0U0 
men, came forward in a perfect blaze of fire. It was a single column, 
composed of the best soldiers of the Republic, having for its advanced 
battalions the veteran regiments. The Kentucky and Illinois troops 
were soon obliged to give ground before it and seek shelter of tlie '2d 
gorge, [The enemy pressed on, and] arriving opposite the liead of the 
2d gorge, one half of the column sudilenly enveloped it, while the other 
half pressed on across the plateau, having for the moment nothing to 
resist them but the 3 guns in their trout. The portion that was inuue- 
diately opposed to the Kentucky and Illinois troops, ran down along 
each side of the gorge in which they had sought shelter, and also cir- 
cled around its head, leaving no possible way of escape for them except 
by its mouth, which opened uj^on the load. Its sides [wliicli] were 
steep — at least an angle of 45 degrees — were covered with loose pebbles 
and stones, and went to a point at the bottom. Down there were our 
poor fellows, nearly 3 regiments of tliem [1st and 2d Illinois and 2d 
Kentucky,] with butlittle opportunity to load or fire a gun, being hardly 
able to keep their feet. Above the whole edge of the gorge, all the way 
around, was darkened by the seried masses of the enemy, and was brist- 
ling with muskets directed upon the crowd beneath. It was no time to 
pause; those who were not immediately shot down, rushed on toward 
the road, their numbei's growing less and less as they went; Kentuckians 
and Illiuoisans, officers and men, all mixed up in confusion, and all 
pressing on over the the loose pebbles and rolling stones of those slielv- 
ing, precipitous banks, and having lines and lines of the enemj' firing 
down from each side and rear, as they went. .lust then, the enemy's 
cavalry, which had gone to the left of the reserve, had come over the 



536 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

spur that divides tlie mouth of the 2d gorge from tliat of the 3d, and 
were now closing up the only door through which there was the least 
shadow of a chance for their lives. Many of those ahead endeavored to 
force their way out ; but few succeeded ; the lancers were fully 6 to 1, 
and their long weapons were already reeking with blood. It was at this 
time that those who were still back in that dreadful gorge heard, above 
the din of the musketry and the shouts of the enemy around them, the 
roar of Washington's Battery. No music could have been moi'e grate- 
ful to their ears. A moment only, and the whole opening, where the lan- 
cers were busy, rang with the re^jeated exjjlosions of spherical-case shot. 
They gave way. The gate, as it were, was clear, and out upon the road 
a stream of our poor fellows issued. They ran, panting down towards 
the battery and directly under the flight of iron then passing over their 
heads into the retreating cavalry. Hardin, McKee, Clay, Willis, Za- 
briskie, Houghton — but why go on ? It would be a sad task indeed to 
name over all who fell during this 20 minutes' slaughter. The whole 
gorge, from the plateau to its mouth, was strewed with ourdead; all dead; 
no wounded there, not a man ; for the infantry had rushed down the 
sides and completed the work with tlie bayonet."*! 

On the plateau our artillery did its utmost to hold at bay the 
hordes of Mexicans while reinforcements pressed forward to this 
the center of conliict. The enemy fought with a perfect aban- 
don of life. The heavy battery steadily held its ground. The 
remnants of the 2d. and 1st Illinois regiments, after issuing from 
the fatal gorge, were reformed and again brought into action, the 
former under the modest but intrepid Bissell, and the latter, after 
the fall of the noble Hardin, under the eoniniaud of Lieutenant 
Colonel Weatherford. The I'd regiment took a position to tlie 
right of our batteries, and the 1st somewhat toward the left of 
them. The enemy also brought reinforcements to the Held. A 
brisk artillery duel was now steadily maintained ; but gradually, 
with the setting of the orb of day, the cannonade and rattle of 
small arms slackened, and when night si)read her i)all over the 
Held of carnage, it ceased altogether, and the gloom of silence 
succeeded. Both armies, after the long day's struggle, occupied 
much the same positiou as in the nu)riiing; the enemy, Avith his 
overwhelming )uinibers, having gained but little ground. Early 
on the following morning the glad tidings spread rai)idly among" 
our gallant troops that he had, luider the cover of darkness, re- 
treated ; and victory once more ])erched ui)on the banners of the 
Americans. 

Our total loss was 740— killed, liOl ; that of the enemy, 2,500. 
The loss of the 1st Illinois regiment was 4o^killed, 2*J ; of the 2d, 
131 — killed, 62. This battle, as it Avas the heaviest and most stub- 
born, proved also to be the turning jtoint of the war — like that of 
Saratoga in the war of the revolution. It ended the campaign in 
that i)art of Mexico. 

^ In the movement against Vera Cruz, the 3d and 4th Illinois 
regiments, Colonels rornum and Baker, together with a New 
Yorlv regiment, Col. Burnett, constituted the brigade of General 
Shields. After reconnoitering the city by Gen. Scott, the spot 
selected for the landing jilaceof the army was the main shore to 

*Colton"s History of the Battle of Buena Vista ; to which, with Gen. Taylor's official 
report, we arc largely indebted for our account of this battle. 

•t-Col. Bissell in a speech subsequent Ij' made at Jacksonville (?), said that neither 
Hardin nor any of the three Colonels had orders for their last furious charge made 
upon the retreatinir armj' across the plateau, (Taylor being- away); that it arose by a 
species of common (,'onsent between them, for as Hardin started, lie (Bissell) followed, 
and McKee, witli his K'( ntuckians, fell in in siiiijiort of the movement. He stated 
further that it was that terrible ciiarge which saved the fortunes of the day. 



MEXICAN WAR. 537 



the west of the Island of Sacriticios, and soutli of the city. The 
men were hmded March 9, 1847, by surf-boats, coni[)anies A, F 
and G of the 4th Illinois, under the immediate command of J^ieut. 
Col. John JMooie, being' among- the very first to participate in that 
admirably executed achievement in which not a man was lost. 
On landing', the troops of Shields' and Pillow's brigades were as- 
signed to the advance, and they cleared hill after hill of the Mexi- 
cans, wiio, with a feel)ie effort at resistance, took refuge in the 
chaparral. The army, after experiencing very warm weather, 
alternated with a " norther" — a cold and blinding sand storm — 
and sleeping on sand banks at night, gradnallj' gained in its ap- 
proaches upon the city, completing the investment in about 3 
days' time. 

Nearly two weeks later, after due sunmions and refusal to sur- 
render, our artillery opened its terril)le fire of shot and shell upon 
the city and the far-famed castle of San Juan de' Ulloa, re])uted 
to be tlie strongest fortress on the continent. After a stubborn 
resistance to the dreadful effects of our mortars, howitzers and 
I'aixhan guns in the battery on shore, at a distance of SOU yards, 
and the broadsides of our ships of war for 5 days, the city and castle 
both, unable to cope with the advance in science Avhich American 
artillery had nnule, surrendered. Our loss in men was very tri- 
tling. J^uring the bombardment there were thrown into the 
walled city 3,000 ten inch shells of 00 pounds each, 200 howitzer 
shells, 1,000 Paixhan shot and 2,500 round shot — a half million 
A\ eight of metal. The wreck of the city and its mouriung attested 
botli the power and the sadness of war. 

On the 8th of April the army began its forward movement on the 
Jalapa road. Four days later it reached the Plan del liio at the Pass 
of Cerro Gordo. Here a dee]) river breaks through the uujuntain, 
whose sides tower aloft 1,000 feet. Winding along through this 
gorge, on tlie north side of the river, ran the national road, the 
only highway by which our army could gain the interior. On 
these ramparts of nature, Saida Anna, by a series of rapid 
inarches, after his defeat atJ>uem\ Vista, had concentrated an army 
of 15,000 men, and had further fortifie<l the ]:)osition by entrench- 
ments and the erection of batteries, which, one above another, com- 
uiaiided a sweep of the road and frowned grindy upon our army 
below. It was concluded, after a thorough reconnoisance by Gen. 
Scott himself, that the position was impregnable. The plan was 
next formed of cutting a new road througli the chapai-ral to the 
north of and winding around the base of the mountain, thence 
to ascend and unite with the national road in the rear of the 
enemy's i)osition. The plan was feasible only with great toil and 
labor, but our brave men were equal to the task. So well was 
the enemy's attention employed by movements in his front, that 
for 3 days he was not apprised of this work, when he assailed the 
laborers with grape and musketry. Twiggs' division was there- 
upon advanced along the new route, which was nearly completed, 
and carried the eminence occui)ied by the enemy and protected 
the working i)arties. During the darkness of the night following, 
by almost su)>erhuman exertion, a 24-]tounder battery was silently 
lifted hundreds of feet to the top of this height. This was done 
by Gen. Shields' brigade, the 3d and 4th Illinois and the Xew York 
regiment. It was a herculean labor gallantly performed. 



538 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

Evervtbiiig- beiug ready, in accordance witli the order of battle, 
Twiggs' divisiou, by a somewhat farther route, was to turu and 
assail the x)ositioii of the enemy directly on his rear ; still beyond, 
but iu supporting distance of him, were ordered the volunteer 
regiments under Gen. Shields, the 3d and 4:th Illinois and the 
New York, which were to carry a battery of the enemy's on 
his extreme left (Santa Anna's), gain the national road and cutoff 
his retreat by that route; Pillow's brigade was to attack his river 
batteries in front. At a giveu signal the general attack on the 
enemy's line was to begin. Pillow's assault was repulsed ; 
Twiggs' men advanced from the rear with a plunging fire in their 
front and a rolling one on either flank, climbed the rocky ascent, 
and under the lead of Col. Harney, stormed the enemy's center, 
carried the fortitications, routed his nuiin body, and turned his 
guns upon the fugitives as they fled, while Shields' brigade as- 
saulted and carried the enemy's battery oil the extreme left, dis- 
persed its supporting infantry, gained the Jalapa road, cut off 
his retreat in that direction and jnevented his rallying beyond. 
In the storming of this battery, the heroic Shields received a 
grape shot through his lungs. He fell apparently mortally 
wounded ; his obituary was published in many newspai)ers 
throughout the country ; he recovered, however, and is still iu 
life. The command of his brigade devolved upon Colonel E. D. 
Baker, of the 4th Illinois, from whose ofticial report we extract 
the following : 

"At daylight on the morning of the 18th the brigade was underarms, 
and moved at an early hour to turn the Cerro Gordo and attack the ex- 
treme left of the enemy's position, on tlie Jalapa road. Tliis was effected 
over very difticult ground, tlirough tliick cliaparal, and under a gall- 
ing fire of the enemy's guns on the heights. Upon approaching tlie 
main road the enemy was found upon and near it, with a field battery of 
six guns, supported by a large force of infantry and cavalry. Whilst 
forming for tlie attack, and under a lieavy fire from the enemy's 
guns, Brig. Gen. Sliields, wlio had gallantly led his command, fell, 
severely, if not mortally, wounded. I then directed a company 
to deploy as skirmishers on the right flank, and ordered a charge 
upon the enemy's line, Avhich was accomplislied witli spirit and success 
by those companies, which were enabled by tlie nature of the ground to 
make the advance. They were promptly and gallantly supported by tlie 
remainder of the 4tli regiment Illinois volunteers, under Major Hari'is. 
The 3d regiment under Col. Forman, and the New York regiment, under 
Col Burnett, being ordered by me to move to the right and left upon the 
enemy, the rout became comj)lete at that point, and the enemy fled in 
great confusion, leaving his guns and baggage, a large amount of specie, 
provisions and camp equipjtage in our hands. Portions of the 3cl and 
4th Illinois volunteers and several companies of the New York regi- 
ment, all under the immediate command of Gen. Twiggs, pursued the 
enemy on tlie Jalapa road as far as Encerro, when they were passed by 
the dragoons and halted for the night."* 

Ct)l. Baker further expressed his obligations to Cols. Forman 
and Burnett, and to Majoi' Harris for the coolness, promi)tilude 
and gallantry with which they carried into execution the several 
dispositions of their commands; also to his regimental stafl' (the 
4th), Capt. Post, A. C. S., and Adjutant Eondey ; and to the stuff 
of the brigade, Lieuts. K. 1*. Hammond, 3d artillery A. A. A., and 

*Col. Forman says that " Daker's report in the main is correct, except that the regi- 
meuts fought under their own commanders— we knew what we had to do and did it." 



MEXICAN ^yAI^. 539 



G. T. M. Davis, A. D. C, for tlieir assistance and tLeir prompt- 
ness in the discliarge of tlieir duties. 

His loss was: 4th rei;iiiieiit, ollicers, (2 being- killed — Lieuts. 
Murphy and Cowordiu), and 42 non-eoiuniissioned oflieersand })ri- 
vates ; 3(1, 1 officer and 15 n()n-coniniissii)ne(l officers and privates; 
the Xew York regiment, 1 officer ami 5 privates — total of 70 in 
the brigade. The loss of our army was 417 — killed, G4, and 
wounded, 353. The enemy's loss in killed and wounded is not 
known ; but we took 3,000 prisoners, 5,000 stands of arms and 43 
pieces of artillery. 

Gen. Twiggs in his report speaks in glowing and enthusiastic 
terms of the conduct of the Illinois regiments, both in the'stornung 
of Santa Anna's battery and in the i)ursuifc of the Hying enemy, 
under his immediate command. The battle of Cerro Gordo, as it 
was one of unsurpassed difficulty, proved also one of the most bril- 
liant and important in the war. Its results were to lay oi)en the 
road to the cai»ital, and pla(;e the empire of Mexico under the feet 
of the coiupieror. The gallant troops of Illinois; shared to no in- 
considerable extent in tin; dang<n's, toils and hardshi})S, as their 
large ratio of losses attests ; and their heroic deeds have reflected 
imi>erishable honor an<l glory ui»on our State. 

The battle of Cerro Gordo was the last in the war with jMexico 
in which any Illinois troo])s participated. At Jalajta, the year's 
time for which they had been enlisted having nearly exi>ired, and 
it being ascertained that the 3d and 4th regiments would not re- 
enlist. Gen. Scott disbanded them ; the cami)Hign on the Kio 
Grande having been virtually ended by the battle of Buena Vista, 
the Lst and 2d regiments were disbanded at Comargo, and all our 
troops of the first four Illinois reginumts returned home about the 
same time, Lieut. Col. IVloore with companies B,G and K, of the 4th, 
leaching Springticld .June 4th, and oOO men of the 1st arriving at 
St. Louis May 31st, 1847. The latter brought home the remains 
of their l)elovcd colonel, ILii'din ; and the people of ^lorgan county 
invited the entire r<'giment to accompany them to their tinal rest- 
ing place at Jacksonville. Tlie funeral (July 12th,) was one of 
the largest and most imposing ever held in the State.* 

The soldiers generally on their return home were received with 
mark of affection, and tendered, as they well deserved, the enthu- 
siastic welconu's of the i)e()ple. I'ublic dinners, com])limentar3' 
toasts, flattering addresses and fulsome speeches were ])rofusely 
showered upon them; the newspaper i)ress vied with the orators of 
the period in praises of the heroic deeds of our voluideer sohlier\, 
Mhile, as aspirants for offi(;e, all mere civilians had to stand aside 
and leave the track for tlie juoud ])atrons of Mars, or be crushed 
in the result. Mere ci\'il accomplishm(Mits or services will ever as 
nothing be in the average i)opular mind comi)ared with the deeds 
heralde<l by the pom}) and cii-cumstance of glorious war. The 
Miexican war was such a wonderl'ul lever to office and political pre- 
ferment that some envious Whigs, whose ])arty had oi)p()sed it, 
took early occasion, it was said, to declare themselves in favor of 
the next war, ^vhate^er it might be for! 

*Cnl. Forninn brouoht liotiie and presented to tlie State a 6 pound gun, now in the 
arsenal at Spriiiufiekl, as a ti-op'i.v Irom the Mexican battery In the battle of Cerro 
Gordo, statidiied near Santa Anna's headquarters, which was taken bv the Illinois troops 
shortly alter the lallot'Gen. Shields. 



540 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

More Volunteers. — In tlie meantime, the government liaving- de- 
termined to raise 0,000 more troops, a call upon Illinois Lad been 
made for ten additional companies of infantry, or one regiment 
more, and one company of cavalry, ))y the secretary of war, W. 
L. Marcy, under date of April IDtli, 1847. The enlistments were 
to be during the war; the other terms were the same as under 
previous calls ; Alton was again designated as the place of rendez- 
vous. Under date of April L'Tth, the commander-in-chief (Gov. 
French), by M. K.Anderson, adjutant general of the Illinois militia, 
issued his general orders calling for volunteers. In less than two 
weeks had not only the 11 companies reported and been accepted, 
but 8 more were tendered, which had to be rejected. Emulation 
never ran higher; expresses hurried to Springtield with the utmost 
dispatch to secure places on the list before it should be tilled. The 
disappointment to those who w^eie too late was most bitter. 

The following were the accepted companies, which, under date 
of Maj^ 10th, were ordered to march to the place of rendezvous : 

Company A, Clinton county, Thomas Bond, captain, 
Company B, Williamson county, J. M. Cunningham, captain. 
Company C, Marion county, Van trump Turner, captain. 
Company D, Brown county, Jolm C. Moses, captain. 
Company E, St. Clair county, G. W. Hooli, captain. 
Company F, Cook county, Thos. B. Kinney, captain. 
Company G, LaSalle county, Henry J. Reed, captain. 
Company H, Williamson county, James Hampton, captain. 
Company I, Shelby county, R. Madison, captain. 
Company K, Pike county, W. Kinmau, captain. 

The cavalry company was from Schuyler county, Adams Dun- 
lap being the captain. 

The Mh Begiment of Illinois volunteers was organized of the 
foregoing companies, at Alton, June 8th, 1847. E. W. B. Newby 
of Brown county, was elected colonel; Henderson Boyakin, of 
Marion, lieutenant-colonel; and J. B. Donaldson, of Pike, nuijor, 
excellent selections. The regiment took its departure by steam- 
boat 6 days later for Fort Leavenworth. Its destination was 
Santa- Fe, whither it marched across the plains from Fort Leav- 
enworth in the hottest part of the summer, the consequence being 
an unusual amount of sickness, traceable in great part to this ex- 
hausti\e march. While the days were extremely warm, the nights 
were frequently very cold ; the troops greatly fatigued, would lie 
down of nights with their blood heated beyond a healthy stand- 
ard ; ere morning they would be chilled by the transition of the 
atmosphere; besides several times on the journey they were over- 
taken by severe storms, against which there was no shelter; thus 
the sec<ls of disease were sown and its viiulence intensified. The 
measles had already appeared among them at Fort Leavenworth. 
By the first of Dccendter the loss of the battalion stationed at 
Santa Fe was reported at 08, of which 42 were by death. 

In October, at Santa Fe, the regiment was divided into two bat- 
talions, the first, together with a battalion from a Missouii regi- 
uicnt, tinder (Jol. Newby, the senior officer, being ordered to move 
in an expedition south to El Paso. The LM battalion, umlcr Lieut. 
Col. Boyakin, remained as a garrison at Santa Fe. The regiment 
saw no service in conflict with the enemy, the war by that time 
being virttudly over. We will note, however, that these Illinois- 



MEXICAN WAR. 541 



aiis were the first to organize a lodge of the IMasoiiic order at the 
remote post of Santa Fe. 

(jfh Regiment of Illinois volunteers. We have noted the fact 
that when in April a new c;ili ni)on Illinois for ten companies of 
infantry and one of cavalry was made, thnt in less than two weeks 
time \\) offered, and still more continued to offer, not knowing that 
the oth regiment was fall. .Much disappointment was felt at their 
rejection; but their hope was speedily revi\ed. Under date of 
May 20th, the secretary of war wrote to Gov. French : "Yielding 
to the earnest solicitations of the patriotic (dtizens of your State, 
the I'resident has instructed me to reijuest that yoiir excellency 
will cause to be raised and rendezxoused at Alton another regi- 
ment of volanteer infantry." The enlistments were to be for the 
same period, and have the same organization as those of the 5th 
regiment, but its destination was Vera Cruz. 

The organization of the surplus companies had been held intact 
until the President's pleasure in the i)remises could be ascertained 
Accordingly, when the recjuisition came to hand. Gov. French, on 
the very same day (May l't>), notified the exi)ectant companies of 
their acceptance; ordered them to the place of rendezvous to be 
mustered in, and the war department, two days later, that the 
comi)anies were all organized and ready to nuirch. 

The following' are the companies of the Otli regiment: 

Company A, of Madison county, Franklin Niles, captain 
Company B, Madison county, Edward W. Dill, captain. 
Company (3, Fayette county, Harvey Lee, jr., captain. - 

Company D, Greene county, John Bristow, captain. 
Company E, Macoupin county. Burred Tetrick, caiitaiu. 
Company F, Cook county, James ]{. Ifuguuin, captain. 
Conn^auy G, Booue county, William Shei^herd, captain. 
Company H, Will and Iroquois counties, G. Jenkins, captain. 
Company I, Jefferson county, James Bowman, captain. 
Company K, Jo Daviess county, C. L. Wright, cax)tain. 

Company A, Captain Kiles, was ordered into the 5th regiment, 
and Capt. Collins' comi)any from Jo Daviess, took its place in the 
Cth.* 

For colonel of the Gth regiment, Capt. Collins, of Jo Daviess, was 
elected, receiving 472 votes, to Capt. Wright of the same couidy .'i'U; 
lieutenant-colonel, Cai)t. Hicks of Jefferson, received 44S, to Lieut. 
Omlveny of Monroe, 379; for major, Lieut. Livington, of Jeffer- 
son, received 340; Capt. Shepherd, of Boone, 220; Capt. Lee, of 
Fayette, 142, and H. Hunter, 102. Lieut. Fitch, of Greene, was 
appointed adjutant, W. G. Taylor qnarternuister, and J. B. Hines 
sergeant-major. At New Orleans the 0th reginu'nt was divided, 
the first battalion, companies A, D, E, F, H, being sent to Vera 
Cruz under the Col. Collins, and the 2d in command of Lieut. 
Col. Hicks, to Tampico. The division caused no little dissatisfiic- 
tion among' the men. The 2d battalion saw no service other than 
garrison duty. The 1st arrived at Vera Cruz, August 31st, and 
after remaining in camp Bergara awhile, was ordered out on the 
national road and stationed at the San Juan Bridge. Here a skir- 
mish with guerrillas was had, in which one private was killed and 

* XoTE. — Captains David C. nerry, .Tames Burns, Ed. E. Harney and John Ewing 
also served in this regiment. The Koster in the Adjutant-General's Office, in giving 
the regiments which served in the Mexican War is very imperfect and inaccurate. It 
gives the 5th regiment as the 1st. W^e have collated our facts from the press of the 
period. 



542 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

two wounded. Col. Collins was very sick nearly all the time; in- 
deed, more than the usual amount ot sickness attended the whole 
regiment. Keports were current in the i^ress that one-fifth of its 
force, in five months after leaving' camp at Alton, found a grave 
in Mexico, not from the foe, but by sickness. The 1st battalion 
lost 7 out of its 20 oflicers ; and tlie battalion at Tampieo, while 
it suffered as greatly in men, lost but one officer. 

Under date of June 30, ISIT, the Hon. R. W. Young, commis- 
sioner of the General Laiul Office at Washington, wrote that the 
Secretary of War consented to accept two more companies of cav- 
alry from Illinois, which had been raised. Cai»t. William Pren- 
tice's to rendezvous as Gov. French direc^t, and Capt, W. B. Stapp's 
of Warren county, to rendez\ous at Quincy, on horseback, and 
proceed thence to St. Louis by st(*aniboat.* 

The destination of these cavalry companies was Vera Cruz, to 
operate against the enemy's guerrilla parties, and keep open the 
roads from the gulf to the City of Mexico. Captain Lawler of 
Shawneetown, also raise<l a cavalry conqiany; and to show the 
troublesomeness of this arm of the service, we will state that, 
owing to delays on the river— near 2 weeks being occupied in going 
to Baton llouge — he was comiielled at that point to land, rest 
and recruit his exhausted horses. 

After his return, Col. E. D. Baker, in pursuance of his request, 
was authorized to raise a battalion of five companies from the 
veteran volunteers, recently returned. The battalion was not 
raised ; the fall of the City of Mexico speedily followed, virtually 
ending the war, although the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was not 
made till February 2, 1848. 



* See Illinois State Register, July 8, 1847. Josiah Little also raised a cavalry company. 
He was commissioned Sept. 24, 1847. 



Chapter XLIV. 

CONSTITUTIONAL CONTENTION OF 1847, AND SOME- 
THING OF THE OIIGANIC LAW FEAMED BY IT. 



After the violent political struggle of 1824 coiiceriiiiio- the admis- 
sion of slavery into the State, the question of calling a convention 
to revise or amend the tirst constitution was not again revived for 
a period of 18 years. At this time such ^yas tlie hight of partisan 
feeling aroused against tlie supreme court in deciding the McCler- 
nand-Field case against the wishes of the dominant party, and 
tlie unnecessary api)rehension that the Galena alien case would 
also be decided against the wishes and interests of the democracy, 
involving a possible loss of its political supremacy in the State, 
that the legislature, at its session of 1810-1, passed a resolution 
recommending to the electors at the general election of 1812 to 
vote tor or against the calling of a constitutional convention. But 
in the meantime the judiciary was reorganized by the addition of 
five judges to the supreme court, all democrats, to overbalance 
the whig judges. The democracy having by this act secured their 
X^olitical supremacy in every branch of the government, had no 
further use for a convention to reiuodel the constitution, and at 
the August election the resolution failed to carry, though the whig 
j)arty, against whom it was originally aimed, ardently supported 
the call. 

Still the insulTicient limitations of the old constitution became 
more apparent from year to year, and in 1845 the legislature again 
passed a resolution reconunending to the electors to vote for or 
against a constitutional convention at the ensuing general election 
of August, 184(5. The democratic press this time urged the people 
to vote for the call of the convention, publishing the resolution to 
be voted for as a standing advertisement and i)art of the regular 
democratic ticket ; luit the whig i)ress, if not opposed to the call, 
deeming, perluips,- that its espousal of the question might tend to 
defeat it, was totally silent upon the subject, and did not once 
direct the attention of the peo]»le to the importance of the measure. 
Being thus a democratic measure, the call prevailed. 

In the passage of the act to provide for the meeting of the con- 
vention, the main question over Avhich there was any considerable 
contest, was whether it should consist of as many members of the 
then general assend)ly, apportioned upon the population of 1840 
(476,18,3), or whetlun' the number should correspond to the new 
api)ortionnient act of that session, based upon the census of 1845 
(002,125). The contest was between the north and south parts of 
the State; the former, which had been benefited most by the immi- 

543 



544 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

gration of the iirecediiig years, was in favor of a representation 
based npon the census of 1845. The constitution reads: "The 
general assembly shall, at the next session, call a couvention to 
consist of as many members as there maybe in the general assem- 
bly." Mr. Dougherty, since lieutenant governor, introduced a bill 
fixing the number of delegates to correspond -with the number of 
members of the then two houses, and Mr. IST. B. Judd, of Cook, of- 
fered a substitute based upon the census of 1845, which finally pre- 
vailed and became a law. 

A special election of delegates was fixed for the 3d Monday of 
April, 1847, who were to meet in convention at Springfield on the 
first Monday of June following. During the canvass the Avliig 
l)ress in the strong democratic districts argued plausibly and truly 
that for a duty so important as the framing of a new organic law 
for the State, which was to afl'ect not only the jtresent but per- 
haps future generations, when present political questions might 
be classed with the things that were, the ablest talent of the iState 
should be called ui)on, irrespective of party x>i'ede]ictions ; but at 
the same time good care was taken by them to bring out and sup- 
port none but tlieir own jiartisans. The demociatic press, having 
the utmost faith in the permanency and well-being of democratic 
principles, came squarely out and urged its party to rally as one 
man and secure such a majority in the convention as Avould insure 
the infusion of i)ure democratic principles into the instrument 
which was to be the guide for future legislation ; to attain which 
care should be taken to select candidates whose democracy was 
unimpeachable. The election resulted in a return of a greater pro- 
portion of whig delegates than was to be expected from the rela- 
tive strength of the two parties, although the democracy had a 
considerable m ajori ty. 

The democracy required the convention, as paramount to all 
other considerations, 1st, to abolish all life offices or long tenures, 
and to provide for an elective judiciary, fiom the supreme court 
down; 2d, to prohibit the legislature from ever again creating a 
bank — all the financial evils which had ever afflicted the peoi)le 
of Illinois, it was charged, had proceeded froin the oi)inessions of 
banks ; 3d, to limit the power of the legislature to borrow money, 
which had been another great source of calamity to tlie peoj^le. 
This power should, be so limited as to prevent the legislature from 
pledging the credit and faith of the State in all cases except, i)er- 
haps, in great emergencies, as of threatened danger from invasion, 
and then only to defray the expenses of the State government. If 
such a provision had been embodied in the constitution of 1818 the 
financial embarrassments grooving out of the reckless internal im- 
provement system of the State would not have oppressed the peo- 
ple. It required, 4th, a veto power to the governor equal to that 
of the president of the United States. The veto power, notwith- 
standing the terrible ordeal of its denunciation, had been a favo- 
rite democratic measure ever since Jackson had saved the coun- 
try, as it was supposed, by refusing his assent to the re-charter of 
the TJ. S. Bank. Of course the democracy were opposed to any 
change in the qualifications of an alien elector. 

The whigs wanted, 1st, a longer residence than 6 months before 
any man should be entitled to exercise the elective franchise, and 
that no alien should be entitled to that sacred privilege of au 



CONSTITUTION OF 1848. 545 

American citizen mitil lie was first natnralized ; '2d, to take from 
the legislatnre tlie power of electing or appointing' otticers for the 
people, i)artieularly as it r<\i;ar(le(l the members of that body, and 
thereby prevent that bai'>iainiii<i' and corrnptioji which grew np in 
the general assembly, and to prevent that body from exercising 
nearly all the powers of government, execntive as well as legisla- 
tive; 3d, to limit the nniiiber of representatives in the general 
assembly, and to tix the age at which men shonld be eligible to 
seats in that body, and thns prevent the many mischiefs growing 
ont of legislation by young men whose minds were immature; 4th, 
to fix the ages at which men might hold the office of judge, and at 
which judges should ictire from the bench ; 5tli, to ])re\'ent a ma- 
joi'ity of the two-thirds which constituted a quorum in the legisla- 
ture from finally i)assing a bill. 

There were also many provisions mooted by the press and people, 
upon which there was no political or party division. T-lie most 
important and generally demanded were retrenchment and 
economy ; to disconnect the supreme judges from legislative duty 
as a council of revision ; to abolish eligibility to several otuces 
at the same time; to limit the power of the legislature in con- 
tracting debts and imi)osing taxes; to organize a nu)re efficient 
tribuiud for the management and control of county affairs than 
the county comjuissioner's court; to limit the })Owers of govern- 
ment so as to secure the people against oppression by those in 
authority, (in view of what was done during the hard times of 
1842, when the officials of the executive department required that 
nothing but gohl ;ind silver should be paid for taxes, while there 
was nothing but depreciated bank rags in the country, the State 
having made the issues of the State bank receivable for taxes) ; 
to provide against successive special sessions of the legislature at 
the will and pleasure of the governor without specifying the char- 
acter of the business to be transacted ; to fix the pay of members, 
and to devise some way to prcAcnt an accidental majority from 
continuing or adjourning sessions for the sake of compensation. 

AnK)ng the democratic delegates there was not entire unanimity 
upon the bank question. The following is one of the bolts 
laun(;hed at the recussants by the press of that party: 

"These bank-democrats occupy rather paradoxical ground. They 
assert that banks are pernicious, dangerous and anti-repubhcau, but 
inasmuch as the bauk paper of otlier States naturally circulates among 
us, it is our true policy to establisli tliese engines of evil as a measure of 
self-defense. They admit that we are injured by the paper of other 
States, and they propose to mitigate the injury by producing it them- 
selves — if any mischief is to be done, the citizens of the State ought to 
have the privilege and enjoy the profits of doing it. If other States 
choose to Injure us, we ought to seek redress by injuring ourselves."* 

The convention met on the 7th of June, 1847, and concluded its 
labors on the 31st of August following. AVhen its woik first 
came before the people (for unlike the constitution of 1818, this 
was to be passed upon by them), nobody seemed entirely satisfied 
with it, yet all concurred that the new was preferable to the old 
constitution. Judging it from the i)artisan staiul-iioint of that 
day, it nnist be confessed that the the greater success in grafting 
it with their peculiar views was with the whigs. The old allowed 

*I11. state Reg. 
35 



546 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

aliens and citizens alike to vote after a residence of mouths, to 
maintain wliicli feature when supposed to be in danger iu 18J:0, 
tlie democracy waged a tierce warfare against the sui)reme court, 
resulting in a partisan reorganization. Yet the very thing feared 
from that court was now embodied in tlie constitution ; every 
elector must first be a citizen, and second have a residence of one 
year in the State. The elective i)rincii)le by the i)eople was ex- 
tended to the tilling of evei-y oftice, a thoroughly democratic i)ro- 
vision, and the only one which ought ever to obtain under any 
republican government. Yet the democracy, for obvious party 
reasons, desired to confine this to the life oftices — the sujireme 
judges — leaving the great bulk of the offices to be doled out, if 
not bargained, as before by the legislature, and thus fasten their in- 
cumbeuts upon every county iu the State, regardless of local polit- 
ical majorities. For like party reasons the wliigs desired to de- 
prive tlie dominant party of the power to elect this great crowd 
of officers — judges and clerks, both circuit and county — to the 
legislature, but favored life officers for the sujiremc bench. In 
this particular, fortunately for the State, the partisan cravings 
of both, to a certain extent, were defeated, yet the deprivation of 
the power to elect all the host of the former by the legislature was 
a greater loss to the democracy than the latter was to the 
Avhigs. This took from the legislatm-e a fertile source of patron- 
age by depriving it of the choice of some 200 county officers from 
time to time, who by their intimate relations to the peo}>le are in the 
situation to exercise a most i)otent political infiuence. During 
the i)endency af the constitution before the peoi)le, the provision 
relating to 3 county judges, called the "puppy court," was made 
to do peculmr service against it. Upon the sul)ject of banks, too, 
the democracy may be said to have been in a manner defeated. 
The democratic convention of February, 184C, the largest ever 
assembled in the State, had declared that the creation of any new 
banks, either State or other banking institution Avhatever, should 
be frowned u})on by the party f and throughout the sitting of the 
convention the press of that party was strenuous in its oi)posilion 
to banks of any kind. Yet banks, other than State baidvs, were 
not prohibited by the constitution, though a general banking- 
law was required to be submitted to a vote of the people. 

We note but a few features wherein the constitution of 1848 dif- 
fered from that of 1818. Profiting by the lesson of experience 
taught by the State internal improvement system, whose enor- 
mous debt was then pressing heavily upon the i>eople, no debt was 
allowed to be contracted by the legislature exceeding $50,000, and 
that only to meet casual deficits or failures in revenue ; nor was 
the credit of the State to be extended to any imlividual, associa- 
tion or corporation. Article 14, separately submitted, provided 
for the yearly collection of a tax of 2 mills upon the dollar, in ad- 
dition to all other taxes, the proceeds of wliich were to be paid 
out in extinguishment of the public debt, other than the canal 
and school indebtedness, pro rata to such holders as might pre- 
sent their evidences. This was a noble self-subjection of the i)eo- 
l)le to a. tax for an indefinite time at that dark period of public 
and private embarrassment, for which we ought to profoundly 
honor them. 



CONSTITUTION OF 1848. 547 

Eegardiiig tax titles, the law of 1839 was one of peculiar liard- 
slii]), reiuleiiiig- their defeasance most ditticult \)y throwiiig the 
onus prohandi as to any irrejiularity in the manner of acquiring 
them upon the real owners of the land. A deed was prima fade 
evidence that the land was subject to taxation ; that the taxes 
were unpaid; that the lands were unredeemed; that it had been 
legally advertized; that it was sold for taxes; that the grantee 
was the purchaser ; and that the sale was conducted in the man- 
ner required by law.* It was possible for a nnin to lose the title 
to his land, although residing on it and having paid his taxes. All 
this was radically changed by section 4, article 9 of the new con- 
stitution, introduced by Judge Lockwood, the requirements of 
which the courts have construed strictly, and it may Avell be infer- 
red that since then not many tax titles have stood this ordeal of 
the organic law. 

The legislature was required to encourage internal improve- 
ments by ])assing' liberal general laws of incorporation and for 
other coiporate i)uritoses; special acts for which were not to be 
granted unless the objects could not be attained under the former. 
It seems that in the legislatures sim^e scarcely any corporate ob- 
jects could be attaiiu'd under general laws, for throughout the 
sway of the constitution of 1848, were not only no general incor- 
poration laws of any degree of perfection i)asscMl, but from ses- 
sion to session were granted, with most lavish hand, private and 
special acts of incorporation for every conceivable purpose, 
passed in packages of huiulreds at a time, nuiking huge touies, 
Avhose contents and provisions were equally unknown to the gen- 
eral public and the honorable members whose names stand re- 
corded in favor of their ena(;tment. This species of legislation, 
in nuxny cases, has been attemled with the most i^ernicious results, 
as the people to their cost can testify. 

The judges of the supreme and circuit courts werenmde ineligi- 
ble to any other ottice of profit or public trust in this State or the 
United ^States during the terms for which they were elected, and 
for one year thereafter. This clause, as it reads, has been repeat- 
edly violated by the election ot judges to congress; and while it 
is true that body has held that it is the sole judge ot the (jualitica- 
tion of its members, and Ihat State laws or constitutions in such, 
cases are ot no binding force, it is equally tnu'that the genrkMnen 
thus elected had sworn upon their installation as judges to observe 
the constitution of Illinois in all its pro^■isions, without any reser- 
vation as to the clause in question, or they could not have taken 
their seats upon the bench. 

In the legislature bills were to be read on three different days 
before becouiing laws, and on final passage the ayes aiul noes were 
to be recorded. This well intended provision was most shamefully 
violated in actual practice in after years by a reading of the title of 
a bill only, and by the so-calle"! '-omnibus "system, by which hun- 
dreds of bills — many i)rovi(ling for private jobs and corrupt 
S(!hemes — were passed at once, few of the members kiu)wing their 
contents. t The reading of bills the first and second time by their 
title only gave rise to the rei)rehensible practice of introducing- 

*BlackwellTax.Tit. 84. 

+It seems that the Hon. J, Y. Scamraon, of Cook, first suggested the passage of bills by 
the package . 



548 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

and passing along iu tlieir order wLat was kuowu as "skeleton 
bills" — bills with simply a Lead, but no body, the latter being af- 
terward supplied.* 

But tlie chief feature of the constitution of 184:8 was its rigid 
ecououiy. The salary of the governor was fixed at $1,500; su- 
preme judges — three, made elective — $1,L'00 each; circuit judges, 
$1,000 each ; auditor of jniblic accounts, $1,000 ; treasurer and 
secretary of State, each, $800; the compensation of members 
of the general assembly was fixed at $2 per day for the hrst 42 
days' attendance, and $1 a day thereafter. It was a hard tinies^ 
instrument. Eetrenchment in everytbing, as inaugurated by Gov. 
Ford aiul then with severity being carried out by Gov. French, 
was the order of the day. But in this particular the constitution 
rather overdid the thing. The true medium between paying ouk 
elective servants ajust conipensation and allowing our represent 
atives the exercise of a sound discretion iu all the transactions of 
public business, and at tlie same time to bind them down so 
that tliey may work no mischief or injury to those who clioose and 
delegate them, is, perhaps, difficult of attainment. It is one of the 
jiroblems connected with a representative form of government. 

In evidencing the severe economy of the new organic act, Ave 
will mention that the amount of warrants drawn ui»on the treas- 
urer on account of the general assembly for the session of 1845 
was over $55,000 ; and that the total amount of mileage and j>fr 
diem compensation i)aid to the members and officers of the two 
houses for the first session under the new regime in 1841), was not 
quite $15,000, a nuvterial reduction — exceeding 300 per centum. 
But in this connection, to show that we are a progressive peo})le, 
and at the same time indicate the proficiency which our Solons 
have attained in the "ways that are dark", we will give the total 
amount of legislative expenditures for the same puri)0ses on ac- 
count of the last session, that of 1869, under the same economical 
constitution, which were $20(5,181, exclusive of printing, pajjcr 
and binding, nuiking nearly $75,000 more. The four items of news- 
papers, stationery, postage and pocket-knives alone amounted to 
$54,322.t 

The salary of the governor, it was provided, was "not to be in- 
creased or (liminished ;" and by way of emphasis in fixing the com- 
pensation of the other officers which we have enumerated, the 
words "and no more" were added. Yet by indirection, under pre- 
tense of paying a gardener to take charge of the grounds surround- 
ing the executive nuvnsion, wefiiuliu 1801 $2,500 was appropriated 
to be expended or not by the governor, as he pleased, being in- 
tended as an increase of his salary. Afterwards this unlawful 
gift was annually increased to $4,500. Indeed, the auditor's office 
shows that the incumbents of the executive office have received, 
from December, 1800, to December, 1872, twelve years, $0(J, 000, to 
which they were not entitled. All the State offices became im- 
mensely profitable in fees — running the emoluments of their in- 
cumbents into thousands of dollars, instead of the hundreds fixed 
by the constitution. The com])ensation of the supreme judges 
was evasively increased to $4,000, by allowing them each a chief 

*See debate in sunute, Feb., ia57. 
^Convention Journal 1870. p. 218 



CONSTITUTION OF 1848. 540 

clerk at $1,000 aud $1,200 for an assistant (neitlier of wliicli tliey 
employed), instead of $1,200, their eonstitntional salary: and to 
the circuit judges, in defiance of the words $1,000 " andno more," 
were yearly given an additional $1,000 each, for revisions and sng- 
gestions of changes in the laws, a labor which they were not ex- 
pected to, and did not, perform ; besides which a docket fee of $1 
for each suit brought was wrung out of litigants, also for their 
benefit. But the abuses Mhicli crept into the legislative depart- 
nu^nt were still grosser and more alarming. The per diem com- 
pensation of members, which for the session of 18(51, for instance, 
amounted to $8,800, was supplemented by postage $8,802, news- 
papers $1,1812, pencils $2,004, few of which items were actually 
received, but the money taken in place of them, on "commutation" 
as it was called with State officers, and thus by indirection they 
got $8 per day each, instead of $2 "and no more." The practice 
was subsequently increased hj various subterfnges of rent for com- 
mittee rooms never used nor paid for, &c., to sometimes amount to 
more than $20 a da}^ for each member. Ten cents a mile was 
allowed to each as necessary traAeling expenses to and from the 
seat of government. While it would be diftieult to travel more 
than 200 miles from any i)oint in the State to the capital, the jour- 
nals show honorable members tohave charged and received pay for 
1,200 miles goingaud coming. Thusdid our public servants debauch 
themselves, one department the other. But notwithstanding its 
abuses, the constitution of 1848 was, in many particulars, a great 
imi)rovement upon that of 1818. 

That the whigs had succeeded more than the democrats in 
stamping that instrument with their principles, soon had its influ- 
ence. The whig press advocated its adoption constantly and ur- 
gently, while the dejnocratic press, where it did not oppose, was 
lukewarm in its advocacy, yet candor compelled an acknowledg- 
ment that the elective principle as applied to every imi)ortant 
office was a thoroughly democratic idea, which covered a nudtitude 
of bad provisions ; that on the whole, the new \\ as preferable to 
the old, and it justly regretted the "abrogation of the pro\ision 
permitting foreigners to a participation in the right of suffiage 
after a residence' of months, the same as the most unletteied na- 
tive," predicting that that would prove pernicious by diverting 
emigration from the State. No evil had resulted, and, it may be 
added, never will, from a<lmitting foreigners to this i)rivilege. It 
is a most foolish proscription. The i)rovision limiting the power 
of the State to borrow money, and prohibiting the credit and faith 
of the State in aid of any indi\'idual or corporation, was a most ex- 
cellent one. 

The people had ample time to consider its jirovisions, and they 
di<l not fail to see its great superiority over the old organic law. 
For the i^ints of party significance in it, which at best miglit prove 
but transitory, they could not afford to throw away the many safe 
and excellent limitations for their protection against the chances 
of a M'ild, reckless and extravagant legislature to involve them iu 
ruin. 

The black clause — prohibiting negro immigration — met with 
considerable opposition in the northern part of the State, ])articu- 
larly in Cook county, which voted two to one against it ', but the 



550 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

greatest general opposition Avas to the 2 mill tax. The following 
is the vote npou the constitution and the separate articles : 

For the constitution proper, 59,887 ; iigainst it, 15,859. 

For article XIV — negro clause, 49,060 ; against it, 20,884. 

For article XY— 2 mill tax, 41,017 ; against it, 30,580. 

The vote for ratification or rejection was taken on the first Mon- 
day in March, 1848 ; and the new constitution went into operation 
on the first of April following. The election of governor was anti- 
cipated two years, and accordingly the first general election under 
it took place in November, 1848. The commencement of the regu- 
lar legislative sessions was deferred from December to January, 
the first convening at that time in 1849. 



Chapter XLY. 
1846-1852— ADMimSTEATIOX OF GOVEENOE FEENCH. 

Lives and Character of the Guhernatorial Candidates — Fmiding 
of the State Debt — liefusal of the People to give the Legislature 
Control of the 2 Mill Tax — Toicnship Organization — Homestead 
Exemption — The Bloody Island Dike and a Speeli of War — 
8tivte Policy regarding Railroads. 



The Democratic State Convention of 1846, to nominate candi- 
dates for governor and lieutenant governor, met at Springfield on 
tlie lOtli of February. There was no lack of aspirants for either 
of these positions. In connection with the ftrst we will nanu' six 
ill the order of their sup})()sed strength, before the meeting of the 
convention : Lyman Trnnd>ull, John Calhoun, (he of subsequent 
Lecomptou Constitution notoriety), Augustus C. French, Walter 
B. Scates, Eichard M. Young', and A. W. Cavarly, an array of 
very able and prominent names. The contest was supposed to lie 
between the tirst two mentioned, but the balloting gave a differ- 
ent exhibit. After sum] ry efforts by their friends, it was found 
that neither could be nominated, and as usual in such cases, both 
parties went over to the support of another. Trumbull received 
the highest nuud)er on the first ballot, it is true, but French, as 
the coming man, was already next, and on the 2d ballot advanced 
to the front. On the 4th ballot all the names except those of 
French, Calhoun and Trumbull being withdrawn, the friends 
of Calhoun, fearing the ultinnite success of Trumbull, also with- 
drew his name. The friends of Trumbull saw in this move 
their inexitable defeat, and for the sake of harmony, they 
also withdrew the name of the latter. French was there- 
upon proclaimed the nominee of the convention for governor, 
amidst a great tumult of shouting' aiul exultation. Owing to the 
many able and determined democratic aspirants, and the strong 
attachment of their respective frieiuls, the whigs had indulged 
a hope that the convention would break up in disorder, but in 
this they were disappointed. Trumbull's eftbrt in 1845 to defeat 
the canal had been revived against him and industriously circu- 
lated by Gov. Ford and others, as being still his position, w'hich 
doubtless proved his discomfiture. 

For lieutenant-governor, the names of J. B. Wells, Lewis Eoss, 
William McMurtry, ]S\nvton Cloud, J. B. Hamilton and W. W. 
Thompson, were presented for nomination. On the 4th ballot all 
the names excei)t the first two mentioned, were withdrawn, Avhen 
the voting resulted in the choice of AVells, who received 132 to 

551 



552 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

Eoss 95 ballots. The resolutious adopted strongly coiideniiied the 
resuscitation of tlie old State banks, and declared against any more 
of any kind in this State.* 

The wbigs, who were in a hopeless minority, seemed averse for 
a time to holding a State convention. Their ])ress discussed the 
idea of some suitable candidate running hy general consent with- 
out nomination. Names to this end were proposed, of which we 
may mention that of James Davis of Bond. It was also proposed 
that the Whig State Central Committee should make the ticket. 
Finally, on the 8th of June, a convention was held at Peoria, over 
which Major Richard Cullom, of Tazewell, presided, which nomi- 
nated Thomas M. Kilpatrick, of Scott, for governor, and Gen. 
Nathaniel G. Wilcox, of Schuyler, for lieutenant-governor.t 

Kilpatrick was born in Crawford county, Penn., in 1807. His 
early education consisted solely in instruction from his mother. 
He lost his father at the age of 15, became a mechanic, married 
in 1828, and removed to Illinois in 1834. In 1810 he beat Mur- 
ray McConnel for the State senate. In 1841 he was elected to the 
lower house of the legislature, where he was greatly instrumental 
in the passage of the school law of that period. He Avas a mau 
of easy manners, pleasant address, strong, practical sense, and 
withal quite a forcible speaker on the stump. In this campaign, 
however, he deemed it doubtless a waste of time to canvass the 
State, and contented himself with issuing an address to the i>eo- 
ple, in which he opposed repudiatioii of the State debt and argued 
the ample resources of the State to pay, if properly developed. 
He looked forward to the completion of tlie canal as a means to 
arouse the despondent energies of the people. As Illinois was 
then the only State destitute of banking facilities, he favored 
baidvs based exclusivelj" on specie ; and a revision of the constitu- 
tion (a convention call for that i)urpose was then pending before 
the people), saying: "At the commencement of the session, the 
capitol is crowded with aspirants from different parts of the State 
seeking different offices ; each has his friends among the members ; 
a system of electioneering intrigue and log-rolling- commences, 
which enters into the discussion and passage of almost every bill, 
until these offices are disposed of; and it is not unfrequently the 
case that the success of the most important measures of State 
policy depend upon the election of some little fourth-rate lawyer 
to the office of district attorney. I attributed the bad legislation 
mainly to this intiuence."| 

In the campaign, the whigs exjiosed Gov. French's record and 
connection with the passage of the internal improvement system, 
and urged it against his election ; but in the meantime the war 
with ]\fexico broke out, regarding which the whig record was un- 
favorable. The war was the absorbing and dominating question 
of the period, swe&ping every other political issue in its course. 
The election of August, 1840, resulted in the choice of the dem- 
ocratic candidate, A. C.French, over Kilpatrick, his principal com- 
petitor, by 58,700 votes for the former, to 30,775 votes for the lat- 
ter. AVe say princii)al competitor, because Richard P]ells (aboli- 
tion) Avas running for the same office and received 5,152 votes. 

*See IlliHois State Register, Feb. 27, 1846. 
+Illinois State Joui'iial. 
$See Illinois State Journal. 



FRENCH'S ADMINISTRATION. 553 

For lieutenant-governor, Josei)li B. Wells, tlie democratic candi- 
date, received 55,221 votes ; ]SI^atlianiel G. Wilcox, whig, 29,041, and 
Abraham Smith, abolition, 5,171) votes. 

By the constitution of 1848, a new election for State officers 
Avas ordered in IS^oveudjer of that year, before Governor French's 
term was half out. He was re-elected for the term of 4 years. 
Gov. French thus is the only man who has CA^er held the office of 
governor in this State for (3 consecutive years. At the election of 
1848 there was no organized op{)osition to him, though a number 
of other gentlemen were honored as the recipients of the votes of 
the people. Augustus C. French received 07, 45,'3 votes ; IMerre 
Menard (son of the first lieutenant-governor), 5,039; Cluirles V. 
Dyer, 4,748; W. L. D. Morrison, 3,834; and James L. D. Morrison, 
1,301. William McMurtry, of Knox, was elected lieutenant gov- 
ernor (in place of Josei»h B. Wells, the incumbent, who did not 
run again), receiving 05,304 votes. O. II. Browning, Henry H. 
Snow, Pierre Menard and J. L. D. Morrison, were also honored by 
votes for this office, ranging from 2,000 to 5,000. 

Gov. French was boru in the town' of Hill, New Hampshire, 
August 2, 1808. He was the descendant in the 4th generation of 
is^athaniel French, who emigrated from England in 1087, and set- 
tled in Saybury, Massachusetts. In early life young French lost 
his father, but continued to receive instruction from an exemi)lary 
and christian mother until he was 19 years old, when she also 
died, confiding to his care and trust four younger brothers and 
one sister. He discharged his trust with parental devotion. His 
education in early life was such nuiiidy as a common school af- 
forded; for a brief period he attended Dartmouth College, but 
from pecuniary causes and care of his brothers and sister, he did 
not graduate. He subsequently read law, was admitted to the 
bar in 1831, and shortly after removed to Illinois, settling first and 
practising his profession at Albion, Edwards county. The folloAving 
year he removed to Paris, Edgar county. Here he attained emi- 
nence in his profession, and entered i)ublic life by rei)resenting 
that county in the legislature. A strong attachment sprang up 
between him and Stephen A. Douglas. In 1839, French became re- 
ceiver of the United States land office at Palestine, CraAvford 
county, at which place he resided Avhen elevated to the guberna- 
torial chair. In 1844 he Avas a presidential elector, and as such 
Aoted for James K. Polk. After the ex[)iration of his term of 
ofilic.e as governor, he occupied for some years the professor's 
chair of the law department of McKendree College, at Leba- 
non, an<l did not reappear in public life except as a member of 
the constitutional conAcntion of 1802. 

In stature. Gov. French was of medium height ; squarely built, 
well i)roportioned, light complexed, Avith ruddy face and pleasant 
countenance. In manners he was plain, agreeable, and of easy ap- 
proach by the most humble; neither office nor position changol him 
in his bearing toAvard those he had met Avhile in the more humble 
walks of life. Though by nature diffident, and at times api)ar- 
ently timid, yet when occasion denumded he was outs])oken and 
firm in his A'iews of public questions and couAictions of duty. As 
a speaker, Avhile he did not approach to the higher art* of oratory, 
he was chaste, earnest and persuasive. In business he was accu- 
rate and methodical, and as the executive of this State admiuis- 



554 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

tered its affairs v\'it]i great economy, prudence and discretion. 
He was an honest and conscientions man in all Lis transactions, 
and the State was fortunate in securing his services just at the 
time she did. While strong common sense, vigilance in looking 
to the public welfare, and conscientious convictions of duty are 
often more desirable in au executive ofiicer than brilliancy or 
genius, it was peculiarly so at this juncture in the affairs of the 
State. In the pecuniary embarrassments of those times the credit 
of the State had been in a measure restored, and the overwhelm- 
ing debt properly directed in the course of ultimate extinction 
during the administration preceding, yet it still required a clear, 
careful executive brain to bring order out of chaos, and a steady 
hand to guide the ship of state into the haven of safety. When 
Gov. French quitted the helm, in 1851*, it was with the proud con- 
sciousness that her credit was fullj' restored, and her indebtedness, 
which had for many weary years pressed her incubus-like to tlie 
earth, would be faithfully and honestly discharged ; that prosper- 
ous days had at length dawned for her people; that her unex- 
ampled resources were upon the eve of development, and that she 
would now make giant strides toward wealth, greatness ami em- 
igre, in all of which his excellency had borne a just and faithful 
part. He was zealously devoted to the best interests of the State, 
ever acting for the public good, without regard to personal ad- 
vantage or aggrandizement. He lived in his exalted station with 
much frugality. As the tirst governor under the hard times con- 
stitution of 1848, he received simply the salary provided, $1,500, 
and no more. The legislative art of evading this stringent pro- 
vision by allowing the executive $4,500 for a gardener, had not 
as yet been evoked, nor Avould it, we may safely say, have been 
sanctioned by an acceptan<;e of the doucieur. 

In 1845 a tax of li mills on the dollar was authorized, to be ex- 
clusively ai)plied in payment of accrued interest upon the public 
debt. The proceeds of this tax were applied to all the interest- 
bearing debts of the State alike, including the canal bonds, leav- 
ing only about half of the tax to be applied to the interest accru- 
ing upon the debt i^roper, and causing a yearly deficit of unpaid 
interest exceeding $300,000, which was unjjrovided for. The 
canal, subject to all its arrearages, under the loan of $1,(300,000, 
had been transferred in trust to the new subscribers. To carry 
forward the work so well begun of grappling with the monster 
debt. Gov. French recommended the registration and funding of 
the debts. The uncertainty, he urged, which hung over the exact 
amount of our liabilities, had i)roduced a vague and painful ap- 
prehension in the public mind that the efforts then making to 
meet a portion of it were of little avail, to correct which, and 
elicit its true amount, this course should be adopted. Excluding 
the canal debt, the residue of all bonds or scrip should be con- 
verted into unifoini transferable stock. For the arrears of inter- 
est due upon the bonds, a deferred stock of similar character, dif- 
fering only in that it bore no interest for a number of years, was 
recommended. The expense of funding, it was thought, would 
be less than the loss already suffered from counterleiting the cou- 
pons. In accordance with these views the legislature ])assed two 
funding acts, one authorizing the fumling of the State bonds, and 
the other funding the State scrip and accrued interest ou the 



FRENCH'S ADMINISTRATION. 555 

debts. The funding of accrued interest met with considerable 
opi)Ositiou, on the ground that the effect wouhl be to cause the 
State to pay compound interest after 1857. But the measures 
passed, and by 1850 the entire State debt, excluding- that of tlie 
canal, was nearly refunded in uniform securities, which greatly 
sini]>]itled the debt, and precluded further losses from the free 
counterfeiting of the bonds, both to the State and holders of the 
bonds. 

The State of Illinois, as a condition to her admission into the 
Union, like many other States, had entered into a compact not to 
impose atax ui>on the land sold by government within her limits 
for live years after sale, which was a serious clog upon her leve- 
iiues. During the ])eriod of our hiiancial embarrassment, the 
legislature earnestly i)etitioned congress to remoNe this restric- 
tion ; to these appeals, urged with nnu'h force by Senator Breese, 
that body had tinally acceded. And now, by act of February 
11), 1817, the legislature ])rovided that all lands hereafter sold by 
government within this State should be immediately subject to 
taxation. This measure materially increased the revenue of the 
State, as after tlie close of the Mexican war, the distribution by 
the government of laiul warrants among the soldiers as bounty, 
caused a large quantity to be thrown upon thennvrket, and great 
numbers were located in Illinois. Indeed, so cheap did land war- 
rants become, that they operated greatly to check the sale of 
State lands, which were held higher; and to avoid sacritice, the 
legislature i)ere)iiptorily susi)en(led froni further sale the ])ublic 
l>ro])erty, as i)rovided by act of March 4, 1813, to wind up the in- 
teiiial improvement system. 

The legislature, in 1817, in accordance with the recommenda- 
tion of the governor, authorized the sale of the Northern Cross 
Eailroad, from Springtield to Meredosia, now the T., W. & AV. 
Ui)on the purchaser was imposed the duty of putting it in good 
repair, safe for the transportation of jtersons and proi)erty. The 
road and its e(iuii)ments sold for $100,000 in State bonds, though 
it had cost the State not less than $1,000,000. The salt wells and 
canal lands in the Saline reserve in Gallatin county, granted by 
the general governnuMit to the State, were also authorized to be 
sold by the governcu- to pay State indebtedness. 

The 2 mill tax provided by the new^ constitution to be annually 
distributed in i)ayment of the princi[)al of the pid)lic debt, other 
than the caiud, and which, in 1810, amounted to$10r),788 71, was 
foiuid to work badly and uni)rotitably to the best interests of the 
State. The legislature passed a resolution submitting to a vote 
of the peo])lean amendment to the constitution, to accord to that 
body the discretion of using the fund arising from this tax in the 
purchase of State bonds, in ojjcn mark(^t, at their current rates, at 
any time, instead of keeping the fund idle in the treasury until 
the 1st of .January in each year, then to be apportioned and cred- 
ited pro rata at a i)ar valuation on the bonds presented, no matter 
at what discount they might be rated in nuirket. In this there 
would uiuloubtedly have been a saving to the State, by her 
agents going ujiou the market and buying in her own paper 
at a discount, the same as any individual might operate; 
but the people, who felt it to be more honorable that the State 
should i)ay the full amount, refused to sanction this scheme or to 



556 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

entrust the general assembly in meddling with this sacred fund, 
and the amendment failed for want of that majority of votes 
which the constitution required to secure its adoption. The ques* 
tion, thongh urged again ui)on the peojile by the governor, was 
never again presented for their action, one reason being that the 
time required to again bring it to a vote would essentially lessen 
its imi)ortance, as the bonds were rapidly ai)proximatiug a par 
valuation in market. Such were some of the efforts made during 
Gov. French's administration to gain the mastery of the monster 
public debt. 

In 1850, for the first time since 1839, the accruing State revenue, 
exclusive of specific appropriations, was suhicient to meet the 
current demands upon the treasury. Prior to this it had been the 
practice to issue a suri)lus of auditor's warrants to meet deficien- 
cies. Of course when the treasury was not in a condition to re- 
deem these warrants, they depreciated, resulting in great losses 
both to the holders and the State by their lessened value, and the 
prolonged time of their redemption. But these embarrassments 
and sacrifices were now happily overcome. The aggregate taxa- 
ble property of the State at this time was over $lt)(),00O,0OO, the 
annual constitutional 2 mill tax yielded a revenue, after abowing 
a proper margin for defaults and casual losses, of about $190,000, 
and the population was 851,470 souls. 

Township Organization. — In 1849, in accordance with the per- 
mission of the new constitution, and in obedience to the demand 
of the people from the northern part of the State, who had ob- 
served its practical working in the eastern States, the first town- 
ship organization act was passed by the legislature. But the law, 
in attempting to put it into i)ractical operation, disclosed radical 
defects. It was revised and amended at the session of 1851, sub- 
stantially as it has existed uj) to tlie present revision of 1871. The 
attoption of the township organization system marks an era in the 
management of fiscal affairs ni many of the counties of this 
State. 

The system of township government had its origin in New Eng- 
land. But the root of this form of local government may be 
traced to the districting of England into tithings by King Alfred, 
in the 9th century, to curb the wide-spread local disorders which 
distiubed his realm.* Upon this ancient idea of tithing districts, 
the Puritans grafted their greatly improved township system. The 
county system originated in this country with Virginia, ami was 
also derived from England. The tobacco planters of the Old 
Dominion, ownhig Their laborers more comi^letely than did the 
baions of England their vassals, lived isolated and independent 
on their large landed estates in imitation of the aristocracy of 
the mother country. They also modeled their county and munici* 
pal institutions with certain modifications suitable to the condi- 
tion of the new country after the sanie prototype; whence has 
spread the county system into all the southern and many of the 
northern States. All of the northwest territory, now constituting 
fi\e States, after the conquest of Clark, was by Virginia, in 1778, 
formed into a county under her jurisdiction, called Illinois. The 

*See further Blaekstone's Commentaries, B i. p. 114-116. 



French's administra'iion. 557 

county feature was afterwiuds retahiod in all the States carved 
out of the north western territory. The county business in Illi- 
nois was transacted by 3 commissioners, in the lespective conn- 
ties, who constituted a county conrt, which, besides the manage- 
ment of county affairs, had usually other jurisdirtion conferred 
upon it, such as that of a justice of the peace and probate busi- 
ness. By the constitution of 1848, owing- to the influence of east- 
ern or New England settlers in tlie northern portion of the State, 
townshii) organization was authorized, leaving it optional for any 
county to a(loi)t or not the law to be enacted. Our township sys- 
tem, however, is not closely nu)deled after that of the j^ew Eng- 
land States. There, a representative is sent directly from each 
town to the lower branch of the legislature. In oSTeAV York, owing 
to her large extent of territory, this was found to be impra<'ticii- 
ble, and a county assembly, denomimited a board of sui)ervisors, 
comi)osed of a member froiu each town, ^^ms there established. 
This modified system we*have cojued, almost exactly, in Illinois. 

Townships are often compared by writers to petty republics, 
possessing unlimited sovereignty in matters of local concern ; and 
boards of supervisors are popularly supposed to be vested with 
certain limited legislative powers. But neither is the case. Both 
the county and townshi]) boards are mere fiscal agents. They 
hold the purse strings of the counties; they may contract, iucur 
debts or create lial)ilities — very great powers, it is true — but they 
cannot prescribe or vary the duties, mu' control in any manner the 
county or township officers authorized by law. While the county 
court, consisting of three members, is a snniller, and, therefore, as 
a rule, more numageable or controllable body by outside infiu- 
euces, there is little doubt that a board of supervisors is not only 
directly more expensive, but also that a thousand and one petty 
claims of every conceivable character, having often no foundation 
in law or justice, are constantly presented, and, being loosely in- 
vestigated and tacitly allowed, aggregate no insignificant sum. A 
board of supervisois also acts or is controlled more by partisan 
feelings. There ought to be uniformity throughout the State in 
the management of county affairs. ]!*^o little confusion seems to 
l>ervade the laws at the i)reseut time relating to our two classes 
of counties. 

Homestead Exemption. — The general assembly, at its session of 
1851, first passed the act to exempt homesteads from sale on exe- 
cutions. This subject had been brought before the legislature re- 
X^eatedly by Gov. French in his messages. The principle of this be- 
neficent law was not a new or untried one. Its practical ettects 
upon the social relations of comnumities had been fully and suc- 
cessfully tested in diflerent States. The claims of society in nuiiu- 
taining the integrity of the family relation, ^vhicli is the founda- 
tion of all society, it was argued, were superior to those of the in- 
dividual; that some men, then as now, were to be found mean 
enough to specially evade honest debts, did not argue that such a 
law, in the interests of a higher duty from man to man, would not 
subserve, as a rule, a beneficent purpose, by shielding the Avidow 
aud orphans, the aged and decrepid, from the cruel demands of 
the Slijdocks of the world. Prior to this, the exemption of certain 
articles of personal property, which had been the law for a nimiber 



558 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

of years, bad not proven inimical to the true interests of the cred- 
itor. For tlie $60 worth of property exempted, suited to the debt- 
or's condition or occupation in life, he might select a yoke of oxen 
for the cultivation of land, but no laud was by the law allowed him 
from which to raise something wherewith to support his familj' or 
discharge his debt. 

The provisions of the law (which was in force up to July 1st, 
1872,) are too well known to recapitulate here. It exempted from 
levy or forced sale, under any process or order of court, the lot of 
ground and the buildiug tliereon occnpied as a residence and 
owned by the debtor, being a householder, and having a family, 
to the value of $1,000. The law of 1872 raises this to $1,500. The 
benefit of the act was extended to the widow and family, some or 
one of them continuing to occui)y the homestead until the youngest 
child should become of age, or until the death of the widow. 

The Bloody Ifiland I)il-e—A Sped of WfO'. — Ownig to the form- 
ation of sand-bars in the Missisisipi)i ri^er oi)posite the lower part 
of St. Louis, which it was apprehended would divert the channel 
of the river to its left baidv, and greatly injure, if not <lestroy, the 
harbor of that city, the municipal authorities thereof, to prevent 
that threatened calamity, passed an ordinance, February, 184:8, 
making api)roi)riations to construct a dike or dam across the east- 
ern channel of the river, from the foot of Bloody Island to the 
Illinois shore, to force the main current of the water over to the 
St. Louis side. This etibrt, made at a great expense to the treas- 
ury of that city, was met with determined opi)o.sition in Illinois, 
as defiant to tlie sovereignty of this State and an infringement 
upon the rights of our citizens. It was urged that the work 
would change the channel in the upi)er Mississippi ; that the effect 
would be to inundate the American Bottom ; that the river would 
cut around the dike, drive the full force of its current towards 
(jahokia creek, and destroy Illinoistown ; and that the ferry woidd 
be changed up the river to the island, to get to which the company 
would charge enormous tolls over the dike. 

The work was commenced by St. Louis within the rightful juris- 
diction of this State, without permission from our legislsture or 
notice to the governor, but solely with the consent and approbation 
of the proin'ietors of the island, and the main shore oi)posite. vome 
years prior, it seems, congress had made approi)riations at differ- 
ent times for the improvement of St. Louis harbor, part of Avhich 
had been expended in the removal of a sand-bar at the south eiul 
of the harbor. These api)roi)riations, together with the consent 
of the owners of the ground where the dike was to be built, St. 
Louis claimed as a sufiicient license for her invasion of the sov- 
ereignty of Illinois with this work. The rising cities of Alton and 
Quincy, watchful of theii- rights and jealous of their big commer- 
cial neighbor, through their municipal boards passed resolutions 
expressive of their apprehensions that these improvements would 
be attended with danger to the navigation of the great commercial 
highway of the west, and i>rove detrimental to their interests. The 
executive of the State was called upon to inquire into the matter, 
and to take such steps as would protect the sovereignty of this 
State and the rights of its citizens. A large number of letters 



French's administration. 539 

from different citizens poured in upon his exeellencj' to the same 
end. 

(Tovernor French thereupon addressed a letter to the municipal 
authorities of 8t. Louis, recapitulating the rei)resentations made 
to liim as to the threatened dangers of this work, urging them 
to i»ause in their manifest encroachments ni)on the so^■ereignt.y of 
this State, and the riglits of its citizens, which, if persisted in, 
would require him to empk)y suitable means to arrest. 

To this somewhat bellicose document Mayor Krum, of St. Loiiis, 
rei)lied, claiming the general government hiid some years ])re- 
viously projected and partly constructed certain works opi)osite 
the city, with the view to improve the navigation of the river, and 
at the same time improve the harbor of St. Louis ; that the w orks 
now being prosecuted were substantially the same, originally de- 
signed and in part constructed by the U. S.; that to the unex- 
pended balance of the appr()})riations by congress for this i)urpose, 
St. Louis had likewise added moneys to further the said object; 
joined tothis high authority he ]>lea(l also the consent of the own- 
ers of the ground where the work ^vas being erected, and assured 
his excellency that the contemplated improvements •would in no 
wise infringe either the sovereignty of the State of Illinois, or the 
rights of any citizen. After alluding to the intluences at w(nk to 
create a false impression upon the public mind, he closed, trusting 
that no inconsiderate steps would be taken on the part of the 
authorities of Illinois without due deliberation. 

Til is answer, intemled to disarm opposition ami allay feeling, 
was not satisfactory in Illinois. It was not believed that the dike, 
in any manner, entered into the plan of imi)rovement by the gen- 
eral government, but that it was the oti'spiing of and solely pros- 
ecuted by St. Louis. Neither was it conceded that the general 
government had the right to carry forward this work within the 
rightful jurisdiction of this State. It was further inferred that 
the work was to be vigorously pushed forward by St. Louis, ami 
that the equivocal agency of the general govermnent was held out 
as a cloak to ward off nu)lestation in its i>rosccution. 

In view of the fact that it was sought to associate the general 
government with the project, the governor i)roposed to submit the 
question as an agreed case, to the U. S. circuit court, then sitting 
at Springlield, as the speediest and most satisfactory nuxle of set- 
tling the controversy. But this proposition was declined. Sub- 
sequently, in a letter to Gov. IJeynolds, he writes that there is left 
him but one alternative, either to check the work or have some 
agreement that it shall await the meeting of the legislature.* A 
committee of the common coum-il of St. Louis, with power to treat, 
visited Governor French at Springlield. His excellency offered to 
lay the nuitter before the next general assembly, but as that in- 
volved a considerable loss of time, the commission was unwilling 
to accede to it. The governor could not grant i)ermission to pro- 
ceed with the work. In the meantime an injunction, issuing from 
the St. Clair circuit court, had been served upon the contractors. 
But the work was i)roceeded with in contempt of the order of court. 
The governor now inaugurated "strong nu*asures to cause the in- 
junction to be respected." To this end, H. S. Cooley secretary- of 

• See Illinois State Register, July 14, 1848. " 



560 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

State, was sent to Illinoistowii, to investigate tlie matter. lie 
learned that a large number of men were employed, that steamers 
towed stone-laden barges from the St. Louis quarry, and that be- 
tween 200 and 300 tons of rock were deposited upon the dike 
every night, notwithstanding the injunction; that 12 feet of wall 
was up, and that in 4 weeks time the whole line, from the Island 
to the main shore, would be built above the water's edge. x\t 
Belleville he found the war feeling so strong that a general disposi- 
tion was manifest to enforce obedience to the writ of injunction. 
The sheriff of St. Clair county went beyond his bailiwick and 
served the writ upon the Mayor in St. Louis, who treated the nuit- 
t€r rather lightly. Writs of attachment for contempt were now 
issued for the arrest of every person found violating the jn'ocess 
of the court. If these civil measures failed and the sheriff's posse 
proved insufficient, the governor was determined to resort to mil- 
itary force, and all the able-bodied men of St. Clair county ;ip- 
peared ready to back him in the enforcement of the civil process. 
It miglit be inferred that war was imminent. The sheriff" ar- 
rested two of the principal workmen on the dike and conveyed 
them before Judge Koerner to be tried for contempt. The press, 
both of St. Louis and Illinois, became violently inllamatory, por- 
traying all manner of dire results to grow out of these acts, nuich 
as if an actual state of war existed. 

In the meantime the governor's envoy found in mingling with 
the citizens of St. Louis tluit the people took very little interest 
in the trouble, and that the city authorities had no disposition to 
defy the process of a court of Ilbnois; that outside of the efforts 
of the Wiggins ferry company, which owned in great part the 
island, and the contractors, who wanted to earn their money, very 
little concern was felt in the dike controversy. It was represented 
that beyond a desire to hold the city harmless in its contract, 
(wherefore no effort was made to impede or restrain the work of the 
contractors) the authorities had no immediate interest in it; that 
willful contempt or double-dealing toward the authorities of Illi- 
nois, while their committee was on a peace mission to the gover 
nor, was not designed. It was the ferry company, ownhig the 
island, which would monopolize the causeway or dike leading to 
it from the main shore ; the distance of its transit across the river 
would be shortened by half; the " St. Clair ferry," (partly owned 
by the State), together with Illinoistown, to which it ran, would 
by the new ferry landing be thrown so far out of the direct line 
of travel as to destroy both, and a new town, (the present East 
St. Louis,) would spring up on the island, more convenient and 
with shorter ferryage, which would enable that comi)any to hold 
the traveling i^ublic to their own terms without successful compe- 
tition, and bid deiiance to the State. For these reasons the Wig- 
gins Company took a deep interest in the successful accomijlish- 
ment of the work.* 

The injunction suit came up for hearing in September, before 
Koerner, then one of the supreme judges, at Belleville. 
After elaborate argument by Mayor Krum and Mr. Blannerhasset 
of St Louis, and Col. Bis«ell, in favor of the work, and Messrs. 
Keeting and Trumbull against it, the jurisdiction of the State 

* See letters of Gon. Cooley to Gov. French, Illinois State Eegister, August 4th and 
11th, 1848. 



FRENCH'S AD]\nNISTRATION. 561 

<'Oiut was liekl to be coiicuneiit with tliat of the federal ; the 
power of the State to proliibit obstrnctioiis being phiced in lier 
lii,iili\vays or tlie eoiistnietioii of tliis dike in her luivigable waters, 
Mas equally clear. The bill and writ were snstaiiied as to Hall, 
Cannon and Ben net, three contractors served with process in St. 
Clair county, but as to the city of St. Louis, a foreign municipal 
cor})oration, and John Schreiber, served in St. Louis, out of the 
jurisdiction of the court, it was dismissed. An appeal to the su- 
preme court was taken from the decision dismissing the case as 
to the city of St. Louis and Shreiber.* 

The dike had been built up to the water's level, and the main 
contention now^wasover the attempt to])uild it 12 feet higherand 
level with the shore for a highway, belonging to and in the control 
of a private company, traversing the navigable waters of the 
State. Another point was the consequential impairment of the 
St. Clair ferry below, in which the State had an interest. In de- 
fense, it was claimed that the obstructed channel never was navi- 
gable, which was the lact, except perhaps on occasion of ex- 
traordinary freshets, and that it had been cut within L*0 years 
through lands belonging to the old Wiggins ferry company, which, 
with St. Louis, Avas making this dike, and thus reclaiming their 
own land. 

The legislature, at its session of 1S19, settled the trouble by the 
passage of resolutions which proA'ided that the city of St. Louis 
should tile a good and valid bond with the secretary of state, 
binding the city to construct a safe and commodious highway 
over the dyke; and that the owners of the property on the island 
and main shore secure the undisturbed right of way to the public 
over it forever without tax or toll. The right of way was not to 
extend to chartered companies (except the St. Clair ferry) and 
turnpike companies. The city of St. Louis was also to secure to 
tlie St. Clair ferry a landing in the city, all of which was done, 
and thus was the cloud of war dispelled. 

A committee was also appointed, consisting of J. L. D. Morri- 
son, (from the aggrieved county), A. J. Kuykeudall and Herbert 
Patterson, to examine the works, who reported, February 1, 1851, 
that the dike was then conq)leted, being a solid stone Avail across 
the chute, sunk in 40 feet of Avater, oG feet Avide and elevated to a 
level of 3 feet aboAC the lower store doors on the levee in St. 
Louis, leaving the distance from the island across the river but 
800 yards. xV thriving city Avas predicted, to Avhich at no distant 
day the workshops, boatyards and manufactories of St. Louis 
would in a great measure be transplanted, and Avhere the tired 
artisan or mechanic, after his day's labor in the city, would repose 
in a cheaper and more comfortable home than he could enjoy in 
the croAvded city. The result of thebuilding of the dike has shown, 
after a lapse of 20 years, that stability has been imparted to the 
Illinois shore of the turbident riAcr, that Bloody Island has been 
permanently joined to the main land, and, while much remains to be 
done to build up a considerable city there, a half score of rail- 
roads centre already in East St. Louis. 

• See 5 Gilman, 368. 

36 



562 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



" STATE POLICY." 

Tribute Levied upon Illinois Produce in the St. Louis MarJcet — 
Eailroads Disappoint Ambitious Towns, d:c. — Froui 1840 until the 
special session of Febiiuiry, 1854, tliere prevailed in the legisla- 
tion of Illinois what was known as the " State Policy." The ob- 
ject was to so locate and fix the termini of cross railroads as to 
build up great commercial marts and miglity cities witliin tlie 
limits of this State ; and if this did not follow, railroads should 
not go where they would contribute to the commerce and wealth 
of cities without the State. The "policy" was ^lirected against 
St. Louis, a foreign city, ostensibly to favor ourasi)iring domestic 
cities falling within her competition, situate on the hither bank of 
the Father of Waters ; those on the Wabash, Vincennes and 
Terre Haute were also included. 

The reasons urged in favor of this policy were many and novel, 
and forcible enough to in a measure hold the best interests of the 
State in thrall for a period of six years. A general railroad in- 
corporation law was o})i)osed and defeated, on the grounds that 
any railroad company, foreign or domestic, could choose its route 
across the State in any direction without consulting the interests 
of the section of country through which it passed, which was not 
only highly unjust, but amounted to an infringement of the right 
of private property ; it might be detrimental, and would certainly 
be in bad faith to other roads already built or chartered. If a 
road was built on the line of and in direct competition with the 
great public work of the State, the canal, the result would be to 
diminish its revenue, injurious to the State, the reversioner, and 
unjust to the bondholders of that work. It was gravely argued 
tliat no shrewd capitalist would make an investment at all, and 
that all improvements of that character must be arrested, because 
under a liberal general railroad incorporation law a ruinous com- 
petition would inevitably grow up. It was scouted as unworthy 
and insulting to our State pride to contend that the great cities 
of the Mississii)pi valley could not be built uj) in Illinois. All the 
railroads from east to west, north of the Ohio river, seeking ter- 
mini with or beyond the Mississipi)i, must pass over Illiiu»is terri- 
tory. Let but these roads be compelled, by the statesmanship of 
Illinois, to converge to a point on that river within our border, 
and capital would center there, storerooms and warehouses si)ring 
up, dealers and commission merchants would be there, produce 
and shipping would gather there whence to seek an outlet to the 
Atlantic seaboard ; in a word, a great commercial mart and the 
busy hum of a mighty city would be there. While the resources 
of the State were being developed, and property generally upon 
the lines of railroads increased in value, at the termini would be> 
built up a city to rival in a few years St. Louis, which paid one 
third of the revenue of Missouri, with debt and tax-ridden llli 
nois contributing half to her capital and substance, trade and 
prosperity. 

Again and again were strenuous eflbrts made to pass an effi- 
cient general railroad incorporation law in accordance with the ex- 
press provision of the constitution : " The general assembly shall 
encourage internal improvements by jjassing liberal general laws 



FEENCn'S ADMINISTRATION. 5G3 



of incorporation for tliat purpose;" and again and agiiin did the 
people from that i^ortion of the State whose nearest, most direct 
and best market was St. Lonis, petition the legislature to grant 
charters for railroads across the State from Viucennes, Terre Haute 
and other points on the Wabash, to terminate at a point opposite 
St. Louis, but Avere as often refused, and bill alfer bill containing 
such charters were invariably rejected. 

At the close of the winter session of 1849 the members of the 
general assembly, to the number of 18 or LM), rei)rescnting that 
belt of counties across the State o]>p()site St. Louis, nuiiiily affected 
by this exclusive policy, issued a stirring address to their constit- 
uents and all the section immediately concerned, setting forth that 
justice had been denied them by the legislature, and strongly ap- 
pealing to them to send delegates to the number of not less than 
ten from each county to a raib'oad conventi(»n to be held in Salem 
in June, 1811), to take into consideration their grievances, and 
devise such measures as might be deemed necessary in the emer- 
gency to secure for their section those rights under the constitu- 
tion from whic'h they had been so unjustly debarred. To the north, 
it was chai-ged, nothing had been refused, while to the s(mth 
nearly everything had been denied — but not by nortiiern votes 
alone ! 

The convention met at the a^jpointed time and was attended by 
a large concourse of people; at least l.OOO earnest men were assem- 
bled, and over 1, <)()(> <lelegates from the counties aggrieved. Ex- 
Gov. J?adock Casey i)resided. jMr. Wait, of Loud county, i)re- 
sented an able address, setting forth in ai>t language the griev- 
ances of that belt of country across the State through which the 
Ohio and Mississij)))! railroad would run, i)ointing out tlu^ advan- 
tages of St. Louisas a market, and boldly declaring the interests 
of tiiat section of the State to be identical with those of that for- 
eign city. The exclusive policy of the legislature was rebuked in 
severe terms for denying them the railroad charters which they 
vSought for their section ; the governor was requested to convene 
the legislature in extraordinary session, and a general lailroad in- 
corporation act, with liberal provisions, was demanded from it ; 
aiul finally the pe(.i)le thronghout the country were recommended 
to assemble in their home districts and take steps to urge these 
measnres without ceasing. 

It was generall\' sui)posed at this time that the governor would 
convene the legislature for (he purpose of electing a United States 
senator in place of (len. Shields, rejected by the senates in jVlarch 
pievious for want of eligibility. As anticii>ate(l, the governor, on 
the 4th of Se])teinber, issued his proclamation for a special session 
in October, 184H, inviting actit)n upon several subjects, among 
them the establishnuMit of a general railroad incorporation law. 

To counteract the iuHuence of the Salem conv(^ntion, a "State 
l)olicy" meeting was called at Hillsboro, in Montgomeiy county, 
for the 20th of July, 1840, to consider and take action in reference 
to railroads crossing the State east and west, and terminating at 
suitable points for building up commercial citie:; and towns within 
the borders of our omii State. The convention did not meet, how- 
ever, until October. For the occasion an immense barbecue was 
prepared, and it v:as said some 12,000 people attended. Many 
public men and ijoliticiaus participated in the proceedings, and 



564 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



much bombast, portraying- the great question of "State policy" in 
glowing colors, was indulged. Among the participants may be 
noted the names of Joseph Gillespie, Eobert Smith, Cyrus Ed- 
wards, A. ISf. Starbird, AV. Pickering, Gen, Thornton, W. D, Lat- 
shaw, and others. These names show that the Alton interest was 
largely represented, liesolutions were adopted in favor of the 
"])olicy;" approving the action of the legislature at its last ses- 
sion in refusing charters to railroads leading to St. Louis ; con- 
demning the call of the extra session of the general assembly by 
the governor for tnat month, and asking its immediate adjourn- 
ment after the election of a United States senator, without acting 
upon any other question. 

Here it may be mentioned that the action of the Missouri legis- 
lature contributed not a little to incense the people of Illinois 
against St. Louis. That body had, in the winter of 1849, prece- 
ding, passed an act levying tribute upon all property sold within 
the limits of Missouri, being the growth, produce or manufacture 
of any State other than her sovereign self. The amount of sale- 
tax required to be paid was $4 50 on every $1,000 worth of mer- 
chandize sold, for months from and after the 21st of August, 
1849. Commission merchants in charging this amount back to 
their consignors, were required to make out sworn returns, much, 
it is presumed, after the mauner of our late government income 
tax. It was estimated upon accurate data, that the commerce of 
Illinois alone, in the market of St. Louis, would yield, by this sale 
tax, $150,000 annually to the treasury of Missouri. It ^^as a 
scheme by which to lift the burden of govennnent and taxation 
from the people of Missouri, where it belonged, and impose it upon 
the peoi)le of Illinois, Iowa and Minnesota. A law so obnoxious 
to every i)rinciple of justice, gave immediate rise to much dissatis- 
faction and clamor ainong the people, with severe denunciation of 
the offending State by the press; it is but just to say, hoAvever, 
that the press of St. Louis also contemned the law and its enac- 
tors, charging- that the legislature of Missouri, was controlled by 
intluences outside of and antagonistic to that city, rather than 
promotive of her interests. The law was clearly inimical to the 
constitution of the United States. Such a tax if a,t all admissa- 
ble, congress alone has the power to levy, on condition that it be 
made uniform throughout the Uijited States. Subsequently the 
supreme court of Missouri set the law aside. But it may be well 
imagined that it contributed not a little in arousing feeling and 
prejudice among our people and law-makers against St. Louis. 
The dike, too, afforded an opportunity to array prejudice against 
that city, and neither was .slowly taken advantage of. 

The legislature, at the called session of October, 1849, again re- 
fused special charters to the Vincenncs and St. Louis raihoa<l, a 
general raihoad incorporation law was hoAvever established, but 
so defective in its provisions that ]io companj could well organ- 
ize or oi)erate under it without further legislation. The subjoined 
declaration of i)rinciples of State policy, drawn up by Wesley 
Sloan, of Pope, the sage of Golconda, Avhich passed the house, 
Nov. 3, 1849, by 43 to 27, and the senate Avith only 2 dissenting 
votes, illustrates the animns of the legislature upon the subject 
of railroads, better than anything else: 



FRENCH'S ADMINISTRATION. 565 

Resolved 1st. That the geographical position of the State of Illinois, con- 
sidered in connection with the construction of railroads within her lim- 
its, is one of the greatest natural advantages which, she possesses, and 
which under a judicious system of legislative policy must be very in- 
strumental in promoting her genei*al welfare as a State. 

"2d. That the prosperity of a State or nation, consists not only in the 
virtue and intelligence of a brave and energetic people; in the richness 
of her soil and mineral resources, but also in the number and extent of 
her flourishing towns, cities and villages. 

"3d. That any internal improvement, whether constructed under a 
general or special law, tending in its operation to impede the growth 
ami prospects of cities, towns and villages, within our own borders, 
ought not to be encouraged. 

"4th. That the construction which should be given to the 6th section 
of the 10th article of the constitution is, that the general assembly shall 
encourage improvements that are of an internal character and advan- 
tage, and not such as are mainly intended to promote external interests. 

'*5tli. That a railroad commencing at our eastern boundary, running 
across the State and terminating at a point on the Mississippi river op- 
posite St Louis, and also uniting with continous lines of railroads ex- 
tending etxstwardly through our sister States, either to Cincinnati or the 
Atlantic cities, would be immensely advantageous to St. Louis, at the 
same time 'that it would impede the growth and prosperity of the 
cities, towns and other localities on the Illinois side of tlie Mississippi 
river.' 

"6th. That the connection of the Mississippi river by continuous lines 
of railroads with the Atlantic seaboard, is of vital importance to the 
whole Union, and we willingly invite the construction of railroads pass- 
ing throijgh other States, to our eastern boundary, promising to grant 
to thein the right of way, and reserving to ourselves only the privilege 
of fixing the termini; a privilege we ot)nstitutionally claim, and which 
we are entitled to exercise by reason of our geographical position. 

"7th. That the construction of the great Central Railroad is a subject 
of vast importance to Illinois, and all laws, having for their object the 
completion of the same on proper principles, ought to be encouraged; 
}))'ovided such laws do not infringe too much upon our natural advan- 
tages growing out of the geographical position of the State."* 

The passage of tliese resolutions by the very decided majorities 
we hiive noted, Avas rather alarniijig. And now the internal policy 
of the State, so emphatically announced, was attacked without 
glove.s by the foreign i)ress, and our own, partly, too. The news- 
papers of 8t. Louis and Cincinnati, directly affected by the refusal 
of the legislature to grant a charter to the Ohio & Mississippi 
Railroad Company, were unsparing in their abuse. The State 
policy was denounced as selfish, narrow and contemptible — 
we were re-euacting the fable of the dog in the manger. The 
press of New York chiming in, characterized our '" State policy" 
as unreasonable, vain and churlish; we would lu'ither help the 
parties affected by it, uor permit them to help themselves; 
to the great railroads pushing their lines from the Atlantic cities 
westward, conferring permanent benefit and untold wealth along 
their routes, when they arrived upon our eastern border we ex- 
<;laimed in the blindness of our own interests, thus far slialt thou 
go and no farther, because they wanted to go to St. Louis, the 
great commercial centre on the Mississippi. It was urged that 
Illinois stood in the light of her own interests; that oiu- short- 
sighted policy was proving ruinous to the south and middle parts 
of the State; that it was the Alton influence, as opposed to St. 
Louis, which had produced the conflict between the three sections 

• See Jaws of Special Session, 1849. 



566 niSTOEY OP Illinois. 

of the State, but that after all the north was taking advantage 
of it, using Alton to pull the chestnuts out of the fire for Chicago. 

Alton had been ambitious of commercial distinction for many 
years, always waiting Micawber-like for some fortuitous circum- 
stances, or involved in some ingenious schemes to accomplish this 
graml object. But these, without energy, labor and capital will 
not alone succeed in buihling up a great city. It will be remem- 
bered by the reader that the State bank in 1835 was bankrupted 
within two years after it started by its efforts to supply the I'api- 
tal to monopolize the lead mines of Galena, divert all the up-river 
trade from St. Louis, and build up Alton, Jiearly opposite the 
mouth of the Missouri, as the emporium of the Mississippi valley. 
The completion of the canal, also, it was fondly hoped, would 
check the prosperity of St. Louis. Caual boats, it was main- 
tained, might with safety aiul expedition be towed down as low 
as Alton, but the increased difficulties and dangers in the current 
of the Mississippi, below the mouth of the Missouri, would pre- 
vent their being taken to St. Louis, while freight could at all 
times be brought as cheaply from New Orleans to Alton as to St. 
Louis. 

Thus by the deceptive cry of this grand internal State policy, 
and various coiubinations formed in consequence thereof, hostile 
legislation was evoked toward that part of the State which by 
nature is not so well adapted to the construction of railroads as 
the great prairie regions of the center and north, and which should 
rather have received the fostering care of friendly legislation tlian 
the bbght of this policy, whose effects are not entirely removed to 
this day. The great northern portion of the State, seeking an 
outlet by railroads to markets on the lake, and mainly within our 
own borders, was not inimical to the exclusive i>olicy j but while 
that region Avas liberally rewarded with railroad charters for its 
development, it was not without aid, infatuated let us hope, from 
the south to impose the "policy" upon the latter. 

ISTotwithstanding this withering policy, and the just strictures 
upon it by our own and the foreign press, which disseminated a 
knowledge of it far and wide ; and also that the State generally 
had been greatly retarded in her onward career by an enormous 
public debt, without equivalent, weighing her down like an incu- 
bus, there was not, as we approach the close of the decade termi- 
nating with 1850, another State in the Union increasing so rap- 
idly in population, wealth and resources. Not Illinois alone, but 
the entire northwest was settling up rapidly. The whole of this 
vast wilderness in 1820, contained only about 850,000 souls, (being- 
less than Illinois had in 1850), while now it numbered 5,000,000. 
The action of steam had cheapened and immeasurably increased 
the vSi)eed of transportation and immigration. The comple- 
tion of the canal had given an impetus to the agricultural 
resources of Illinois, long needed. It had also been indirectly a 
means of wonderfully improving her financial affairs. With the 
advent of Gov. Ford's administration, it was officially announced 
that there was not money enough in the State treasury to pay 
postage on a letter. Since then the new loan of $1,000,000 had 
been made, with which the canal had been completed, yielding now 
an annual revenue in tolls of over $125,000 ; canallands worth half 
million dollars had been sold, far above the appraisement j 3-5ths 



FRENCH'S ADMINISTRATION. 567 

of the 1 ^ mill tax authorized in 1S45 now paid $12 out of eveiy |C0 
of annually accruing interest; and if tlie two mill tax authorized 
by the new constitution could have been diverted in that way the 
whole annual interest on the internal improvement debt ]iroper 
could have been paid. Auditor's Avarrants were worth 95 cents 
on the dollar. Such was our improved condition at this time, 
brought about by a rigid economy in ex})enditures, a thorough 
system of retrenchment under the new constitution, and a wise 
administration of public att'airs under Govs. Ford and French. 

And now came in addition such glad tidings which, but for 
the thorough schooling in the se rigid economies and dearly bought 
experiences, might have sent us again headlong into a wild course 
of profligacy and schemes of infatuation. This was the nuignifi- 
cent donation by congress of some o,0()(),()00 acres of land to the 
State, which vsecured the building the Illinois Central Eailroad ; 
also at the same session, the grant to the State of all the unsohl 
swamp lands within her Hunts, estinnited at 1,500,000 acres; and 
what was also of incalculable beneiit to many a family, the act of 
congress granting bounty land to the brave men who ])eriled their 
lives in the but recently closed oMexican war. With these encour- 
aging and hopeful aids, joined to an ever thronging emigration 
pouring in upon our rich prairies, -stifling legislation could no 
longer retard our nuirch to empire. 

In the fall of 1850, a new legislature, fresh from anew people — 
new in great accessions, and also in that they had cast off their 
garments of despondency, and were full of hope — was elected. 
This body met in January, 1S51, and while it did not inconsider- 
ately crowd im))ortant bills through, jiei-formed a great deal of 
labor, giving life to those measures which have become the in- 
struments of an enduring greatness to this empire State, and 
from which, with proper additions since, Ave behold to-day unfold- 
ing the full glory of a grand future. These instruments were 
nmiidy important railroad charters, Avhich in number Avere even 
then said to nunk up the siuface of the State into a network of 
these imi)rovements. 

The incubus of ''State i)olicy" was not altogether shaken off, 
but a good beginning Avas made by granting a charter to the Ohio 
and Mississi}»pi railroad coiiii)aiiy. Mr. Douglas, taking a broader 
A'iew tliaii the contines of Illinois, was prompted to address a letter 
from Washington to Uri ]Manly, of Coles, saying if he Avere a leg- 
islator he would certainly grant a charter for the proi)osed road 
from [Uinoistown to Terre Haute, and also to Yincennes, and to 
other lines across the State when any considerable portion of the 
pe()j)le desired it. He Avould give a preference to the towns and 
cities of Illinois where it could be done without injury or injustice 
to others, but he Avould never sacrifice the great agricultural in- 
terests for the benefit of a much snudler interest in the towns. The 
country was not made for the towns, but the towns for the con- 
venience of the country.* The Hon. Y. E. Young, M. C, also 
Avrote to Mr. W. S. Waite, of Bond county, that good faith on the 
l)art of the legislature required them to charter all cross railroads 
contem])lated, as most probably the Illinois Central railroad grant 
of land Avould not have been obtained if the delegation in congress 
had Avithheld the positiA'e assurance that the State would change 

• Vide 111. Reg., Jan., 1851. ^ ' 



568 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

her policy in relatiou to cross roads. That sucli assurances were 
given was also corroborated by Mr. DonglasandCol. W.H. Bissell, 
the latter writing that he felt quite sure votes Avere obtained in that 
way, ami that the lesult showed that they had but very lew to 
spare in the final trial.* Thus was the legislature induced to yield 
and grant just one cross road leading to iSt. Louis. But that was 
alL /^ 

And noAv, to illustrate the bad faith of soulless corporations— 
the many disappointments and heart-burnings which they have 
caused, and the bitter curses they have invited fioni rising towns 
and ambitious cities throughout the length and breadth of the 
State, it may here be mentioned in connection with this road, 
which gave one of the earliest cases of the kind, and which, too, 
will serve as a type of many others whose local history caniiot 
well be obtained, that, after being a suppliant for years before the 
legislature for just the right of way, and in its obsequiousness full 
of the most honorable and humble i>romises, no sooner had it ob- 
tained its charter than it turned and violated them, becoming per- 
fectly oblivious to everything else except what was expressed in 
that instrument. Belleville, at that day, was an ambitious and tiour- 
ishing young city. In the passage of the charter for the Ohio and 
Mississippi railroad company, it is alleged that it was distinctly 
understood that the interests of Belleville should not be sacrificed, 
and therefore the naming of that place as a point in the charter 
was magnanimously omitted. This nuignanimity that corporation 
failed to appreciate, and grievous disappointment followed. ]>elle- 
\\\\e thereupon tendered a subscription of $.jO,000 on condition 
that she be made a point ; she entreated and remonstrated, but a 
deaf ear was turned to all her requests. Belleville Avas left some 
six miles to the south. She held an indignation meeting and de- 
clared it inconsistent with the honor, interests or duty of any 
citizen to participate in the ceremonies of breaking ground at llli- 
noistown for that road, February 8, 1852. On that occasion was 
presented the singular spectacle of Cincinnati, Vincennes and St. 
Louis, three foreign cities, taking i)ossession of the soil of Illinois 
upon which to inaugurate a great improvement, without our coun- 
tenance or approbation, but we were powerless to prevent it. 
Other places in this State, similarly aggrieved by other roads, are 
Uniontown, Salem, Charleston, Shelbyville, Urbaiia, &c., &c. 
Verily, in our legislation upon the subject of railroads, and the 
granting to them of valuable franchises, we have gone from one 
extreme to the other. While our action toward them in resi)ect 
of the State policy was entirely too narrow ami illiberal, savoring 
too much of i)roscrii)tion, when chartered pri\ileges were ex- 
tended to them it seems that the bars were let clear down, and 
we failed to retain any suflticient control over them. These, to-day, 
giant foreign corporations, some of whom erst begged in a most 
su])pliant manner of this sovereign State merely for the right of 
way, now set u}) their vested rights and defy not only legislative 
but constitutional control. 

The "State policy" maintained its supremacy longer with regard 
to the Atlantic and Mississippi railroad, known as the " Brough " 
road, from Terre Haute via Vandaliato St. Louis direct, than any 
other. This road was regarded as in direct conflict with the Alton 

* Ibid 



FEENCH'S AD:\nNISTRATION. 569 

interest, and a ruinous competition to the Terre Haute and xVltou 
road, then building: Col. Jolin liiou;L;li, a leadiuj*' public citizeu 
ot" Indiana, was at its bead, and sbowed niucb (leterinination to 
accomplish it. When he was denied a special charter by the leg- 
islature of 1851, a company was organized under the general laws 
of 1849 ; subscription books to the cai)ital stock were opened in 
Kew York city, capital $1.',000,(H)(), shares ,"^50 each ; $470,()(»0 w ere 
sj)eedily subscribed, and Col. lUough, the president, issued his 
bulletin, announcing his intention to build a road from Terre 
Haute to St. Louis, not only without, bat against, legislation. The 
idea that St. Louis should have two railroad highways across the 
State of Illinois was simply monstrous to Alton. An Alton news- 
paper of November, 185!i, says : 

*'At the close of the last session of our lej2:islature we expressed the 
opinion that Col. Jolm Brougli, of Indiana, would be satisfied witli the 
explicit refusal of our State to grant a charter of incorporation to liis pet 
project * * and that lie would abide by the several times repeated de- 
cision. The citizens of Illinois had reason to suppose that tliey were 
rid, for all time to come, of this pretended friend, but real enemy, to tlieir 
best interests. It seems, however, tliat this valiant Indiana colonel is 
determined, notwitlistanding his former repulses, to continue his unsoli- 
cited and officious intermeddling witli the domestic policy of this State." 

But it was found impracticable to build the road under the law 
of 1819, and ap[>lication was again made to the general assendjly 
of 185.3 I'or a si)ecial charter. Col. Lrough was personally pres- 
ent ami labored earnestly to succeed, but the State policy party, 
after strenuous oi)i>osition, led by Messrs. Wynn, Kuykendal and 
others, were again enabled to defeat the bill. Another bill look- 
ing to the accomplishment of the same result, perhaps, was for a 
cliarter of the Terre Haute and Vandalia railroad, but the jeal- 
ous and watchful State policy party, regarding this as a piece- 
meal resurrection of the "Brongli road," promptly defeated it. 
The extension of the Belleville and lllinoistown charter eastward 
a(;ross the State, the Terre Haute and JMarshall branch, and sev- 
eial others, which looked to ai)]»roach theMississi])pi at St. Lonis^ 
all met with signal defeat. The triumph of the State ])oli(;y party 
Avas comi)lete, and the press iu its iuterest boldly proclaimed that 
it had waxed stronger than ever. 

About this time, too, Chicago was greatly exercised over the Joliet 
Cut-oflf grievance, a road which would save to the public from the 
east, west or south — not desiring to make the detour to Chicago — 
Cthniles in transportation or travel, going and coming. Yet Chi- 
cago, for some fancied beneht, was anxious that that circuit should 
be maintained and enforced, nolens rolens, upon all freight and 
passenger transportation. It is but just to say, however, that in 
this tlu're was not entire unanimity. Xotably the Chicago Demo- 
crat became all at once the most ardent advocate of State i)olicy, 
and strongly urged this enforced de\ iation upon the public, de- 
nouncing Joliet and her citizens prominently connected with the 
steps taken to build a short railroad directly east, iu unmeasured 
terms of abuse. 

It was at the session of 1853, that Joseph Gillesine, cham]>iou 
of the Alton int(>rest, introduced into the semite a bill by which 
all these existing chartered lailroad corporations w-ere to be 
piotected for ten years against the building of any competing 
roads within 25 miles distance, unless existing corporations first 



570 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

consented thereto. This amazing- proposition was a fit climax to 
all the monstrous, absurd and pernicious schemes of the State 
policy party. While many of the other States of the Union, ani- 
mated by a noble spirit of enterprise, were removing legal ob- 
structions and instead adoiiting broad and liberal railroad incor- 
poration laws, throAviug wide open their borders, and inviting 
capital from abroad to build railroads and create comj)etition 
wherever it inclined, it was cooly proposed in the great State 
of Illinois, Avhich needed development very badly, to draw a cor- 
don of exclusiveness around her borders, and within to combine 
with soulless corporations in the monopoly of all improvements, 
and hand over to them, bound by the strong chords of the law, 
the i)eople of the State to be fleeced without stint. The bill 
failed to become a law. 

The Salem railroad convention of 1849 having ultimately proved 
successful in obtaining a charter for the Ohio and Mississii)})i rail- 
road, another couvention now met at the siiine place, ^Nov. 25,1853, 
to urge upon the governor the calling together of the general as- 
sembly in extraordinary session. The counties of Clark, Cum- 
berland, Effingham, Crawford, Fayette, Jasper, Edwards, Bond, 
St. Clair, Jackson, Monroe, Williamson, Eandolph,- Clin- 
ton, Jetferson, Perry, Marion, Clay, some 19, all south of the 
Terre Haute and Alton railroad, whose best and most accessable 
market would be St. Louis, were ably represented by their most 
public s])ii'ited and enteiprising men. The Hon. Zadock Casey 
was unanimously chosen chairman. A committee was appointed 
of which the Hon. Sidney Breese was chairman, to draft an ad- 
dress, setting forth their grievances and urging the governor to 
convene the legislature. Action upon seven measures was de- 
manded, but the railroad grievance was the main one. The com- 
mittee say: 

"The special acts and the general law, so-called, for railroad incorpo- 
ration demand action tliat would alone justify an extra session. Ke- 
strictions upon the acconiplislinient of useful enterprises miglit be re- 
moved by an act of ten lines, opening the way to immediate construc- 
tion of works tiiat would bring in capital from abroad and enhance the 
value of real estate to the amount of several millions of dollars. That 
Southern Illinois has a peculiar interest in tliis imiDortaut measure, she 
has no disposition to dejiy. Look at the single fact that in the vast and 
increasing railroad enterprises, which is giving new life to the State, and 
which already exceed 2,000 miles in extent, less than 300 are permitted 
to Southern Illinois." 

A committee of some 20 was appointed to present the address 
in person to the governor. It had the desired effect. The goveriK)r 
issued his proclamation, convening the legislature in Feb., 1851. 

This special session was a very busy, and in mauy resiTccts, a 
most important one for the State. But we now can only notice 
the subject in hand. The State policy "vvas narrowed down to the 
one object of again defeating the " Brough road," for which pur- 
l)ose a great effort was made, aided by foreign lobbyists interested 
in the Terre Haute and Alton road. But their efforts failed ; the 
liberal policy triumphed, the charter "recognizing and authorizing 
the construction of the Mississippi and Atlantic railroad'' passed 
in both houses by decisive nuijorities. Exit "State policy" — a 
policy whicli has done much to hinder and retard the growth and 
develo])mcnt of the southern poi'tion of the State, and whose 
blight has lingered more or less to this day. 



Chapter XLYT. 
THE ILLINOIS CENTEAL EAILROAD. 

Congressional Grant of Land — HoJhrooh Charters — Bondholders'' 
Schemes — The 7 per eent. of its Gross Earnings — Passage of its 
Charter — Benefits to the Company, the State and Individuals — 
Note: Je^dousy of Politicians on Account of its Glory — Corres- 
pondence of Messrs. Breese and Douglas. 



Tlie subject of this cliaptor iiuuks an era in the progress of tlie 
State. The grand scheme of connecting, by means of iron bands 
of commerce. Lake Michigan with the great watery liiglnvay of 
the jMis.sissi]>pi Valley at the continence of the Ohio, had long" 
been a desideratnm with our people. It had constitute*! part of 
the State internal improvement system of ]<s;37, and some work ou 
the line was actually done, but was abandoned with the gen- 
eral collai)se of that system. The Central IJailroad, from the 
southern terminus of the canal to Cairo, was subsequently revived 
by legislation, procured by scheming brains with an eye to the 
future, but the whole subject lacked vitality until the i)assage of 
the act of congress of September, 1850, granting to tlie State a 
muuiticent donation of near ,"),0(M), 000 acres of land through the 
heart of Illinois in aid of its com])]etion. This noble tribute by 
the nation had its birth simultaneously with and amidst the 
throes of the great adjustment ineasures of 1850, which, during 
that long and extraoidinary session of Congress, shook the Union 
from center to circumference. Twice before had a similar bill 
passed the senate, and twice had it failed in the house, but now it 
Avas a law, and the State possessed the means to com])lete the 
great work. The linal ])assage of the measure Avas hailed with 
demonstrations of great joy by the people and press of our State.* 
Illinois internal improvement bonds made a bound forward of 10 
per cent, in the Xew York market. At this time the amount of 
railroad completed in the State consisted of a section of the 
Northerji Cross Eailroad, from ]\Ieredosia and Naples, on the Illi- 
nois river, to S])ringlield ; the Chicago & Galeim, trom the former 
city as far as Elgin ; and a mih^ coal track across the American 
bottom from oi)i»osite St^ Louis to the mines in the bluH's. 

*After the adjournment of congress. Senators Donjrlas anrl Shields, on their return 
home, were tendered a public dinner at Chicaso in lienor ot the occasion, but for rea- 
sons of delicacy they decliniMl becoming- the exclusive recipients of such attentions, 
awarilinfj: to their coUcag-ues of the house — where the final battle was fought and 
won-ilessrs. McClernand. Harris. Wentworth, Young, Richai'dson. Bisselland naker, 
the principal merit of its passage. The honors for the success of the measure were a 
fruitful source of jealousy among our public men. 

571 



572 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

The act granted tlie right of way for the railroad through the 
l^iiblic hT>iids of the width of 200 feet, from the southern terminus 
of tlie Illinois and Michigan Canal to a point at or near the 
junction of the Ohio and JVIississippi rivers, and for branches to 
Chicago and Galena; also the i)rivilege to take from them nuite- 
rials of earth, stone and timber for its construction. But the 
main grant to the State was the alternate sections of land desig- 
nated by even numbers for 6 sections deep ou each side of its 
trunk and brauches ; for the lands sold or pre-empted within this 
12 mile belt or area, enough might be selected from even luim- 
bered sections to the distance of 15 miles on either side of the 
tracks equal in quantity to them. The construction of the road was 
to be simultaneously commenced at its northern and southern 
termini, and wheu comi)leted the branches were to be constructed. 
It was to be completed within ten years, in default of which the 
unsold lands were to revert to the Uinted States, and for 
those sold the State was to pay the government price. 
The minimum price of the alternate or odd luimbered sections of 
the government land was raised from $1 25 to $2 50 per acre. 
While the public lands were thus by the i)rospect of the building 
of this road rendered more saleable at double ]>rice, it followed 
that the general government not only lost nothing in dollars 
and cents, but in point of time was actually the gainer by this 
splendid gift. The land was taken out of market for two years, 
and when restored, in the fall of 1852, it in fact brought an aver- 
age of $5 per acre. The grant was subject to the disposal of the 
legislature for the puri)ose si)ecitied, and the road and branches 
were to be and remain a public liighway for the use of the go\- 
ernment of the United States, free from all tolls or other charges 
for the transportation of any troops, munitions or other property 
of the general government. This provision, had it ai)plied to 
the rolling stock as well as the use of the rails, would doubtless 
have saved the general government during the rebellion numy 
hundreds of thousands of dollars ; but it has been construed ad- 
versely to the rights of the government in this particular. For 
the i)urpose of continuing the road south to Mobile, all the rights, 
privileges and liabilities, with regard to the grant of the public 
lands and in every resi)ect as conferred on this State, were ex- 
tended to Alabama and ]\Iississippi. Such is a synopsis of the 
important provisions contained in this, the first land subsidy nnide 
by congress in aid of railroads, latterly so lamentably frequent 
as to well nigh despoil the country of its i)ublic donuUn. 

Upon the passage of the bill, Mr. Douglas immediately jire- 
l)ared a petition, signed by the congressional delegations of all the 
Stiites along the route of the road from Mobile north, describ- 
ing the probable location of the road and its branches through Illi- 
nois, and requesting the president to order the suspension of land 
sales along the lines designated, which was immediately done.* 

The act of congress threw upon the legislature of Illinois the 
entire duty of making a prudent, wise and satisfactorj^ disposi- 

*At the same session congress passed an act granting to the State of Akansas the 
swamij and overflowed lands unflt for cultivation, and remaininy; unsold within her 
liordets. the benefits whereof were extended by section 4 to each of the other States 
in which there might be such hindssituated. Bv this act the State of Illinois received 
1,5(0,1 00 acres more. These lands were subsecjuently turned over to the respective 
counties where located, with the condition that they be drained, and for school pur- 
poses. 



ILLINOIS CENTRAL RAILHOAD. 573 

tiou of tlie magnificent grant. Tlie i)oint of depaitnre of the Clii- 
cagobraiieli from tlie main trnnk was not fixed by the act, andtliis 
deli(;ate dnty the legi.shiture, it was generally exi)ected, would take 
in hand. Before the meetiiigof thatbody, in January, ISol, nnich 
contention pervadtMl the press of the State regarding the location 
of the main trunk, and particulaily the routes of the braiu-hes. 
Many worthy and ambitious towns Avere arrayed against each 
other. The LaSalle interest wanted the Chicago branch taken 
off at that point. Jjloonujigton, looking to a continuation of the 
Alton & Sangann)n roa<l (now the Chicago, Alton & St. Louis) to 
that place, wanted the Chicago branch to connect her with the 
lake. Shelbyville, which was a point on the old line of the Illi- 
nois Central, not dreaming but that she would have the main 
trunk, was grasi)iug for the dei)arture thence of the Chicago 
branch also, and lost both. Another route, which ought to have 
commar.ded great strength, was projjosed on the most direct line 
from Cairo, making the i)oint of connecti(ni with the main trunk 
in I'ulaski county, and taking off' the Galena branch at Mt. 
Vernon, thence through Carlyle, Greenville, Hillsboro, Si)ring- 
field, Peoria, Galena and on to Dubuque. But of course it was 
to the interest of any companj' to make the location where there 
was the largest amount of vacant land that could be brought 
"within the belt of 15 miles on either side of the road. And this 
l)roved the controlling infiuence ultimately, both in the location 
of the main stem and the branches. 

The disastrous failure of only a dozen short years before, as con- 
nected with the Utopia of the internal improvement system by the 
State, was not forgotten ; and now when the means of achie\ing 
great good for developing the State were in hand, the stump and 
press teemed with advice as to the best mode of disposing of the 
grant of land, which, it may be added, was seldom free from bias 
or a look to local advantages. Swarms of land si)eculators and 
town site owners, it was aiiticipated, would infest the lobby at the 
next session of the legislature. The people were very properly ad- 
vised that to guard against the influences and intrigues of these 
sharks they must select their best and ablest men to represent 
them. 

The Holhrooli Charters. — One of the phantoms Avhicli loomed 
into ])ublic recognition, casting its shadow across the i)ath of bright 
promise for the State, was what was known as the "Holbrook 
Charters," whose incorporators, it was feared, would step in and 
swallow up the congressional .grant of land under the broad terms 
of their franchises. 

The Cairo City and Canal Company was originally incorporated 
for the purpose of constructing dikes, levees or embankments to 
secure and preserve Cairo city and adjacent lands against the 
freshets of the rivers. The cutting of a canal to unite the INIissis- 
sippi with the Ohio through Cash river, was also authorized. In 
the fall of 1835 the Hon. Sydney Breese, through a Avell-considered 
published letter, had first called attention to the plan of a central 
railroad, connectingthe southern terminus of the Illinois and MU-h- 
igan canal at Peru with the confluence of the Ohio and IMississippi 
rivers at Cairo. An effort was made at the special session of 
1835-6 to unite this project with the canal, for which an appropri- 



574 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

ation of $500,000 was tlieu granted. This failing, a cliarter for tlie 
railroad was granted, snpplenieiitiug this project with the Cairo 
City Coini)aiiy, the cori)orators being J^arius B. Holbrook, (who 
was also tlie president of the company,) Miles A. Gilbert, John S. 
Hacker, Alexander M. Jenkins, Anthony Olney and William M. 
AValker. Application was then lirst made to congress for aid by 
pre-emption. One year later the State entered npon the great in- 
ternal improvement systen), and, nnwilling to brook a rival, ap- 
l)lied to the Cairo company to snrrender the charter for the buikl- 
ing of this railroad through the centre of tlie State, which was 
complied with on condition that the State bnild the road on a 
route leading from Cairo througii Vandalia, Slielbyville, Decatur, 
Bloomington, Peru, and via ]3ixon to Galena, The State expended 
more than a million dollars, it is said, on this route before the 
"grand system" collapsed in 1840. Subsequently, by act of March 
6, 1843, the road, in the condition that it was jibandoned, was re- 
stored to the Cairo comi)any under the title of the Great Western 
Railway Company, with the power to construct the road from 
Cairo via the places najned, to a i)()int at or near the south- 
ern terminus of the Illinois and Michigan canal, in such manner 
as they might deem most expedient. The Cairo Comi»any was 
vested with the title and effects of the old Central railroad. All 
the usual franchises were granted to the Great Western Company 
as part of the Cairo Company, and in section 18 it was added that 
" all lands that may come into the possession of said company, 
whether by donation or purchase," were pledged and mortgaged 
in advance as security for the payment of the bonds and obliga- 
tions of tlie com])any authorized to be issued and contracted under 
the provisions of the charter. By act of March 3, 1845, the charter 
of this Great Western Eailroad Comi)any was repealed; but by 
act of February 10, 1849, it was revived for the benetit of the Cairo 
City and Canal Company, with the addition of some 30 names as 
incorporators, taken from all i)arts of the State, many of whom 
were well-known politicians. The company thus revived was au- 
thorized in the construction of the Central llailroad to extend it 
on from the southern terminus of the caiud — LaSalle — to Chicago 
"in strict conformity to all obligations, restrictions, powers and 
l^rivileges of the act of 1843." The governor was empowered to 
hold in trust for the use and benetit of said company whatever 
lands might be donated to the State by the general government, 
to aid in the completion of the Central or Great Western Bailway, 
subject to theconditions andprovisionsof the bill (then pending be- 
fore congress ami expected to become a law,) granting the subsidy 
of 3,000,000 acres of land. The com])any was further authorized 
to receive, hold and dispose of any and all lands secured to it by 
donation, pre-emption or otherwise. There were other details of 
minor importance, but these sufficiently indicate the nice scheme 
entertained by the long-headed speculators. 

But Douglas, though absent at Washington, was not to be 
hoodwinked by these schemes against the best interests of 
the State. At the special session of the legislature in the au- 
tumn of 1849, in his able speech delivered to that body, October 
23d, he demonstrated that a fraud had been practiced upon it the 
winter preceding in i^rocuring from it this charter; and that had 
the bill in congress donating this land met with no delay on this 



ILLINOIS CENTRAL RAILROAD. 575 

account, this vast property wonkl have gone into the hands of 
Holbrook & Co., to enrich these scheniing- corporators, with little 
assurance, as they lepresented no wealth, that the road would 
ever be built. Congress had an insuperable objection to making 
the grant for the benfit of a private corporation. The connection 
of these Holbrook companies with the Central railroad, in the es- 
timation of congress, })resented an impassible barrier to the grant, 
lint this legislature, which had granted the charter, refused to re- 
peal it. 

To obviate the difficulty, Mr. Holbrook, president of the com- 
panies, who ardently sought the success of the roiul, executed a 
promise of release to the governor, December ISth, 1849, a dupli- 
cate of which was transmitted to JMr. Douglas at Washington. 
But the senatordid not regard this release as valid or binding upon 
the company, because it was without the sanction or authority of 
the stockholders, or even the board of directors. While he did 
not impute any such motive, the company, he believed, was still 
in the condition which would enable it to take all the lands 
granted, divide them among its stockholders, and retain its char- 
tered privileges without building the road. He was unwilling to 
give his approval to any arrangement by which the State could 
possibly be deprived of any of the benefits resulting from the ex- 
pected grant. For the protection of the State, and as an assur- 
ance to congress, the execution of a full and comi)lete release of 
all rights and privileges, and a surrender of the charters, and all 
acts or parcels of acts supi)lemental or amendatory thereof, or 
relating in any wise to the Central railroad, so as to leave the 
State, through its legislature, free to make such disposition of the 
lands, and such arrangement for the construction of the road as 
might be deemed best, was demanded. These recjuirements were 
deemed not unreasonable by the agents of the comi>any at Wash- 
ington, the Hon. John A. llockwell, of Connecticut, and ]Mr. Gr. 
W. Billings, an<l a few days after a release, in dui)licate, was exe- 
cuted in New York, one coi)y of which was forwarded to the 
governor of Illinois, and one retained by Mr. Douglas, to be used, 
if necessary, in congress, containing these conditions : 

"1st. That the legislature of said State shall, witliiii the period of ten 
YEARS from the 1st of January, I80O, construct and tlnally complete, or 
cause to he constructed and comi)leted, a railroad from Cairo to Chicago, 
and that the southern terminus ot said road shall be the city of Cairo. 
2d. Tliat the legislature of said State shall, during its next session, elect 
whether to accept or decline this release upon the conditions herein 
stated. 8d. That until said State, through their legislature, shall have 
made their election, tins company may laith the appynhaiidv. of the f/ovtmor of 
the State, proceed in the construction of said road, and if said charter 
shall be released as aforesaid to said State of Illinois, the said State shall, 
within one year from the time of said election, refund to this company 
the amount which between that period and the present time, shall have 
been expended in the construction of said road, with 6 per cent, interest 
thereon, and shall assume ail t>oi, a fide contracts hena/trr made by this 
company in the construction of the same, which shall have been previ- 
ously approved by the governor of said State." 

Kothwithstanding this release, after the passage of the bill 
granting the land by congress, there was a doubt in the minds of 
the people of Illinois, which was freely canvassed pending the 
election of the legislature, which was to dispose of the splendid 
donation to the best interests of the State, regardless of local cou- 



57G HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

siderations or sectional desires, that tbe Cairo comiDaiiy, tlirongli 
its president, could and would repudiate tbe relinquishment of its 
charters, or use some expedient to induce the general assembly 
to fail in accepting it according to its 2d stipulation, which would 
enable that concern to resume its former position and gras}) the 
large grant of land under the provisions of its charter of 1849. 
The following curious letter, over the name of the president of the 
comi)any, which appeared in the Illinois Advocate at Lebanon, 
and floated about considerably in the public press of the day, 
seems to evince a desire to hold on, and it doubtless gave color to 
the public apprehensions : 

"New York, Sept. 25, 1850. 
"/7o?i. K 0. Smith: 

"Dear Sir: I can truly say that I am under obligations to those who 
with Gov. Casey prevented the repeal of the charter of the Great West- 
ern Railway Company. It was granted in good faith and under no 
other that the State can now grant. I am happy to say that when I ex- 
plained the bill to Judge Douglas, and that my object was to have the 
road made for the best interest of the whole State, I would return the 
charter rather than have any ojoposition trom the State, he was satisfied; 
and the consequence has been tliat we have worked together at Wash- 
ington this winter, and have obtained tlie grant of land from congress 
toward mal<ing the road. We are now sure that the road from Cairo to 
Peru, Galena and Chicago will be built. I am now organizing the com- 
pauy to commence the work this fall, and put a large part of the road 
under contract as early as possible. Wcbhall make the road on the old 
line of the Central route, tlirough Vandalia, Slielbyville, Decatur and 
Bloomington. I rejoice with the people of Illinois that this important 
road to the whole State, will now be made. 

"Very respectfully, D. B. HOLBROOK." 

This was construed as a pretension on the part of the presi- 
dent, that the State could not grant any other charter than that 
which his company owned, to complete the Central railroad, im- 
plying a repudiation of the release. Here was also a claim to a 
share of the glory in iirocuring the grant from congress, and the 
assertion that his company Avas ready to resume the work (men- 
tioning the route of the road) indicated that the Cairo company 
was master of the situation. Further, the Chicago Commercial 
Advertiser^ a newspaper in Holbrook's interest, in no very elegant 
language, and not devoid of bitterness, boldly set ujj for him a re- 
pudiation of his release of the charters, by the following avowal : 

"Judge Douglas has declared the first release of the Cairo company 
illegal and defective; but that he obtained a second one that was legal, 
before he would vote for the grant of land. That will likely be found 
equally so For, although he is an ex -judge, it is doubted if he knows 
enough of law to either dictate or draw a legal release in such a case; 
and liis whole concern in the matter may be looked upon as much a 
piece of political trickery as his bragging about it is bombastic, and that 
he had no more influence in procuring the grant than the barking of a 
poodle dog. * * Tlie Cairo Company liave never asked anything 
of the State but the privilege to expend their own money in it, which 
woidd never injure, but do mucli good to the State. * * * jf 
Breese, and Casey and Holbrook can be killed ofl" by the politicians of 
Illinois, look out for more plunder." 

These pretensions brought down upon the Cairo companies, and 
particularly their president, the severest animadversions of the 
X)ress and many politicians. But the companies were not without 
friends in the legislature and out of it. It is probable that the 



ILLINOES CENTRAL RAILROAD. 577 

iele;i!se signed in New York was not authorized by the Illinois 
resident corporators under the revival act of 1840. 

In jSToveniber, before tlie meeting- of the legislature, Walter B. 
Scates, one of the new corpoi-ators of the Great Western Kailroad 
Company of l.S4tl, achlressed a letter of invitation to all his co- 
<'orporatt»rs, duly named, to meet at Spiingticld, .January 0, 1851, 
f(M- I he purpose of taking such action as might be deemed expe- 
dieiit for tlie [Miblic good by surrendering uj) their (diarter to the 
Htatc. or such other course as might be desired by the general 
assembly, to remove all doubts and questions relative to the com- 
]t!iny's rights and powers, and to disembarrass that body with re- 
gard to the dis))osal of tlie grant of land from congress for the 
buihling of the much needed Central railroad. 

With the opening of the general assendily there were not want- 
ing wealthy ca[>it:dists ready to avail themselves of this munifl- 
cence of the nation, who proffered to build the Central railroad 
and its branches. The following memorial explains itself: 

" To ike Hotiornhle the Senators and Bepresentatives of the State of lU'moii, in. Gen- 
eral A.ssaHblij conveucd: 

The memorial of Robert Schuyler, George Griswold, Gouveruer 
Morris, Jonathan Sturgis, George" W. Ludlow and John F. A. San- 
ford, of the city of New York, and David A. Neal, Franklin Haven and 
Robert Rautoiil, jr., of Boston and vicinity, respectfully represents: 

Having examined and considered an act of congress of the United 
States, whereby land is donated for the purpose of ensuring the con- 
struction of a railroad from Cairo, at the mouth of the Ohio, to Galena 
and the northwest angle of the State of Illinois, with a branch extend- 
ing to Clncago on Lake Miclugan, on certain conditions therein ex- 
pressed ; and having also examined the resources of the tract of coun- 
try through which it is pro^iosed that said railroad shall pass, and the 
amount of cost and space of time necessary to construct tlie same, the 
subscribers propose to form a company with such stockholders as they 
may associate with them, including among their number persons of 
large experience in the construction of several of the principal railroads 
in tlie United States, and of means and credit sufficient to place beyond 
doubt their ability to perfom what they hereinafter propose, make the 
following offer to the State of Illinois for their consideration : 

Tlie company so formed by the subscribers will, under the authority 
and direction of the State of Illinois, fully and faithfully perform the 
several conditions, and execute the trust in said act of congress con- 
tained. And will build a railroad, with branches between the termini 
set forth in said act, with a single track, and complete the same ready 
for the transportation of merchandise and passengers, on or before the 
4th day of July, which will be in the year of our Lord 1854. 

And the said railroads shall be in all respects as well and thoroughly 
builtas the railroad running from Boston to Albany, with such im- 
provements thereon as experience has shown to be desirable and expe- 
dient, and shall be equipped iu a manner suitable to the business to be 
accommodated thereby. 

And the said company, from and after the completion of said road, 
will pay to the State of Illinois, annually, — per cent, of the gross earn- 
ings of said road, without deduction or charge for expenses, or for any 
other matter or cause : FroviJed, that the State of Illinois will grant to 
the subscribers a charter of incorporation, with terms mutually advan- 
tageous, with powei*s and limitations as they in their wisdom may think 
fit, as shall be accepted by the said company, and as will sufficiently re- 
munerate the subscribers for their care, labor and expenditure, in that 
belialf incurred, and will enable them to avail themselves of the lauds 
donated by the said act, to raise the funds, or some portion of the funds, 
necessary for the construction and equipment of said road." 

37 



578 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

Mr. Eantoul, one of the meiiiorialists, was the accredited agent 
of tlie others, with full power to act. He attended personally at 
Spriiigfiekl during the sitting of the lesislature, and the above 
proposition, couiiug from gentlemeu of such high financial stand- 
ing, was very favorably received from his hands, particularly as 
it offered the completion of the road and branches in a much 
shorter space of time than was by any one anticipated. He was 
willing to adjust the conditions of the contract so as to render the 
completion of the road certain, and without a possibility of the 
misapplication of the lands, or the bestowal of a monopoly upon 
the company, which was ready to give any guarantee that might 
reasonably be asked to guard the State against loss from defalca- 
tion, both as respected the prosecution of the work ai'.d the ap- 
plication of the ]>roceeds of the sales of lands. The terms gen- 
erally were regarded as highly advantageous, both to the State 
and the comi)any, and they were ultimately made the basis of the 
Central railroad charter. 

But opposition to the gift of land from the nation being turned 
over by the State to a private corporation was not wanting. The 
magnitude of the grant was so overi)owering to the minds of some 
persons that they fancied and argued that the State, by i)roper 
management of the means, might build not only the 700 miles of 
railroad, but pay oil' the public debt of many millions besides. H'the 
State could have managed its finances and property with the econ- 
omy, sagacity and liexibility of ajnivate (torjjoration, much of this 
doubtless could have been done. Mr. John S. AVright, of Chicago, 
published a i)ainphlet, insisting that the State would be everlast- 
ingly dishonored if the legislature did not devise laws to buihl the 
road and disenthral the State of its enormous debt besides out of 
the avails of this grant. 

Three-fourths of the lands donated, it is true, in quality of soil 
and fertility were unsurpassed, and there was a most excellent 
bargain in them so soon as iron arteries of commerce could be ex- 
tended to them j but there they lay, and had lain for 25 years, 
free to any purchaser at $1.25 an acre, and recently, with the 
abundance of land warrants thrown upon the market by the sol- 
diers of the Mexican war, they might be had at about 70 cents 
per acre, but they remained unentered. The baigain in them was 
to be imparted to them by the construction of a railroad, and the 
bringing of them within the range of markets. It was a question 
of development, for which large and ready capitnl was necessary. 
Even if the credit of the State 'would have comnninded the requi- 
site capital to build the road, judging by her experience then some 
12 years past, it is questionable whether she ought to have under- 
taken it. Certainly there was no such (lisi)osition on the part of 
the legislature. The shortness of time in which the road was i)rof- 
fered to be built was a cardiiml consideration. The great interior 
of the State, then of no taxable value to the treasury, being aluu)st 
a howling wilderness, would in some three years' time be pene- 
trated by a commercial highway, and brought within ready access 
of the great markets af the world throughout the year. From the 
great lakes and upper Mississip[)i on the north, to the extreme 
peninsula of the State on the south, a back-bone of well-settled 
country, populons towns and flourishing cities, with ribs extend- 
ing out on either side, would si)ring into being, and the life cur- 



ILLINOIS CENTRAL RAILROAD. 579 

rents of commerce and prosperity would speedily flow strong- and 
liealtliy from the sentre to the extremities. 

The bill lingered in the lei;islature mnch longer than its ardent 
friends had anticipated, to their no little anxiety. Many amend- 
ments were offered and rejected, snch as requiring payment for 
the right of way to pre-emptionists, or settlers upon the govern- 
ment land, the same as to actual owners, though their henelits, 
and the enhanced value of their lands by the building of the road 
Avould be 500 per cent. The point of divergence for the Chicago 
branch Avas strenuously attemi)ted to be fixed, but was fimdly left 
with the company anywhere '-north of the parallel of 39d. 30 
m. of nortli latitude." Much discussion was had upon the location 
of the main stem, what towus it should touch between its termini 
designated in the congressional grant, but all intermediate points 
fiuled of being fixed in the act except a single one, the N. E. cor- 
ner of T. 21 N., II. 2 E. od P. M., from which the road in it course 
should not vary more than five miles. whi(;h was effected by Gen. 
Gridley, of the senate, and by which the towns of Decatur, Clinton 
and Bloonnngton were assured of the road. 

A scheme w;is also developed, but never yet explained, by which 
it was proposed to ])liice this grand enterprise into the hands of 
the state bondholders, adding a bank. It was kiu)wn as the bond^ 
liolders' plan. Early in January the legislature received a vol- 
uminous i)rinte<l bill for a charter, the provisions whereof, closely 
scrutinized, contained it bout as hard a bargain as creditor ever 
offered bondsman. It was coolly proposed, among- other jjrovisions, 
that the State appoint connnissioners to locate the road, survey 
th(^ routes for the nuiin stem and branches, and select the lands 
grnnted by congress, all at the expense of the State ; agents were 
tintiier to be appointed by the governor to apply to landholders 
ah)ng the routes, who might be benefited by the road, for sub- 
scri[>tions, also at the expense of the State. 

'' All persons subscribing and advancing money for said purpose, shall 
be entitled to draw interest upon the sums advanced, at tlie rate of — per 
cent, per annum from the day of said advance, and shall be entitled to 
designate and register an amount of 'New Internal Improvement stock 
of tins State' equal to four times the amount so advanced, or of stock of 
this State known as 'Interest Bonds,' etjual to three times the money so 
advanced ; and said stock, so described, may be registered at th eagency 
of the Slate of Illinois, in the city of New York, by the i)arty subscrib- 
ing, or by any other persons to whom they may assign the right at any 
time after jxiying the subscription, in the prop(»rtion of the amount paid; 
and said stock sliall be endorsed, registereil and signed l)y the agent ap- 
pointed by the governor for the purpose, and a co})y of said register shall 
be tiled in' the office of the auditor of public accounts, as evidence to show 
the particular stock secured or provided for as hereinafter mentioned." 

The lands were to be conveyed by the State to the managers of 
the road ; to be by tliem offered for sale upon the ('omjvletion of 
sections of 00 milVs, ex]>ensesto be paid by the State; the money 
was to go to the managers, but the State was to receive certifi- 
cates of stock for the siinu>; two of the acting managers were to 
receive salaries of $L',500 and the others .$1,500— large sums at 
that time.; the comi)any, with the sanction of the governor, to 
purchase iron, &c., pledging the road for payment; and tiie road, 
l»roperty and stock, .to l)e "exempt from taxation. The i)ill also 
embraced a bank in accordance \\ith the provisions of the gen- 



580 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

enral free haiikin,u- law adopted at that session, making the rail- 
road stock the basis. It also jn-ovided that if the constitution was 
amended (which tailed to (;arrv,) changing the 2 mill tax to a 
sinking fund to he generally applied in redemption of the State 
debt, that then the stock registered under this act should also par- 
ticipate in the proceeds thereof. 

Here was a scheme to fasten ui)on the State treasury a horde 
of high-salaried othcials to eat out the substance of the people, 
empowering the company to create additional ofticers and fix their 
com})ensation at pleasure; no limit was fixed for the completion 
of the road: extended advantages were otfered to holders of in- 
terest bonds, then low in market, to control the road to an amount 
of four times tlieir actual outlay, mortgage it for iron, attach a 
wild-cat bank to the enterprise, and strangle it to death. But 
the measure was so preposterous that it received little counte- 
nance.* 

The next apprehensions of the friends of the measure were the 
efibrts interposed early in February, througli the Holbrook influ- 
ence, to delay action at the theu session of the general assembly, 
whi(;h wouhl revive the Cairo city company's .charters by the 
terms of their release. To this end a resolution was offered in the 
senate instructing the committee on internal improvements to 
l^repare and ))ring in a bill providing for the appointment of agents 
to locate the road, with a a iew to future cojistruction, and to 
select the lands under the grant of congress. It is one of the 
unfortunate features incident to representative forn)s of govern- 
ment that for seltish and i)artisan ends men will ejitail large losses 
indirectly upon a tax-ridden community. So now men were not 
wanting who exerted themselves to create a hobby for their future 
l)olitical advancement by efforts to delay a work which would in 
a short time render the central portion of tlie State ))Oi)uloiis by 
l)Ouring into it a tlood of immigration to build towns and cities 
and improve the country, create wealth and increase by millions, 
annually, the aggregate taxable property of the State — so badly 
needed to relieve lier of an ojipressive debt. For "the State might 
own, in fee simple, many millions of acres of land and yet be all 
the poorer for it, urdess the lands by settlement and improvement 
were reJidered ca])able of yielding a revenue." Such were some 
of the argument-s licid up to These men. 

It will be remembered that the memorialists, in tlieir proposi- 
tion to the legislature to obtain the charter, offered, among other 
things, to pay the State of Illinois ani\ually a certain per centum 
of the gross earnings of the road, without deduction for expense 
or other cause. The amount was left blank, to fix which, how- 
ever, became subsequently a matter of no little scheming and 
trouble. In the first gush of desire to obtain the sj)lendid grant 
of land from the State, it is said, the corporators would liave 
readily consented to fill this blnnk at 10 per centnm of the gross 
earnings. Uut unfortunately for the tax payers and the treasury 
of the State, as is charged in the press of the day, the shrewd 

*The orisrin of the bondholders' plnn wns involved in mj-stpry. Dr. Holford, the 
laru-est of the Illinoia bondholders, denounced it, and declared he had no band in it. 
Mr. Kins', ol' New .Tersey, the next lar^-est, also refused to endorse it. It was a ques- 
tion from whom did it emanate ; who wa.s it that wanted to rob Illinois and fjrind her 
farther in the dust? It was manifestly an nnderhanded scheme lor purposes of spec- 
ulation. Had the bill l>e<"onie a law, the beneticiuries would douLitless have avowed 
themselves readily enough. 



ILLINOIS CENTRAL EAILKOAD, 581 



ca|»italists employed a geutlemaii as tbeir attorney — a citizen of 
Illinois and member of congress at the time, than whom none was 
more popular and wielded a greater influence at home — an orator, 
statesman and soldier of renown — who had within the year 
emerged from an affair of honor with no little eclat, and which 
gained national notoriety — who left his seat in congress and at- 
tentled at Springfield in the capticity of a lobb;^ ist for the com- 
pany, and the result was the State conceded a deduction of 3 per 
cciit. from that ligurc, the amount being tixed at 7 per centum, 
and that in lieu of all taxcS, State or local.* The gross earnings 
of that corporation now amount to about half a million dollars 
annually. No little effort has been niatle to get rid of the i)ay- 
men t of this percentage into the State treasury, but since the 
lands turned over to the company have yielded so well in price, 
rei)aying the cost of the road perha])s twice over, the people set 
their fiuies agaiust it, and have been exercised by no little anxiety 
that this now wealtliy corporation would succeed in buying up 
enough members of the legislature at some future session to re- 
lieve it of this percentage. To satisty the ]!opular clamor a limi- 
tation hi4»s been irrevocably fixed in the organic law of 1870, 
which phu«s the subject beyojid the control of further legislative 
nR'^ldliiig, ami the public anxiety is allay ed.f 

Ln the legislature, after pro<'rastinating action until the heel of 
the vSession, Mr. J. L. D. Morrison, of the senate, brought in a 
substitute tor the pending bill, which, after being amended in 
isevei'al important particulars — that by Gen. Gridley has alre^uly 
beesi noticed — was passed iinally with but two <lissenting votes; 
and shortly after, the house took up the senate bill and passed it 
without amendmo-ut, also by two dissenting votes, and it became 
a law February 10, 1851. The law is so accessible that it is uinie- 
cessary to give a synopsis of it. The final passage of the bill 
was celebrated in Chicago by the tiring of cannon and other civic 
dejtionstratiows in honor of the glorious event, 

I>ut in tiie spring following, when the siu-veys of the Chicago 
branch were under way, there ar<xse quite a feser of excite- 
ment in that city, fearing that the braneli road would be carried 
to the Imliana Vww to tbrm a junction with the ]\Iichigan Central, 
and thus pravticuliy become an extenss«»n of the latver road to 
Cairo, leaving Chicago noithwaivl of this thoroughfare about L*0 
or o<> mik-s. Prominent gentlemen avldvessed a letter to 31r. 
Douglas, ivquesting his opinion respecting t!ie jiower of the con^- 
pajij to make suck a divergence from a direct Hue. Mr. Douglas 
replied at length, denying the power of the company to do so; 
citing the language of the cliarter that the Chicago branch should 
di\'erge ^"from the main mm k at a point Jiorth of the paitiilel of 
^9 <leg. 30 min., and running on the m<i)st eligibk* loute /«fo the 
city of Chicago ;■' that one o\»ject in the grant of laml by Congress 
was to render saleable the pul>lic land in Illinois which had been 
20 or SO years in market; that the union with iinother road nega- 
tive<l the provision of free transportation of United States troops 

*S<._-e CJiica^i Deisiocrfit, Au^. 1&55 

-*• While the St:Uc treasury is doubtles.s largrely benefited by this peraianent an-anj,?e- 
mcut, it, is a question whetAier the cori-.pany isnot after an the irniner in being rid of 
all tuxx^s for State, county, townisliip, echcKil and munioipa! purpos«.« along the entire 
liue of its roiuls, and whetiier this is just to the lotialities coaceriied. . 



582 HTSTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

and ])roperty forever from Cliieatio to Mobile — from tLe lakes of 
tlie north to the Gulf of Mexico, &c. 

There w as some delay in commencing" the work, occasioned hy 
the Commissioner of the General Land Office at Washington, 
Justin Butterfleld. The company had negotiated a loan of $400,- 
00(), but before it could be consummated it was necessnry tlmt 
there should be a conveyance of the lands from government. 
The commissioner, who was from Chicago, construed the grant as 
entitling the comi>any to lands for the branch on a straight line 
to Chicago, which Avould avoid the junction with the iMichigan 
Central. But this construction was reversed by the President and 
Secretary of the Interior. In March, 1852, the necessaiy docu- 
ments of conveyance were linally secured, contracts Avere let, and 
the work carried forward. The road was completed Avith little in- 
terruption. 

As au instructive example of how money may quicken other 
property into manifold life, scattering its gains in nuiny unex- 
l>ected directions, the Illinois Cential railroad is a subject in point. 
This work was one of the most stupendous and ingenious s})ecu- 
lations of modern times. By means of it a fcAv sagacious capital- 
ists became the owners of a first-class railroad, more than 700 
miles long, in full running order, complete in rolling" stock and 
every equii)age, and millions of acres of land, worth in the aggre- 
gate perhaps, $40,000,000, Avithout the actual outlay of a cent of 
their own money. This project was among the first to illustrate 
the immense field there was opening uj) in this country for bold 
and gigantic railroad operations by capitalists; and as contrasted 
Avith the State internal imi)roAement scheme of 1830-7, it Avas 
furthermore an example of the superiority of priAate enterprise 
over State or govermental undertakings. The State at that time, 
Avith a poimlation of about 350,000, mostly small farmers, author- 
ized a loan exceeding $10,000,000, to construct public Avorks. One 
of these was the Central Ilailroad, ui)on Avhich a considerable 
sum was expended. Hard times and a general collai)se folloAved 
in rapid order. Now, Avith this grant of land from the general 
goA'ernmeut, not far short of 3,000,000 acres within a belt of 15 
miles along the route of the road, to aid its construction, these 
gentlemeu, backed by credit and capital, step forward, propose to 
take the lands and build the road, AAhich is to belong to them 
AA'hen built. The State accepts the offer, incorjtorates the gentle- 
men's scheme by perpetual charter, and endoAvs them with this 
munificent domain and all the property and remains of the old 
Central road. After the road is put in operatioji, the company 
pays the State annually 7 per centum of its gross earnings in lien 
of all taxes forever. Having acquired a a ested right, the State 
has no other than police control over the company, ami as it is a 
foreign corporation, disimtes betAveen theiu must be settled in 
foreign,^*, e. U. S., courts. The minimum valuation of the lands 
acquired, so soon as the road should be completed, Avas $20,000,000, 
exceeding by $0,000,000, the cost of the road, estimated at $20,000 
per mile, Avhich in Illinois, Avas liberal, because she ijresented the 
nu>st uniform and faA^orable surface for the construction of rail- 
roads of any other State in the Union. Two-thirds of the land 
was stipulated as security for the principal of the constriu;tion 
bonds; 250,000 acres to secure the interest fund, and the remain- 



ILLINOIS CENTRAL RAILROAD. 583 

der as a coiitiiigeiit fund. The construction bonds found ready 
sale at par, and built the road. The lainl sales yielded interest to 
set off in part theaccruin<;' interest on the boiuls. The redemp- 
tion of the bonds completed, the road and all its appurtenances 
remains the property of the fortumite gentlemen who had the sa- 
gacity to see how it could be built without costing tbeni a cent. 

lint they did not re;ip all the developed benetits of this grand 
enter])rise. The alternate sections of land reserved by tlie federal 
government within 15 miles of the route of the road, num- 
bered as many acres as the grant to the State; it had been 
for UO odd years in market at $1 25 per acre without sale, but 
now when again put in market in the fall of 1852, it was eagerly 
taken up aiul reatlily brought from $3 to $7 per acre, and more, 
had not settlers and speculators combined not to bid against each 
other. As it was, the sales averaged $o per acre. The govern- 
ment thus realized a profit of some $1), 000, 000 by its munificent 
l>olicy of giving away half its lands in this locality. This was 
indeed casting bread upon the water, which after many days re- 
turued several fold. The lands in the railroad belt, so long neg- 
lected by buyers, were situated as follows: In the Kaskaskialand 
office district, 23,081 acres, over 30 years on the market ; Shaw- 
neetown, 401,873 acres, over 30 years; Vaudalia, 341,072 acres, 
over 25 years ; Danville, 345,702 acres, over 20 years; and in the 
])ixon 405,04'J acres, over 10 years. 

lint besides the general government, the State too, was at the 
same time benefited by having its unsettled interior opened up to 
tides of thronging immigrants; its rich soil brought into cultiva- 
tion; population increased, and its resources and taxable wealth 
augmented by many millions of dollars. The products of the 
newly developed region found a ready avenue to the nmrkets oi 
the world. Chicago, too, was thus furnished with another iron 
tentaculuiu to reach far into the interior of the State for commer- 
cial food to give increase to her nuirvelous life. But the greatest 
immediate benefit resulting from the building of the road and 
branches, accrued to the lands within due and proper marketing 
distance of the lines, estimated at the enormous amount of $10,- 
000,000 acres in i)rivate hands, selected early because of their 
choice quality, which were directly enhanced at least $4 per acre 
and rendered more saleable. Here was an increase of wealth, 
amounting to $40,000,000. 

[Note] — Kol'erence has already been made to the jealousy which the success of ob- 
taining tliis subsidy from Con^rress, excited among- some of our public men as to who 
was entitled to the meed of praise for carrying the measure througrh, and tlie lionor 
of oritrnialiy su|it;esting- the plan or line of such a railroad. It was a conception and 
labor worthy the i)ride and ambition of any man. Visions of office, emolument and 
lame were doubtless discovered in it. While some apparently shunned it but to make 
it sure, others boldly claimed the credit. In this connection we are tempted to ex- 
tract from the piouant correspondence between the Hons. Sidney Breese and S. A. 
Doualas. The former had been a senator in congress up to March 4th, ISift, when he 
was succeeded by Gen. Shields. In 1850 he was elected to the Legislature. I'nder 
date of December 23, 18.ti0, amons- other things in reply to the Illinois State Register, 
regarding: his favoring the " Holbroolv Chart' rs," he says: 

"The Central Railroad has been a controlling object with me for more than 1.5 years, 
and I would sacrifice all my personal advantages to see it made. These fellows who are 
making such an ado about it now have been whijiped into its support. They are not 
for it now, and do not desire to have it made heeau.^e I get the credit of it. This is in- 
evitable. I must have the credit of it, for I originated it in l.s:55. and, when in the sen- 
ate, passed three different bills through that body to aid in its construction. My suc- 
cessor had an easy task, as I had opened the way for him. It was the argument con- 
tained in my reports on it that silenced all opposition, and made its passage easy- I 
claim the credit, and no one can take it from me." 



584 HISTORY OP ILLINOIS. 

This fell under the eye of Senator Douglas, at Washington, who took occasion to re- 
ply on January 5th, 1851, at length, giving a detailed history of all the efforts made la 
congress to procure either pre-emption or grant of land in aid of building this road, 
Baying : "You were the champion of the policy of granting pre-emption rights for the 
benefit of a private company [the Holbrook,] and I was the advocate of alternate sec- 
tions to the State." The letter is quite long, but very interesting, and may be found 
in the Illinois State Rcgifttfr. and papers of the State ot that period generally. 

Judge Breese rejoined under date of January 25, 1851, through the columns of the 
same paper, at great length, claiming that beside seeking to obtain pre-emption aid he 
also was the first to introduce "a bill for an absolute grant of the alternate sections for 
the Central and Northern Cross Railroads," but tinding no favorable time to call it up, 
it failed. "It was known from ray first entrance into congress that 1 would accomplish 
the measure, in some shape, if possible ;" but the Illinois members of the house, he as- 
serts, took no interest in the passage of any law for the benefit of the Central road, 
either by grant or pre-emption. He claims no share in the passage of the law of 1850 : 
"Your (Douglas',) claim shall not, with my consent, be disparaged, nor those of your 
associates. 1 will myself weave your chaplet, and place it, with no envious hand, upon 
your brow. At the same time history shall do me justice. I claim to have first pro- 
jected this great road, in my letter of 1835, and in the judgment of impartial and disin- 
terested men my claim will be allowed. I have said and written more in favor of it 
than any other. It has been the highest object of my ambition to accomplish it, and 
when my last resting place shall be marked by the cold marble which gratitude oraf- 
ffection may erect, I desire for it no other inscription than this, that he who sleeps be- 
neath it projected the Central Railroad." 

He also cited at length his letter of October 16, 1835, to John Y. Sawyer, in which the 
plan of the Central Railroad was first foreshadowed, which opens as follows • "Having 
some leisure from the labor of my circuit, I am induced to devote a portion ot it in 
giving to the puhlic a plan, the outline ot which was suggested to me by an intelligent 
friend in Bond county, a.few days since." * * 

To this Douglas, under date ot Washington, Feb. 22, 1851, surrejoins at considerable 
length, and in reference to this opening sentence in the Sawyer letter, exclaims, "How 
is this ! The father of the Central railroad, wjth a Christian meekness worthy of all 
praise, kindly consents to be the reputed parent of a hopeful son begotten for him by 
an intelligent friend in a neighboring county ! I forbear pushing this inquiry further. 
It involves a question of morals too nice, of domestic relations too delicate, lor me to 
expose to the public gaze. Inasmuch, however, as you have furnished me with becom- 
ing gravity, the epitaph which you desire t-ngrossed upon your tomb, when called upon 
to pay the.lasc debt of nature,you will allow me to suggest that as such an inscription is 
a solemn and a sacred thing, and truth its essential ingredient, would it not be well to 
make a slight modification, so as to correspond with the facts as stated in your letter 
to Mr. Sawyer, which would make it read thus, in your letter to me : "if /i«s been tJia 
higliest (ilijrrt of my lonhilion to dcronijiU.sh the ( 'cntral lUdlnnKK <""'' vhen my last redimj 
place t'luilt In iiiii'rhKl hy tlit cold ^vavhlt uiiicli <jr'.ttil\i(li- oy tillidii'ti way treet, 1 dtsirt frrf 
itno otlicr i)i.-<criptioiL than tltis : He who sleeps ijENEATii this stone voluntarily con- 
sented TO BECOME THE PUTATIVE FATHER OF A LOVELY CHILD, CALLED THE CENTKAL 

Railroad, and begotten for him by an intelligent friend in the county of 
Bond." We find no further correspondence. See Illinois State Journal, March, 1S51. 



Chapter XL VII. 

OUE FEEE OE STOCK BANKS— 1851-1865. 

How a Banl- might he started — Ultimate Security of the Bill holder — 
The Small JS^ote Act — Panic of 1854 — Bevulsionof 1857 — Wind- 
ing up. 



NotwitlistaiKliiig- the State, in 1851, was in tlie hands of the 
democratic party by au increased majority, and that this domi- 
nant party liad for years in its State platforms fnhninated resolu- 
tions against the enormity of banking' as the source of all our 
financial woes, the legislature, also largely democratic, neverthe- 
h'ss passed another general banking law, authorizing free or stock 
Tianks. The democratic governor vetoed the bill, but it was 
p]()ni}»tly passed over his objections, and the people of the State, 
notwithstanding their exi)eriences of the disastrous results from 
the banks authorized in 18L*1 and in 18oG-7, ami in spite of their 
teachings and democratic majority, a])proved it by their votes at 
the election of Xovember of that year. As a rule, the nnisses 
favor any scheme which promises an abundant currency — they are 
naturally I'or expansion — while capitalists i'avor contraction. 

Directly after the adoption of the constitution of 1848, the es- 
tablishment of another banking system was agitated. The project 
advanced was to divide up the State into 3 banking districts, 
with boards of bank trustees for each. As security, banking 
associations were to deposit United States stock ami a certain por- 
tion of gold, when circulating notes as money were to be issued to 
them. The democratic i>ress made a great outcry against the 
whig scheme, as it was called, to fasten again upon the then once 
more thriving and prosperous State the withering curse of banks. 
This plan, which proposed but one class of securities — United 
States ()'s — was certaiidy prefeiable to that adopted two years 
later, which allowed as security the stocks of any or ail the States. 
The formei' presented the advantage of having a uniform secu- 
rity tor all the banks of the country, giving a like uniformity of 
value to their issues all over our broad domain ; while to the lat- 
ter, with bonds of any State, many far from home periia])s, the 
fluctuations of a varying market would severely attach. IJut in 
principle the State stock banks weie the forerunners of the pre- 
sent national baidcing system. 

The Itankiug law of 1851 required as a basis or security for all 
banks oi>erating under it, the depost with the auditor of, 1st, 
United States stocks ; 2d, stocks of any other State; 3d, stocks 
of Illinois valued at 20 per cent, below the market price. Stocks 



586 HISTORY OF LLLmOIS. 

ou wliicli the interest v. as not annually paid could not be de[)Osite<l 
except in double amounts. It tliey depreciated in the market, 
further deposits were to be made. The depositors were entitled 
to the interest accruing on the bonds. AVheu the deposit of 
stocks was perfected, the auditor was authorized to have engraved 
and issue bank notes to the owners in nearly equal amounts, not 
less than $50,000, to circulate as money. The notes on presenta- 
tion at the bank were required to be redeemed in specie, the 
amount to be kept on hand not being specified, and for refusal 
and after protest it became liable to 12^ per cent damages in lieu 
of interest. On failure of the bank, it was to be wound up by 
sale of its stocks at auction in New York, and the proceeds weie 
first to be paid out on the circidating notes. If the stocks and 
other effects of the banks proved insufticient, then the stockhold- 
ers became liable respectively to the amount of their stocks in 
their private property, to pay the bill holders. Interest was 
fixed at 7 per cent., and loans might be made on real or personal 
property. Dealing in real estate was not allowed, other than to 
sell that Avhich fell into their hands as security. The usual bank- 
ing privileges of buying and selling exchange, coin, &c., were ex- 
tended to them. A board of 3 bank commissioners, with power 
of examination into their affairs, was also provided ; and the ofti- 
cers of the banks were required to render quarterly statements 
to the auditor, under oath, as to their condition. 

With these provisions, it was thought that the notes would cer- 
tainly be safe. Indeed the law was first regarded as so strin- 
gent that few would attempt baidcing under it — certainly meie 
speculators would not. The bill holders appeared to beultiniiitely 
secure. Ncav York, we have seen, as early as 1838, authoiized 
banking on State stocks, and by the time Illinois, which subse- 
quently coi)ied the New York law, embarked in the project, half 
the States of the Union ran wild after the discovery of the new 
ai'^d safe scheme, by means of which the capitalist, contrary to 
Franklin's aphorism, might '^ eat his cake and have his cake" — 
invest his money in bonds, deposit them, and from the hands of 
the auditor have his money again and own his bonds too. 

AYhile the banking bill was pending before the peoi)le, the 
friends of the measure, to secure its adoption, pointed to the fact 
that the State was inundated with millions of the notes of banks 
of foreign States, of the value, solvency, or genuineness of which 
little or nothing was known here ; that by allowing aliens to fur- 
nish us a circulating medium Ave not only paid tribute to them but 
yielded our State pride ; that it Avas but just to ourselves and to 
our interests to replace this exotic trash by a sound and safe cur- 
rency of our own 5 that the basis for banks re<iuired by this law 
made them not only i)erfectly secure to the bill holders, but that 
a home currency, within easy reach of the places of redemption 
and its ready convertibility into specie, would directly drive out 
the foreign bills; that with the greater abundance of money, 
times would become easy, produce would rise in jmce, lands en- 
hance in value, the influx of emigrants be augmented, and gen- 
eral pros])erity would shower its glad smiles upon all our people 
with a proluse hand. Experience shows that the masses are but 
too leady to gras}) at a project Avhich jn'oniises plenty of money 
today, although assured that it will be worthless to-morrow. 



FREE OR STOCK BANKS. 587 

Its oi)poiients argued that under the new law, the currency pro- 
posed to be introduced was suscejjtible of multiplication to an in- 
deMnite amount, and if the bill carried, an avalaiu;he of i)a])er 
luoney might be thrown into circulation, dazzling and bewildering 
the senses of the people, leading them into a wild, headlong mania 
of speculation, the secpiel to which, as had ever been tlie case, 
must be disaster and ruin. With an inflated currency i>r()perty 
would attain to unhealthy prices, purchases would be nuide at 
perhaps half cash, balance on time, secured by mortgages on the 
premises. While the obligations were maturing a contrac- 
tion would take place, stagnation ensue and prices be de- 
l>ressed below the normal standard ; claims would be pressed 
upon debtors, mortgages foreclosed, and many au unwary i)ur- 
chaser aaouUI be stripped of his all under the hammer of the 
sheriff, his vendor buying back the property at less than the 
mortgage claim, leaving an unsatisiied judgment still hanging over 
him. The baidv measure was held to be a project to swell the cof- 
fers of the rich from tlu^ labor and necessities of the poor. 

They further showed that the bank securities might be of un- 
stable value, which would rise and fall in the nuirket with the 
operations and nuichinations of financiers; that money based 
upon them would be subject to sinnliir tiuctualions ; that these 
pledges of stock were as uothing to the man Avith this money iu 
his han<l which he desired to convert. Let but an actual case of 
suspension be contemplated. To sell the stocks aud redeem the 
notes required time and was attended by circundocution. The 
X>oor or needy cannot wait. Want and exigence i>ress from 
myriad directious. Now the broker steps in, himself perhaps a 
shareholder in the sus])ended bank, and offers 50 or 75 cents ou 
the broken promises. The holder of this money received iu ex- 
chauge for his labor or other equivalent, camu)t wait the ultimate 
redem])tion by the auditor, but is compelled to suffer a shave to 
this depth. The broker, however, is in no such stress; he quietly 
awaits the sale of the stocks, the redemption of the notes with the 
proceeds, and realizes the 2.t or 50 i)er cent, which his thousands 
of vi(;timshave lost, and with the gains starts another bank. 

TheOth section of the bank bill i>rovided for the association of 
persons "to establish oflices of discount, deposit and vircnlation,''^ 
Avith an aggregate capital stock of not less than $50,000. This 
section served the oi)ponents of the bill a good turn belbre the 
people. It was deduced thence; and asserted th.it the bill was a 
trick, concealing deceptive ])hraseology ; that it provided for two 
classes of banks, one secured by the i)ledge of i)ublic stocks, the 
other totally irresponsible, allowing its issues to "circulate" ou no 
othei' basis than ])en, ink and paper to write out its articles of as- 
sociation, nu)ney enough to i)ay for recording and posting copies 
thereof to Springfield to be filed with the secretary of state; that 
the former were to catch the votes of the peoi)le, but the latter 
concerns Avere to furnish the currency. The phraseology of this 
section in connection with the Avoi'd " circulate," it must be con- 
fessed, was somewhat ambiguous.* 

*The Chicng-o Pro's. December, 185:?, says it ha? warned the people thnt paper would 
be issued not ^eellre(l by stocks, and there were then various issues of certificates of 
deposit in the similitude of bank notes, sif;ned and subscribed by the officers, desig- 
nated by the utterers to circulate the same as bank notes. 



588 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

Not\vitlistandiii<;- these ar.uumeiits nguiiist it, llie people in No- 
vember, 1851, elected the bank bill, and it became the law of the 
State. The vote stood 37,0-0 tor to 31,105 against it. This poll 
was less by 7,000 than half the votes cast at the guberiiatoiial 
(Election one year later, being 153,882. 

The constitution provided that no baidcing law should be en- 
acted except by the sauctiou of a niajority of the people voting 
for it at a general election. A special election, it was doubtless 
thought by the fraiuers, would not call forth a full expression of 
the sentiment of the people upon such a measure. In their haste 
to have the people pass upon the bank bill, the legislature 
created a general election for this purjjose, by repealing all the 
county treasurers out of office, and ordering a new election for 
those officials at the same time the bank bill was to be voted upon. 
With this action of the legislature, after the election, the defeated 
opponents of the measure found mucli fault, and it was severely 
denounced. It was claimed that a presidential, biennial election 
for members of congress, or the state legislature alone, were gen- 
eral elections, M'here the bill would have been fully discussed be- 
fore the people. The spirit of the constitution was doubtless vio- 
lated by the legislature. 

The apprehensions that the law was so stringent that few, if 
any, banks would be organized under it, was speedily dispelled. 
Within the first year the democratic i)ress cried aloud that the 
country was flooded with i)aper money to an alarming extent. 
Pioperty rose in price, and a speculative spirit became rife. All 
who could command the means Avere enlarging the area of their 
territorial possessions and debts were freely incurred. The mania 
of 1836-7, it was urged, would be i-epeated, and irretricAable ruin 
overtake thousands. Indeed the new plan of stock bank- 
ing became very general throughout the Union, and there Avas no 
little expansion. But in Illinois much of all this was owing to the 
inauguration of the railroad era just at that time, and enhance- 
ments had a solid basis, very unlike the period of 1830-8. 

When the organization of banks under the new loan was com- 
menced, nothing further was heard of the great ])art the associations 
under section were to play; no issues were uttered without the 
deposit of stocks by any associations. But as the law stood and 
the courts afterwards held, the deposit of $50,000 in bonds was 
a sufficient compliance with its provisions as to capital. The 
amount of specie capital to be kept on hands was a question of 
risk for the banks, the law not fixing any amout. This caused 
much of the business of free banking to go into the hands of ir- 
responsible and non resident i)ersons, who, having no object or in- 
terest further than to get their notes into circulaton and leaving 
the bill-holders to take care of them, located their concerns in re- 
mote and inaccessible places, where no legitimate baiddng busi- 
ness could or was expected to be done, .and flooded the country 
with "wild cats." And as such bar.ks did not often keep any 
place of business in the a})])arent location thereof, the power of 
demand and protest was destroyed.* 

Hoiv a Stocic Banli Might he Started — While doubtless many 
of these free banks were started Avith an actual paid up capital, 

* See Report House Committee, 1861. 



FREE OR STOCK BANKS, o89 

q,iKl did a regular and legitimate banking business, for the renui- 
neration was ample, it is also true that the following perfectly 
feasable manner of organiziitiou Tinder the law, was freely recog- 
nized and often approaehably put into practice. A few sharp 
operators, hailing from, it mattered little wheie, with ready money 
enongh to meet the expenses of getting uj) the bills, notify the 
auditor in thei)ro])er way, that they have organized a com});niy to 
start the, say '"Absohite Safety J>ank of the town ol' Wihlcal, in 
]>rush county ; capital $2(10, 00(»." They now contribute i)erliaits 
$o,()00 for the cost of engraving tlie phites, i)rinting the bills and 
other incidental expenses. Ila\ ing credit they obtain letters and 
next ni)ply to a broker and borrow on short tinu", say IMissonri O's 
or stocks of other States, to the amount they Avant. Perhajjs as 
security they hy])otliecate or mortgage other i)roi)erty, either to 
the broker or sonu' well known iinancier. By the time the notes 
are printed, countersigned and registered the bonds are taken to 
Spriiigtield and deposited. The auditor, in accordance with the 
law, tujiis over to them their nicely executed bright new bills, 
reiiresenting $200, 000, declared bylaw to be nunu'y. Approjtriate 
and exquisite devices, representing i)erhaps stacks of luoney bags, 
out of which a stalwart Indian is i»ouring the yellow eagles iu 
great heaps of precious gold, end)ellish the cris}* "promises on 
demand.' The bills are next taken or sent, say to Georgia, or 
some other distant State where a similar baidcing system is iu 
operation, and there swapped for the issues of various banks, the 
more scattered the better, so as to have them from home as lar as 
possible. The money received in exchange is now either directly 
])aid over for the bonds bonght or de])Osited, or perhaps brought 
home and vested in grain, pork or beef, which is shipped east, the 
bills of lading transTiiitted to the broker, who pays out of thei)io- 
ceeds for the bond.s advanced, and foiwards the residue, perhaps 
a handsome nnirgin besides, to tin; baidcers in Illinois. And thus 
the money is turned. In the meantime the bank at AYildcat is 
opened for a few hours each day, but no piles of bank notes ap- 
pear on its desks, no exchange is bought or sold, no accojnnioda- 
tions are granted or discounts made. No drearier looking bank 
ever opened its doors. But then in the out of the way i)lace of 
its location there is little deujand for these ordinary transactions 
of a bank. IS^otwithstanding- the rathersorry looking ap}>earance 
of this concern with its capital of $200,000, the owners are making 
the interest on the bonds deposited, amounting to double the orig- 
inal capital invested in the bank. If the bills are a long time in 
tinding the retreat for their redemi)tion, it is a good thing for the 
ingenious bankers. To guar<l against their ready presentatiou 
for this puri>ose the institution has been located in Brush county, 
where it may be both ditlicult to fiiul and tedious of access, and 
where a small amount of coin in the vault serves to sustain it 
against failure. Perhaps, by fortunate investments, the bank 
prospers ; the owners add some paid up capital, and with th'^se 
means a general baidving business is engaged in. Of the banks 
located iu cities, or at conveniently accessible points, it was ]U)ted 
that the same companies would start several banks with a large 
nominal capital for each, though the actual banking, or the utter- 
ing of their bills, Avas restricted to the mininuim amount allowed 
by the law. This would euable them, by shifting coiu from one to 



590 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



another in times of a run to get along- with perhaps half or less of 
the ordinary amonnt of specie ke])t on hands for redemption. l\e- 
demption of each bill separately was allowable at this time, and 
separate i)rotests were likewise required. In 1857 the legislature 
amended the law so that in presenting notes for payment it Avas 
not required to recei\e redemption for each note separately, but 
the whole amount might be presented as a general obligation and 
one payment demanded. 

In tiie summer of 1850 the Grayville bank songht to restrain 
the auditor from putting it in liquidation, becanse its bills were pro- 
tested in amounts of $0,000 and $8,100 upon the ground that this 
amendment was null and void, not having been submitted to a 
vote of the peojjle for ratitieation like the original hiw. A readi- 
ness to redeem separately was alleged. In 1800 AVillard & Ad- 
sit of Chicago presented a number of bills for redemption to the 
Eeapers' Bank at Fairtield. Payment was commenced in dimes 
and half dimes, occuping a whole day in redeeming $150. After 
this trilling, the remainder was protested for non-payment and for- 
warded to the auditor, who being about to force the bank into 
liquidation, was enjoined. But .ludge Wilson, of Chicago, decided 
that "a bank had no right to throw such obstacles in the way of 
a prompt and speedy redemption." But, however the bonds were 
obtained for banking purposes, the issues based upon them added 
to the currency of the country ami benefited very many ])eople; 
and with a tiiithful auditor to look after these securities, wlio, in 
case they dei)reciated in market would i)ronii)tly call on the baidcs 
affected to make good the margin declined with additional depos- 
its, no idtimate loss could well occur to the bill holder.* Nothing 
would permanently have depreciated these state securities except 
the unpiecedented occasion offered by the rebellion of 12 States 
of the Union. 

*As a good commentary on the argument of ultimate security to the bill holder, how- 
ever, upon which much stress was laid at the time liy the advocates of the stoclibank 
system, and also as illustrating the manner of hindering and throwing obstacles in the 
way of a ready redemption in specie that might be made use of by banliers, the fol- 
lowing pleasantly related experience, current at the time, though applied to Indiana, 
fitted Illinois as well, and will, wetrust, prove not tininteresting to the reader. It is 
the invention of some fertile newspaper genius of the time, and hrst appeared in the 
Cincinnati Commercial : 

Suppose a gentleman should be so unfortunate as to fall heir to a five dollar note 
upon one of these institution, and desires to realize upon it specie or exchange, t * 
what is he to do ? First, find the bank ! that of course ; and that is not always an easy 
matter. Banks in Indiana lurk in ont-ol-the-way places. Like the insect hunted by 
the entomological Hibernian, when you find themthey ar'ntthere. They don't affect 
corner lots, but shun the din of crowded cities, nestling close under the lee of prime- 
val forests, marked by an ancient Indian trail or solitary cow path. Tiiey are things 
to be found by the bee hunters, are seen far off by the midnight Nimrod in search of 
coons, with the moonlight sleeping upon their shingle roofs and primitive cornices. 
Capital has become modest, and wealth retires from the world into the cloisters of the 
deep old woods, or the holy solitudes of the prairies, conversing with nature— laying 
up its treasures "where neitnermoth nor rustdoth corrupt," and where none [butthe 
auditor of state] can find them. 

But suppose that the institution is revealed, and the monetary anchorite stands cim- 
fessed,; suppose that the business hours have arrived, and the shingle whose opposing 
sides give each other the lie, faces the sun with the announcement— "bank open"— 
we see the aforesaid heir, with rapid steps, approach the edifice. He enters ; he draws 
his pictorial evidence of a promise from his pocket book; he approaches the counter, 
presents his note to the paying teller, and a coloquy ensues: 

" Can you give me specie for this ?" 

"No."" 

'' Sight or short time eastern exchange I" 

" Nothing." 

" AVhy ?" 

"You are making a run on our institution ; this species of presentation we are bound 
to resist. You are trying to break us, sir— to make us stop payment, sir; you can'tdo 
it, sir." 

" But haven't you stopped payment when you refuse to redeem ?" 

"No, sir; ours is a stock institution. There's your ultimate security, sir, deposited 



FREE OR STOCK BANKS. 591 

^' The Foreign Small Note J^c^."— With tlie iiieeting- of tlie U'g- 
islatuie, in 1853, a contrariety of oi)inion obtained among- tlie 
members as to tbe power to amend, modify or repeal the general 
free banking law. One view was that the original act having 
been snbmitted to a vote of the peoi)le for their sanction, it was 
now their law and beyond the control of the legislature, fixed as 
the laws of the ]Me<les and Persians; that the voice of tlic i)eople 
had imparted to it its vitality, and it must live to procreate its 
nursling baidvs until the same mighty voice deprived it of its ex- 
istence; that by the terms of the constitution the people had to 
sanction such law by their vote, first authorized by the legislature; 
and that the same routine had to be undergone with all its amend- 
ments. A "su])i>leniental" banking law without all this routine 
was, however, ventured upon and adopted by the legislature. 
But its reception by the i>eo]>]e indicated that the legishitiire 
might have spared themselves this trouble; for the want of obe- 
dience to this law was not based uiion any technical ground of 
want of power by the legislature. It was i)robably more a <{ues- 
tion of convenience. 

This was the well known "foreign small note act," by which to 
foster home banks and i>revent the retirement of specie from cir- 
culation, a penalty of $50 was imposed for every foreign bank 
bill of a less denomination than 15, uttennl after the 1st of August, 
1853. It was sought to absolutely squelch the foreign small 
trash. Bankers and general dealers, or their employees, guilty 
of this olfense were to be additionally punished by imprisonment 
in the county Jail; and no suit could be maintained upon any ob- 
ligations the consideration of which was these small notes of 
banks of alien States. Great latitude in pleadings under the act 
was specially enjoined. 

with the auditor. We can't break, sir; we can't stop payment. Look at the law I 
Look at the (auditor's] circular !" 

" But have you no specie on hand ?'' 

'• Yes, sir; and we are bound to keep it. The law oblipes us to keep 12!,^ per cent, of 
specie on hand. If we pay out every time one of you fellows call, how can we keep 
it on hand ?" 

'' Then 1 shall proceed and have the note protested .'' 

"Very well, sir. You will find a notarj' public at Indianapolis, provided he is at 
home, v\fhich is only about 140 miles from here. But, sir, you had better f;o home, and 
rely upon your ultimate security. We can't pay specie— rind it won't do; but you are 
uhimately secure; you can't lose your money, though you never get it. Remember 
that.'' 

We will suppose our gentleman so unreasonable as not to be satisfied with the pre- 
sentation of the paj-ing teller of the great principle of ultimate security. He finds 
his way to Indiatjapolis, makes protest in due form, and, note in hand, proceeds to the 
auditor of state, where another dialogue ensues: 

" Sir. I have a note of the Squash Bank, at Lost Prairie, with certificate of protest, 
which I want to deposit in your hands, with a request that you make collection as 
speedily as possible." 

"Certainly, Sir." 

'• How long before I can e.vpect to realize upon the ultimate securities of the insti- 
tution ? Thirty days, is it not ?" 

" Not quite as soon as that sir. I shall eive notice to the officers of the Squash Bank. 
If they pay no attention to it, I shall offer its securities in my hands ff)r sale; but in 
dis barging my duty to all the creditors of the institution, I shall not proceed to offer 
any of its assets in this market until after at least 60 days' notice in New York, Lon- 
don and Paris, so as to insure the largest and best price for the securities; and not 
then, if, in my opinion, the ultimate interests of all concerned will be promoted by 
a further e.vtension ! Hem !" 

" But, my dear sir, how long will it be before I can realize upon my demand ?'' 

" Can't say, sir ; stocks are down just now — may rise in a year or two— depends some- 
what upon tlie fate of the war in Europe. But never fear, your ultimate security is 
undoubted If you should never get it, j-ou will never lose it; remember that. Rely 
upon 3'our ultimate security and you are safe.'' 

'• D -n ultimate security! I want mj' money." 

" Well, sir, if that's your game, when you get it, please give us the information." 



692 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



The exceeding stringency of the provisions overleaped tliem- 
selves.. While no law was ever more generally understood, both 
as regards its provisions and the time wlien it was to go into 
effect, for the press constantly invited attention to it, urging its 
observance in every particular, so no law was ever more totally 
ignored by everybody, or became a more complete dead letter 
from the start. It was violated thronghout the length and breadth 
of the State many thousands of times daily in the multiform busi- 
ness relations of society, without the least attention being i)aid to 
it. The Hoods of foreign small notes continued to infest our com- 
munities and retaiued their ground. 

Tlie Panic of 1854. — In the fall of 1854 there was, for a short 
time, quite a monetary crisis in the country. Among the 
free banks of especially Ohio and Indiana there were a num- 
ber of failures, and nuich alarm prevailed. Missouri and Virginia 
bonds had been thrown in large amounts upon the KeAV York 
market, and declined to 95 and 93 cents; though their interests 
had been regularly kept up. Dame rumor, with her many tongues, 
doubtless considerably enlarged upon the facts, ami much distrust 
obtained in Illinois. Chicago was Hooded with Georgia shin- 
plasters. Brokers sought to take advantage of tiie public solici- 
tude to precipitate a panic ; its effects, however, did not extend 
mnch beyond the city. There, a heavy run Avasmade on the banks 
by bill holders and depositors, and a iiretty general suspension 
took place. 

In the meantime, W. B. Fondey, of the bank commission, coun- 
selled the people that the panic was a mere brokers' trick, that no 
default had been made in interest payments on the depreciated 
bonds, and therefore it could only be temporary, and warned them 
not to part with their money at discount or sacrifice. The mer- 
chants of Chicago had steadily taken the money in exchange for 
goods, and the wholesale dealers, feeling assured of the ultinuite 
security of the stock banks, and perceiving no adequate cause for 
the panic, also lent their support in sustaining the banks, and the 
result was that in a few days they resumed business, and the panic 
oidy gave them greater confidence with the people. The storm 
•was successfully weathered, and those banks whose deposits were 
depreciated complied with the call of the commissioners, and put 
up an additional margin of security. 

After the flurry the press took up the subject of revising our 
banking law. The discrimination of 20 per cent, against Illinois 
bonds as a banking basis was denmnded to be removed. Under 
the law of 1849 private pei'sons might make valid agreements for 
interest at 10 per cent.; not so, however, the banks — they were re- 
stricted to 7. In this connection the bank commissioners, ex-Gov. 
A. C. French, P. Maxwell and W. B. Fondey, in their report of 
Dec. 30, 1854, say it had been the custom with banks to loan their 
money to other corporations and associations composed for the 
most part of the same stockholders, to be re-loaned by them as 
individuals at an advanced rate of interest, 10 per cent., and the 
result was that the community had not been enabled to get money 
any cheaper than formerly, while the difference of 3 per cent, in 
the rate of interest obtained in this manner, had induced the 
banks to evade the intention of the hiA\', and pursue a course cal- 



FREE OR STOCK BANKS. 593 

Ciliated to weaken tlie eonfideiice wLicli they should endeavor to 
inspire in the community where located. It was also urged that 
those banks which wanted to, should be peiiuitted to withdraw 
their bills from circulation and take up their bonds with the au- 
ditor in sums of |r.,0()0 or .$1 (),()()(), instea<l of all but 10 ])er cent., 
as the law then stood. But the legishiture of 1855 disi'egarded 
all the objections with the single exception of the last, ami sim- 
ply allowed banks to surrender to the auditor their bills in sums 
of $1, <)()() ibr their securities. 

Two years later, however, another legislature put Illinois bonds 
on an equal footing with those of other States as a basis for bank- 
ing, all to be valued 10 per cent, less than the )narket price; 
allowed banks to discount, pnper or make loans at- the rate of 10 
per cent; forbade the location of banks at places of less than 200 
inhabitants; nmde the issues redeemable at the places where 
dated, in packages, to be treated as a single obligation, and which 
might thus likewise be protested for non-i^ayment. 

The RevnMon q/'1857. — On the first of January, 1857, the whole 
number of banks which had been organized since the law took 
effect in 1851, was 61, eleven had been closed voluntarily or by 
protest and forfeiture of charter, leaving 50 in operation, with a 
circulation of -$(), 480,873, on a basis of stock security whose cash 
%';duation was 'iiO,0<);>,o81) ; and up to the time when the financial 
crash swept the country in September of this year banking- capital 
and operations were largely on the increase. 

Tile [>eriod of the existence of the banks up to this time had 
been one of uni)aralleled prosperity in this State. Its rapid strides 
to o[)u]enceand empire had never been equalled before, nor have 
they since. Our taxable wealth had nearlv trebled itself, being", 
for the year 1851, $137,818,079, and for the year 1857, $407,4:4:7,307. 
This period being' within the railroad era, the increase of wealth, 
was either solid or ])ased upon a just and reasonable expectation 
of values, thougli something was attributable to bank expansions. 
The whole cou)itry was prosperous, stimulated greatly by the 
uund)er of free banks then very generally in vogue. It is in pe- 
riods of this sort, when times are good, pajier money abundant, 
and confidence strong, that comnninities incline to the abandon- 
ment of the old, slow but safe pursuits, for the tempting prospects 
of realizing large gains on small capital in short times. 1'here 
was an infiation of values throughout the west, which affected 
landed property in cities, towns and country. Chicago coiiier lots 
shared in this to a wonderful degree. A spirit of speculation was 
rife, but it was more intensified in the east than the Avest. There 
large anu)unts of western unproductive property had been bought 
purely on speculation, with money borrowed from the abundant 
coffers of the banks at home, depending ui^on its steady advances 
in quoted values to meet payments as they matur<;d ; here pur- 
chases were made, many of them on better time, and the property 
developed and made productive. When the financial storm burst 
upon the country its disastrous effects were therefore more severely 
and more lastingly expeiienced in the east than the west. As 
westeiii lands and lots had been in great part the means, but not 
the cause, of the monetary crisis, so now western industry and 
western products became the medium of unlocking the wheels of 
38 



594 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

coninierce and riglitiiig the busine.ss of the country. The eastern 
currency sent west to move the crops, Lad been, on the first niut- 
terings of the approaching storm, ^ery generally recalled. West- 
ern merchants had bought very largely on time in the east. It 
now became the duty of the western i)r()dncers to throw their 
staples of grain, pork, beef and other commodities into the market 
on time to release these merchants and debtors, which was nobly 
done. 

In January, 1857, an eftbrt had been made, mostly on the i>art 
of western brokers, to discredit some of the stock securities of Illi- 
nois banks, which created some alarm. St. Louis merchants issued 
a circular stating that they would continue to receive the notes 
of the discredited banks as heretofore. The determined stand thus 
taken insx)ired the public with conlidence, and the brokers' scheme 
proved a failure. Later, the securities of some of the baidis having 
sustained a diminution in value, the bank commissioners, on the 
8th of May, made a requisition on them to file, within -10 days, ad- 
ditional security. All responded but two. By the I'Tth of July, 
such Avas the fluctuation of stocks in market, and the signs of the 
impending revulsion, that it became necessary to make a similar 
requisition, this time on 21) banks, being more than half of those 
in the State. They were given (JO days to make good the margin. 
These li9 banks had a deposit of stock securities of $J:,r)(J(),(K)(>, of 
which $2,738,000 were Missouri O's. The total number of Missouri 
bonds upon which banking was done in Illinois was at this time 
not less than $4,o00,000 ; notwithstanding which the brokers and 
merchants of St. Louis now refused Illinois currency, causing much 
embarrassment to our people in the central and southern i)arts 
of the State. One of the bank commissioners visited St. Louis, 
and, before a meeting of her merchants, brokers and busines men, 
made a masterly exposition of our banking system, and failed not 
to show to those geutlenK'n that the credit of Missouri, whose 
bonds formed nearly three-fourths of the bases of our banks, was 
also involved in their attempts to bring Illinois currency into dis- 
repute. His action was also seconded by candid and intelligent 
discussions by the newspapers of the city. The whole was crowned 
with the success of restoring Illinois currency to its former stand- 
ing in St. Louis at gold par. This was a noble stand for a for- 
eign city to take, but a severe shock to her commerce. Chicago 
banks and business men arranged a different standard for this 
currency, nominally known as a par standard — par for that city 
— which was never less than 10, and generally 15 per cent, below 
a real par representing a specie equivalent. 

Owing to the general i>rosperity of the country and the public 
feeling of security, many of our banks which desired to do only 
a legitimate business, had been tempted into excessive issues. 
Now the large number of suspensions and failure of banks, in- 
surance and trust comi>anies in other States, carrying down with 
them many of the stauiu'li(\st mercantile houses in the countiy, 
created a panic which bore heavily upon our banks, brokers, capi- 
talists ar.d business men generally. The discredited banks 
protested their inability of complying w ith the requisition of the 
connuissioners, but these functionaries were firm in their demand. 
And the banks, notwithstanding their condition and the disas- 
trous monetaiy crisis prevailing, with but very few exceptions, 



FREE OR STOCK BANKS. 595 

struggled nobly tlivough the prostrating storm, and subsequently 
enjoyed a larger share of public eontidenee than at any former pe- 
riod* The financial standing of the State among' all the private 
and corporate calamities of that period stood unshalcen. 

The effects of the revulsion of 1857 was stated as follows : 
Whole number of firms in the U. S. (except California) which 
failed was 204,001; liability $299,801,000; assets $150,021,000; 
total loss $119,780,000, of annihilated commercial wealth. The 
nnnd)er of firms failing in Illinois, was 310, with an aggregate lia- 
))ilitv of $9,338,000. Of these 117 belonged to Chicago', with a 
liability of $(),5(;2,000. The remaining 199 Illinois firms had a 
liability of $2,70(i,OOO.t If the losses in Illinois avei'aged with 
that of the country at large they were about $1,500,000. These 
incredible sums must have been largely speculative. In Chicago, 
legitimate business received only a staggering blow, but specula- 
tion was totally prostrated. The depreciating efiects on the prices 
<^)f real estate, with the harrassing infiuence of nuituring pay- 
ments, were not checked for 2 years ; and the business of erecting 
buildings, or in some cases finishing those beguii, was stopped. 
Workmen in large nund.)ers forsook the eity, imi)rovements lan- 
guished, store-rooms and houses stood vacant, rents declined, and 
vendors and mortgagees received back the property sold, witli the 
added i-mprovements, finished or otherwise, and the forfeiture of 
ojie or more payments by purchasers besides. 

The revulsion of 1857, uidike that of 1837, involved mostly only 
individuals and certain speculative and commercial centres. Had 
the State been involved by its connection with the banks, as 20 
years before, the extent of this mad panic torrent u})on the en- 
tire people, with the ex])anded credits and intiated prices of the 
}teriod, is fearful to c()ntem[)late. But thaidvs to the provision of 
the constitution, forbidding State connection with baidcing oi)er- 
ations. And the c()lla})se coming when our abundant crops 
were matured, with exchange in our favor, the mines of Califor- 
nia, pouring their volumes of precious metals into the current of 
specie exchange, the panic could not and did not produce a last- 
ing effect upon the prosjierity of the State. Still the taxable 
Avealth of the State the second year alter the revulsion was re- 
poited $10,000,000 less than in 1857. 

Uefore 18(50 the free banking system had amply demonstrated 
that, however a law might compel a baidvcr to fully secuie his 
issues by pledge of State stocks, it was practically impossible to 
engraft ui)on it peremiitory and immediate redemption of issues 
in specie.f The notes of Illinois banks were current only in our 
own State, and to any considerable extent beyond they were at a 
discount of one percent, or more.|| Before the close of this year 
the l;ankshad increased to 110, with a circulation of $12,320,901, 
which constituted abiiost exclusively, the currency of this State. 
The baidc securities on dejiosit were valued at $13,980,971. Of 
the 14 banks withdrawn froiu existence up to this linu' in the 9 
preceding years, some voluntary and others by forfeituie under 
the hiAv, the securities of all save one had been ami)le to redeem 

* See Bk. Corn's. Report, .Tiin. lSi,9. 

t B. DogJas & To's Coin. Agency, N. Y. Herald. 

i See Report H. Com. 1S61. 

U Bissell's Message 1859. 



596 HISTOKY OF ILLINOIS. 

every note, dollar for dollar in si^ecie; and in the exceptional case 
there was only a loss of 3 per cent.* This demonstrated their ul- 
timate seciuity to the bill holder in ordinary civil times. 

And now with this large volume of home currency, based for 
the most part upon the stocks of southern States, in the midst 
of rapid and solid prosperity to this State, was wantonly precipi- 
tated the great and disastrous war of the rebellion. State after 
State shot madly from the orbit of the Union. Confidence in their 
seciuities was disturbed. Before the close of ivTovember, 1800, 18 
banks were already in discredit on account of depreciated securi- 
ties, and were subjected to the call of the commissioners. Eastern 
exchange advanced to 8 per cent. Business men held meetings to 
counsel together and devise ways out of the tinancial trouble that 
was thickening daily. In the impenetrable political darkness of 
the times, the bank commissioners left the banking interests of 
the State to the correction of the legislature. That body, which 
met in January, 1801, revised the free banking law by restricting 
banks tliereafter to be organized, to the deposit of U. S. and Illi- 
nois stocks as security, which would also eidiance the salable value 
of our State stocks; granted to existing banks months' time after 
call i]i which to make good any margin suffered by the decline of 
their securiti(^s in market, before being forced into liquidation or 
their assets could be reached for failure to redeem ; designated 
Chicago and Springfield as general points of redemption, thiough 
agents of the banks, at a discount of f of 1 per cent., the money 
having for some time been 1 per cent, below par, which was in ac- 
cordance with the recommendation of Chicago business men; 
raised the interest damages on notes protested for non-payment 
from12|^to2o percent., and allowed the amlitor to surrender 
bonds deposited itro rata to holders of notes protested, or on banks 
in process of liquidation from other causes. If the legislature had 
not thust('ni])oiized, but with a due appreciatiou of that juncture 
in nationa.l aflairs, rigidly forced every bank in default into liqui- 
dation on 10 day's call, and required the auditor to sell the securi- 
ties immediately, if the market was a little depressed by the abun- 
dance of bonds cast upon it, it woidd have would have wound wp 
almost eveiy one, and the tinal result would have been better for 
both the bill-holders and the banks. 

The legislature at this sessionjtassed also another general bank- 
ing 1)111 predicated solely ui)on a specie basis. We will not syn- 
opsize this measure; suffice it, the people, tired of a rotten bank 
curiency which the history of the State showed had been fur- 
nished by every banking system which had ever yet been in oper- 
ation, they, by their votes cast at the JSTovember election of 1801, 
rejecte<l it. Besides, a revision of the constitution had been or- 
dered, and it was not deemed advisable to hamper in any way the 
convention soon to meet. 

But besides this legislation, the days of free banking in Illinois, 
as in every other State, were numbered. Secession was on the 
rampage. In the latter part of March, but before open hostilities, 
Chicago brokers threw out the issues of 32 Illinois stock banks. 
Forty odd weie now uncurrent. This act was purely arbitrary, 
for the auditor's report showed many of these to stand as well as 
many of those bank-quotable. Perhaps it was shrewdly calculated 

' Gov. Wood's Message, IStil. 



FREE OR STOCK BANKS. 597 

that the masses, with small amount of iincnrrent money, would 
sacrifice it blindly at the first broker's office. St. Louis continued 
to receive this currency. Prior to this, owing to the general dis- 
trust, in which country shared perhaps more fully than city, large 
amounts of the Illinois issues had accumulated in Chicago, where 
they were current, making trade brisk. Before long the Merchants' 
Loan and Trust Company, anticii)ating an early heavj' dei)recia- 
tion, and having perhaps first worked oft' its supply, refused to 
further take this currency. The other banks, with tlieir coffers 
full of it, attempted to sustain it, doubtless with no other view 
than to gain time to get rid of it. Hence it remained current in 
trade, and large amounts were sent to the country to buy produce, 
which advanced rapidly in price ; but as the country was fully 
infected with the distrust, the money showed evidence of exceed 
iug nimbleness, and would return to the city faster than it could 
be shoved oft'. Local trade was uiuisually active. In this straight, 
to keep the stuff up, leading business men and bankers in Chicago 
actually })ledged themsehes, and signed and issued a circular, to 
take the money at par during the war. But the pledge was broken 
a very few days after. Other distinctions now obtained iu 
this currency, such as "Illinois preferred," which the seller of pro- 
duce could onl}' obtain at a deep shave. Exchange on ]S"ew York 
8pee<lily advanced above the "preferred" to 13 i)er cent. While 
the farmer thus got a few cents more for his grain, it cost him a 
heavy per centage to exchange for good money, or he paid it out 
in double profit to the merchant. The list of discredited baidi:s 
rapidly increased. All the stock banks, regardless of the State 
stocks which formed their security, shared more or less in the de- 
preciation, but after the breaking out of actual hostilities those 
l)ased upon southern stocks declined directly to 50 cents on the 
dollar. 

With the meeting of the legislature in extraordinary session, 
April, 1861, there were various schemes mooted to have the State 
guarranty the ultimate redemi)tion of this free bank money of the 
Illinois banks. Some plans embraced all of the $12,000,000 of 
circulation, and others half, selecting those secured by tlie best 
stocks. In behalf of the latter proposition petitions were freely 
circulated among the people praying the legislature to this end. 
This plan was by a certain portion of the press denounced as an 
invidious distinction. To obviate the constitutional piovision, the 
power of the legislature was clainu'd upon the ground of necessity, 
this money in that desperate crisis constituting the sole circula- 
ting medium of the people of the State. There was a senate bill 
guarantying the issues of certain banks, and there was an effort 
made to have the State take this bank currency for its war bonds, 
authorized at that session, but all failed. 

After this the money got into a still more mercurial and unset- 
tled condition, l^o one knew what his money would be worth on 
the morrow. Of course the wiles and arts of the brokers added 
no little to this instability, and the perplexity of the people. Be- 
i'ove June every important city and many different railroads issued 
from day today their special, and sometimes their exclusive, lists 
of ban lis, whose notes they designated as current. These lists 
were, for the most part, arbitrary. Every tradesman, and even 
farmers, carried in their pockets bank lists of this kind, often only 



598 HTSTOKY OF ILLINOIS. 

to hear of new break-downs and revised lists just after having 
taken in some of the money. It was a period of annoyance, trial 
and vexation. 

The banks, from tlieir location — often at remote and inaccessi- 
ble points — had earned the not inexpressive sonbreqnet of "wild 
cats ;" and now, since tlieir general depreciation, their issues re- 
ceived the rather inelegant appelation of "stump-tail." To aid in 
hurrying forward the approaching end of their reign, the press in 
many ways lent its powers of ridicule.* 

By the time the ratber abundant wheat crop of 18G1, notwitli- 
standing the devastation of the army worm that season, went into 
the market, the stock banks were driven to the wall, and gold and 
silver sent from the east was paid iiito the farmer's hand, though 
the prices ranged low — 00 to 70 cents i)er bushel. By 1863 all 
except 17 of the 110 banks Avere in ])rocess of liquidation, with the 
circulation reduced from about $1L*,000,00(> to about $500,163. 
The retirement of this vast circulation was effected mainly by the 
bill-holders voluntarily surrendering the money for the bonds de- 
I)osited, for which purpose every facility was extended to them by 
the auditor in accordance with the law. Five banks had organized 
under the amended act of 1801, with an aggregate circulation of 
$51,945. By the tirst of January, 1805, the circulation of Illinois 
banks had dwindled down to $132,430, all secured by Illinois O's 
— $175,034. Some of the free banks were under the act of con- 
gress of 1863 converted into national banks; and it was the 
national banking law, taxing the issues of all other banks 2 per 
cent., which has finally wholly extinguished them. 

*(One of the banks became the property of the Hon. J. Young Scammon, a well known 
wealthy resident of Chicago, who, to jfive them currency, endorsert all its notes. Mi-. 
Wentworth, of the Democrat, who had fought the "wild cats" with an unflagging' will, 
heading his editorials on that subject with a family group of wild cats in various sug- 
gestive attitudes, when this Scammon money came to his hands, which was not slow, 
printed across the back of each note, his fa}'orite family groupof wild cats, and set 
it afloat again. These caricatures, it wassaid, had the effect to greatly stimulate the 
proprietor of the notes to retire them.) 



Chapter XLVIII. 

1853-1857— ADMmiSTEATION OF GOV. MATTESON. 

Democratic and Whig Conventions — SJictches of the Guhernatorial 
Candidates — Financial Condition and Physical Development of 
the State — Legislation^ 1853-5 — Maine Law and Riot at Chicago — 
Our Common Schools and trials in the establishment of the Free 
School System. 



The Democratic State Convention of 1852, to make a ticket for 
State officers, met in Springfield April 20tb. The political ont- 
look for that party appeared clear all around the horizon auguring 
an ea.sy victory at the coming IS'ovember election. Hence there 
Avas no lack of a.si)irant.s for place on a ticket of such promise. 
For the position of governor seven names were pi-esented. For 
some time previous it had been confidently expected that the lion. 
David L. Gregg, then secretary of State, an accomplished gentle- 
man of learning, varied political exi)erience, and great inftucnce 
Avith his party, would receive the nomination. Quite a nund)er 
of counties had instructed for him, the public press in its com- 
ments and surmises, had settled on him with a degreeof certainty, 
causing the opposition to discharge their ])atteries at him, as if his 
nomination had been consummated. The attack ui)on him was 
nuiinly on account of his religion, he being a Catholic. The even- 
ing before the meeting of the convention, a sermon of a political 
bearing, violently attacking Komanism, was i)reached at the Cap- 
ital, which was largely attended by the assembled members of the 
convention. Some controversy was indulged afterward as to 
whether the minister was a whig or democrat. One thing, how- 
ever, was certain, it was preached to influence the action of the 
convention in the defeat of Mr. Gregg. How much influence it 
had we do not say. N^o sooner had members begun to collect than 
it was whispered about that it would never do to nominate (iregg 
because of his Catholicism; and this objection was industriously 
but quietly urged against him in the convention. After his sacri- 
fice there was an elfort to smother the nuitter, but it could not be 
done. Mr. Gregg Icnew and felt it all the time, but he was to true 
to party to bolt the ti(;ket, ami he gave it the sui)port of all his 
l)Ower. In a letter to I. is^. JMorris, scouting the idea that the con- 
vention was goveinedby such intolerant motives, he nevertheless 
adds, "it is" doubtless* true that a fewMuen in the convention 
sought to stir uj) religious i)rejudices with the view of accom- 
plishing my defeat." Aside from this quiet persecuting intrigue, 
the convention was entirely harmouius. 

599 



600 niSTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

The couveiitiou was organized witli the Hon. J. A. McClernaud 
as its permanent chairman. The names presented for the posi- 
tion of governor on the ticket, together with the nnmber of votes 
on the first ballot, were as follows : D. L. Gregg, of Cook, 84 votes; 
Joel A. Matteson, of Will, 56; John Dement, of Lee, 53; F. C. 
Sherman, of Cook, 23; Thomas L. Harris, of Menard, 16; Lewis 
W. lioss, of Fnlton, 7; and D. P. Bush, of Pike, 6. Joel A. Mat- 
teson afterwards received a majority of the votes cast and was 
declared the nominee of the convention for governor. Gustavus 
Koerner received the nominatiou for lieutenant-governor; Alex- 
ander Starne, secretary of State; Thomas H. Campbell, auditor, 
and John Moore, State treasurer. 

The platform stood by the compromise measures of 1850, and 
non-intervention; against meddling witn the domestic affairs of 
other States to stir up strife and hatred ; for free homesteads to 
heads of families on the public donuiin ; and declared in favor of 
Douglas for the presidency — that he " embodied all the elements 
of popularity and success to such a degree as to stamp him 
as the man for the coming crisis." State afiairs received no 
notice at its hands, and as the free banking law was in full opera- 
tion, democratic hostility to banks, so strenously asserted in 1846- 
'48, was not repeated. 

The Whig State Convention of 1852, met also at Springfield on 
the 7th of July. It was but sparingly attended. The regularly 
appointed delegates failed to appearand tlieir places were in part 
filled by proxies taken from the grand and petit juries, litigants 
and witnesses in attendance upon the U. S. district and circuit 
courts then in term. It was organized by the choice of the Hon. 
O. H. Browning, of Adams, as chairman, who in his 
opening speech candidly remarked in effect, that it was not 
expected that the ticket to be by them nominated would carry 
the State, but it would prove important in tending to hold ui> the 
hands of their party friends in those States where there was hope 
of success for Gen. Scott, candidate for the presidency. 

The ticket was mostly made by acclamation. Aspirants 
for the barren honors were not numerous as in the case of the de- 
mocracy. The Hon. E. B. Webb, of White, was nominated for 
governor; J. L. D. Morrison, of St. Clair, for lieutenant-governor; 
Buckner S. Morris for secretary of State ; Charles Betts for audi- 
tor; and Francis Arnz, a German, then on a visit to Europe, for 
treasurer. Owing to the wide spread disgust in the whig ranks 
regarding the compromise measures of 1850, and the national 
whig i)latform, which approved them, it was planned on the part 
of the managers that with the endorsement of the nomina- 
tion of Gen. Scott, to show party loyalty, it might be best to 
quietly stop, leaving candidates free to assume such grounds ui)ou 
the slavery question ami fugitive slave law, either pro or con, as 
might be deemed to accord best with the varying sentiments of 
difierent localities in the State. But this plan was sadly deranged 
by Mr. Herndon, of Sangamon, who unexpectedly, introduced a 
resolution, approving the Baltimore i)latform. Here was a dilem- 
ma. To refuse to adopt what was clearly their duty as national 
whigs, would be to break their party adhesions and become des- 
]3ised disorganizers ; to do so, division and estrangement in their 
ranks, at home was inevitable. The whig party, iu the north of 



MATTESON'S ADMINISTRATION. GOl 

this State especially, was largely anti-slavery. Herndon was 
firm, and the resolution passed, it is said, with feelings of luelan- 
clioly and niutterings of discontent. It was first omitted from 
tlie published report of the proceedings, but the alert deuH)cracy 
promptly called attention to the direliction, whereupon the official 
proceedings were re[)ublished " to correct the many inaccuracies 
of the first report."* 

Tlie abolitionists, who probably expected to gain by the large 
defection in the whig party, also brought out a State ticket with 
Dexter A. Knowlton, of Stepheuson,for governor, and Philo Car- 
penter, of Cook, for lieutenant-governor. 

Mr. Webb, the head of tlie whig ticket, was a lawyer, deeidy 
read in his profession, and of excellent standing in the State. He 
had been for nnmy years State's attorney, and repeatedly repre- 
sented his county in the legislature. He did not possess the gifts 
of oratory. In 183G, as a meud)er of the legislature, he opposed 
the adoption of the State improvement system, and spread his 
protest upon the journal, containing language of prophesy, whoso 
verification in a few years, was but too emphatic. In 1855 he was 
a candidate for the supreme bench against Judge Breese, who was 
elected While yet a boy his father remo\ ed to Carmi, Illinois, 
where Mr. Webb continued to live, aiul died in 1850. When the 
writer personally knew hiin in tiie latter years of his life, he was 
exceedingly fond of a small social cir(;le of friends with whom to 
discuss tlie political and other questions of the day, and to talk 
over old times in his peculiar didactic and instructive manner.t 

The whig caiulidate for lieutenant-governor. Col. Don Morrisou, 
was also by profession a la wyei'. He had served with acceptability 
in both the State and national legislatures, and as lieutenant-col- 
onel of the 2d Illinois regiment in the Mexican Avar. He was a 
native Illinoisan; an orator of distinguished manners, daring ad- 
dress, and an ardent whig. He had been very su(;cessful in accum- 
ulating a large and valuable landed estate, which he still lives to 
enjoj'. ISTeither of these candidates was tinctured with the grow- 
ing anti-slavery sentiments of the party at that day. 

Beside the disappointment of public exi)ectation in the defeat 
of Gregg before the democratic convention, the nomination of 
Matteson for governor did not at first give general satisfaction to 
the [)arty in all pai'ts of tlie State. From the south, hostile to all 
banks, the press indicated the impression to be that the head of 
the ticket had warmly advocated the adoption of the general 
banking law ; that he favored a U. S. bank, or any kind of "wild 
cat s\stem ;" that he had not besides been sound on the \\'i]nu)t 
l)roviso ; was against the compromise measures of 1850, and ia- 
vored free soilism. The democratic oi'gan at the capital called on 
the Jolict paper (where Matteson resided,) to give to the democ- 
racy a "full and explicit statement of [his] views" u])oii the im- 
portant subjects named. To Koerner was ascribed a i)osition upon 
these questions in perfect accord with the sentiments of the party. 

* See Illinois State Journal. 

fNoTE— +F«r his own amusement, unaided by any teacher and perhaps before he 
was aware of his proflcienc^y, he became a most excellent French scholar, without 
being' able, however, to his knowledg-e, to pronounce a word of the lansrua^n; correctly. 
This was done by regularly r ading- the Courier des Elat U)ii% a French ncwsiiai)er 
printed in New York, tor which he was a subscriber. The writer has lieard him read 
in Enalish fresh from its columns, time and afiain. translatintr with such readiness that 
one would suppose him to be reading from an ordinary American newspaper. 



602 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

It was said that if the ticket had been reversed as regards these 
candidates it would have been preferable — "but as it is we adhere 
to it," commanded the party drill-sergeants. Two short years or 
less demonstrated the fallacy of these apprehensions by the going 
over of Koerner to the anti-ISTebraska i)arty, and Matteson's sup- 
port of the repeal of the Missouri compronuse. 

The campaign of 1852, as might have been expected by the whigs 
giving up the contest in advance, was attended by little excitement ; 
nothing of interest occurred, and upon its close in November, re- 
sulted in an overwhelming victory for the democracy. Joel A. 
Matteson received 80,645 votes, Edwin B. Webb 64,408, and 
Dexter A. Knowlton 8,829. 

Joel A. Matteson was born August 8, 1808, in Jefiers.on county 
New York, whither his father had removed from Vermont three 
years before. His father was a farmer in fair circumstances, but 
a common English education was all that his only son received. 
Joel first temi)ted fortune as a small tradesman in Prescott, Can- 
ada, before his majority. He returned thence home, entered an 
academy, taught scliool, visited the large eastern cities, imjjroved 
a farm his fatlier had given him, made later a tour south, worked 
there in building railroads, exi)erienced a storm, on the Gulf of 
Mexico, visited the gold diggings of northern Georgiii, whence he 
returned via Nashville to St. Louis and through Illinois to his fath- 
er's home, and married, in 1833, having sold his farm, he removed 
with his wife and one child to Illinois, and took a claim on govern- 
ment land near the head of An Sable river, in the present Ken- 
dall county. At the time there were not exceeding two neighbors 
within a range of ten miles, and only three or four houses between 
his location ami Chicago. He opened a large farm ; his family 
was boarded twelve miles away while he erected a house on his 
claim, sleei)ing, during this time, under a rude pole shed. Here 
his life was placed in imminent peril by a huge prairie rattlesnake 
sharing liis bed. In 1835 he bought largely at the government 
land sales. During the speculative real estate mania which broke 
out in Chicago inl836, and spread all over the State, he sold his 
lands under the inflation of that period, and removed to .loliet. 
In 1838 he became a hea^'y contractor on the Illinois and IMichi- 
gan canal. Upon the completion of his job in 1841, when hard 
times prevailed, business at a stand, contracts paid in State scri]) ; 
when all the public works except the (jamil were abandoned, the 
State offered for sale 700 tons of railroad iron, which was pur- 
chased by Matteson at a great bargain. This he shipped and sold 
at Detroit, realizing a very handsome profit, enough to pay off all 
his canal debts, and leave him a surplus of several thousand dol- 
lars. His enter])rise next prompted him to start a woolen mill at 
Joliet, in which he prospered, and which, after successive enlarge- 
ments, became an enormous establishment. In 1842 lie was first 
elected a State senator, but, by a bungling apportionment, .John 
Pearson, a senator holding over, was found to be in the same dis- 
trict, and decide<l to be entitled to represent it. Matteson's seat 
was declared vacant. Pearson, however, with a nobleness difficult 
to ai)i)]eciate in this day of greed for oifice, unwilling to represent 
his district under the circumstances, immediately resigned his un- 
expired term of two years. A bill was i)assed in a few hours or- 
dering a new election, and in ten days' time Matteson Avas re- 



MATTESON'S ADMINISTRATION. 603 

turned re-elected and took his seat as senator. From bis well- 
known capacity as a businessman, lie was made chairman of the 
committee on finance, a position which he held dnrin«;- this half and 
two full succeedin*;- senatorial terms, discliargin<;- its important 
duties with ability and faithfulness. Besides his extensive woolen 
mill interest, when work was resumed on the canal under the new 
loan of $1,0()0,(H)() he apiin became a heavy contractor, and also 
subsequently operated largely in building railroads.* lie had 
shown himself a most energetic and thorough business nnm. 

jNlatteson's forte was not on the stump ; he had not cultivated 
the art of oily tiattery, or the faculty of being all things to all 
men. His qualities of head took rather the ilirection of efKeient 
executive ability ; his turn consisted not so much in the adroit 
umnagement of party, or the powerful advocacy of great govern- 
mental principles, as in those more solid and enduring operations 
which cause tin; i>hysical development and advancement of a State 
— of commerce and business euterpri;;e, into which he labored 
with success to lead the people. As a i)olitician he was just and 
liberal in his views, and both in ofticial and private life he then 
stood untainted ami free from blemish. As a nuui, in active be- 
nevolence, social virtues, and all the amiable qualities of neighbor 
or citizen, he had few sn])eriors. His messages present a perspic- 
uous array of facts as to the condition of the State, and are often 
couche<l in forcible and elegant diction. The helm of State was 
contided to no unskillful hands. 

Gustavus Koerner, the lieutenant-governor elect, was born in 
1801), in the old free city of Frankfort-on-the-Main, Germany, and 
received in his youth the usual thorough common school educa- 
tion of that country. At the age of 1!> he entered the University 
of Jena.; in 1832, at Heidelberg he took the degree of doctin- of 
laws, and was soon alter admitted to the bar of his luitive city. 
^Vhile at Jena the French revolution of ISoO ins])ired him, like 
many other ardent youths, with the i>rinciples of liberty. Thus 
imbued, he could illy brook the decrees of the (Tcrmanic diet sup- 
pressing the freedom of the i)ress, and prohibiting ]ud»lic discus- 
sions of political (juestions, and connected with a ]K)litical associa- 
tion having for its aim an enlarged liberty and more perfect union 
of the Gernumic States, he became implicated hi a revolutionary 
movement against the government, which i>roved a failure, w hen 
he sought exile. Finding no security in France, then nn<ler Louis 
Philil)[)e, in JMay, 1833, at the age of 2li, he embarked at Havre for 
America, and on arrival ])roceeded to Illinois, and settled in 
Belleville. Here he determined to pursue the practice of the law, 
notwithstanding the obstacles of a foreign tongue, of which he 
had but a student's knowledge, and immediately commenced a dil- 
igent course of rea<ling, attended. the Lexington law school, and 
afterward became the law partner of Adam W. Snyder and James 
Shields. He attached himself to the fortunes of the democratic 
l)arty, and took an active part in ])olitics. In 1840 he edited a 
German campaign paper uiunvd Mes.sciiger of Liberty, and carried 
the electoral vote of Illinois to AVash'ington. In LS42 he Avas 
elected to the lower house of the legislature, and in 1845ap])ointed 
a judge of the supreme court, by (iov. Ford, vice (tCU. Shields, re- 
signed. In 1848 he was appointed consul to Hamburg. This 

• See speech of D.L. Gregg-, 1853 



C04 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

place was procured for him by bis poHtical friends, knowing- well 
bis ardent wishes to revisit tbe scenes of bis yontb during' tbe tbeu 
struggle of tbat country for liberty. But wben tbe effort was 
crusljed, and crowds of political refugees fled tbe oppressed 
fatherland, Koerner, notbaving started, resigned bis coniniission.* 
In 18.54 be went off witb tbe anti-Nebraska movement, since wben 
be bas acted with tbe rex)ublican party. He presided over the 
State republican convention in 1858, when Mr. Lincoln was desig- 
nated as a candidate for U. S. senator. In 1800 be was a delegate 
at large to tbe Chicago conA'ention. On tbe breaking out of the 
rebellion be raised tbe 43d Illinois regiment, but before it was fully 
organized be was appointed a colonel on the staff of Gen. Fremont. 
In 1802 be was appointed minister to Spain, which place be re- 
signed in 1865. Since then be has acted in various public capa- 
cities for tbe State. He was in 1872 the liberal republican and 
democratic candidate for governor, but was defeated. 

Tbe new administration was entrusted witb tbe helm of State at 
a time when she was rising witb great rapidity from tbe long and 
gloomy spell of pecuniary embarrassment following the failure of 
tbe internal improvement system of 1837. Tbe building of the 
great net- work of railroads was just fairly inaugurated, and about 
400 miles of track completed. The first year of this administra- 
tion tbe increase of taxable wealth in the State amounted to -$75,- 
805,328, equal to about 51 per cent. Only a small portion of this 
unprecedented increase was reasonably attributable to the new 
assessment law. The commerce of Chicago, witb a population of 
50,000, bad gone beyond $20,000,000, and tbe trade and commerce 
of the Illinois river and canal amounted to $42,345,000. Tbe State 
debt, principal and interest, on the 1st of January, 1853, was $17,- 
398,985.35, which, as the State increased at the rate of 10 x)er 
cent, and the debt at 6 x>er cent., was estimated to be extiuguish- 
able in 11 years' time — by 1864. 

In bis elaborate inaugural message, indicating that a master of 
finance had cast his eye over the held of State, Gov. Matteson al- 
bided to her flattering i)rospects ; bow she was in tbe track of 
empire; the great number of railroads in course of construction, 
and bespoke the liberality of tbe legislature in granting further 
charters, and affording every jjroper encouragement to bring new 
fields of labor into market. True to tbe place of bis abode, be re- 
commended the building of a State i)rison in the northern part of 
the State. The Alton i>enitentiary was then crowded witb 227 
convicts. He also recommended tbe adoption of a free school sys- 
tem, and if that should be deemed i)remature, at any rate to au- 
thorize a general suj)erintendent of the common schools. Tbe new 
free banking law be did not want to see disturbed by the legisla- 
ture, but those unauthorized institutions still oi)erating under the 
semblance of banks and issuing their notes, should be stopped. 
He also desired a re-submission to a vote of the x)eople tbe <pies- 
tion of changing the distribution of tbe 2 mill tax ; and such 
amendment of the constitution as would give to the foreigner a 
speedier right of suffrage, out of which, he argued at length, no 
evil could grow. In bis view the hard times constitution was too 
parsimonious in tbe salaries and fees fixed for officers; thejudi- 

*Sec D. L. Gregg's speech, 1852. 



mattesojM's administration. G()5 

ciary should be placed above pecuniary want, upon that lii^h 
ground wliicli would cominaud the conlideiute and respect of intel- 
ligent men. He regarded the compensation of members of the 
general assembly so low as to be attended with embarrassments. 
Tins he desired also amended. The constitution waa not amended, 
however, in any of these or other particulars for 17 years ; and 
tliese objections, urged from so high a source, doubtless contrib- 
uted to the first feeling and impulse that license taken with its 
rigid provisions "v\'ould not perhai)s incur any great public oblocpiy, 
wliicli was subsequently illlpl•o^■ed upon until their violations were 
practiced by every dei)artment of government in the grossest 
nmnner. 

During the legislative session of 1853 was enacted the small 
bank bill law, which was, from the start, as dead a letter as law 
ever became; also acts to use the suri)lus fund of the treasnry 
in the purchase of State indebtedness ; to condemn the right of 
way for })urposes of internal improvement; to build the present 
government mansion; incorporate the State Agricultural Society; 
sell the State lands, of which 128,954 acres, valued at $747,100, 
were still on hand, and granting the right of pre-emi)tion on 
them; re-enact the law prohibiting the retailing of intoxica- 
ting driidvs, fixing the license at from .$50 to $300; and, under the 
partisan lash, that ijdnunan and disgraceful act, preventing free 
negroes and mulattoesfrom settling in the State, under severe pen- 
alties, was passed. 

In 1855 was passed that law, more than any other upon our 
statutes fraught with untold benefactions to the youth of our 
State, to maintain a system of free schools ; also an act authori/ing 
the erection of 150 additional prison cells to the Alton i)eniteu- 
tiary. The most imi)ortant measure bearing upon the treasnry 
of the State, at this session, was the act for a settlement of old 
canal claim damages, dating back beyond 1840, in favor of cer- 
tain contractors, &c. The commission appointed for the final ad- 
justment of these claims consisted of S. H. Treat, John 1). Caton, 
and Walter B. Scates. By resolution it was ordered that with 
the State census to be taken in 1855 should be separately returned 
the name, residence and postoftice address of all the deaf and 
dumb, blind and insane persons in the State. A resolution rela- 
tive to the calling of a convention to alter the constitution was 
also again submitted to the people, to again meet defeat. 

During the 4 years of Matteson's administration the taxable 
wealth of the State was about trebled, being for the year 1851, 
$137,818,079, and for the year 1850, $349,951,272; there were 
raised and paid out on the public debt, $7,079,198, reducing it 
from $17,398,985 to $12,843,144; in the meantime taxation had 
been reduced, and the State had resumed paying interest in ]S'ew 
York as it fell due. While the public debt was thus being re- 
duced, the means of its ultimate extinction were rapidly on the 
increase. When Matteson came into office, less than 400 miles of 
railroad were constructed in the State; when he went out, the 
number would vary little from 3,000, " penetrating almost every 
section and filling the country with activity and business." Dur- 
ing his term, the population of Chicago was nearly doubled and 
its commerce more than quadrupled. 



606 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



The Maine Liquor Laic in Illinois. — In 1855 the legislature 
passed a very stringent prohibitory liquor bill, commonly known 
as tlie "Maine law" — being a total prohibition of both the sale 
and manufacture of spirituous, vinous or malt liquors, under heavy 
penalties of fines, imprisonments, or both, and destruction of li- 
quors. It contained certain exceptions in iavor of the making of 
cider, wines and beer and ale for ex[>ort. Importers were allowed 
to sell in the original packages only. The law was not to go into 
effect unless approved by a majority vote of the peoi)le at a 
special election to be held in June of that year. 

In 1851 had been adopted a somewhat stringent act known as 
the "quart law." It was designed to strike at tii)pling establish- 
ments, in prohibiting the sale of spirituous and mixed (not malt) 
liquors in less quantity than a quart, by forbidding them to be drank 
on the premises where sold or given away; and by repealing all hiAvs 
granting license for these purposes. The penalty was a fine of 
$25. The law jn'oduced a great outcry of iiopular indignation, 
and was in 1853 repealed. While the legislature was thus bowing 
to low clamor, the friends of temperance were not idle. A State 
temperance convention met at the capital in January. Delegates 
to the number of 200, from all parts of the State, were in attend- 
ance. The leading partici[)ants were S. D. Lockwood, formerly 
supreme judge, the distinguished pioneer and divine, J. M. Peck, 
D. D., Hons. B. S. Edwards, S. W. Kobins, Thomas M. Taylor, G. 
P. West, W. C. Yanmeter, Judge Grover, &c. Believing intoxi- 
cating drink to be the great incentive to crime, they sought to re- 
form society by abolishing this terrible temptation. The Maine 
law was undergoing trial in several States at the time. The use 
of the hall of representatives was denied them after a protracted 
debate in the house, by a vote of 33 to 30. The convention drafted 
a bill similar in its provisions to the Maine law, which was i)re- 
sejited to the general assembly for adoption, but met with speedy 
defeat; some of the strongest temperance members believijig tliat 
moral suasion, and not arbitrary legislation, was the only mode of 
approaching a free, thinking people like the Americans, voted 
against it. At the special session of February, 1854, the friends 
of temperam-e again assembled at Springtleld. The attendance 
was chiefly from the northern i)artof the State. The prohibitory 
bill was again introduced in the legislature, and this time favora- 
bly reported upon by the select committee on temperance. Mr. 
Palmer (since governor,) moved the submission clause as an amend- 
ment, but for want of time no final action was had ujion it. 

There were at the time grave doubts as to the constitutionality of 
such a law; but at the June term of the Supreme court, in the 
case of Jacksonville vs. Godard, these were in a measure removed. 
Jacksonville by ordinaiu-e had declared the sale of liquors a nui- 
sance, making the offense puiiishable by fine. It was contended 
by the defendant that liquor was property, and that the right to 
acquire property, and holding, using and disposing of it was both 
natural and constitutional, and could not be invaded by any mu- 
nicipality under authority of the State; the right might be regu- 
lated but not destroyed. The c<mrt held that this doctrine as a 
universal princiytle Avas not tenable. It depended upon the kind 
of property; its use and disposal. "VVe surrendered both natural 



matteson's administration. 607 

and social rights in the political state, which was necessary and 
parainomit for the well being of (society. These police ])owers de- 
stroyed neither Magna Charta nor any constitution. The act and 
the thing, with its use, must be judged by its effects, and when 
they brought it within the reason and miscliiefs of tlie law the 
power of government must regulate them. We had a right toonr 
gold and silver, and the disposal of it, yet conld not coin it, We 
jnight labor and rest, yet were disnllowed to become idlers, va- 
grants or vagabonds. We might dispose of our ])r()perty, yet had 
no right to gamble it off. And to pnnish the eliect we might re- 
move the cause. Judge Scates delivered the opinion of the conrt. 

The prohibitory bill came again before the legislatnre in 1855. 
That body was nnexpectedly republican, or rather "fusion'' by 
a combination of whigs and anti-Nebraska democrats. For the 
first time in the history of the State, since the organization of the 
whig and democratic parties, it was not in the control of the latter. 
The bill, after being amended by the senate, passed both houses, 
and under the submission clause went before the peoi)le for ap- 
proxal. 

It amy not be uiunteresting to give an idea of the arguments 
advanced for and against the measnre. The opponents held that 
drinking men nnist be restrained, if restrained at all, by convinc- 
ing their judgment that dissipation led to rnin and death; by a 
conviction that temperance was the way to i)rosperity, happiness, 
health and longevity; that their sympathies must be enlisted in 
the cause by moral suasion, which was the only effectnal lever to 
bear on snch a work ; that penal and prohibitory laws liad in 
every instance, proved a total failure, and were calcnlated to pro- 
voke resistance. It was hard to establish the belief that liquor 
was not proi)erty which nn^n might not defend from destruction, 
and the principle was the same whether ten dollars worth of li- 
quor was destroyed or ten millions worth.* 

The friends of the bill argued that as the people of this State 
were law abiding they would not resist sobeneticent a la\^^ Every 
man in society or government had to yield something of his sav- 
age liberty— the liberty of each was circumscribed by the equal 
liberty of all. The effect of intemi)erance in ])roduciug crime and 
pauperism called for taxation to defray and supi)ort a double wrong. 
It might destroy a husband or son, in whom I lie wife or mother had 
a riglit of supi)()rt — a form of property. I f litpior was property, so 
was iron, yet convert that iron into counicireiting tools it became 
contraband and lost the character of proixMty. All things were 
sacred until desecrated. Man was entitled to personal liberty, 
yet inebriation would subject him to arrest under police regula- 
tions ; liberty was regulated by law ; governments were instituted 
among men to promote their general welfare, and prevent wrong 
and injury to the rights of persons and i)ro])erty. The genei'al 
good of the people was the object of all law, and whatever stood 
in the way of its attainment should be removed by ai)propiiate 
legislation. Finally, it simply resolved itself into a question whether 
intemperance was an evil, and whether intoxicating liquors pro- 
duced intemperance.t 

• Illinois State Register, April 1853. 
+ Journal (111. State,) March, 1855. 



608 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

The Hon. B. S. Edwards, a lawyer of ability and eminent 
standing, framed the bill, and labored earnestly before the peo- 
ple to secnre its adoption ; many others, influenced by phihm- 
thropic motives, did the same. The State received a pretty thor- 
ongh canvassing by speakers and the press. But politicians, a, 
craven set, with an eye ever to the future of their personal ad- 
vancement, stood aloof from it. The oi)ponents circulated gar- 
bled copies of it among farmers, with forged interpolations, for- 
bidding the manufacture and sale of cider. The bill read, if a 
man Avas found drunk and committed a breach of the peace, he 
should be arrested. From this the words "committing a breach of 
the peace" were omitted. It was further characterized as the great 
abomination of modern times — it circumscribed the privilege of the 
citizen, it outraged his free conscience, and by its adoption liberty 
would be crushed. The bill was defeated before the people by a 
small aggregate majority. The southern counties voted mostly 
against it, and the northern, with the exception of Cook andEock 
Island, for it. 

Maine Law Riot in Chicago. — Section 36 of the prohibitory bill 
provided that " all laws authorizing the granting of licenses to 
sell spirituous, intoxicating or mixed liquors shall be repealed 
from and after the date of the passage of this act" — February 
12th. Section 39 read : "The i)rovisions of this act shall take 
effect on the first Monday of July next," provided that if a major- 
ity of the ballots to be deposited were against prohibition then the 
act was to be of no force or effect "^^hatever. Section 39 being a 
later expression of the will of the legislature than the conflicting 
provision of section 36, according to numerical order,' ouglit 
plainly to have prevailed. In March the city council of Chicago, 
said to have been Knownothing, required all i)ersons selling 
liquor to take out license at the rate of $300 a year. Many of the 
saloon keepers were Germans. These, acting under legal advice 
as to the construction of the State prohibitory law, that the city 
had no legal authority to issue licenses from February to Jnly, 
and that every person choosing to had the right to sell liquor 
within that jieriod according to section 36, refused to comi)ly with 
the requirements of the council, and continued to sell liquors. 
Warrants were issued, and some 30 German saloon-keepers were 
arrested. The question being an important one, it was concluded 
to try them before Judge Kucker. On the day set Germans 
thronged the court room until it was impossible to proceed with 
the trials. The police cleared the room, and the crowd retired to 
the next, from which, on account of their noise, they were also ex- 
cluded. With the beating of drums the crowd now took posses- 
sion of the sidewalk on Eandolph street, excluded the passing pe- 
destrians, and, armed with bludgeons, knives and pistols, speed- 
ily developed into a mob, insulting every one coming within range, 
and bidding defiance to the police. The latter attempted to open 
the sidewalk by force, and a general melee ensued, resulting in 
the death of two policemen, as many Germans, and the serious 
wounding of a great number. The streets were cleared, and order 
re-established by the aid of the military ; 53 Germans were ar- 
rested and lodged in jail. It was a day of outraged law, disgrace 



MATTESON'S ADMINISTRATION. 609 

and blood for Cliieago. On the next day (Sunday,) the city was 
put under martial law. 

OUR COMMON SCHOOLS. 

Trials Incident to the EstahJishmcntof the Free SchooJ ^^l/nfenl. — 
The tree (>;cliool system, cntcicd ni)on in LS55, marks the turn- 
inji' ]>oint in the history of common school education of the State. 
The rifiht of the kState to maintain such a system is founded n])on 
the idea that where i-iiiorancc jncdominates vice and crinu' are its 
iiisci>arable eonconiitants, and that by education the masses will 
be elevated, society benefited, offenses lessened, and good gov- 
ernment promoted. But the nuiiu incentive to its establish- 
ment in Illinois was the great necessity that efficiency be infnsed 
into the cause of education; and the awakening of the people from 
the dee[> letlmrgy into which they had sunk to an appnH'iation of 
its importance. Keeping in view the wonderful i)ower of money 
ui)on all the affairs of men, it was invoked in this case to stir them 
up, and a law was devised which ottered essentially a premium to 
stimulate them to take hold of those benefits ^^hich had been ten- 
dered them for 10 years ])ast under then existing laws, but which 
they had stea<lily refused to fully accept. The main feature of the 
law is bringing the strong hand of government, operating througli 
the taxing [)ower, to bear upon the property of the State, and 
causing it to contribute to the education of its youth. To ettect 
this was no easy task. Many old and deep-rooted prejudices as to 
taxation for this pur]>ose ha<l to be eradicated ; the jndgment of 
men as to its i)ower and rightfnlness was to be convinced ; false 
ideas of economy for ten years sednlously ptirsued l)y the State, 
were to be unlearned ; ignoiant parents enlightened ; and teachers 
of the requisite qualifications and earnestness obtained. It was a 
l>roblem both difficult and delicate; but iiulefatigable men labored 
unceasingly for its solution, and it was finally accomplished ; and 
the law and its results point .an instructive lesson iu the science 
of government. 

The ordinance of 1787, declared knowledge in connection with 
religion and morality, '' to be necessary to the good government 
and happiness of mankind," and enjoined that "schools and the 
means of education shall forever be encouraged." Accordingly, 
congress, in the Enabling Act for this State, April 18, 1818, ap- 
]>roi)riated 3 per cent, of the n<'t ])ioceeds of the sales of the ])ub- 
lic lands, lying within her limits, for the encouragement of learn- 
ing, 1-lGthparth thereof to be exclusively bestoAved on a colleger 
or university. Two townsliii)s, one then and one sometime ]>]ioi-, 
were besides donated for foundhig and maintaining a seminary of 
learning. The proceeds of the 3 per cent, fund and the sales of 
the seminary lands, were blended in 1835, and borrowed by the 
State at G per cent., the interest to be annually distributed for 
school purposes. In 1845 the receipts of the proceeds of the 3 
per cent, school fund were suspended for a time. Owing to the 
end)arrassed condition of the finances, this State, like many others, 
had stopped paying interest on her public debt, and congress, by 
resolution, ordered the 3 per cent, fund to be withhehl fi«»m them 
and ai)plied toward the payment of interest on bonds held in trust 
by the general government. This actiou was denounced at home 
39 



610 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

as a grievous and iiu^varranted wrong', but our delegation in con- 
gress raised no voice against it. After the Mexican war tlie free 
entry of lands by land warrants caused the 3 per cent, fund to be 
materially lessened, and the legislature, in 1849, authorized its 
proceeds to be invested in Illinois bonds, then low in market, 
which would have been a wise expedient for the 8 preceding years 
but now nothing much came of it. The seminary fund received 
additions from time to time, as sales were made, and in 18G1, the 
residue of the land was turned over to the agricultural college, 
the princii)al of the fund being $59,838. The State in 1857 had 
set apart the interest of the college and seminary funds for the 
maintenance of the normal university, excei)t one-fourtli for 
the deaf and dumb asylum. In 1837 the legislature added to 
the common school fund the proceeds of the surplus revenue of 
the U. S., distributed to the several States by act of congress, 
amounting at that time, to $132,850, the State i)aying interest 
thereon at the rate of (i per cent. This fuiul thus escai)ed being 
swallowed up in the vortex of the internal im])rovement system of 
that period. The several sums thus derived may be called the 
permanent State common school fund, the whole amounting, 
Avhen the free school system was entered upon in 1855, to $951,- 
504, yielding an annual interest of $57,700, one-fourth of which 
Avas distributed to the deaf and dumb asylum. 

But a more important and really munificent donation from con- 
gress was the 10th section of every congressional townshi]), or if 
sold, lands equivalent thereto, as contiguous as might be, for the 
use of the inhabitants of such townshii) for school purjjoses. 
This amounted to 998,448 89-100 acres, which, had it been pro])- 
erly husbanded and managed, would have gi^ en the peoi)le such 
an ani}»le school fund as would have saved them Irom local taxa- 
tion. One trouble of most new countri<?s is that immigrants come 
empty-handed and are both averse and uiuible to i)ay taxes. Such 
was emphatically the case in Illinois at an early day. To the 
sentiments of a people, law makers, seeking oltice at their hands, 
will bend, and the result in Illinois, was that as early as 1828, 
with an empty treasury and the fear of providing adequate rev- 
enue by taxation, the legislature unfortunately authorized the sale 
of the school lands, and bonowed the proceeds to defray the cur- 
rent public expense. At first the lands were leased and squatted 
on to a large extent. The occupants shortly desiring better titles, 
possessing the elective franchise, and being united by a common 
interest, their influence Avith our hiAV-makers Avas sufticientto pro- 
cure the })assage of laws to sell them at a ery low i»rices, ami thus 
this nuigniticent gift of the nation for the highest of purposes, was 
in great part squandered. The seminary townsliip largely shared 
the same fate. By 1855 the toAvnship fund amounted to $1,441,- 
427, yielding then an annual interest of $111,191. In 1808 the 
prin('i[)al was $4,873,232, Aarying in different townships from $100 
to more than $101M'**^N owing to losses and maladministration in 
the oue case, and ])rovident management, a later settlenu'ut of the 
districts, and fortuitous circumstances as to location in the other. 

In 1835, as we have noted, the interest ou the several school 
funds thus boiiowed by the State, Avas first distributed to the 
couiilies accoidiiig to the number of childreu under 21 years, to 
be paid to teachers at a rate of not more than one-half due them 



matteson's administration. Gil 

for services rendered in the preceding 12 months, the overphis, 
if any, to constitnte forever si connty scliool Innd, a. wise pro- 
vision, bnt h»st in the snbscqnent changes of the law. Of conrit>e 
there was no connty fnnd nuuh^, if tlie distriluitive sinire was h'sstiian 
one-half the sums due to teachers ; hence there are some counties 
without this fund. The aggregate county fund in 1855 was about 
$50,000. In 1S5L* the balance of the swam[) and overtlowcil lands, 
after paying for drainage and levees built to reclaim them, was 
granted to tlie counties where situate, their proceeds to be eqnally 
divided among tlie towjiships for educational purposes, roads and 
bridges, as might be deenu^d expedient. In 1853 the tines col- 
lected and crin)inal forfeitures on bail were fiuther added to the 
school fund and school pro^^erty was exempted from taxation. 

The first free school system of this State was adopted 30 years 
before the present one. Schools tlourislie<l in almost every neigh- 
borhood, and the law "worked admirably well."* Gox. Coles, in 
liis message to the legislature of 1824-5, directed attention to the 
liberal donation of congress in lands for educatioiud pm-poses, 
asking that they be husbanded as a rich treasure for fnture gen- 
erations, and in the meantime to make provision for the sni)i)ort 
of local schools. Later dui'ing the session, Joseph Duncan, after- 
wards governor, then a seiuitor, introduced tlie bill for this act. 
The preamble declares that : 

" To enjoy our rights and libortios, we must understand them ; their 
security tuid protection ouglit to be the first object of a free pi'ople ; and 
it is a well established fact tliat no nation has ever continued long in 
the enjoyment of civil and political freedom winch was not l)oth virtu- 
ous and enlightened. And l)elieving that the advancement of literature 
always has been and ever will be the means of more fully develoi)ing 
the rights of man — that the mind of every citizen in a re]nd)lic is the 
oonnnon property of society, and constitutes the l)asis of its strength and 
iiappiness — it is "therefore considered the peculiar duty of a free govern- 
ment, like ours, to encourage and extend the im])rovement and cultiva- 
tion of tlie intellectual energies of the whole." 

It was provided that common schools shoidd be established, 
free and open to every class of white citizens l)etween the ages of 5 
ami 21 ; and persons over 21 might be adndtted on such terms as 
the trustees should prescribe. I)istricts of iH>t less than 15 fann- 
lies were to be formed by the county courts ni)on petition of a ma- 
jority of the voters thereof; officers Avere to be elected, sworn in, 
a)id their duties were prescribed in detail. The system was fidl 
and complete in all particulars. The legal voters were empowered 
at the annual meeting to levy a tax, in nioiu\v or merchantable 
jnoduce at its cash value, not exceeding ^ of 1 per cent., subject 
to a maximum limitation of $10 to any one person. But aside 
from this tax, the best and most effective feature of the law, in 
principle the great stinndant of our lU'csent system, was an an- 
UTial appropriation by the State of $2 oid of every $100 rec<'iv<'d 
into the treasury, ami the distribution of 5-G of the interest arising 
from the school funds, a]>portioned among the several coui.ties ac- 
cording to the mimberof white children under the age of 21 years, 
which sums were then re-distiibuted by the connti<'s anujug their 
respective districts, none partici[)ating therein where not at least 
3 months school had been taught during the 12 months ])reced- 
ing. In this law were foreshadowed some of the most a aluable 



♦ Gov. Ford. 



612 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

features of onr present efficient free school system. But it is as- 
serted tliat the law of 1825 was in advance of the times ; that the 
l)eople preferred to pay their tuition fees, or do without education 
for their children, rather than submit to the bare idea of taxation, 
however it might fall in the main upon the wealthier property- 
holders for the benefit of all ; and the law was so amended in 1S27 
as to virtually nullify it, by providing that no person should l)e 
taxed for the jnaintenance of any school unless his consent was 
first obtiiined in writing, and the continuance of the State ajtpro- 
priation of $2 out of every |1(>0 received into the treasury, being- 
its very life, was denied. The legislature of 1827, unlike its prede- 
cessor, not only in this but many other respects, was one of the 
worst that has everafdicted the State. 

After that there were repeated amendments and revisions of the 
school law l)y the legislature, but for the want of the vital prin- 
cii)le of the taxing power, little efiicienc^" was imparted to the 
cause of education in Illinois. For 18 years, it nmy be said, the 
darkness of ignorance hung over the land, unrelieved by a ray of 
promise in the right direction. Still, zealous men labored inde- 
fatigably in the cause. In 1814 an earnest common school conven- 
tion met in Peoria, and, after deliberation, Messrs, John S. Wright, 
of Chicago, II. M. Weed, of Lewiston, and Thomas M. Kilpatrick, 
of AVinchester, drafted a nu^morial to the legislature in favor of 
an efiicient common school system, which is an able and exhaust- 
ive document on the subject.* To arouse public interest and stir 
up the masses to the necessity of educating their children they 
deemed of prime importance, and to this end i>leaded earnestly 
for a State superintendent of i)ub]ic instruction, as a sei)arate and 
distinct ofticer, Avith a fair salary, whose duty it should be, among 
other things, to travel into every county and neighborhood in the 
State, deliver lectures to the peoi)le, impress upon them the 
imi)ortance of education, carefully examine such schools as there 
were, note the operation of the existing law, learn the wishes and 
plans of the people, and from sources outside of the State collect 
such valuable information as could be obtained respecting im- 
provements, &c., and report from time to time to the legislature. 
That such an ofHcer Avould see to it that the iiublic moneys raised 
were rightfully applied and nuide useful in the highest degree. 
Gov. Ford added his recommendation, saying such an officer 
" must be a rare man, endowed with talents, zeal aiul discretion 
of the highest order." They further declared education a public 
benefit, indis])ensal)le to the welfare of the State, and as much en- 
titled to su[)i)<)rt from general taxation as the judiciary, or the 
maintenance of ])nblic highways; and asked why single out edu- 
cation from all other ])ublic benefits and exen)])t a man's pro])- 
erty from paying its exi)ense. Well knowing, however, the then 
crii)pled comlition of tlie State treasury, resulting from the late 
internal improx cment scheme, they asked no contribution trom 
it, but boldly recommended lo(;al taxation, and frankly acknowl- 
edged that their every effort was intended as a luie to draw the 
l)eople into the grasp of the awful monster, a school tax. Let 
them but give permission to use this monster to those so inclined, 
and others, seeing the result, would fall into his embrace. In 

♦ See III, Reports, 1845. 



matteson's administeation. 613 

other words, allow such townships or districts as wanted, l>y a 
majority of tlieir lei^al voters, to adopt this method of sustainiug 
their schools. The local tax would incite inquiry, and insure the 
faithful use of the public money, both from the State treasury and 
the township fund. 

The legislature at the session of 1S44-5, umible to resist the 
force of this reasoning-, yielded its partial assent. Actuated by a 
feeling- of economy, under the pressure of tlie times, tlu^ secretary 
of State, already burdened with the business of his office, was 
made ex-officio State superintendent of public instruction ; and in 
reference to local taxation it was required that a two-thirds legal 
vote of any district concur in ordering the tax. Consideiing the 
influence of large property holders, who were mostly opposed to 
the assessment of taxes for school purposes, it may well be inuig-- 
ined that little school revenue was thence derived. Indeed the 
whole of the local school taxes for the years 1840-47 did not 
amount to 1 mill on the $100 of taxable wealth of the State. The 
auditor was to distribute the interest of the State school fund ac- 
cording to the number of children in each county umler 20 years, 
based upon the preceding- census, and these distributive shares 
were again to be distributed by t]w counties to the townsliips ac- 
cording- to the number of chihlren in each, under 21. But if no 
school had been taught for 10 mouths preceding', the iiu)iiey was 
to he added to the principal of the townsliip fund. Many of the 
features of the law of 1845 are incori)<)rated in that of bS,")"), 

As a qualiflcation for teaching, the law reqidre<l a knowledge of 
reading-, writing, arithmetic, geograph}-, grammar and history, 
which, strange as it may now appear, was far too high a standard, 
and many districts were deprived of their distributive shares of 
the State school fund on this account. 

Thus, while the statute books were swollen with school laws, 
this, like many others which preceded it being- most voluminous 
and anything- but clear, repelling nearly all from reading it, the 
cause of education was not carried into as vigorous snul etiicient 
operation as miglit have been done under the law, and a most la- 
mentable a])atliy still pervaded the [)co[)le. In many couidies in 
the northern part of the State, and notably in Cook, the schools 
were in a flourishing- condition. But out of the 1M> counties in the 
State, t\w. secretary of State, ex-officio superintendeid, in 1840, 
was a))le to obtain reports from iJT only, as to the condition of 
their schools. The county school commissionei-s received ^■ery 
inadequate compensation, and were mostly negligent of their du- 
ties or incompetent. 

In 1847 the stamlard of the qualification for teachers was low- 
ered, or sought to be brought within the reach of the nmterial that 
existed, by amending- the school law so as to allow the granting 
of certificates for any one or more of the before named branches, 
as the applicant might desire; and the requirement of a ^ vote 
to levy a local tax was was mo<lified to a majority of all the legal 
votes of any districts — whence it Ibllowed that a simple al)seuce 
could defeat the tax, and as might be expected, great difficulty 
was experienced to induce a sufficient number of xoters to assem- 
ble, and efficiency was still in abeyance. In 1 840 the qualidcation 
of teachers was raised to the former grade, subject, however, to 
the wUl of directors, as to any of the branches, and a certificate 



614 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

of that kind was valid. The local tax wliicli might be levied was 
limited to 25 cents on the $100, its purpose to be designated. lu- 
coipoiated towns and cities were allowed to go to 50 cents on the 
$100. In 1851 a majority of the legal voters, attending at any 
legally convened meeting for the puipose, were allowed to levy 
a local tax not exceeding $1 on every |100 of the taxable i)rop- 
erty of the district. The taxal)le wealth of the State at this time ex- 
ceeded $100,000,000, and $1,000,000 might have been raised, which 
added to the State school fnnd annually distributed, and that of tlie 
townshij), would have furnished the i)eoi)le an ample fund for a com- 
plete free school system. But it depended upon their election 
to avail of it, aiul instead of $1,000,000 and more, we lind that 
for the year 1852 the total local ad valorem school tax in the whole 
State amounted to only $51,000, being less than one-twentieth 
part of the limits of the law. Mr, Gregg, secretary of State and 
.sui)erintendent of })ublic instruction at the time, says: "I am not 
aware that in a single instance has this been done [that is, the 
full benefit of the law avtdled of], nor can any motive be assigned 
for the action of the peoi)le in this resi)ect, unless it grows out of 
a i)refei'ence for the system which now prevails." The school law, 
in educational effects, was a dead letter. 

As stated in the outset, tjie problem remained how to lift pub- 
lic sentiment from the slough of apathy into which it had sunk, 
to the great importance of education. Hapi)ily, from many 
parts of the State the question of a general free school system 
was beginning to be agitated. The press, which had long stood 
aloof, took hold and began to discuss the subject in earnest. TIjo 
Illinois Teacher.; a i)ublication devoted to the cause of education 
and nnmbeiing among its contributors many of the ablest teach- 
ers, exerted a wide inlluence and did effu^ient service. The linan- 
cial condition of the State, too, Mas undergoing a most desirable 
cliange. Our rapid increase in i)opulation and wealth was dissi- 
pating the clouds of embarrassment which for 10 years had cast 
their shadow over the land, and the people beheld the future 
bright with promise. The railroa<l era had dawned npon the 
State, a new impulse was given to its develoi)ment, and its strides 
to empire were nnequaled. Gov. Matteson, in his iuarigural ]nes- 
sage, in a forcible manner directed attention to the great impor- 
tance of a broad and comprehensive common school system, free 
to all alike, and sni)})orted by a tax njton all the i)roperty in the 
State, to fit the rising generation in its intellectual capacity for 
the proper direction of the grand future of the State. Still there 
were in the then views of the peoph^ uumy AYeighty objections to a 
scheme of such extraordinary State dictation, as it was called. 
It was regarded as wholly at war with the property rights of ther 
individual, exacting and oppressive to those unable or unwilling 
from various nu>tives, to favorably view or particii)ate in the com- 
mon ad\antages to be derived from it; and the legislature ad- 
journed without having accomplished anything toward a solution 
of the problem. 

Jn December, 1853, anticipating an extra session of the legisla- 
tnre, two large common school conventions met, one at Jersey ville 
composed of many adjoining counties, and one at Bloomington, 
for the whole Slate. Tiiese conventions, wliose earnest spirit was 
widely felt, indicated not only a growing dissatisfaction with the 



MATTESON'S ADMINISTRATION. 615 

existing" common school system, but evinced a ripened determina- 
tion in the public mind to nuike a radical cliange. These move- 
ments, and the very general approbation of their expressions, 
were so emphatic as to produce a decided impression upon the 
general assembly, which met iu February following, and toolc the 
lirst step in the right direction, by the enactment of a law sei)ara- 
tiiig the oflice of superintendent of public instruction from that 
of secretary of State, the former being- neglected oii account of 
the arduous duties of the latter, and creating- it a <listinct depart- 
ment of State government, the incumbent to receive a salary of 
$1500. Besides other duties, he was required to draft a bill em- 
bodying a system of free education for all the children of the State, 
and rei»ort it to the next general assembly. On the 15th of March, 
.1851, Gov. Matteson appointed the Hon. N. W. Edwards State 
sui)erintendent of common schools. This most important ofitice, 
at that juncture, was bestowed u[»on Mr. Edwards on account of 
his long- experience in public life, ami from the conviction that he 
would carry into effect the hopes of the i)eople and the designs of 
the legislature in creating it. In January following he subnntted 
to the general assend»ly a full report upon the condition of the 
l)ublic schools throughout the State, ably urged the education of 
the chihlien in the State at the public expense, and jtresented a well- 
drawn bill for a complete system of free schools, Avhich, with some 
alterations, became a law. And thus the great desideratum, long 
songht, was found ; and the earnest and indefatigable men, who 
liad labored unceasinglj^ to advance the cause of education, and 
who had never faltered even in the darkest hours of the State's 
linances, were rewarded by beholding the completed machinery 
prepared for its accom[)lishnient. 

The act bore date Feb. 15, 1855, and embraced all the essential 
principles now in force. In them, as we said in the outset, is 
evinced something- of the science of government. We have noted 
the educational needs of the people, and how they might have 
jjrovided the means under the laws for free schools in every dis- 
trict of the State, but they would not. It renuiined, therefore, to 
compel them, not by force or the strong arm of the government, 
but in a way whose results would be fully as efficient. And this 
was accomplished by recognizing and enforcing- the princi])]e that 
the State has the sovereign right to levy and collect a, sutlicient 
tax from the real and })ersonal property within its limits, and ex- 
l)end it in giving its youth a common education. For State i)ur- 
poses the school tax was fixed at '2 mills on the $100. To this was 
added the interest from the pennanent school fiiiul. when the 
whole would be given back to the people, f of it in proi)ortion to 
the nund)er of children under 21 in each county, and the residue to 
the townshijis, whole or fractional. In allowing territoiy to (con- 
trol ^ of the fund, which is unvarying in the distribution, new or 
sparsely settled counties were stimulated to the establishment of 
schools, which otherwise could not have coped with the denser 
settlements. But before the State fund could be shared in, cer- 
tain ])rerequisites must be comi)lied with. A free school had to 
be nutintained for at least months in the year, and it was made 
imperative upon the directors of every organized school district 
to levy such a tax annually as if added to the pid)lic funds would 
be sufficient for that purpose ; and, as if fearing- that this might 



616 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

not prove successful, it was iiuide collectable the same as tlie State 
aud county tax. Other taxes uiigbt still be voluntarily added by 
a vote of the people, to extend the term of schools, build or repair 
school houses, purchase sites, &c. The local tax nuule thus obli- 
gatory, is, however, the main resource of our free school system, 
■which, in 1868, aggregated $4,250,679. The public school funds 
having reached the hands of the township trustees, a new rule ob- 
tains as to their distribution among the districts. To encourage 
school attendance, half of the funds are apportioned on the ex- 
hibits of the teachers' schedules, and half in proportion to the 
number of children under 21 years old in each district. Such are 
the leading and sagacious combinations of the scheme to bring 
education nearer to the people, and induce them to i)artake of it. 
This is the force resorted to by government to render the system 
efficient. It is essentially the oliering of large yearly premiums 
to CA^ery district to establish and maintain a free school for its 
youth. 

The new school system showed directly a marked improvement 
in educational efforts and results. Of the number of children in 
the State, under 21, only about one-third attended any kind of 
school before its establishment, now the average reached nearly 
half; before, the total number of schools was 4,215, now the num- 
ber rose directly to 7,604; before, the average monthly wages of 
teachers were $25 for males and $12 for females, now they were 
reported at $45 and $27, respectively; and while for 1854 the 
school fund (inteiest) distributed was only $37,155, for 1855 it 
w\as $665,025— $666,809 being the yield of the 2 mill tax. The 
cause of education thus at once received an impetus which has 
since not only been well maintained but gained velocity, until 
to-day the free school system of Illinois, among the very best in 
the Union, is one of the proudest and noblest monuments which 
she has erected along the highway of her career toward great- 
ness, and who will dare to raise his ruthless hand to tear it down ? 

But now a new featiu'e of opposition to the new school system 
was suddenly developed, which clouded the vision of some of its 
staunchest friends, and threatened its destruction. This grew 
out of the collection and distribution of the 2 mill tax, which acted 
very unequally in the different counties. Thus, from Cook was 
collected $30,000 more than she received back as her distiibutive 
share; Sangamon paid into the State treasury $23,132, and 
received back $11,027 ; and from all the wealthier and more i)oi)u- 
lous counties, with varying amounts, the san)e results obtained; 
while others — for instance White — contributed $2,579 as her share 
of the 2 mill tax, and received back a distributive share of 
$5,409, a gain of over 100 i)er cent.; Poi)e paid in $1,055, and 
received $4,239, and llardin paid $894, and received back $2,417, 
being more than 4 times the sums raised. While the i)e<>})le had 
been gradually brought to view as but right that one man's pro- 
perty might be taxed to defray the exi)ense of teaching another's 
child, the idea that one county should similarly contribute to 
another, perhajis hundreds of miles distant, was regarded as the 
essence of injustice. In numy parts of the State their complaints 
were loud and deep, and meetings were held in 1856 severely' de- 
nouncing the law, and requiring of candidates for the legislature 
pledges to favor its modification or repeal. It was manifest that 



matteson's administration. 617 

a riagrant wrong existed somewliere, and it rested, doubtlexs, in 
great part witli the unequal valuations of real and i)ersonal 
pioperty in the ditt'ereiit counties, as in Sangamon lands were 
vahied at $12.54; in Christian, l-'J.OO; in White, .Sl'.52, &c.; but 
equalization of assessnu'uts could not wholly remedy it— the 
spirit and cardinal principles of the free school system were that 
the proi)erty and wealth of the State should bear the burden of 
educating its youth, no matter in whose hands it was, or where 
situate. The framers of the law had builded better than they 
knew, and with this broad idea, comprehended in its fullest sense, 
the efforts at amendment by the legislature in 1857 proved abor- 
tive. It is the vital principle of the law to-day. 

There being still a great dearth in teachers, and with the view 
also to attain uniformity in the modes of teaching and conducting 
schools, at the session of 1857 the State Normal University was 
established at Bloomington. 



Chapter XLIX. 
DUELS IN ILLINOIS, AND ATTEMPTS AT DUELS. 
A^airs of Honor and Personal Difficulties. 



The soil of Illinois Las been blood-stained but comparatively a 
few times by the barbarous code duello. Those tierce and implaca- 
ble passions which in controversy know no final argument but mor- 
tal combat have not found congenial culture on the level plains of 
the Prairie State. The records and details of the actual duels fought 
are particularly meagre, obscure and unsatisfactory. But we are 
temi)ted to give what there are. Of the first duel fought within 
the present limits of this State by residents, the names of the prin- 
cipals even are not transmitted. All that Ave have been able to 
find recorded regarding it may be found in Peyuold's Pioneer His- 
tory, in the words following: 

"At the time the English troops came to take possession of 
Fort Chartres, [1705], two young ofiicers, one French and the 
other English, had a misunderstanding at the Fort. This quar- 
rel arose as did the war ot the Greekt? against the Trojans, on 
account of a ladj'. These officers fought with sniall swords early 
on a Sunday morning, near the fort, and in the combat one was 
killed. The other left the fort and descended the river. I was 
informed of the above duel nearly 50 years ago, by a very aged 
Frenchman. He informed me of the details, and said he was pres- 
ent and saw the combat." Eeynolds wrote this about 1850, and 
he must have received the information when he was barely 12 
years old. 

The next duel of which we have any record, occurred in 1809, 
and may be found in the same book. It juoved a bloodless affair 
at the time, but an angry quarrel grew out of it, resulting after- 
wards in the dastardly assassination of one of the i)riucipals. 
The duel was arranged between Kice Jones, son of John Pice 
Jones, a Welclnnan, the first and also one of the ablest lawyers 
Illinois has ever known, and Sliadra«li Bond, afterwards the first 
goveiiior of the State. Jones, the elder, settled at Kaskaskia in 
1700, but upon the fornuition of the Indiana territory, which iu- 
clnded Illinois, removed to the capital, Vincennes, where he at- 
tained prominence. The son possessed a high order of intellect, 
was well educated, and located at Kaskaskia in ISOG to practice 
the profession of the law. He drifted into politics, and by his 
rare ability speedily attained to the leadership of his i)arty. He 
was elected a member of the territorial legislatnre, which met at 
Vincennes. His talents, prominence and infiuence was distasteful 
to the opjjosite party, if it did not arouse jealousy in his own. 

618 



DUELING. 619 



Tlie question of jmblic interest, and no little virulent excitement 
at the time, was the division of the territory by the detachment of 
Illinois. Young' Jones ami Bond became involved in a personal 
controversy; a challenge and accei)rance followed, and the i)ar- 
ties met for mortal combat on an island in the Mississippi, between 
St. Genevieve and Kaskaskia. The weapons were hair trigger 
pistols. After taking their i)ositions Jones' weapon was prenui- 
turely discharged. J>ond's second, named Dunlap, was disinclined 
to allow it as an inadxertence, claiming that according to the 
code it was Bond's fire next ; but the latter, unwilling to take so 
murderous an advantage of his adversary, exclaimed that "it was 
an accident," and lefused to tire. To conduct so noble the nature 
of Jones at once responded in an amicable si)irit. The two prin- 
cipals reconciled their difticnlty and (piitted the field without fur- 
ther conflict. But the ignoble conduct of Dunlaj) raidcled and led 
to a relentless quarrel between him ami Jones. Hatred grew 
ai)ace until finally the malignant heart of Dunlap prompted him 
to assassinate Jones in the i)ublic streets of Kaskaskia. The lat- 
ter was standing on the sidewalk at the time, conversing" with a 
lady, his arms resting on the railing of a gallery, when Dunlap 
crei>t up behind, unol»served, and with a pistol shot Jones dead in 
his tracks. Thus tell by the hand of a cowardly assassin, through 
a feud engendered by the most IVtolish miscalled code of honor, in 
the liiSth year of his age, ])erlia]>s the most i)romisiiig young man 
of the j)eriod. Ilis untimely death, coupled with the manner of 
it, shocked the whole community, which sincerely mourned his 
loss. His murderer esca})ed to Texas and successfully evaded the 
just punishment due him from an earthly tribunal. In 1810 a law 
Mas ado[>ted by the go\ ernor and judges, to suppress the ])rac- 
tice of dueling, which constituted a fatal result in dueling mur- 
der, making the aiders, abettors or counselors i)rincipals in the 
crime, 

iStill later, in the same work, gixinga sketch of the well known 
and dauntless pioneer Bector family, consisting of 9 sons and 4 
daughters, and recounting the deeds of valor performed by some 
of them in the west during the war of 1812, the anthor records 
that "Thonuis Bector, one of the younger brothers, had a duel 
with Joshua Barton, on Bloody Island, opi)osile St. Louis, and 
was as cool in that combat, as if he were shooring at a deer on 
the prairie. These young men espoused the quaiTcl of theirelder 
blot hers, and Barton fell in the conflict." No date or other par- 
ticulars further than above quoted, are appended, but it occurred 
probably sometime during the war of 1812. Bloody Island, w ithin 
the jurisdiction of Illinois, was nu)re frequently tlu^ convenient 
and safe battle ground resorted to by St. Louis or Missouri bel- 
ligeients for the settlement of their personal difliculties by the 
barbarous rules of the bloody code, than lllinoisans, aJid tliis is 
said to have given origin to the horrid name by which the island 
was known. 

The next and last duel which resulted fatally between Illinois 
citizens and upon its soil, was fought within the limits of Belle- 
ville, in February, 1819, between Alonzo C. Stuart and William 
Bennett. It grew out of a drunken. carousal in which besides the 
cond)atants, nmny citizens of St. Clair county participated. 
Stuart ajid Bennett fell out, and with the view to having some 



620 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

rare sport aud making' a butt of Bennett, it was proposed among 
the outsiders that these two, to settle their quarrel, should tight 
a sham duel. Stuart was let into the secret but Bennett was ke])t 
in the dark. Both parties readily agreed to the duel. Nathan 
Fike and Jacob Short acted as seconds. The weapons selected 
were rifles, which were loaded with powder oidy. The combat- 
ants fearlessly took their position on the field at 40 paces, and at 
the proper signal, Bennett tired with good aim, and to the horror 
of every one present, Stuart fell mortally wounded in the breast 
and expired almost instantly. Stuart, to highten the merriment 
against his antagonist, had not fired his weajjon at all, but Ben- 
nett, probably suspecting a cheat or trick, and animated by malice 
was proven on the trial to have secietly slipped a ball into his 
rifle. Stuart was a most estimable citizen aud his untimely death 
was deeply and generally regretted. 

Bennett and the two seconds, Fike and Short, were arrested and 
imprisoned. In the spring they were indicted for murder. Daniel 
P. Cook was prosecuting attorney, and Thomas H. Benton, of St. 
Louis, appeared tor the defendants. A separate trial was granted 
and the two seconds were acquitted. The transaction was con- 
demned, yet as it clearly api)eared that the seconds intended no 
harm, the verdict was generally approved.* Next Bennettwas to 
be tried, but having learned that the testimony elicited in the other 
cases was damaging to him, he broke jail and made his escape 
into Arkansas. His whereabouts was some two years later dis- 
covered, and by means of artifice, ("which was not approved," 
says Reynolds, the judge, Avho sat in his trial), he was taken back 
to Belleville, tried in 1821, at a special term of the court, con- 
victed of murder, sentenced and executed. 

Gov. Bond was strenuously and clamorously besieged for a 
considerable time with petitions praying a pardon for the doomed 
man, but without avail. He, who on the field, as we have seen, 
was unwilling to take an advantage of his deadly foe, would not 
yield to entreaty in this case, and William Bennett dangled at 
the rope's end till he was dead, in presence of a great multitude 
of spectators, who doubtless took in a great moral lesson. To 
the advocates of the code, his fate must have api)eared peculiarly 
har<l. They may have well conceived that Bennett, in ignorance 
of the sham intended, by putting a ball into his rifle was but 
doubly assuring his defense against an adversary Avho was enti- 
tled to an equal chance with him. But fatal dueling was murder 
in the eye of the law, as it ever should be. 

Stone Duel. — Among the motly and heterogenious collection of 
men at the Galena lead mines in 181*9, representing almost every 
nationality of the civilized world, together with a sprinkling of 
Indians, on the holy Sabbath might be witnessed, within the limi- 
ted area of the town, the preaching of the gospel, dancing, all 
manner of gambling and horse-racing under the hill — it was, per- 
haps, not astonishing to them that a duel, exceptionable and 
outlaiulish in form, should there also be fought. This was nothing 
less than a deadly set-to by the throwing of stones. The chas- 
tisement inflicted by such a combat is something fearful to cou- 

• Keynolds' Life and Times. 



DUELING. G21 



template — better be shot into fragments than bruised and maii<iled 
to death with stones. The name of but one of the ])riueii»als in 
this light is reeorded — the same Tliomas lliggins of whom we 
have ah'eady rehited a marvcdous Indian rencontre during the 
war of 1S12. A quarrel between him and another was arranged 
to be settled by this cruel wager of battle. A jtile of stones care- 
fully assorted, both as to number ami size, was i)laced within 
easy reach of the stand or post of the respective combatants, 
"uho took their positions ten paces ai>arr. The dreadful coiitiict 
"vvas to ojien by the hurling of these stones at each other on a 
given signal from the seconds. The stones Hew fast and thick 
for a moment, but the battle was of short duration, Higgius ])r()- 
ving too brave, dexterous and powerful for his adversary, who 
lied in great precipitation to save his life.* 

We now apin'oach a peiiod of something less than two years in 
the annals of of Illinois, exceedingly rife with belligerent bhister. 
The legislative session of 1840-1, attended by much i)olitical strife 
and vengeful partisan legislation, was also Iruitful of threatened 
combats and "affairs of honor" between members and other ofrt- 
cial dignitaries. Indeed, one honorable senator, Mr. Hackei', fond 
of making a good point, improved the occasion to move the sus- 
pension of the dueling law for two weeks, to accommodate all the 
doughty and chivalrous gentlemen with full opportunity to settle 
their personal difficulties. The occasion of this was a personal 
question between two senators, ]\Iessrs. E. D. Baker and .Judge 
Pearson. The former, smarting under the ei)ithet of "falsehood," 
threatened chastisement to the latter by a "list-hght" in the i>u1)lic 
street. Pearson declined making a "blackguard" of himself, but 
intimated a readiness to tight as gentlemen, according to the code 
of honor.t 

The exciting presidential contest of 1840 resulted in the defeat 
of the democracy. The chagrin of the dominant party in Illinois, 
which had gone democratic, seems to have impelled them to pro- 
ceed to any length to secure absolute control of ever}' dei)artment 
of government in the State. The two questions before the legisla- 
ture in 1840-1 to secure these revengeful partisan ends, weie are- 
peal of the State bank charters, and the reorganization of the ju- 
diciary. It had been assumed by the demociats that the su])reme 
court, which was composed of 3 whigs aiul 1 democrat, Avould 
decide the Galena alien case, pending for some time, against 
the aliens, and against the wishes and interests of that party. To 
prevent this, or to overrule a decision fraught with such dire re- 
sults to that party, 5 democratic judges were added to the court. 
The measure, looked upon as a revolutionary one, was I'esisted 
step by step by the whigs; the debates incident to it took a wide 
range, Avere often bitter in personal invective and defiant contra- 
dictions, and threats of combats and aftairs of honor were not uu- 
freqnent. Among others in these debates, the Hon. J. J. Hardin 
shone with unwonted power and brilliancy. In one of his speeches 
the Hon. A. K. Dodge, of Peoria, discovering, as he thought, an 
indignity personal to himself, took exception, and an "affair" 
seemed imminent. The controversy was referred to " friends," the 

•Reynolds' Life and Times. 

•(•See 111. State Reg-ister, Feb. 12, 1841 



622 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

speaker Hon. W. D. Lee Ewiiig, and Wni. A. Eichardson acting 
for Dodge, and J. J. Brown and E. B. Webb for Hardin. Tliese 
respective, and we will add, sensible and jndicions " friends," re- 
ported as follows : 

"In the matter of controversy and misuuderstandingexistiug between 
the Hon. J. J. Hardin and the Hon. A R. Dodge, the undersigned (the 
respective friends of the parties,) believe that no cause of quarrel now 
exists ; the Hon. J. J. Hardin disavows the imputation of falsehood as 
applied to the Hon. A. R. Dodge personally — but was and should be un- 
derstood as denying the charge that the whig jjarty was oj^posed to ex- 
tending the right of suffrage to unnaturalized foreigners ; and to the 
charge in general terms he api:)liedthe ejiithets "falsehood and calumny," 
and not to Mr. Dodge; the undersigned, on this statement of the case 
and the facts, pronounce the difficulty honorably and amicably arranged 
and settled, and should be so received by those gentlemen. 

Hereunto we set our hands. ' ' 

Another '' affair" growing' ont of the same partisan measure, 
wliicli gained considerable notoriety at tlie time, and wliicli went 
a step farther, was that of the Hon. Theophilus W. Smith, one of 
the supreme judges, and tbe Hon. John A. McClernand, tben a 
young member of the house. McClernand, as we have seen, had 
some two years prior received the appointment of secretary of 
State from Gov. Carlin, but the old incumbent, A. P. Field, a whig, 
refused to yield up the office to him, in which the supreme court 
bad sustained him. Much partisan feeling had been stirred up 
against the court in connection Avith this case. McClernand now 
took a leading and very active part in the passage of the act 
W'liich returned the old supreme judges to the drudgery of circuit 
duty. He made an acrimonious s]»eech against the whig members 
of the court, charging that a majority of that tribunal had oi)inions 
prepared at one time to decide the alien case adversely to that 
class, and that but recently the whig judges, with the view to in- 
fluence legislation ni)on the jiuliciary bill, had evaded the consti- 
tutional question in the case, and decided it upon an unimportant 
l)oint. He had this information, it seems, from S. A. Douglas, 
but held himself personally resi)onsible also for the assertion. 
Judge Smith (democrat,) had given currency to these reports 
against his associates, but now, at the request of J. J. Hardin, he 
joined them in a published card denying that such ever was the 
fact. A number of gentlemen in their cards sustained McClernand 
that Smith had given out such reports. The issue of fact being 
thus narrowed down against this functionary of the supreme 
bench, and placed thus in no very enviable position before the 
public ami his associates, he was stung to the sending of am)teto 
McClernand by the hands of his "friend," Dr. Merriman (said to 
luive been an old rover of the high seas, and who, we sliall see, 
was mixed uj) in nearly all the "affairs" of that period,) i)enned 
in such discreet language that it might be construed into a chal- 
lenge or not; but the impetuous McClernand promj)tly accepted it 
as achallenge, holding his second responsible if his principal should 
attempt a different interi)retation, and, without further parley, as 
the challenged party, named the place of meeting, which was to be 
in Missouri ; the time, early ; the weapons, rifles ; and distance, 40 
paces.* This ineant business, as the phrase now goes. We have 

' The III. State Journal of Friday, March 5th, 1851, in evident allusion to this case, 
gives the distance at 60j'ards 



DUELING. 623 



been unable to obtain a view of tlie correspondence between the 
belHoerents, which was not pubbshed, bxit learn from reliable au- 
thority, that with this serious aspect of tlie case, Josiah Ijainborn, 
the attorney general of the State, lodged a complaint before a jus- 
tice of the peace at Springfield, wliereupon a warrant issued and 
the pugnacious gentleman of the ju<licial ermine was arrested and 
placed under bonds to keep the peace. The '• affair" being thus 
interru}>ted. Judge Smith took his de])arture for Ciiica^o to enter 
u[>on the duties of his circuit. Tiiis unexpected termination of the 
"affair" afforded no little merriment to the old-time wags and 
jokers about the capital. 

Shields and Lincoln. — In the summer of 1842, at the worst pe- 
riod of the hard times, when both the State bank with itsbranches 
and the Shawneetown bank had finally collapsed with a circula- 
tion of $4,o()(),U()0, about tha only circulating medium the people 
had; the notes hardly worth 50 cents on the dollar, gold and sil- 
ver very scarce, business prostrated and the peo[)le dejected, 
Governor Carlin, Auditor Shields and Treasurer Carpenter, as 
"officers of State," issued their proclamation, notifying the va- 
rious tax collectors that the revenue would have to be paid into 
the treasury in si)ecie or at si)ecie rates, that the State bank 
notes would not be taken at their face value, and that they would 
be held responsible for any deficit between their current value 
and specie. Whereupon the collectors demanded gold and silver 
or its equivalent from the people in payment of their taxes. This 
was a great hardship at the time. An act of 183(5 had authorized 
the collection of taxes in State bank pa})er, giving discretion, 
however, to the governor, auditor and treasurer, to suspend this 
provision of tlie law and d<Mnand payment in sjjccie. The notes 
of the Shawneetown bank were not covered by the law. But 
by another act of 1831), it was declared generally and without re- 
servation, that the paper of both the State baidcs and Shawnee- 
town baidc should be received in payment of taxes — the act of 
1S3C not being in terms repealed. These State officers, however, 
took the view that the law^ of 1836 was still in force, and they 
deemed it their duty to protect the interests of the State by de- 
man<ling the revemie in specie or its equivalent. They held that 
the law of 1830, allowing payment of taxes in bank ])a])er meant 
and intended that that paper should be received oidy at its a(;tual 
value on a specie standard. This action of the State officials pro- 
voked much feeling and oi)position throughout the State. Indig- 
nation nuH'tings were held by the peoj»le, irrespective of party, 
for it concerned all alike, the action denounced and resistance to 
its enforcement threatened. It was charged that these otticials 
aimed only at securing their fees and salaries m s])ecie from a dis- 
tressed peo})le. The democratic i)ress, to a certain extent, like 
the whig, characterized it as an unwarrantable assumption of 
authority. The i)ressure became so great that in a short time a 
supplemental proclamation was issued suspending X\w, collection 
of the taxes of 1842 until the meeting of the legislature. What- 
ever may have been their power to enforce the (collection of taxes 
in specie, the suspen<ling of the coUectiou altogether was certainly 
beyond their province. 



624 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

Mr. Lincoln, in an article published in the Sangamo Journal^ 
of September 2d, 1842,. dated "Lost Township, Aug. 27," and 
signed "Rebecca," attaclied this action of the " officers of State" 
pretty roughlj', though done in a jesting style. The form of a 
dialogue is adopted, representing a democratic neighbor of "Aunt 
Becca's," who has "tugged" hard getting out his wheat to raise 
bank paper enough to pay his taxes and a small school debt 
which he owes, and just after he gets his money, in looking over 
the State Register^ he is confronted with the i)roclamation forbid- 
ding tax collectors and school commissioners to receive bank pa- 
per, whereupon he indulges in some intemperate language against 
these officials in general, denouncing them as a hypocritical set 
who disgrace their places, which ought to be tilled with men who 
will do more work for less pay and take fewer airs while doing it. 
Auditor Shields is especially assailed. He alone had signed the 
supplemental proclamation suspending the collection of the rev- 
enue for the current year. He is culled a liar and a fool — dull as 
a " cake of tallow" — for presuming to make an order so illegal. 
But that was not all. Shields wtis a bachelor, and his appear- 
ance at a fair in the city is caricatured, his demeanor criticised, 
and he is named a "conceited dunce." The article is somewhat 
long, cutting and humorous, but abounds in such indelicate allu- 
sions generally as to render it unfit for insertion in this work. The 
fanciful idea, as represented by some of the since great man's 
biographers, that it was a poetical eftnsion of a lady, and that 
when the author was demanded Mr. Lincoln in a spirit of gallan- 
try gave his name, may be dismissed as a delusion. 

The mercurial blood of the Milesian gentleman thus assailed, 
was sent to the top of the tnbe. He demanded of the editor, 
Simeon Francis, the name of the author, and that of Mr. Lincoln 
was given to him. Having a pre-arranged trip to nmke to Qnin- 
cy on public business, on his retnrn, in comi)any with Gen. White- 
side as his "friend," he pursued Mr. Lincoln to Tremont in Taze- 
well county, where the latter Avas attending court, and imme- 
diately sent him a note, stating that his name had been given him 
by the editor as the author of the Rebecca pajier " and requiring 
a full, positive, and absolute retraction of all offensive allusions" 
made to him in relation to his "private character and standing as 
a man, or an apology for the insults conveyed." In the meantime 
Dr. Merriman and William Butler of Springfield, having learned 
the errand of Shields to Fremont, had started a feAv hours later, 
and by riding all night had preceded Shields and Whiteside in 
their arrival there. They informed Mr. Lincoln what he might 
expect. In the evening of the same day, September 17, Mr. Lin- 
coln answered Shield's note, refusing to offer any exi)lanation on 
the grounds that Shields' note assumed the fact of his (Lincoln's) 
authorship of the article in the Journal^ not pointing out what 
the offensive part was, and accompanying the same with meimces 
as to consequences. Mr. Shields on the same day, addressed him 
another note, disavowing all intention to menace 5 inquired if he 
was the author of the article in question and if so, asked a re- 
traction of the offensive matter relating to his private character, 
lotill technical, Mr. Lincoln returned this note with the verbal 
statement "that there could be no further negotiation until the 
first note was withdrawn." Mr. Shields now sent a note designa- 



DITELING. 625 



tiiifj' Gen. Wliitside as his friend, to wliic.lj Mr. Lincjoln instantly 
replied by naniin*; Dr. Merrinian as his friend. Tins was on Mon- 
d;iy niorninj^- the IDth of September. 

'I'liese two "friends" now seeretly pledged tlieir honor to each 
other to a.uree upon some amicable, terms and comix'l their prin- 
cipals to accei)t tliem ; and to ijroerastinate the matter adjourned 
further proceed iu,iis to SprinuHeld, wiiither idl i)arties repiiiivd ex- 
cept vShields, whose horse w;is lame — the two seconds, Whiteside 
and ^lerriam, ridiug- in the same bugjiy, thon,uh ]);irt of the time 
Whiteside rode with Lincoln. INIerrimaii says that the " vah.rous 
genera!" beguiled the tedium of the journey by recouiding hisex- 
])loits in numy a, well Ibught battle, dangers by tlood and tield, 
<U)ubtless with a view to produce a salutory effect on liis nerves 
and impress him with a proper notion of his tire-eating" proi)eusi- 
ties. They arrived at Springfield late JMomhiy night, and ]\lr. Lin- 
coln to prevent arrest, left early on Tueschiy morning for Jackson- 
ville, in company with ]\Ir. Butler, leaving the following- instruc- 
tions as a guide to Dr. JMerriman: 

'' In case Whitesides shall signify a wish to adjust this affair without 
further difiiculty, let him kuow that if the present papers be withdrawn 
and a note from Mr. .Shields, askiug to know if I am the author of the 
articles of which he comi)lains, and asking that I shall make him gen- 
tlemanly satisfaction, if I am the author, and this without menace or 
dictation as to what that satisfaction shall be, a pledge is made that the 
following answer shall be given : 

" I did write the " Lost Township" letter which appeared in the J'»(r- 
tird of the 2d inst., but had no participation, in any form, in any other 
article alluding to you. I wrote that wholly for political effect. I had 
no intention of injuring your personal or private character or standing 
as a man or gentleman ; and I did not then think, and do not now think, 
that that article could i^roduce or has produced thateftect against you; 
and had I anticipated such an effect would have forborne to write it. 
And I will add that your conduct towards me, so far as I know, had 
always been gentlemanly ; and that I had no personal pique against 
you, and no cause for any." 

" If this should- be done, I leave it with you to manage what shall and 
what shall not be published. If nothing like this is done, the prelimi- 
naries of the fight are to be : 

1st. IfJ'rt/x)?;.";— Cavalry broad swords of tlie largest size, precisely 
equal in all respects and such as are now used by the cavalry company 
at Jacksonville. 

2<1. I'ositlnn — A plank ten feet long, and from 9 to 12 inches broad, 
to be firmly fixed on edge, on the ground, as the line between us which 
neither is to pass his foot over on forfeit of his life. Next a line drawn 
on the ground on either side of said plank, and parallel with it, each at 
the distance of the whole length of the sword and 3 feet additional from 
the plank ; and the passing of his own such line by either party during 
the fight, sliall be deemed a surrender of the contest. 

3d. Titne— On Thursday evening at 5 o'clock, if you can get it so ; but 
in no case to beat a greater distance of time than Friday evening at 5 
o'clock. 

4th. P/(7ce— Within 3 miles of Alton, on the opposite side of the river, 
the particular spot to be agreed on by you. 

" Any preliminary details coming within the above rules, you are at 
liberty to make at your discretion, but you are in no case to swerve from 
these rules or pass beyond their limits." 

The position secondly prescribed for the combatants on the Tield 
looks a good deal like the cropping out of one of Lincoln's irre- 
pressible jokes ; as if both were placed out of harm's way, and 
that they might beat the air with their trenchant blades forever 
40 



626 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

and not come within damaging reach of each other. But it must 
be remembered that Shields' adversary was wonderfully provided 
with reaching powers. 

These instructions to Dr. Merriman, together with the terms of 
the hostile meeting, Avere read by him to Gen. Whiteside, who, in 
the absence of his principal, declined agreeing upon terms of set- 
tlement until they should meet in Missouri. Besides, Sliields and 
Whiteside both held State offices, the latter beiug fund cummis- 
sioner, and to have accepted the challenge would have interfered 
with their oaths of office and the laws of the State. All i)arties 
now left for the field of combat, Mr. Lincoln (who had gone be- 
fore,) and his party via Jacksonville, where they were joined 
by Doctor Bledsoe, and where they i>rocured the weapons; 
and Shields, whom Whiteside went to meet, via- llillsboro, where 
they were joined by Gen. Ewing, and at Alton, which they reached 
in advance of the other party, they were further joined by Dr. 
Hope. 

Both parties shortly after, being Thursday, crossed the river to 
Missouri. In the meantime Gen. Hardin and Dr. English had also 
arrived, who now, as the mutual friends of both parties, presented 
the following proj^ositiou : 

"Alton, Sept. 23, 1842. 

"■3Iessrs. Wlnteside and Merriman : As the mutual personal friends of Messrs. Shields 
and Lincoln, hut without authority from either, we earnestly desire a reconciliation 
of the misunderstanding' which exists between them. Such difficulties should always 
he arranged amicably, if it is possible to do so, with honor to both parties Believing 
ourselves that such arrangement can possibly be effected, we respectfully but earn- 
estly submit the following- proposition for your consideration: Let the whole difficulty 
be submitted to four or more gentlemen, to be selected by yourselves, who shalliCou- 
slder the affair, and report thereupon for your consideration. 

JOHN J. HARDIN'. 
R. W. ENGLISH." 

This proposition was submitted to the respective principals, 
who both signihed a disposition to accommodate the affair, and it 
was accepted with slight modification — Mr. Shields declining to 
settle the matter through any other than the friends he had 
already selected. The following correspondence then took i^lace, 
which ended this most ridiculous controversy : 

"Missouri, Sept. 22, 1842. 
" Gmtlemen :—A]\ papers in relation to the matter in controversy between Mr. Shields 
and Mr. Lincoln, having been withdrawn by the friends of the parties concerned, the 
friends ot Mr. Shields ask the friends of Mr Lincoln to explain all offensive matter in 
the articles which appeared in the Savaamo Jonrnal of the 2d, 9th and 16ih of Septem- 
ber, over the signature of Relx^cca, uiul headed 'Lost Township ' 

It is due to Gen. Hardin and Mr English to state that their interference was of the 
most courteous and gentlemanly character. 

JOHN D. WHITESIDE, 
WM. LEED. EWING, 
T. M. HOPE." 



• Missouri, Sept. 22, 1842 
"Gentlemen: All papers in relation to the matter in controversy between Mr. Lincoln 
and Mr. Shields haviug been withdrawn by the friends of the parties concerned, we, 
the under-igned, friends of Mr. Lincoln, in accordance with your request, that an ex- 
planation of Mr. Lincoln's publication in rtlation to Mr. Shields in the Saniiaiitu Jmtr- 
nal of the 2d, 9th and 16th of September, be made, take pleasure in saying that 
although Mr. Lincoln was the writer of the article signed Rebecca in the Join iiat ol the 
2d. and that onlv, yet he had no intention of injuring the personal or private character 
or standing of Mr. Shields as a gentleman or a man, and that Mr. Lincolndid not tliink, 
nor does he now think, that said article could produce such an effect, and had Mr. 
Lincoln anticipated such an effect he would have forborne to write it; we will further 
state that said article was written solely for political effect, and not to gratify any 
personal pique against Mr. Shields, tor li'e nad none, and knew of no cause for any. 



DUELING. 027 



It is due to Gen. Hardin and Mr. English to say that their interference was of the 
most courteous and gentlemanlj^ character. 

E. H. MERRIMAN, 
A. T. BLEDSOE, 
WM. HUTLEK.* 

Shielfls and Bnfkr. — Out of the SliieUls and Bntlor fiasco "rew 
directly another affair of honor, tlii.s time between Gen. Shields 
and Mr, Wm. Butler, Tlie latter .^entlenian had been one of Mr. 
Lincoln's seconds, and saystliathe was for the fray, I)isap])ointed 
iji this, inunediately after the bloodless termination of that affair, 
lie wrote a not very comidimentary account of the conduct of the 
belliiierents, from Alton, to the IS(ni{/<(m<> Journal {w'h\v\i the writer 
lias been unable to tliid after careful search,) in which he thinks 
he l)ore fully as severely upon his ])rincii)al as his adversary. 
The latter, however, who again eviiu*ed that the i)lood of Donny- 
brook coursed in his veins, on JJutler's arrival home from St, Louis 
at once addressed him a curt, meuacini;' note, by the hands of his 
former friend. Gen. Whiteside, which was promptly accepted as a 
challenge, and the ine\'ital)lc J)r. jMerriman designated as hi.s 
friend, thiough whom the })reliii!iuaries were, without further cir- 
cuiidocution, subiaitted to Gen. Whiteside about p. m, on the 
sanu' day, October '.:U\, 1S42. These were : 

Time — Suniise on the following morning. 

Place — Col. Robert Allen's farm — (about 1 mile north of the 
State House). 

Weapons — Ri fl es. 

Distance — 100 yards. 

The parties to stand with their right sides toward each other — 
the ritles to be held in both hands horizontally and cocked, arms 
e.vtended downwards. ]^either party to move his person or his 
rifle, after being placed, before the word fire. The ^ignal to be: 
"Are you ready?— fire! — one — two — three!" about a second of 
time intervening between each word. Neither party to fire before 
the word fire, nor after the word tliree. The word to be given by 
the friend of the challenged party. The imncipals to be attended 
by one friend each, who were to be placed midway between the 
principals, oO yards back from a straight line between them, to 
the rear of each. t 

These term.s were indignantly refused b> Mr. Shields' friend, 
claiming that he had waited all day for the answer which now 
came at 1) p. m. while his jtrincipal was attending a social party. 
He, as a State oflicer. had also uniformly refused to violate the 
laws of the State by dueling within its limits to which he would 
not subject his i)rincipal, also a State officer. The terms were sat- 
isfactory with the exception of the place, which he further claimed 
the challenged party had no exclusi^■e right to dictate, aiul that 
the time should be a matter of agreement. The language used 
was curt and abru])t. It seems that the terms w<'re further unfair 
in the position assigned to the combatants on the field, with their 
right sides towards each other, in that it would give Mr. Ibitler 
the advantage, he being left-handed, as was alleged, (ien. White- 
side, late on the night of the 3d sought Dr. Merriman at his lodg- 

* Both Gen. Whiteside and Dr. Merriman published cards in the i>rt?W(nio Journal, 
the former in that of Oct. 7, 1S43, and the latter on the Htli of the same month, detaii- 
intr, with some variance, all the circumstances of this affair, from both of which we 
liave "gathered this account. 

+ SeeSangamo Journal, Oct, 7, 1843. 



628 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



ings, to band in liis objection, but did not find biiii. 'No nieetiiig 
took place on tbe morning of the 4tb. During tbe day, however, 
owing to a rupture between tbe seconc^s, Mr. Sbields addressed 
anotber note to Mr. Butler, explaining tbe status of bis second, 
cbeerfully accepting tbe prelimiiiaries bimself, and ofi'ering to go 
out to a lonely place on tbe prairie to figbt wbere tbere would be no 
danger of internii)tion ; or, if tbat did not suit, be would meet bim 
on bis own con«litions wben and wbere be pleased. Tbis note Mas 
neclined by Mr, Butler, claiming tbat tbe affair was closed, and 
tbis was tbe end of it. 

Whiteside and Merriman — And now tbe dougbty seconds 
wound up tbis series of affairs by one of tbeir own ; wbicb grew 
out of tbe next preceding one. We bave already said tbat Wbite- 
side's refusal of Butler's terms was coucbed in curt aiul abrupt 
language, and tbat tbe place of combat could not be dictated to 
bim, ior it was as mucb bis rigbt as Merriman's, who, if be was a 
gentleman woidd recognize and concede it. To tbis tbe latter re- 
replied, October 4, 8 a. m : "Tbat tbe arrogant, dictatorial, rude, 
and ungentlemanly cbai-acter" of tbis note precluded tbe possi- 
bility of bis communicating fartber on tbe subject to wbicb it 
alluded, wbicb was sent by tbe bands of Capt. Lincoln, wbo now 
served bis former second in tbe same capacity of "friend." 
Wbiteside tben wrote to Merriman : "I bave to request tbat you 
will meet me at tbe Planters' House, in tbe city of St. Louis, on 
next Friday, wbere you will bear from me furtber." Merriman 
now Avrote : "I wisb to know if you intend tbat note as a chal- 
lenge; if so, my FRIEND will wait ui)0u you with the conditions 
of our meeting." At 4 p. m. Wbiteside replied: "You shall bave 
a note of tbe character you allude to wben we meet at the Plant- 
ers' House, on Friday next, at St. Louis." Merriman rejoined, de- 
nying Whiteside's right to name the time and i»lace for the 
adjustment of tbeir difticulty, but proffered to meet bim on that 
day at Louisiana, Mo. Wlien this last note was presented to Gen. 
Wliiteside, be replied verbally: "Lincoln, I cannot accept any- 
thing from him now. I have business at St. Louis, and it is as 
near as Louisiana." *0n tbe oth of October, Gen. Whiteside ad- 
dressed another note to Dr. Merriman, which was delivered by 
Gen. Shields, otlVring to accept tbe proi)Osition to meet at Louisi- 
ana, Mo., but tbe doctor, deeming the affair closed, now declinetl 
to re-open it, and the matter was dropped.! 

It seems that out of all these bellicose manifestations one en- 
gagement or one hostile pass at least might have been had. But 
it was better tbat they all terminated pacifically, as they did. 

J)r,9. Hojye and Price bad a duel in Texas during the Mexican 
war. Dr. Hope was a well known gentleman from Alton. We 
have seen his name connected with the Shields-Lincoln affair as 
one of the seconds. The 1st and 2d Illinois volunteers, Colonels 
Hardin ami Bissell, were encamped at San Antonio, two miles 
from the Alamo. Dr. Hope was surgeon to the 1st regiment. The 
difficulty grew out of Dr. Price's repeating a conversation having 

*Sano-iimon Jour. Oct. 7. 1843. 
+111. State Reg. Oct. 14, 1842. 



DUELING. 629 



occurred in Dr. Hope's tent. The latter, feelino- himself ag- 
grieved, flogged the former in the streets of San Antonio, \Yhere- 
upon Price sent him a challenge. Major Cross, of the United 
States army, acted as the second of Dr. Price, and Capt. Williams, 
of the Kentucky Life Guards, acted for Dr. Hope. The engage- 
ment was fought September 14, 184G, and I'rice was badly 
wounded in the abdomen.* 

Pratt and Campbell. — The next affair of this sort was the occa- 
sion of fixing in the constitution of 184S the stringent clause re- 
lating to dueling. During the sitting of the convention, in 1847, 
which framed that instrument, when the question of alien suf- 
frage was under consideration, Mr. O. C. Pratt, from JoDaviess, 
a democrat, opposed foreigners enjoying the elective franchise 
until they were naturalized. His colleague, Thompson Campbell, 
also a democrat, who tavored great leniency in this respect to 
aliens, attacked and taunted him with having obtained the votes 
of foreigners for his position (to which he was elected by only 9 
majority) on pledges to them that he would require no more than 
a year's residence and a declaration of intention, citing an occa- 
sion where aonie GO or 70 foreigners were at woik on some pjiblic 
works- Pratt denied this, attributing his colleague's mistake to 
the presence there of a barrel of beer and a kegof whisky, Camj)- 
bell denounced the insinuation as unqiuilitiedly false, and that if 
he (Pratt) was a man he would notice it, and settle it i)ersonally. 
On the same day, Wednesday, Pratt sent him a note requesting 
Siis piesence at the Planters' House, St. Louis. Campbell ans- 
wered that he would be there on Monday following, but re[)aired 
thither immediately, puttiiig up at the Planters' Hotel. His 
'^'friend" in St> Lous was Col. Ferd. Kennett. Late on Saturday 
Slight Pratt also arrived, with his "friend," taking lodgings at the 
^lojiroe House. But the business of the belligerents, "on bloody 
deivls intent," who thus sought a foreign jurisdiction to arrange 
their preliminaries and settle their dfficulty by the duello, had 
leaked out; indeed it was well known, and one Blennerhassett, 
an aldeinian, made afiidavit to the fact, and late on Saturday 
night both parties were arrested and place<l under h(ia\y bonds to 
keep the peac-e. Th.is plan of giving an "affair" notoi'iety ought 
to be effective in these days of telegraph and newspa})er enterprise 
to gain a name for bravery, and at the same time by judicious 
arrests run no danger of sustaining personal injury. It is a won- 
der that it is not more improved. These gentlemen new returned 
and resumed their seats in the convention. 

By the old law of this State the penalty for dueling, when the 
issue was fatal, was death, the same as in case of murder, but for 
these "affairs" it was disability from holding oflice of honor, trust 
or eniolument, and small fines after conviction. The law was 
witliout restraint; there never had been a conviction for this lesser 
offense, be<*ause parties always evaded the law by going beyond 
tlu> jnrisdiction of the State to can-y out their ]turi)oses. The 
facts and circumstances of the Pratt-Cami>bell affair, as well as 
the repeated evasions of the law, well known to the m<'mbei's of 
the convention, stiuudated them now to effectually circumvent and 

'^*See HI. state BegTOctrie, 1846. 



630 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

break up the practice, more coiuinou among officials and political 
aspirants, as will have been noticed, than others. Hence they 
devised and framed an oath of office, and incorporated it in the 
constitution, so broad in its terms otAlisfranchisement and tlie 
' structure of its language as to cover not only Illinois, but all the 
world besides. Not perhaps that Illinois could punish the jx'r- 
jurer, who, having committed an offense of the kind outside its 
jurisdiction, should he take this oath of office, but rather to ap- 
pall the conscience of those public men who would be most likely 
to yield to such murderous practices. The mischief aimed at was 
the suppression of the outrageous practice of dueling, witbout 
respect to place, circumstance or time, save only that the offense 
should date since the adoption of the constitution. 

The oath may be found in the constitution of 1848^ article 13, 
section 26. Mr. E. B. Servant, of Eandolph, introduced and 
moved its adoption. It passed the convention by 74 yeas to 44 
nays — neither of the above combatants voting. Among the nays 
appears the name of Gen. Whiteside, who, it might thence be in- 
ferred, notwithstanding the Jiasoo with which we have seen his 
name connected, still believed in the code of honor. 

Harris and Henry. — The Mexican war, which proved such a God- 
send to democratic i>oliticians that a noted and witty whig, whose 
party was out in the cold, shortly after its close announced him- 
self in favor of the next war, was also fruitful of personal diffii-ul- 
ties. During the election caini)aign of 1848, Dr. A. G. Henry, iu 
a speech at Beardstown, charged Major Thomas L. Harris, one of 
the truest and noblest men of Illinois, then running for congress, 
with "skulking at the battle of Cerro Gordo; that he could piove 
this, and would repeat it to his face the following week." Here 
was a good oppoitunity for an "'affair." When Harris arrived at 
Springfield he asked an interview with the doctor. But that gen- 
tleman answered : "I have no business with Major Harris, and 
do not desire a i^ersonal interview." Harris then demanded that 
he make good his Beai<lstown statement. The doctor now denied 
having uttered exactly this language ; disclaimed wanting to do 
Harris knowingly an injustice, but that he covdd not be deterred 
from saying what he believed to be true; offered to refer the mat- 
ter to John Calhoun and James Barrett, of Harris' party, and at 
their instance would make a public apology, adding thathe would 
leave town the following niorning to meet his speaking appoint- 
ments. Major Harris then i)roved by four good citizens, who i)ub- 
lished tlieir card, that the doctor had made the statements refer- 
red to at Beardstown, and in the words given, Avhereupon he de- 
nounced him to the world as a liar, a scoundrel and a coward — 
and that was the last of this affair.* 

Davis and Bissell. — After the constitution went into operation, 
no other duels or attempts at duels have been engaged in or had 
an origin within the jurisdiction of Illinois, to the knowledge of 
the writer ;t ami there were only three outside of its limits to 

*See ni. State Reg. Oct. 6,1848- 

+Of course- this does not mean to include the duels of parties outside the State, who 
found in Illinois a safe and convenient rendezvous for the settlement of their per- 
sonal difficulties. Various islands in the Upper Mississippi within the jurisdiction of 
Illinois — notable, nioodj' Island— have been the scenes of these barbarous fr.iys be- 
tween citizens or residents from neii;hborinjr territories and States, the latest beings 
between B. Gratz Brown and Gov. Reynolds, of Missouri. 



DUELING. 631 



wliich our citizens were parties. Two of these resulted fatally,* 
and the other attained national celebrity and was no little souice 
of i)ride to lUinoisans at the time ; and as it was subsequently 
the occasion of nuich political and personal censure and abuse, in 
connection with the constitutional oath of office, we here insert it. 

During the long and angry contest in congress over the adjust- 
ment of 1850, southern members, more than ever, indulged their 
gasconade in vaunting southern chivalry, defending sla\'ery and 
portraying the beauties and advantages of disunion. To dis])ar- 
age northern courage and exaggerate isouthern valor, the then 
late Mexican war was dragged in as proof and illustration. ]\Ir. 
Seddon, of Virginia, encouraged by other southern gentlemen, 
went further and attempted, in commenting on thebattleof IJuena 
Vista, to award the entire credit of saving the fortune of the <lay 
at a very critical period of that battle to a Mississipi)i regiment, 
of which Jelferson Davis had been the Colonel, for the i)uri)()se 
of maintaining the southern boast that there was more i)ersonal 
bravery and prowess in that section than in the north. 

Mr. Bissell was a new member, with a good record in that war 
as the colonel of the 2d regiment of Illinois volunteers. Shocked 
at these utterances, and tired with the disgrace attempted to be 
cast upon his section, he on the 3Jst of February, 1850, essayed a 
reply to these ceaseless tirades of braggadocio, which i>roved to 
be one of the keenest, most incisive an<l brilliant speeches ever 
spoken in the halls of congress, not only in vindication of his own 
section, but in i)ricking the vain assunii)ti()n of the otlier. This 
speech stami)ed Bissell at once with national distinction ;ind fame. 
The chivalry were touched to the quick ; and failing to answer 
him in debate, it was sought to crush him in another way. The 
following passage was ostensibly claimed to be the offensive por- 
tion, and the since well-known chief of the southern confederacy 
was put forward to test Bissell's mettle: 

"This proueness, however, [to underrate the bravery of others and 
vaunt tlieir own,] IS not always hanidess," exclaimed Bissell, "and I 
must now refer to a subjet't which I would have gladly avoided I al- 
lude to the claim put forth for a southern regiment by the gentleman 
from Virginia, [.^Ir. Seddon,] of having met and repulsed the enemy on 
the tiekl of Buena Vista, at the critical moment when the Indiana 
regiment, througii an unfortunate order of their colonel, gave way. 
Justice to those living, Jis well as those who fell on that occasion, de- 
mands of me a prompt correction of this most erroneous statement. And 
I aflflrm distinctly, sir, and such is the fact, that at the time the 2d In- 
diana regiment gave way the Mississipjn regiment, for whom the claim 
is gratuitously set up, was not within a mile and a half of the scene of 
action, nor yet liad it fired a gun or pulled a trigger. I affirm further, 
sir, that the troops which at that timemetand resisted the enemy, and 
thus, to use the gentleman's own language, 'snatched victory from the 
jaws of defeat,^ were the 2(1 Kentucky, the 2d Illinois and a jjortion of 
tlie 1st Illinois regiments. It gives me no pleasure, sir, to be compelled 
to allude to this subject, nor can I see the necessity or propriety of its in- 
troduction into /tiiis de})ate. It having been introduced, however, I 
could not sitin silence and witness the infliction of sucli cruel injustice 
upon men, living and dead, whose well-earned fame I were a monster 
not to protect. The true and brave hearts of too many of them, alas, 
have already mingled with the soil of a foreign country; but their 
claims upon the justice of tbeir couutrj-meu can never cease, nor can my 
obligations to them be ever Ibrgotteu or disregarded. No, sir, the voice 

•Roth inCalifornia-Fci-fiuson anil Lippincott being the Illinoisans— the former was 
killed and the latter now holds olHcehere. 



632 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

of Hardin, that voice which has so often been heard in this hall, as 
mine now is, tliougli far more eloquently, the voice of Hardin ! aye, and 
of McKee and the accomplished Clay — each wrapped in his bloody 
shroud — their voices would reproach me from the grave had I failed in 
this act of justice to them, and the others who fought and fell by my 
side. 

"You will suspect me, Mr. Chaii'man, of having warm feelings on this 
subject. Sir, I have; and have given them utterance as a matter of 
duty. In all this, however, I by no means detract fiTrm the gallant 
conduct of the Mississippi regiment. At otlier times and places on that 
bloody field they did all tliat their warmest admirers could desire. But, 
let me ask again, why was this subject introduced into this debate? 
Why does the gentleman say 'troops of the north' gave way, when he 
means only a single regiment?* Why is all tliis but for the purpose of 
disparaging the north for the benefit of the south? Why, but for the 
pui'pose of furnishing material for that ceaseless, never-ending theme 
of 'southern chivalry ?' " 

As soon as it transpired tbat Davis, upou this slender pretext, 
and as if lie could vary a historical fact by a duel, had cballeuged 
Bissell, all Washington was on the qui vive. The query ran fiom 
mouth to mouth, "will he accept — will lie stand fire f Those who 
knew the man were emphatic in their answers that he would. It is 
said that Daniel W^ebster came over to tlie hall of the house for 
an introduction to this northern man av ho proposed to meet the 
southron in his favorite method of settling a dispute, saying, "I 
wish to look him in the eye." Bissell was called and the two 
grasped hands heartily. As Webster withdrew with an elastic 
step and a kindling eye, he observed to a high dignitarry of the 
government who understood the object of his visit, "lie will do, 
the south has mistaken its man," which was the fact. Bissell 
promptly accepted the challenge. He left the i)reliniiiiaries to his 
friends, except weai)oiis and distance, these he determined u])()n 
liimself, selecting the common army musket, to be loaded witli a 
ball and three buck-shot; the combatants to be stationed at 40 
paces, with liberty to advance to 10. This evinced a cool and de- 
termined purpose to tight to the death, and the fire-eaters stood 
amazed. Davis had designated S. W. Inge as his friend, and Bis- 
sell named Major Cross, of the U. S. army. The meeting was to 
take i»lace on the following day, Feb. 28th, the rendezvous being- 
understood. 

But at a late hour in the evening another effort at reconciliation 
was made by the inntnal friends who had been of counsel in the 
affair, Judge Dawscni, of Georgia, and Col. W. A. Eichardson, of 
Illinois. After further conference it was agreed that the challenge, 
and all correspondence therewith connected, sliouhl be tieated as 
withdrawn, and that Col. Bissell add to his first letter, to be in- 
serted after the word regiment in thelasti)aragTaph, "but 1 am will- 
ing to award to them the credit due to their gallant and distin- 
guished services in that battle." The recoiu-iliation thus effected 
was satisfactory to the parties immediately concerned, and a source 
of gratification to their friends. 

In the meantime it Mas said that President Taylor, the father in- 
law of Col. Davis, having been apjuised of the ariangements for 
the hostile meeting, accompanied by Col. Bliss, his private secre- 
tary, had instituted legal iiroceeding to check the intended hostile 

*The2d Indiana. Col. Bowles. 



DUELING. 633 



event, but prior to this interference, wliicli was after nii(lnii;lit, the 
foregoing- amicable understanding had ah-eady been arrived at. 
We subjoin the memorandum and correspondence : 

"[Memoranda No. 3.] 

"Met Geu. Shields and Major Cross at 8 o'clock p. ni., to arrange terms 
of combat. Before entering upon business Judge Dawson, of Georgia, 
and Major Richardson, of llhuois, entered, and projjosed subuntting to 
us a proposition which they lioped would obviate a meeting. We con- 
sented on botli sides to hear it, and the following proposition was then 
submitted : That all correspondence be withdrawn subsequent to Col. 
Davis' first letter, and that Col. Bissell add to his first letter a statement 
(to come in after the woixl regiment, at the foot of the tirst page,) as fol- 
lows, to-wit : ' But I am willing to award them the credit due to tlieir 
gallant and distinguished services in that battle.' This being iu sub- 
stance the same proposition offered by me (embraced iu memorandum 
No. 1), of course I expressed my willingness to accept it. After consult- 
ing, (jren. Shields and Major Cross expressed their willingness to make 
the addendum, which was accordingly done. By mutual consnet, 
all correspondence subsequent to Col. Bissell's amended letter was with- 
drawn, and thus the ditficulty was adjusted. 

S. W. INGE." 
"Washington, D. C, Feb. 27, 1850." 

The matter Ijeing adjusted on this basis, the following appeared 
iu the Union, of Feb. Ii8, 1850 : 

"Washington, Feb. 24, 1850. 
"Gc/ftJ^men : In order to remove any erroneous impression wliieli may liave been 
made o ■ the public mind, by the surmises of letter writers, in relation to a correspon- 
dence which has passed between Col. Davis and Col. Bissell, we take the libert.y of re- 
questintr you to publish the following correspondence, which will show that the mat- 
ter has been most honorably adjusted to the gratitication and entire satisfaction of 
the mutual friends. 

JAMES SHIELDS, 
S. W. INGE.' 

After which follow the first, two letters subjoined, Bissell's be- 
ing amended by the words inclosed iu brackets iu the 2d para- 
graph : 

"Washington, D. C, Feb. 23. 

"Sir : I am informed that in yesterday's debate you asserted that at the time it was 
claimed for the Mississippi regiment, on the field of Huena Vista, to have passed 
through the scattered tiles of the 2d Indiana regiment, and to have met the Mexican 
forces, who had routed iind were pursuing that regiment, the Mississippi regiment 
was not within one mile and a half of that particular spot. Not having been able to 
find a "report" of your remarks, and being the proper person to answer any charge 
which a responsible man may make against the Mississippi regin-.ent referred to, I 
take this mode of asking whether the information 1 have received is correct. 

" Yours respectfully, JEFF. DAVIS." 

"Hon. Mr. Bissell." 



"Washington, Feb. 22. 

"Sir: In your note of this date, you inquire whether I asserted in yesterday's de- 
bate that 'at the time it was claimed for the Mississippi regiment, on the field of 
Buena Vista, to have passed through the scattered files of the 2d Indiana ri'gimcnt, 
and to have met the Mexican forces, who had routed and were pursuing that regiment, 
the Mississippi regiment was not within one mile and a half of the spot.'' 

"The hcstanswer I cangive to your inquiry is to state what 1 did sa.\-, which was this, 
that "at the time the 2d Indiana regiment gave way, the Mi^sij;si|)pi reginiciit was not 
within a mile and a half of the scene of action.' This sulistantially, was:)ll I said iu 
reference to the Mississippi regiment. 1 also said that the 2d Kentucky regiment, the 
2d Illinois and a portion of the 1st Ulinois regiments, were the troops that at that 
time, met and repulsed the advancing colvunn of the enemy In my remarks, I re- 
ferred to what occurred 'at that partuailar spot' at that particular lime. 

HavinL'- answered your inquiry, I deem it due in justice alike to myself and the 
Mississippi regiment to say that I made no charg(> against that i-egiment, [but I am 
willing to award them the credit due their gallant and distinguished services in that 
battle]. My only object was to do j\istice to the character of others, living and 
dead, whose conduct fell under my own observation (m tliat occasion— a dut.v im- 
posed upon me, by remarks previousl.v made in the course of the .same debate. 

Very respectfully, yours, &c., W. H. BISSELL." 

"Hon. Jeff Davis."'* 

• Illinois State Journal,- March 2, 1850. 



634 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

Lane and Douglas. — In the spring of 1856, shortly before the 
National Democratic convention, there was an evident attemi)t 
made to chafe and provoke Mr. Donglas into an affair of honor. 
TLere were doubtless many anxious to thus embroil Illinois' great 
senator at that particular juncture of his public career. TLe 
occasion of this was the presentation to congress of the Topeka 
constitution, accomi>anied by a forged memorial, luaying admis- 
sion into the Union. The genuine memorial took the high, not 
to say revolutionary, ground, that congress had no jjower to es- 
tablish governments for the territories, and that the Kansas Ne- 
braska act was unconstitutionjil and void; that the peoi)le owed 
no allegiance to them, and that they asserted their inherent right 
to overthrow the territorial government without the consent and 
iu defiance of the authority of congress. Gen. J. H. Lane had 
been chosen one of the senators, and naturally desiring to t;ikehis 
seat as such, perceived that this document would probably not 
tend to further his chances to that end. A forged copy, couched 
in more obedient phraseology, was therefore i)resentedto congress. 
The trick \\'as disclosed, however, and Mr. Douglas, as chairman 
of the committee on territories, denounced it in unmeasured terms, 
as was his right and duty, as a fraud and forgery, and it was re- 
jected. The quidnuncs and AVashington letter writers hostile to 
Mr. Douglas, immediately snufted a battle from afar. Eumors be- 
came rife of an expected hostile meeting according to the code of 
honor, between the Heice border general and the great cham})ion 
of popular sovereignty. A determination seemed to be evinced 
to intensify the affair in ever^' way possible. The time and min- 
utest details of the expected hostile event were carefully an- 
nounced. Mr. Douglas, however, was not deceived. He divined 
the pur[)ose to be to give the matter notoriety, provoke the send- 
ing of a hostile message, get arrested, and come out of the affair 
with a name for bra\'ery. When the message of Gen. Lane, there- 
fore, under date of April, 1856, finally came, asking "for such 
an explanation of your language as will remove all imputation 
upon the integrity of my action or motives in connection with 
that memorial," Douglas answered, reiterating in scathing 
phrase, all the facts of the case and concliuled — '' My rei)ly is 
that there are no facts within my knowledge which can remove 
all imputation upon the integrity of your action or motives in 
connection with that memorial."* After that there were no fur- 
ther rumors of a duel, but Gen. Lane, sixty days later, ])ublished 
an abusive card in the Washington jiapers, which injured the 
author more than Senator Douglas. 

* See 111, State Kegister, May 8, 1856. 



Chapter L, 

1852-185G— ORGANIZATION OF THE REPUBLICAN PAETY 

The Illinois Wilmot Proviso — IHssolutiou of the Whig Party — Ke- 
peal of the Missouri Compromise — Intense Political Feelin</ — 
Douglas denied Free Speech in Chicago — Knoiv Kothingism — Dem- 
ocratic and Republican Convent ions o/" 1850 — Besult of the Cam- 
paign — Lincoln^s Plea for Harmony at the Chicago Banquet. 



After tlie Missouri compromise of 1820, the question of slavery, 
ever ;iu auiirv one, did not aijuiii attain national ])rominence for 
souietiiin.y like 30 years. Tlie cause of its revival grew out of the 
annexation of Texas and the acquisition of territory from Mexico. 
Tlie object for which the former was soui;ht and secured — involv- 
ing- a war with j\Iexico;the avowed i)nrpose of the most active 
friends of the movement, the annexation of Texas being a para- 
mount issue of the national campaign of 184:4; the intluences 
whicli prevailed in securing the administration to the south ; and 
the overt aim and otticial declarations of its sni)porters, although 
foreign to the purjiosc of this work to either trace oraiialyze, all 
point to the extension of slaxery. 

Slavery was distasteful generally to the north, but i)articularly 
so to a, large portion of the whig party at this time. It was more 
generally obnoxious in an early day of the governmeiit than at a 
later period, but it did not become a question of party fealty until 
efforts were made to extend its area ; and had slavery not be(tonie 
aggressive for territorial expansion, it would have taken a long 
time probably for the anti-slavery party to have risen above the 
contem[)t with which it was generally regarded in its early days. 

In August, 18-10, pending the deliberations of congress to ap- 
I)roi>riate .$2,000, 000 for the executive to prosecute negotiations 
w ith Mexico, looking to the acquisition of territory, jNIr. Wilmot, 
of Penn., moved the celebrated proxiso (aliiu)st in the words of 
the 0th article of the ordinance <)f 1787) : ''Slavery, or involuntary 
servitude, exce])t as a i)unishment for crime, shall b(^ forever pro- 
hibited in any territory which nuiy be a(;quired from Mexico." 
When this aiuendment came uj) for action in the house it ])re- 
vailed by a majority of 0, the only nanu's from nonslave-holding 
States recorded against it being from Illinois, viz : Messrs. Doug- 
las, Ficklin, Iloge and M<;Clernand — a fair counteri)art to the 
action of the Illinois senators on the admission of Missouri a 
quarter of a centuiy before. J\Ir. Douglas, subsiMpiently, in the 
senate, moved a substitute for the "proviso," ])i()hibiting slavery 
in the acquired territory north of oOd. oOm., which was lost. 

iioo 



636 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

To show tbat the sentiment of tlie north was a\'erse to the ex- 
tension of slavei'3', and that the northern denioeracy Avas not yet 
wholly in the grasj) of the slave propagandists, the legislature 
(largely democratic), at its regular winter session of 1849, passed 
joint resolutions instructing our senators and representatives in 
congress to use all honorable means in their power to procure the 
enactment of such laws for the government of the territories of the 
U. S., acquired by the treaty of peace with Mexico as should con- 
tain the express declaration that "there shall be neither slavery 
nor involuntary servitude in said territories otherwise than in 
punisluuentlor crime whereof the party shall have been duly con- 
victed." The "Wilmot proviso" had had much odium cast upon it 
by this time, and this moditication of it by omitting the Avord "for- 
ever" would apply to territorial conditions only, leaving States to 
be formed out of it free to establish or exclude slavery — a vastly 
different thing! The discovery of this nice distinction, practically^ 
without a difference, it was thought b}' no means recognized the 
odious '' proviso," fast becoming a party test. A portion of the 
Illinois democracy at the time held that congress had no constitu- 
tional right to either establish, i»rohibit, or in anywise interfere 
with slavery in the territoiies. 

The proceedings in both houses incident to the i»assage of these 
resolutions of instruction were exciting and protracted, and the 
debates, in which all the leading mend)ers shared, exceedingly 
able and not without acrimony. They were adopted in the house 
by 38 to 34, all the whigs (24) and 14 democrats voting for them, 
Avhile the 34 noes were all democrats ; in the senate the vote stood 
14 to 11, all the whigs (7) and 7 democrats voting aye, the 11 noes 
being all democrats. 

There was some question at the time as to whether our delegates 
in congress would obey these instructions. Pending the comi)ro- 
mise measures of 1850, a mass meeting in Chicago called upon 
Senator Douglas to obey the resolutions in their spirit as well as 
teclndcal letter, or resign. Douglas had ever opposed the Wil- 
mot })rovisO. Now, having written the compromise bills and re- 
ported them from the committee on territories without the pro- 
viso, an amendment was offered in the precise language of the 
Illinois instructions. Ue believed in the right of instruction, but 
rather than resign his seat and knowing that it would not prevail 
even with the vote of Illinois, he denounced it in severe terms, 
and then in obedience to instructions, voted for it. 

At the session of the legislature in 1851, the so-called Illinois 
Wilmot proviso resolutions were rescinded. It was further re- 
solved to sustain the executive of the U. S. in his determination 
to enforce the fugitive sla^e law; and as the adjustment measures 
passed by congress, comi>rising the admission of California, the 
establishment of territorial governments for Utah and New Mex- 
ico u])on the principle of non-intervention, the settlement of the 
Texan boundary, amendment of the fugitive slave law of 1793, 
and abolition of the slave trade in the District of Cohnnbia, were 
eminently calculated to remove all controversy an<l restore peace, 
quietude and c(mfidence between the two sections of the conntjy, 
they met their hearty concurrence. Our delegation in congress 
was further instructed to resist all attempts to disturb or unsettle 
them. The resolutions Avere adoi)ted in the house by a vote of 



THE REPUBLICAN PARTY. 637 

49 to 11, and in the senate by 22 to 2. The (leniocnitic press con- 
grntulated tlie people upon tlie removal of this sti-^ina from the 
State, whicli indii-ates tiie advance the qnestion of shivery was 
nialciny as a party issue. In reseindin<i' tlieresohitions, botli dem- 
ocrats and wliiys ]iir<iely partici[)!ite(l, wliile but two years prior 
every \vlii<;- in botli liouscs had \()ted to a(h)pt tliem. In tlie mean- 
time the ajjitations incident to the great adjustment measnresof 
1850, which shook the Union to its centre, had t;d;en ])liu'e and 
been fraternally settled, and this action of the legislature was 
ail earnest of its acceptance in good faith, and a heaity acijiues- 
ence in the national conij»roniise of that jx'riod by both whigsand 
democrats. 

Under this frateriml feeling the national election of lSr)2 re- 
sulted in favor of the denu»cratic paity by an overwhebning iiui- 
jority. This was hardly exi)ected. They had cast their represen- 
tative men overboard and selected Mr. Pierce, at the instance of 
tlie South (Virginia bringing him forward in convention) on ac- 
count of availability, while the whigs had for their candidate a 
soldier chieftain of renown, who had carried our flag to victoiy 
from Canada to the City of 3Iexico, in the person of Gen. Scott. 
AVhilc many whigs had labored with patriotic zeal in the adoption 
of the adjustment measnres of 18r)0, there was still a veiy large 
anti-slavery element in that })arty throughout the North, \\ hich 
gave but a sullen ac(|uiesccnce to the comj)romise; uumy of the 
leaders spit upon the Baltimore platform. JJesides, in the election 
of Taylor in LS18, the whigs had swerved from i»rinciple for per- 
sonal considerations, and while crowned with success, forfeited 
the contidenceof the country. With the overwlielming defeat in 
3852, and the northern <lisatiection in its ranks, symptoms of dis- 
solution in that grand old party were now everywhere manifest. 
It was pronounced in arficulo mortis by its leaders, and its aban- 
donment daily advocated. 

In Illinois the democracy were in such ascendency in 1852 that 
when the whig State convention assendiled to put forth a ticket, 
it was candidly stated by the chairnuin in his o]>eniiig speech, that 
they had no hope t)f success, but it was highly ini]>ortant to make 
a decent show, and thus encourage and uphold their friends 
abroad. 

After the accession of President Pierce democracy was not 
without its nuitterings of discontent. In the election the Van 
Bnren breach of 1848 was bridged over, it seems largely by the 
"cohesivei)Owerof publicplunder^'in pros])ect,but disai»i)ointment 
in the division of the loaves and tislies now caused a wide and 
deei)er hostility than ever, in many portions of the country. The 
troubles of a country emanate from uneasy and ambitious ))oliti- 
cians, its safety rejjoses in the tranquil masses.* 

During a period of dead calm in general politics, the opposition 
for the October contest in Ohio in 1853, sought to fuse all the va- 
rious party factions and unite them against the i)arty in jtower, 
and the liepublican party was in a manner forshadowed by their 
platform of principles: opposition to the fugitive slave laAV and 
the further extension of slavery, freedom of the public lands; 
equal taxation and the suppression of intemperance. This was 
known as the Giddings ukase. The movement met with defeat. 

• Benton. 



638 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

The various party element;; released by tlie dissolution of the 
whig party, together with other disaftected elements, were at this 
period drifting hither aiul thither, ready and eager to catch or 
cling to this rock or that vine, to crystalize about any strong ob- 
ject which offered them a hopeful oiii)osition to the party in power; 
but they were as yet unwilling to embrace unadulterated aboli- 
tionism. A large i)ortion of the whigs were still conservative and 
disinclined to give in their adhesion to anewitarty. Blind to the 
plain }turposes of the South, they reasoned justly that to base a 
party on geogra|)hical boundaries in one section of the country, 
rather than upon the broad constitution for the whole, was to jus- 
tify the same in the opposite section, in utter disregard not only 
of the solemn injuncrion of AVashington's farewell address, but 
revolutionary in spirit and result, if not intent, and utterly sub- 
versive of all fraternity of ac-tion in the nation at large. Kepos- 
ing contidence in a continuance of the tra.nquility afforded by the 
compromise of 1850^ they saw no exigency which justified the 
sacritice of the peace and harmony l!r>,()00,()00 of people for the 
imaginary benefits to result to 3,500,000 Africans in our coun- 
try.* 

Some great question to convulse the tranquility of the country 
and awaken the slumbering sentiments of the masses to a new 
contlict of political opinion was therefore required ; and to crys- 
talize their first horror and astonishment into a new i»arty was 
the duty of the hour. Ex})ectants did not have to Avait long. At 
the session of congress of 1853-4, the repeal of the Missouii Com- 
promise, by the organization of Kansas and Nebraska, into terri- 
torial governments, presented an ami»le held for the arts and skill 
of party disciplinarians, and the o})portunity was well impioved. 
The Missouri compromise, since 1820, had iidiibited slavery from 
that ^■ast and temi)erate region which faced the turbulent river 
of that name for 500 miles on the west, and extending south- 
ward to the line of 36 d. 30 m. All this extensive and supposed 
fertile territory was thus opened to the introduction of the blight 
and cnrse of slavery, otherwise so well adapted for millions of 
free and happy homes. The fact was regarded as an unparalleled 
outrage, and the excitement throughout the north Avas extraordi- 
nary ; nor was the public )nind at all a])[)eased by the fact that it 
was tendered the south by northern men. 

Mr. Douglas, as chairman of the committee on territories, was 
the author of the Kansas-Nebraska bill, yet the superogatory 
amendment (according to his view), which, in express terms, re- 
l)ealed the restriction as to slavery, Avas offered by Mr. Dixon, of 
Kentucky, a Avhig. ]Mr. Douglas i)rompt!y acce])ted it, feeling 
that ho couhl not consistently do otherwise, for his original bill, 
drawn in accordance Avith the i)rinci])les of non-intervention, re- 
cognized in the compromise nu^asnres of 1850, of A^ilich he was 
the real author, rendered the inhibition in effect nugatory. While 
such Avas the case with regard to the organization of Utah and 
New Mexico, it.is also true that the Missouri restriction was not 
ex})ressly repealed; nor was it ever intimated during the pro- 
tracted discussions in congress, in 1850, that such would be the 
eff'ect. 



* Resolutions of Whig Convention. 



THE REPUBLICAN PARTY. 639 

Tlie measure was of such absorbing interest that long before it 
became a hiw the i)eoi)le in pubhc meetings gave ex])ression to 
their indignation in many pnrts of the conntrj^. Pearly in Febru- 
ary, 1854, when it was a})piireiit that the bill would become a law, 
a large meeting was held in Chicago, to place tlie ban, as was said, 
upon the movements of Senator Douglas. It was comjuised of 
citizens of all parties, but more largely parti<'i})ated in by former 
prominent sup])orters of the senator tlian others. tSpcecIies com- 
mendatory of his course were made by II. S. 131ack\vcll, .S. !S. Ilays, 
E. C. Larned, T. L. Dickey, Mr. Mannierre. j\Iark Skinner, and 
otliers. Of the resolutions a(U)pted Ave subjoin the following: 
"That tlie passage of the [Nebraska] bill for the re})eal or moles- 
tatiou of the Missouri coiiii)rondse, will (h'stroy tlie liarmouy which 
now exists between the north and the south, create sectional dis- 
turbances and iierpetual agitation of questions which have hereto- 
fore been regarded as settled by the unanimous consent of the 
nation." The immediate actiou of the legislatures then in extra- 
ordinary session, was invited to the subject, and instructions de- 
manded for our congressional delegation to vote agaiust the bill.* 

The question speedily got into the legislature, which was largely 
democratic, and hardly re(iuircd the Chicago invitation. Two sets 
of resolutions were introduced, one known as the Gillespie, 
strongly condemning the imrposed action of congri^ss, and the 
other by Mr. Omelveny, approving the Nebraska bill as but an- 
other aiijilication of the principles of adjustment of 1850. After 
a protiacted debate, in which Messrs. Logan, Snyder and Siu- 
gleton (whig) took a leading i)artin advocacy, the ()melveny res- 
olution passed in the House by 30 to 22 — 3 whigs and 27 demo- 
crats for, and 11 denuicrats and 11 whigs voting against. 

]Mr. Douglas was the chami)ion of the measure in congress. 
This drew upon him much of the i^ublic resentment. The excite- 
ment invaded the portals of the cliundi. Twenty-six ministers 
of the gospel at Chicago addressed him a letter on the iniquity of 
repealing the Missouri compromise, to which he replied in admi- 
rable temper, objecting to the use of the Sabbath as a day for elec- 
tioneering, or converting the pulpit into a place for stump speeches ; 
"the purity of the christian church and our holy religion, and the 
j)reseivaticm of our free institutions require that church and state 
be sejiarate, that the pieaclier on the Sabbath day shall lind his 
• text in the Bible; shall preach Jesus Christ and him crucitied ; 
shall preach iroiii the holy scri[)tures, and not attemi)t to control 
the ])olitical organizations and ])olitical parties of the day." 

After the passage of the measure, the indignation vented by an 
enraged people (lid not abate, and the brunt of it continued to 
fall ui)OU its gifted champion. Illinois' great senator was de- 
nounced as a traitor to his section and the cause of human lib- 
erty, frojn New England to California; the ])ress of the north 
teemed with abuse and censure; he was burnt in efligy along his 
route home, and in the chief city of his own State denied the 
right of free speech in vindicatiou of himself by a tumultuous 
mob. 

Douglas Denied Free Sjyeeeh in Chicooo.—Yonv years before, 
when the citv council massed resolutions denouncing the corapro- 



*See House Jour. Feb. 32, 1854. 



640 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

mise measures as a violation of tlie laws of God and the con- 
stitution, enjoining the city police to disregard the fugitive slave 
law, and all good citizens to disobey it, Mr. Douglas, in a speech 
of great force and convincing elo(juence, attacked this action with 
sucii effect as to revolutionize the sentiment of the people, and 
the next day the council reconsidered the resolutions by V2 to 1. 
His power in vindication of himself was now justly dreaded. It 
was sought to squelch him. Before his arrival tiie oi)position press 
cried out: "We have pretty good reason for believing that Sena- 
tor Douglas will arrive in the city to-day or to-morrow. If so, 
it will be seen that the renegade is endeavoring to sneak home 
quietly, and avoid the odious public demonstration which, he must 
know, awaits him. The i)eoi)le are ready for him."* And after 
his arrival we find the following language : 

"Had Douglas dared to come to Chicago soon after the passage of the 
Nebraska infamy, when the sting of the wound was yet- rankling fresh 
in the hearts of Ais insulted constituency, and when their blood was yet 
boiling at the treachery of their servant, to whom they had entrusted so 
much, he would have been met with a storm of indignation, and scorn, 
and retribution, which might have swept him from the earth, and re- 
lieved the world of the disgrace and suffering wliich he may yet entail 
upon it. " * Stephen A. Douglas has no claims upon the cour- 
tesy or kindness of the people of Chicago, but he has the deepest reasons 
to fear their detestation, their abhoreuce, tlieir rebukes, and their ven- 
geance. He has betrayed us ; he has disregraded us ; he has insulted 
us ; he has disgraced us ; he has injured us- in our reputation, our fair 
fame, our honor, and our pecuniary interest. * He is now in our 
midst. If he is content to remain in the obscurity into which he has 
sunk, we shall not pull him forth. * * But if, in his madness 
and his folly, he attemi^ts to get up what he calls a 'vindication' of his 
crimes * it will not be our fault if he arouses a lion whicli he can- 
not tame. Let him add no more insults to those which he has already 
heaped upon us. There is a point beyond which the people will not en- 
dure." 

We give these extracts to show the hight to which political feel- 
ing was aroused. 

Douglas, however, nothing daunted, caused an announcement 
to be made that he would address the people in vindication of the 
Kansas-Nebraska bill on Saturday evening, Sei)tember the 1st. In 
the meantime rumors were rife on the streets regarding the efforts 
making to i»revenT* his speaking, aiul others, that he should have a 
hearing at any cost; that thousamls of (i-shooters would be on the 
ground to enforce the freedom of speech. His friends o])enly in- 
dulged in the taunting remarks that his oi>ponents would be si- 
lenced and "made to crouch at his feet like whii)ped curs," and the 
like. On the afternoon preceding the speaking, one of the oppo- 
sition newspapers issued an inliainmatory hand-hill, asserting that 
an "Irish body guard" had been organized to prevent Americans 
participating in the meeting. KnowiH)thingism was beginning to 
make a show in the land. A threatening letter was sent to Doug- 
las from the secretary of an organization formed since his arrival, 
which required him to leave the city or remain silent; "if he dis- 
regarded the notice the organization was pledged, at the sacrifice 
of life, to prevent his being heard." Shortly after noon the flags 
of all the shipping were displayed at half-mast ; and at a quarter 
past 6 p. m. the city bells began to toll, and continued to fill the 

•Tribune, Aug. 1854. 



THE REPUBLICAN PARTY. 641 

air with their nionrnfnl tones for over an hour. The subject was 
sought to be impressed with an air of mourning. 

At the appointed hour of meeting in the evening the vast space 
in front of the ^^Tortli Marlcet Hall was thronged with nuMi. Crowds 
of visitors from a distance, some as far as Detroit and St. Louis, 
had arrived by every train, desirous to hear him. 

On the appearance of the senator on the open balcony, when, 
after a suitable allusion to the excitement of the occasion, he at- 
tem{)ted to launch out into the subject of his address, he was at 
once greeted with hisses and groans followed by a wild tunndt of 
shouting and outriigeous noise. He folded his arms across his 
breast, and with a silent determination calmly surveyed tlie angry, 
seething multitude around and beneath him. Anon, upon the 
cessation of the din, he stretched forth his hand to lesninc his 
speech, only to have his voice drowned by a redoubled u])roar, 
and there, fearlessly above that surging and maddened mass of 
men, stood the "Little Giant" for four hours, essaying time and 
again to speak only to be over]>owered by the hooting and demo- 
niac yells of the infuriate multitude of ten thousand. The most 
opprobrious epithets were hurled at him, ami the most insulting 
words were shouted and bandied back and forth by the crowd. Iv 
vain did well known gentlemen circulate among the throng and 
counsel order — but there was no order. It was an intolerable out- 
rage oftered to a distinguished citizen and a man of towering in- 
tellect. 'No violence or collision occurred, however, as had been 
feared. It was said that Douglas' manner tended to add to the 
tlame of passion already high. Insjiired by a conscious feeling of 
excelling power, he ai)pe.'ired rather as a master than a ser^■ant 
of the people. This peculiarity has frequently b'een observed of 
liim — doubtless it was hightened at this time. An opi)osition pa- 
per, describing the scene, says of him : "Dictator Hashed from out 
his eye, curled u^^on his lij), and mingled its cold irony in every 
tone of his voice and every gesture of his body. At this, as in 
water face answ^ereth to face, so the heart of nuni to man." Many 
of the opposition felt deeply mortified that Mr. Douglas had not 
been i)ermitted to speak. 

Prominent among the early mass meetings in Illinois, irrespec- 
tive of party, but in which leading democrats acted a controlling 
part for the purpose of sinking all previous party predelictions, 
and pledging themselves to unite in the organization of a new 
party to make common cause against the extension of slavery, 
either by the abrogation of the Missouri compromise or the annex- 
ation of more territory for the use of slavery (the ac(]uisition of 
Cuba then being in the public eye), was held at Freeport in the 
spring of 1854. Many other meetings of a similar character, all 
showing how earnestly the people took this matter to heart, were 
held during the summer of 3 SM, niostly in the northern portion 
of the State. We subjoin a summary of one held in Kane county 
August 19, 1854 : 

"We, the people of Kane county, in mass convention assembled, irre- 
spective of party, in view of the" long-continued encroachments of the 
slave power, culminating at last in the repeal of the law of freedom in all 
the hitherto unorganized territories of the Union, will co-operate with the 
friends of freedom throughout the State in an effort to bring the govern- 
ment back to just principles ; to restore Kansas and Nebraska to the po- 
41 



642 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

sition of free territories ; to repeal the fugitive slave law ; to restrict slav- 
ery to the States iu which it exists ; to prohibit the admission of any- 
more slave States into the Union ; to exclude slavery from all tiie terri- 
tories over which the general government has exclusivejurisdiction ; re- 
sist the acquirement of any new slave territory, and' the repeal of the in- 
human and barbarous black laws of this State." 

These were the sentiments of the people to a large extent. 

The Tazewell Mirror (whig) i)roposed a "State convention of 
all parties and divisions of parties opposed to the repeal of the 
Missouri compromise, to be lield at some convenient place in the 
State early enough iu point of time to make arrangements for the 
fall elections of 1854." But this proposition did not meet with 
general favor. While the old whigs in Illinois stood almost as a 
unit in opposition to the rei)eal of the Missouri compromise, tliey 
were yet unwilling at that time to lose their identity to accomplish 
one single object which it was supposed would prove transitory, 
and it was apprehended that when the Nebraska matter was dis- 
posed of the disaffected democrats would do as they had done iu 
the election of Pierce in 1852, after sui>i)orting Van Buren in 1848. 
The whigs argued that as their antagonism to the Nebraska swin- 
dle was Avell known, all that the disaffected democrats and free- 
soilers had to do Avas to join them, and unitedly i)lace the seal of 
condemnation uijon it. 

In the north part of the State, however, in every congressional 
district, and also that of Madison in the south, anti-Nebraska or 
fusion candidates were Inought out, anti-Nebraska i)latforms 
adopted (a notable one at Bloomington), and the whigs may be 
said to have been fully merged with all the opposition elements. 
But in the central or capital district it was otherwise ; there, while 
the whigs had a large majority, and Mr. Yates, their idol, had 
taken extreme ground upon the question in congress, tliey yet 
dared not adopt an anti-Nebraska platform for fear an abolition 
plank would drive off the national whigs;. and if the whigs sliouhl 
adopt a national platform the free-soilers and abolitionists would 
be driven off. The whigs there inclined more to know-nothingism. 

On Tuesday, October 3d, 1854, however, a small anti-Ne- 
braska or fusion State convention, which assumed the name of 
Republican, met at Springfield. It was attended by some 20 dele- 
gates, and chietly managed by leading and ever ardent abolition- 
ists — Mr. Lovejoy, of Bureau, Ichabod Codding (the Tom Corwin 
of Illinois), of Cook, Eras^^us Wright, of Sangamon, &c. The con- 
vention was held at arms length by the great body of anti-Ne- 
braska democrats and whigs, both on account of insigniticance in 
point of numbers and the political status of its fuglemen. It 
has never been generally acknowled as the first State republican 
convention. There was, besides, but one State officer to elect, the 
treasurer. It concluded its labors on the 5th by nominating J. 
E. M'Clun of M'Lean, for that office. The Hon. John Moore, the 
old incumbent, was the democratic candidate. McClun's name 
was in a few days after witlidrawn, and that of James Miller, a 
whig of the same county, substituted. A platform of principles 
was adojjted, as follows: 

Wlicreas. The present congress by a majority of the members elected to the house, 
has deliberately and wantonly re-opened the controversy respecting the extension ot 
slaverj- under our national jurisdiction, which a majority ot the people had under- 
Stood to be closed forever by the successive compromises of 1830 and 1850 ; and 



THE REPUBLICAN PARTY. 643 

Whereas, This congress, aided and impelled by the federal executive, has by the act 
currently known as the Nebraska bill, designedly subverted so miioh ot thebompact 
commonly termed tue Missouri Compromise, as excluded slaverv froiji that vast re- 
gion of our continent stretching from the Mississippi to the Uocky Mountains, and 
from the parallel of 3(5 d. 'SO m. to the northern boundary of our Union, the State of 
Missouri alone excepted ; thei-efore, 

ItetinJved^ That the State of Illinois affirms and maintains the right ami the duty of 
the general goveriunent to prohibit and preclude the extension, establishment or per- 
petuation of human slavery in any and every territory of the TT. S. and in any terri- 
tory, possession and country over which this country now has or may hereafter acquire 
exclusive jurisdiction. 

Resolved, That the doctrine affirmed by the Nebraska bill, and gilded over by its ad- 
vocates with the specious plirases of non-intervention and popular sovcu-eignty, is 
really and clearly a complete .^ui render of all the grounii hitherto asserted and main- 
tained by the federal governinciit, with respect to' the limitation of slavery, is ,t plain 
confession of the right of the slave-holder to transfer his human eliattels to any part 
of the iiublic domain, and there hold them as slaves as long as inclination or interest 
nia\' dirtate : that this is an attempt totally to rev rse the doctriii. hit her to unilormly 
held by statesmen and jurists, tliat slavery is the creature of local and State law, and 
to make it a national institution. 

Kcs'ohvd, That as freedom is national and slaverj' sectional and local, the absence of 
all law upon the subject of slavery presumes the existence of a state of freedom alone, 
while slavery existed only by virtue of jiositive law. 

Resolved, That slavery can exist in a territory only by usurpation and in violation of 
law, and we believe that congress has the right and should prohibit its extension into 
such territorj', so long as it remains under the guardianship of the general govern- 
ment. 

Resolved, That we willingly concede to neighboring States all the legal rights on our 
soil included in the sacred compact of the constitution, but we regard the trial by jurj' 
and the writ of habeas corpus as safeguards of personal liberty so necessary that no 
interests of any citizen of our own State everare or can be permitted to suspend them; 
and therefore no citizen of other States can fairly ask us to consent to their abroga- 
tion. 

Resolved, That we recognize no antagonism of national interestsbetween us and the 
citizens of southern States, nor do we entertain anj' feelings of hostility toward them, 
but we recognize them as kindred and brethren of the same national family, having a 
common origin, and we hope a common and glorious destiny. 

lie,s<)lved. That in that fraternal spirit w.e call upon them to aid us in restoring the 
action of government to its primitive usage, under which we have so long enjoyed 
prosperity and peace, as the only guarantee of future harmony, and a certain, if hot 
the only, means of perpetuatiori of the Union. 

Resolved, That the river and harbor improvements, when necessary to the safety and 
convenience of commerce with foreign nations, or among the several States, are ob- 
jects of national concern, and it is the duty of congress, in the exercise of its constitu- 
tional power, to provide for the same. 

Resolved, That we heartily approve the course of the freemen of Connecticut, Ver- 
mont, Iowa, Ohio, Indiana, New York, Wisconsin, Michigan and Maine, jiostponing or 
disregarding their minor differences of opinion or preferences, and acting together 
cordiallj' and trustingly in the same cause of Ireedom, of free labor and free soil, and 
we commend their S|irit to the freemen of this and other States, exhorting each to re- 
noimee his party whenever and wherever that party proves unfaithful to hinnan free- 
dom 

Tlie followini? State central coniiaittee was designated : Judge 
David J. Baker of ]\radison. Maj. U. D. Coy of Knox, N. C. 
(icMH" of Lake, A. G. Tliroop, of Cook, Edwin S. Leiand of La- 
Sidle, M. L. Dirnlap of Cot)k, Hon. A. Lincoln of Sanoainon, 
II. M. Sheets of Stevenson, Z. Eastman, of Cook, J. F. Farns- 
\\orth of Cook, J. B. Fairbanks of Morgan, Icliabod Codding of 
('Iiicago.* 

We cannot forbear to relate an e^iisode wliich occurred during 
tlie sitting of tlie convention, wliicli, by its brilliancy, doubtless 
aided to cast that body in the shade. On the 4th d;iy of Octo- 
ber a mass meeting, by i)revious appointment, was held at Spring- 
field, at which Mr. Douglas, Gen. Singleton and Major Harris 
(running for congress against Yates,) were to sjicak. A large as- 
semblage of people had gathered from far and neai', in (conse- 
quence. It was also the occasion of the first State fair at S])ring- 
tleld, which had drawn a large attendance from ;dl over the State, 
and was a great success. It had been ruuioretl tliat .ludgcs Breese 
and Trumbull, anti-Nebraska democrats, both looking to Shields' 
place in the United States senate, would be ])resent to answer 
Douglas. Mr. Lincoln, too, looking forward to tluit .exalted ])osi- 
tion, had carefully prepared for the occasion, and the two former 

* See Chicago Tribune, Oct. 7, 1854. 



644 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

failing to appear at tlie appointed time, lie divided the time and 
discnssed the all-absorbing" question of the day with Mr. Douglas. 
This was the first occasion that these great rival chamj^ions, who 
have occupied so large a share of public attention, and whose 
just fame has sunk deep into the i^atriotic heart of the nation, 
measured their strength in debate ; and the intellectual efforts of 
both, carrying the assembled multitude alternately by storm, are 
spoken of in the highest of terms by their resi)ective friends. 
The meeting, on account of the weather was held in the hall of 
representatives. 

Mr. Lincoln spoke first, occupying two hours. He (whig) 
claimed to be national in his views; was opposed to disturbing- 
slavery where it existed in the States; would sustain an etficient 
slave law, because of the clear grant of power in the constitution 
for the recovery of fugitives from labor ; believed that congress 
had the power, and should exercise it, to prohibit slavery in the 
territories, citing the ordinance of 1787. He also took the broad 
ground derived from the declaration of independence, that the 
white man had no right to impose laws upon the blacks for their 
government without their consent ; and concluded with a vigorous 
attack upon Douglas personally, taking as his text the celebrated 
apostroi)he of that gentleman in 1849, that the Missouri compro- 
mise was canonized in the hearts of the American people, which 
no ruthless hand would dare to be reckless enough to disturb. He 
spoke with singular power, and being deeply moved himself, car- 
ried liis audience with him step by step in wrapt attention to his 
eloquence, until his argument broke like a suii over their under- 
standing. *Mr. Lincoln's speech was heartily endorsed by the 
convention. 

Mr. Douglas, in answer, showed that the principle of legislation 
in the adjustment measures of 1850, supported by patriot whigs 
and democrats alike as a linality, was precisely the same as that 
embodied in the Kansas-Nebraska bill, and that the insertion of 
the words declaring the Missouri line inoiierative and void by a 
southern whig, was mere surplussage, and did not change the 
legal effect at all; that aside from those words the act was the 
same in its grant of legislative powers as that of Utah and Kew 
Mexico, which had met the approbation of all parties except ultra 
abolitionists. The argument of his adversaiy, his friends claimed, 
"was met, point by point, repelling his assaults and exposing his 
sophistry in a scathing and triumphant manner, as only the Little 
Giant, Avith his ready powers of debate, of all men in America 
could have done, carrying" conviction home to the minds of his 
hearers until their ])ent up enthusiasm, knowing no bounds, burst 
forth in linging applause from a thousand throats. 

The closing hours of the convention were also graced by the 
presence of Messrs. Breese and Trumbull, who had been heralded 
to answer Douglas, but failed to arrive until the day after the 
great debate. The hour of their speaking was deferred till 4 ]>. 
m. for the conveiition to close its labor, when Mr. Breese made 
the opening speech of about an hour's duration, in which he de- 
nounced the repeal of the Missouri compromise, declaring" he 
"would liave suffered his right arm to be cut off" rather than have 

•See 111. Jour. Oct. 1 1854. 



THE REPUBLICAN PARTY. 645 

voted for that measure, bad he been in the senate.* In the absence 
of Douglas, John Calhoun (of subsequent Leconi]>ton constitu- 
tion notoriety,) took the privilege to reply, saying that with re- 
gard to the personal dislike to Mr. Douglas which appeared to 
animate Judge Breese, he had nothing to do; and tlien proceeded 
to show that the compromise of 1850 sui)erseded the Missouri com- 
promise, by establishing the i^rinciple of non-intervention, to 
which both national whigs and democrats were committed ; he 
taunted the speakers with not meeting Douglas at his apointment, 
but waiting until the enemy had departed, and then, Parthian -like, 
discharging their, poisoned arrows after him. Calhoun had few 
equals in point of ability, but he lacked energy and was the slave 
of the cup. In the evening a very large audience assembled in 
resi)reseiitatives' hall to hear the very able argument of Judge 
Trumbull, and doubtless also to hear the self-appointed and inim- 
itable Calhoun in reply. Trund)ull made the " one question of 
the repeal of the Missouri compromise the text," scouting the idea 
that he was ever either a whig or abolitionist."t McClernand's 
position was the same. Indeed, those who had aftiliated witli the 
democratic party rebelled ostensibly only against Nebraskaism 
being made a party test or tenet, because it revixed slavery agita- 
tion ; and they studiously masked all appearances of, and dis- 
claimed all sympathy with, anti-slavery sentiments in the sense 
of abolitionism. 

The weeks' discussion at Springfield, as it was called, did not 
result in establishing a unity of position, or cause a full espousal 
of a new party organization by all the opposition ; the convention 
was not openly subscribed to, and the whig press feared to ap- 
prove or notice it ; but in all the trimming of the i)eriod there 
was entire unanimity in thorough opposition to the repeal of the 
Missouri compromise. 

The incipient republican party of Illinois nuide a Aigorous and 
spirited campaign. Messrs. Chase and Giddings, of Oliio, lent it 
their aid, and spoke words of cheer and encouragement to the 
new and untried party in many counties of our State ; the result 
was the developnjent of a strength in the election astounding to 
the democracy, gratifying to themselves, and unexpected to all. 
They emerged fronj their first political conflict, in IS,")!, in a man- 
ner triumphant. The oidy State oflicer to elect was the treasurer, 
and the tried and incorruptible veteran incumbent, honest John 
Moore, it is true, was re-elected, but what was far more important 
in a political point of view, five out of the nine congressnuMi were 
republican, viz : Washburne, Woodward, Knox, Norton and 
Trumbull. Yates, personally popular, but forsaken by the pro- 
slavery whigs, was lost. The straight Nebraska democracy were 
in a minority in the general assembly, lost the organization of 
both houses and the election of a United States senator. Thus 
closed the first contest in Illinois between the incii)ient party of 
freedom, though sectional, and the old democratic l)arty, which, 
to hold in its grasp a united south, was leaning too much to 
slavery. In Illinois tlie scepter of power had departed from the 
hands of the democracy. 

*See 111. Keg. Oct. 12, 1854. 

+See his Letter Oct. 14, 1854, in 111. Register. 



6A6 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS, 



THE KNOW-NOTHING, OR AMERICAN, PARTY. 

The curious student who will take the trouble, may easily trace 
something of a connection from the old federal party down to the 
know-nothiugism of half a century later. The former culmhuited un- 
der the elder Adams in disaster and disgrace, by the enactment of 
the alien and sedition laws and its final overthrow in the election of 
Mr. Jefferson. From that time, however, nativist organizations 
existed more or less in the larger cities of the Union, where their 
contests were mostly personal and local, meeting with varying 
success and failure. Later, in State and national elections they 
mostly co-operated with the whig party, and occasionally sought 
to commit it to their narrow doctrines. Upon the dissolution of the 
whig party this element devised a new secret organization mure 
subtle in its operations, and by its mysterious ways enticing the 
young and ruiwary (for the human mind loves a mystery) with 
principles proscriptive of foreigners and intoleiaut of catholics. 

The dark ceremonies of the order, conducted with mysterious 
secresy, were peculiarly impressive. In admissions to member- 
ship much solemn parade was uuide, sacred oaths administered, 
and horrid i)enalties required to be underwritten by candidates 
for violating any behest of the order; and to all inquiry the mem- 
ber Avas to "know nothing." They Avere bound by their oaths to 
deny that they belonged to the order. In this feature of the in- 
stitution is found the meaning of the name "Know-nothing." It 
was significant of their obligations. The local organizations were 
denominated lodges, the meetings of which were usually held un- 
der cover of night, as if their deeds were evil, by aid of dark 
lanterns, in lonely and unfrequented places, in the recesses of 
forests, prairie hollows, deserted or untenanted buildings, unfin- 
ished attics, &c., repairing thither stealthily, though none pur- 
sued — conduct most unbecoming patriotic citizens of a free coun- 
try. Lodges sent delegates to the council which nominated can- 
didates, designated other delegates to other councils or conven- 
tions, issued orders, &c., all of which the members had solemnly 
sworn to implicitly support and obey, under j)enalty of expulsion, 
proscription, personal indignity if not outrage. 

At first tlieir nominations were made from the other political 
parties, and by their secret and united weight they would gener- 
ally turn the scale as to them seemed meet. Thus emboldened, 
the operations of the orddi' were extended and finally its own dis- 
tinctive nominations openly announced for either local or other 
offices. Advancing with clandestine and rapid strides, it attained 
political suprema(;y in several States, and cast a large vote in 
many others. Still aspiring, hi 1850, a presidential ticket was put 
forth. But it may be said that the Know-nothing order lost 
power so soon as it openly nuide separate and distinct nomina- 
tions from its own party and quit secretly espousing the nomina- 
tions of other parties. While many of the pretensions of all 
parties are hollow— advanced to make j)olitical capital among the 
masses — the cry of "Americans to rule America" by the ostracism 
of foreign-born citizens and i)roscrii)tiOn in religion, the two cardi- 
• nal tenets of the party, was both unrepublicau and unconstitutional 
— uurej)ublican, because in coutiict with the Declaration of In tie- 



THE REPUBLICAN PARTY. G47 

peiuleiice, wliicli charges the King of Enghiiidwith "endeavoriug 
to i>roveut the popnhitioii of these States ; for that i)urpose ob- 
structing "the laws for the naturalization of foreigners, refusing to 
pass others encouraging their emigration hither;" unconstitu- 
tional, because that instrument says : " No religious test shall 
ever be required as a qualification to any office of public trust un- 
der the United States." Further, the constitution not only per- 
mits but fosters the freest dis(;ussion. With frequent ai)peal.s to 
the people, a tribunal than which none is higher, with the duty of 
the citizen to arraign and investigate the conduct of government, 
and scrutinize the operation of the laws, what can justify politi- 
cal organizations which avoid the open day meet in darkness and 
seclusion, which otter no ground to open combat, whose princi- 
ples are a sealed book, and whose adherents, under sworn 
obligations, " know nothing f It tended to segregate foreign- 
born and Catholic residents into communities distinct in feeling 
and in political and religious interests, and to excite in their breasts 
the animosities and hatreds of race by fastening upon them po- 
litically the brand of Helots. Every consideration of expediency 
uo less than justice demand that this large and valuable element 
be in every way encouraged to amalgamate freely with the masses 
in order that its character and impulses may be rendered homo- 
geneous with the vast aggregate of American society. 

At first the order had no clearly defined i)Osition ui)on the 
slavery question. It sought to ignore it for a time ; but that 
all-absorbing subject which enlisted both the sympathy and cu- 
pidity of men, and excited them as no other i)ublic question has 
ever done, would not down at the bidding of the secret cabal. It 
had to ))e met and it ultimately proved its ruin. 

In Illinois the order was not early developed, neither did it take 
deep root. In combination with the whigs of central and south- 
ern, and the free soilers of northern, Illinois, it fused and entered 
with its strength into the contest of 1854. Perhaps its most deter- 
mined eftbrt was then made on W. B. Archer for congress in the 
7th district, which, singularly, resulted in a tie vote, tliough Alleu 
was said to have had one majority. In 1855 it presented the most 
disjointed issue, and made the largest ettbrt ever essayed by it in 
Illinois. In the spring of that year the State council, which met 
in Chicago, endorsed for supreme judge of the central division the 
Hon. Stephen T. Logan, and for clerk S. A. Corneau, botli of San- 
gamon ; and the conclave issued its secret edict to the members of 
the lodges requiring obedience to its behests. In the council, it is 
said, the contest for the control of its organization was warndy 
waged between the open anti-slavery members and those who 
sought to dodge that obtrusive issue. 

Judge Logan (probably not personally identified with the order, 
it being its practice to support candidates irrespectiAe of their 
personal connection with them,) was known far and wide as a deep 
read lawyer and able jurist, and had been a whig leader for a long 
time.* The democratic ticket for the same ottices was composed 
of O. C. Skinner, of Adams, forjudge, and W. A. Turney, of Mor- 
gan, for clerk. Mr. Skinner was comparatively a young man for 

* In the constitutional convention of 1847 Judge Log-an had advocated a proposition 
requiring- 15 years citizenship (^0 years residence,) from a foreigner as a qualiflcatlon 
for the office of governor. 



648 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

a place on tlie supreme beucli ; uot geueially kuowii, but of good 
ability. Under the circuu) stances Logan's election was conlidently 
expected ; but he met with overwhelming defeat, being beAten some 
10,000 votes. In November before Sangamon had sent him to the 
legislature by 800 majority ; now he was repudiated in his o\a n 
county by 1,100 unijority. This was but further proof that the 
embittered slavery question dominated e^•ery otlier politit;al tie, 
however oath-bound. It was a manifestation of the old whig pro- 
slavery sentiment which felt that Logan had been too closely 
allied in the legislature the winter before with the anti-slavery fu- 
sion which elected Mr. Trund)ull to the U. S. senate, and which 
now broke its old adhesious and went en masse to the democracy, 
where it may be found to-day in central Illinois. 

The national K. N. council, after a protracted ami stormy ses- 
sion at Philadelphia, February, 1850, nominated Fihnore and Don- 
aldson and adopted a platform recognizing the i>rinciples of tlie 
Kansas-jS^ebraska act, whereupon the northern members bolted 
the convention and repudiated the platform. Thus the overshad- 
owing question of slavery rui)tured and overthrew know-nothing- 
ism, though the organization was kept up, both State and national, 
for some time after. 

On the 0th of May, 185(3, the know-nothing State council of Illi- 
nois convened at Springfield. The attendance exhibited ajjorten- 
tious falling off in nund)ers. The deliberations were conducted 
with closed doors. On the part of many of the mamigeis who 
played with the order only forrei)ublican purposes, a strong effort 
was made to defer proceedings until after the meeting of the State 
republican convention on the 29th inst. But this sclieme was de- 
feated, and the following ticket was brought out: For governor, 
W. B. Archer, of Clark ; for lieuteimnt-governor, M. L. Uunlap, 
of Cook; for secretary of State, A. Thornton, of Shelby ; for treas- 
urer, James Miller, of McLean ; for auditoi'. Dr. Barber, of Wash- 
ington ; and for sui)erintendent of public instruction, E. Jenkins, 
of Fayette. Mr. Daneidiower, of Cook, and Joseph Gil]esi)ie, of 
Madison, were appointed senatorial electors. The I*hilade]i)hia 
K. N. platform, totally at variance with republicanism, was 
adopted, and the nomination of Filmore and Donaldson ratified. 

Mr. Archer, who was at Washington contesting the seat of J. 
C. Allen in congress, refused to accept, and subsequently i>artici- 
pated in the national republican convention Avhich nominated 
Fremont. Buckner S. Morris, of Cook, was substituted. Others 
refused to accept, and T. B. Hickman, of Fayette, was substituted 
for Mr. Dunlap; W. H. Young, of Logan, for Mr. Thornton. James 
Miller, of McLean, without accepting his nomination, received the 
same i)lace on the ticket of the Bloomington convention a few 
days later. Indeed, it is said that nmny mend)ers of the council 
went diiect to Bloomington, and that some received i)]aces on the 
re|)ublican ticket. At the Novend)er election of 1850 the K. N. 
ticket polled about 20,000 votes, and this was about the last effort 
of the order in Illinois. 

Besides know-notliing, the American party was also designated 
"Sam," from "Uncle Sam" or U. S., the initials of United States. 
The i)ersonally figurative representative of slavery was often 
spoken of as " Sandjo," denoting, in concrete, the anti-slavery 
party. Hence the slavery question in the K. N. council was spoken 



THE REPUBLICAN PARTY. 649 

of as a. set-to between " Sam " and "Sambo." At Pbiladelpliia 
" Sam " carried tbe day, but tbe -victory was dear as defeat. The 
terms of reproacli applied to tbe party were Hindoos or Tbugs, tbe 
bitter an association of robbers and murderers of India. Tbis, 
from tbe fact tbat its course was niarked by riots and tlie destruc- 
tion of life and property. Tbese, it will be remembered, were 
fearful in tbe years 185 J— 5 in many of our large cities — Baltimore, 
Louisville, St. Louis, Cincinnati and otber places. 

It is well tbat sucb organisations, from tbe condition of enligbt- 
ened society, nuist ever prove sbort-lived, as did this. Their ten- 
dency is to diffuse distrust, suspicion, batred, insiucerity; they 
disturb tbe order and quiet of society, poison confidence, and 
eventuate in mobs and crimes. Tbis order taught men to think 
lightly of the principles of liberty as set fortb iu tbe ])eclaratiou 
of Independence, and of treason by administering oaths in viola- 
tion of the constitution ; it profaned religion by appeals to tbe 
weak prejudices of bigotry and fanaticism ; and planted the seeds 
of riot, arson and blood-shed, by arraying tbe people of one race 
or nationality in deadly bostility against tbe otber. Its name 
should be anathema. 

During the year 1855 the republican organization gave renewed 
evidences of vitality and increasing strength. In Ohio, Mr. Chase 
was elected by a large majority. Tbe democracy of Illinois felt 
impelled to look to their position, and immediately after began to 
jtn'pare for tbe great contest, nearly a year ahead. A stirring 
address, dated December 1, 1855, was issued by tbe State gene- 
ral committee, of which the Hon. J. A. McClernand was chair- 
man, directing the appointment of delegates to the State demo- 
cratic convention, to be held at Springfield, May 1st, 1850. A 
portion of the address, which, by its terse, argumentative diction, 
reveals the author in the chairman of the committee, is here quo- 
ted, as portraying in a manner the intense and acrimonious party 
feeling of that day : 

"The malcontents, the intolerants, and the religious bigots of the 
country, have determined upon making a desperate effort to seize the 
reins of government. Their only wish and hope is to excite popular 
passion and upon it ride into office and powei'. They have raised their 
black flag, with "Abolition" upon the one side, and "Disunion" upon 
the other, surmounted with the know nothing death's head and cross 
bones, and witli hideous outcries are rallying their motley forces for the 
coming struggle They pretend to be the peculiar friend of the negro, 
while they would make slaves of white men ; they pretend to be the 
friends of freedom, yet murder men for exercising a plain constitutional 
riglit ; they pretend to love liberty, while they denounce tlie constitu- 
tion as a ' league with liell ;' they make loud professions of i)oliey while 
they persecute others for difference of religious opinions, and slander 
and belie all who entertain sentiments differ in t from their own. One 
day they profess to be charmed l)y ' that rich Irisli brogue and that 
sweet German accent,'* and the next they shoot down, burn and mur- 
der men, women and children for not being born in the same country 
as themselves; they illustrate their princii>Ie of 'Americans ruling 
America' by mobbing the elections, breaking up the liallot boxes, and 
destroying the votes ; they urge their own will as higher than the con- 
stitution, while thev deny to tlie people of the territories the right to 
have any will atall'; they seek to revolutionize government by violence 
when its acts conflict with their own ; they resist the constitutional acts 
of congress by armed mobs, which is treason by the law. Devoid of po- 

*Gen. Scott's speech while a candidate for president. 



650 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

litical principle themselves, they are for fusion with men of every shade 
of political principle, and men of no political principle, so they can 
'vote a vofe,' and add strength to their political organization. In bold 
contrast and aloof from all this confusion stands the democratic party."* 

The convention met according to the time and place designated, 
and nominated the Hon. W. A. Eichardson, of Adams, as their 
candidate for governor, on the 3d ballot ; the old treasnrer, John 
Moore, being his strongest opponent, and leading him on the first 
ballot 23 votes. The nomination of Eichardson was nol unex- 
pected. It was foreshadowed by a little circumstance that took 
place the preceding summer. A company of Chicago militia 
made Senator Douglas a complimentary visit at his residence on 
the lake shore, below the city, and during the afternoon's, enter- 
tainment, in their hilarity, nominated Col. Eichardson for gover- 
nor. He, more than j^erhaps any other member from the free 
States had j^roven himself the firm and reliable friend and sup- 
porter of the senator in the passage of the Kansas-Nebraaka bill 
through the lower house of congress. The fusion press, which 
constantly taunted the democracy with the dictatorship of Doug- 
las, took this circumstance of a social occasion and settled U})on 
Eichardson as the candidate with whom the State convention had 
nothing else to do but to confirm ; in which they proved to be 
correct. Col. E. J. Hamilton, of Cook, was nominated for lieuten- 
ant governor ; W. H. Snyder, of St. Clair, for secretary of state ; 
honest John Moore, of McLean, the old incumbent, again for 
treasurer; Samuel K. Casey, of Jefferson, for auditor, and J. H. 
St. Matthew, of Tazewell, for superintendent of public schools. 

In the platform the convention affirmed that congress had no 
rightful authority to establish, abolish or x>i"obibit slavery in the 
States or territories; approved non-intervention ami popular sov- 
ereignty, the compromise of 1850, and declared that the restora- 
tion of the Missouri restriction would be a flagrant violation of 
the constitution and the i)rinciples of self-government; asserted 
the national right of all men to religious freedom, declaring tlieir 
opposition to i)roscription of foreign born citizens; and instruc- 
ted the delegates to the Cincinnati national democraticconvention 
to vote for Steiihen A. Douglas for president. 

During all this time, it may well be imagined, the leaders of 
the new party, which had met with unexpected success in 1854-5, 
were not idle. While they were sanguine, they were also cautious 
in taking extreme or advanced anti-slavery ground. They sought 
to form a coalition of all the various factions, odds and ends 
outside of the democratic party opposed to the Nebraska meas- 
ure, with a'view rather rather to success than the esjjousal of rad- 
ical principles. The democracj' characterized this coalition as the 
"si)eckled progeny of many conjunctions." But success, it was 
well reasoned, would do more to confirm lukewar^n friends tbau 
unanswerable arguments. In this connection we quote the apt 
language of the Chicago Tribune at the time : 

"The Bloomington Convention. — Only two weeks will intervene be- 
tween the present time andtheday fixed for holding the anti-Nebraska 
State convention at Bloomington. But, though the time is short, we 
wish to correct one misapprehension that has gone abroad in relation to 
the proposed gathering. It is this: that the convention is to be exclusive- 

•See 111. Reg., Dec. 4, 1855. 



THE REPtTBLICAN PARTY. G51 

ly republican. Such is not the case. Tlie republicans, so far as we are in- 
formed, consent to be represented tliere purely as anti-Nebraska men, 
and if there is anything in their political creed, which points to more 
radical measures than old line whigs and anti-Nebraska democrats can 
consent to, they have expressed their willingness, without dissent, to 
put such things in abeyance, and unite upon the platform upon which 
all northern men, who are not avowedly pro-slavery, ought to stand. As 
one of the organs of republican oi)inion, we have no hesitation in say- 
ing that we advise our friends throughout the State to such a course of 
action. We say further, that we know of no man whois identified with 
the republican party who desires or would accept a nomination from the 
convention, for any place whatever. The republicans of the north wish 
to testify their sincerity by taking the places of privates in the ranks, 
reserving the right to do battle wherever the fight is fiercest. They ex- 
pect that the nominee for governor will possibly be a man who differs 
witli them upon some matters connected with national politics, but they 
do not demand uniformity of belief^do not expect it. We know not 
who may be on the ticket with Col. Bissell, and we do not care what 
they are called, or what may be their political antecedents, so that they 
are men of personal and political integrity, who may be depended upon 
to carry out the views that they will announce. The republicans ask 
nothing." 

On the 22d of February, 1856, au anti-i>febraslia editorial con- 
vention bad met at Decatur, with Paul Selby as chairman, and 
W. J. Usrey as secretary, wliicb gave a free airing to its political 
views, both State and national, as editors are wont to do. They 
demanded, in a set of resolutions, the restoration of the Missouri 
coniprouiise; opposed the demands of slavery for territorial ex- 
pansion as inconsistent with freedom; declared there was au ur- 
gent demand for reform in the State administration ; stood to the 
free school system ; and asked all who concurred in their views of 
national questions to drop all party differences upon other issues 
and unite in a common effort to give these practical effect. For 
this puri)Ose they recommended a delegate State convention to be 
lield Thursday, May 29, at Bloomington. They designated a 
State central committee, one from each congressional district, to 
make the call, fix the ratio of representation, and take such other 
steps as would secure a full representation from all parts of the 
State. We name the coyimittee in the order of the nund)er of 
their respective districts : W. B. Ogdeu, Chicago; S.M. Church, 
Kockfort ; G. A. D. Farks, Joliet ; T. J. Frickett, Feoria ; E. A. 
Dudley, Quiucy; Wm. IL llerndon, Springfield; K. J. Oglesby, 
Decatur; Joseph Gillespie, Edwardsville ; D. L. Fhillips, Joiies- 
boro. Gov, Koerner and Ira O. Wilkinson were designated for 
the State at large. 

Accordingly the repid)lican State convention of ISofi, nu^t at 
Bloomington,' in Major's Hall, May 29th. Out of the 101 counties 
nearly one-third were unrepresented, namely : Alexander, Fulaski, 
Massac, Johnson, Fope, Hardin, Saline, Gallatin, Hamilton, 
AVhite, Wayne, Wabash, Clay, Crawford, Jasper, Eftlngliam, Cum- 
berland, Clark, Douglas, Fayette, Shelby, Brown, Jefferson, Frank- 
lin, Williamson, Jackson, Perry and Monroe, nearly all in the 
southern part of the State. The Hon. John M. Palmer of Macou- 
pin, was chosen pernument chairman. The following were chosgn 
as vice presidents : J, A. Davis of Stephenson, AVm. Boss of Pike, 
James McKee of Cook, J. H. Bryant of Bureau, A. C. Harding of 
Warren, Bichard Yates of Morgan, H, O. Jones of IMatt, D. L, 
Phillips of Union, Geo. Smith of Madison, J. H. Marshall of Coles, 



652 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

J. M. Euggles of Mason, G. A. D. Parks of Will, Jobii Clark of 
Schuyler. Secretaries: H. S. Baker of Madisou, C. L.Wilsou of 
Cook^ Jobii Tilson of Adams, W. Bushuell of LaSalle, B. J. F. 
Haima of liaiidolpli. 

The proceedings of the coiiventiou were hannonions. The nom- 
ination of the Hon. W. H. Bissell of St. Clair, who was simjdy an 
anti-Kebraska democrat, had been generally agreed npon before 
the convention met, by the press and i^eople. The Belleville Ad- 
vocate had first bronght forward his name in connection with this 
office, in March preceding, which was shortly seconded by the 
opposition press generally and in meetings of the people. He was 
very popular, but his health had been impaired by paralysis of 
his lower extremities and there was apprehension as to his ability 
to make a vigorous canvass. But in a letter to Geo. T. Brown of 
Alton, dated May 24, he wrote that he was recovering from his 
infirmity, aud hoped for entire restoration ; that his general health 
and capacity for business were as good as ever ; and while he 
might not be able to engage in an active canvass he would not 
decline the nomination if tendered him. After the reading of this 
letter to the convention, public expectation was confirmed by his 
unanimous nomination. Francis Hoftiuau of DuPage, a German, 
Avas also unanimously nominated for lieutenant governor.* 
O. M.. Hatch of Pike, was nominated for secretary of State, the 
Hon. Jesse K. Dubois of Lawrence, for auditor, and James Mil- 
ler of McLean, for treasurer. These last named gentlemen were 
charged with being members of the know-nothing order, which 
was doubtless the fact; that the two former had attended every 
State council of that order since its organization, and been dele- 
gates and prominent leaders in its late State convention held at 
Springfield on the 0th inst.t At the same know-nothing- 
convention, we have seen tliat Mr. Miller had been hon- 
ored with the nomination for the same place on the ticket 
at Bloomington. But to the nominating committee at the 
latter place he stated that he had not nor did not intend to 
accept the place on the know-nothing ticket. W, H. Powell of 
Peoria, was nominated for superintendent of public instruction. 
These latter names were selected by a committee of 9, one from 
each congressional district, appointed by the chair. They were: 
S.W.Lawrence, Cyrus Alden, W. W."^Orme, J. D. Arnold, A. 
Williiims, A. Lincoln, T. A. Marshall, Thos. McCluken and Ben. 
T. Wiley, named in the order of their respective districts. The 
candidates selected by them were confirmed by the convention. 

The following is the platform adopted: 

Bemilred, That foreg'oinji- all former differences of opinion upon other questions, 
we plecl{>e ourselves to unite in opposition to the present administration and to the 
party which upholds and supports it, and to use all honorable and constitutional 
means to wrest the government from the unworthy han(is which now control it and. 
to bring: it back in its administration to the principles and practices of Washington, 
Jefferson, and their great and siood compatriots of the revolution 

Besulved, That we hold, in accordance with the opinions and practices of all the areat 
statesmen of all parties, for the first 60 years of the administration of the government, 

* This gentleman found during the canvass that he was ineligible for that office— not 
having been naturalized 14 years, a (jualiHcatinn prescribed by the constitution, and 
h« resigned his place on the ticket. The convention subsequently met again and 
substituted the name of John Wood of iidanis. an old whig. B S. Edwards, at the 
same time, received 20 votes, lir. Bgan 17, J.M. Ruggles lU, Joseph Seiftiger 8, S. M. 
Church II, and Leonard Swett, 8. 

+ We have it from undoubted authority that the candidate for auditor not only re- 
fused to come into the convention but cursed it for its abolitionism while he accepted 
the place upon its ticket. 



THE REPUBLICAN PARTY. 653 

that under the constitution congress possesses the power to pi-ohibit slavery in the 
territories ; and that whilst we will maintain all constitutional rights of the south, we 
also hold that justice, humanity, the principles of freedom as expressed in our declar- 
ation of independence, and our national constitution and the purity and perpetuity 
of our government require that that power should be exerted to prevent the exten- 
sion of slavery into territories heretofore free. 

Besolvcd, That the repeal of the Missouri compromise was unwise, unjust, and iniu- 
rious; an open and aggravated violation of the plighted faith of the States, and that 
the attempt of the present administration to force slavery into Kansas agaiust the 
known wishes of the legal voters of that territory, is an arbitrary and tyrannous vio- 
hition of the rights of the people to govern themselves, and that we will strive by all 
constitutional means to secure to Kansas and Nebraska the legal guaranty against 
slavery of which they were deprived at the cost of the violation of the plighted faith 
of the nation. 

iJeso;c(Y?, That we are devoted to the union and will, to the last extremitj'. defend it 
against the efforts now being made by the disunionists of this administration to com- 
pass its dissolution, and that we will suiipoit the constitution of the United States in 
all its provisions, regarding it as the saeied bond of our union, and the only saleguard 
for the preservation of the rights of ourselves and our posterity. 

Rfxolved, That we are in favor of the immediate admission of Kansas as a member 
of this confederacy, under the constitution adopted by the people of said territory. 

Ees<ilird, That the spirit of our institutions as well as the constitution of our coun- 
try, guaranties the liberty of conscience as well as political freedom, and that we will 
proscribe no one, by legislation or otherwise, on account of religious opinions, or in 
consequence of place of birth." 

Eesolutions approving- of the course of Senator Trumbiil], and 
condemning- that of Senator Douglas were also adopted ; one by 
Mr. Weutwork, in favor of an economical admini.stration of the 
affairs of the State; and one by O. H. BroAvning, that the pro- 
ceedings of the convention bo signed by all the officers, aiid 
published. The State central committee appointed consisted of 
J. C. Coukling of Sangamon, Asabel Gridley of McLean, B. C. 
Cook of LaSalle,.and C. H. Bay and N. B. Judd of Cook. 

It will be observed that the platform omits to demand the repeal 
of the fugitive slave law, omits to assert the right of trial by jury 
for the captured slave, and omits to claim the writ of habeas cor- 
2ms in his behalf ; nor is the institntion of slavery denounced as 
the sum of all villainies. The Hon. Owen Lovejoy, an original ab- 
olitionist, who had vainly endeavored in the legislature, in ISoo, 
to commit the new party to a declaration against the admission 
of more slave States into the Union and in favor of the rei)eal of 
the fugitive slave law, which, by the way, received a large A'ote in 
that body at the time, now in the convention strove to have a 
plank inserted in the i)latform which would reflect a more ad- 
vanced position for the party, but was defeated. But with a keen 
insight into the .future, he observed that while he would like to 
have inoculated them with the virus more thoroughly at the time, 
he didn't care much ; for having been exposed to the infection 
they would all take the disease in the natural way, and break out 
all over with it before the campaign was ended anyhow — which 
was the case. 

The personnel of the republican ticket thus made showed that 
the Chicago Tribnne, bespeaking for advanced republicanism a 
subordinate part — the post of honor as jirivates in the battle — 
was taken at its words, for not a pure and simple republican re- 
ceived a place on the ticket. It was a coalition which the rei)ub- 
licans were content to support with the hope of future reward. 
They did not reckon without their host. Success, the touchstone 
of all human undertakings, attended them, and cemented all these 
various elements into one great and homogeneous party, leading 
to- the most radical results. With success, all the halting, the timid 
and the doubting ones, now perhaps beholding the rcAvard of office 
in the future, became immediately the most pronounced and un- 
yielding, if not radical, partisans. 



654 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

It Las been supposed that tlie wliig and kDow-nothing parties 
were wholly absorbed by tlie republican party. Such is ouly partly 
true. It is true iu the northern part of the State, perhaps, but not 
in the central and southern parts. In the latter, while the demo- 
cratic party contributed largely toward its ranks, it received back 
a greater number of whigs. The Germans, Avholly democratic in 
Madison and St. Clair counties, went over almost in a body, but the 
whigs of Sangamon, Tazewell, M(^)rgan aud Adams largely joined 
the democracy, where they are to this day. 

The repeal of the Missouri compromise was both a party blunder 
and mistaken statesmanship. The south, with a sectioual in>stitu- 
tion in its midst, ought to have broadly appreciated thegreat north 
with its giant steps toward empire, its teeming millions, its innu- 
merable work-shops, skilled laborers and vast industries. In the 
faceof this, while it had i)ractical control otthe government, its pol- 
icy was to excite into being the party whose i>rincii)]es, hoAACver 
they maybe said in the abstractto have been national by approxi- 
mating to the landmarks of the fathers, w ere sectional, because it 
opposed the spread of an institution which was itself sectional ; and 
it became national only through the operation of a war madly pre- 
cipitated by the south. The i)arty which ostensibly sought only to 
restrain the sectionalism of the south, has accomplished greater 
and mightier deeds than the most ardent abolitionist of 25 years 
ago could have dreamed. And what it has done it has done so 
thoroughly that it can never be undone. It has abolished slavery ; 
raised more than 5,000,000 of negroes to citizenship, and enfran- 
chised them — all this by constitutional i)rovisions. 

W. H. Bissell was elected governor by a plurality of 4,729 votes 
over Col. Eichardson ; Morris, K. N., receiving ] 9,241 votes for the 
same oftice, while Buchanan's plurality over Fremont was 9,164; 
Filmore, K. N., receiving 37,451. The legislature Avas democratic. 
The democracy had thrown no obstacles iu the way of the opjtosi- 
tion dividing upon Filmore, but rather encouraged it; but the 
main reason why Buchanan carried the State and Bichardson failed 
was owing to the former's want of identitication with the rejjeal of 
the Missouri compromise, though he had acce}>ted the Cincinnati 
l)latform and dilated ujion the beauties of po])ular sovereignty. It 
was, in spite of this, believed that in his convictions and i»olicy he 
would be apart from its principles, and bieak faith with its devoted 
friends — an opinion Avhich proved proi)lietic within the year of his 
installation. The Missouri Democrat, Avhile it espoused republi- 
canism and sui)ported Bissell, by a strange inconsistency, labored 
even w ith republicans to separate Buchanan in the public mind 
from the outrage of the repeal of the Missouri compromise. 

We close this chapter by the concluding portion of Mr. Lincoln's 
speech made after the election at the republican banquet in Chi- 
cago, Dec. 17,1856: 

"All of us who did not vote for Mr. Buchanan, taken together, are a 
majoi-ity of 400,000. But in thelate contest we were divided between Fre- 
mont and Filmore. Can we not come together for the future? Let every 
one wlio really believes, and is resolved, that free society is not, and shall 
not be, a failure, and who can conscientiously declare that in tlie past 
contest lie lias done only wliat lie thought best — let every such an one 
have charity to believe that every other one can say as much. Thus let 
by-gones be by-gones. Let past differences as nothing be, and w ith steady 



THE REPUBLICAN PARTY. 655 

eye on the real issue, let us re inaugurate the good old 'central ideas' of 
the republic. We can do it. The human heart is with us — God is with us. 
We shall again be able not to declare that 'all States, as States, are equal,' 
nor yet that 'all citizens, as citizens, are equal,' but to renew tlie broad- 
er, better declaration, including both these and much more.tliat all men 
axe created equal.'" 



Chapter L. 

1857-1861— ADMINISTRATION OF GOVEENOR BISSELL. 

Life and Character of the Governor — Gross Attach iijmn him in 
the Legislature on Account of his Dueling Affair — Turbulence 
of Party Strife and 2cant of Official Courtesy — Disfraceful 
Action in Organizing the House — Apportionment Bills of 1857-0 
— The Canal Scrip Fraud — The McAllister and Stebbins Bonds* 



Aside from the general excitement incident to onr quadrennial 
I)olitical campaigns, that of 1856, owing to its sectional character, 
was more than ordinarily bitter. The contest for State and local 
offices in Illinois, where the new repnblican party had develoi)ed 
unexpected strength two years before, was unusually acrimoni- 
ouK and i)ersonal. Of the candidates for governor, Richardson 
canvassed the State thoroughly, but Bicsell, owing to his physical 
ailment, was unable to do so, and made but one speech, which 
was to his old neighbors at Belleville. But his character thronyh- 
out the campaign was the target of vindictive assaults, some of 
which he felt himself impelled to deny as utterly untrue. In let- 
ters addressed to theQuiucy Herald and Springfield Register he took 
occasion to repel the charges that in 1851, as the paid attorney for 
the capitalists who sought the incorporation of the Illinois Central 
Railroad, he had been authorized to ofler 10 per cent, of the 
gross earnings of the road for the charter, or that he had from 
his knowledge of public men in the legislature, labored as a lob- 
byist with. Mr. Rantoul to obtain the reduction to 7 per cent, to 
the lasting detriment of the treasury of the State. 

Upon Richardson Avas concentrated and poured out all the pent 
up rage of the opposition. He, it was urged, as a northern man, 
next to Douglas, had advocated in. congress with determined 
zeal, persistence and effectiveness the disturbance of the Missouri 
compromise, and was joint author in opening the Pandora's box 
to precipitate the evils of slavery agitation upon the entire coun- 
try, and a border war upon the ill-fated territory of Kansas, to 
crush out her freedom for the purpose of enlarging the area of 
human bondage. These impassioned appeals told with effect 
upon the people — Bissell was elected by a plurality of 4,729 votes 
over Richardson. The legislature, nearly balanced, was politi- 
cally opposed to the governor elect. The senate stood, 13 demo- 
crats, 11 republicans and 1 American (K. N.); house, 37 demo- 
crats, 31 republicans and 6 Americans, besides a contested election 
case from Peoria, which was the occasion of a fierce partisan 
struggle, as we shall see. 

656 



bissell's administration. G57 

William H. Bissell was born April 25, 1811, in the State of 
JSTew York, near Painted Post, Yates county. His parents were 
obscure, honest, God-fearing' peoi)le, who reared their (children un- 
der the daily example of industry and frugality, as is the wont of 
that class of eastern society. Young Bissell re(;eived a respecta- 
ble but not thorough a(%ulemical education. By ai)i)lication he 
acquiied a knowledge of medicine, and in his early nmnhood (;ame 
west and located in Monroe county, Illinois, where he engaged in 
the practice of that profession. But he was not enamored of his 
calling; he was swayed by a broader ambition, and tlu' mysteries 
of the liealing art and its arduous duties possessed no charms for 
liim. In a few years he discovered his choice of a ])rofessi()n to 
be a mistake; and when he approached the age of .'!() songht to 
begin anew\ Dr. Bissell, no doubt unexpectedly to himself, dis- 
covered a singular facility and charm of speech, the exer(;ise of 
which acquired him ready local notoriety. It soon came to be un- 
derstood that he desired to abandon his profession and take up 
that of the law. During terms of court he would spend his time 
at the county seat among the niembers of the bar, who extended 
to him a ready welconu'. 

It was not strange that he should drift into public life. In 1840 
lie was elected as a democrat to the legislature from INIoiu'oe 
county and made an efticient member. On his returji home he 
qualitied himself for admission to the bar and speedily rose to 
hontrank a,s an advocate. His powers of oratory were cii[)tivat- 
ing: with a pure diction, charming and inimitable gestures, 
clearness of statement, and a remarkable vein of sly humoi', his 
efforts before a jury told with almost irresistible efiect. He was 
chosen by the legislature prosecuting attorney for the circuit in 
which he lived, in which position he fully discharged his duty to 
the State, gained the esteem of the bar, and seldom failed to con- 
vict the offender of law. In stature he was somewhat tall and 
slender, and with a straight, military bearing i)resented a distin- 
guished appearance. His complexion was dark, his head well 
I)oised, though not large, his address pleasant and manner win- 
ning. He was exemplary in habits, a devoted husband, and kind 
and indulgent parent. He was twice married, the first time to 
Miss James, of Monroe county, by whom he had 2 children, both 
daughters, now living in Belleville. She died soon after 1840. 
His second wife was a daughter of Elias K. Kane, formerly 
United States senator from this State. She survived him but a 
short time, and died without issue.* 

When war was declared with Mexico, in 1846, he enlisted and 
was elected colonel of his regiment, over Hon. Don. Morrison, by 
an almost unanimous vote— 807 to 6. For his opportunities he 
evinced a high order of military talent. On the bloody field of 
Buena Vista he acquitted himself with intrepid and distinguished 
ability, contributing with his regiment, the 2d Illinois, in no small 
degree toward saving the wavering fortunes of our arms duiing 
that long and fiercely contested battle. 

After his return home, at the close of the war, he was elected 
to congress, his opponents being the Hons. P.B. Foukeand Joseph 
Gillespie. He served two terms in congress. He was an ardent 
politician. During the great contest of 1850 he voted in favor of 

•Letter from the Hon. Joseph Gillespie. 
42 



658 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

the adjustment measures, lioldiiig the following language on the 
doctrine of non-intervention : "It is a principle, sir, upon whicli I 
have iilways stood, and from wliich I have no idea of departing, 
a i)rinci])le maintained tuid clierislied by my constituents, and one 
which tliey- will be slow to surrender." But in 1854, when the 
same principle was sought to be applied to the organization of 
the territories of Kansas and ISTebraska, involving a repeal of the 
Missouri compromise, he opposed that unnecessary assault upon 
the domain which for 30 years had been consecrated to freedom, 
and ui)on its consummation became identified with the organiza- 
tion of the republican party. 

On account of exposure in the army, the remote cause of a ner- 
uous form of disease gained entrance to his system, and event- 
vally developed ])araphlegia, affe(;ting his lower extremities, which, 
while it left his body in comparative health, de[)rived him of loco- 
motion, other than by the aid of crutches. While he was generally 
hopeful of ultimate recovery, this mysterious disease pursued him 
without once relaxing its stealthy hold to the close of his life, on 
the 18th of March, 1800, over 9 months before the ex])iiation of 
his gubernatorial term, at the early age of 48 years. He died in 
the faith of the Eoman Catholic church, of which he had been 
a member since 1854. When it is remembered that Willianj H. 
Bissell, in the short period of 10 years, Avithout early educational 
advantages, abandoned at the mature age of 30 years one i>rofes- 
sion by casting aside his pharmaco])ia, his vade mecum and arnui- 
mentuni chirugicum — quitting the dull and laborious routine of a 
country doctor, and resolutely turning his attention to the i)rofes- 
sion of the law, as affording him a wider field for his active im- 
agination and aspiring ambition ; attained speedily at the latter 
eminence as an irresistible advocate ; distinguished himself as a 
soldier; as an accomplished orator took front rank in the halls of 
the national legislature; and as the standard bearer of a new 
party marching toward national freedom, was elevated to the first 
position of his State by the partiality of a grateful and confiding 
people, his life may be considered a brilliant success.* Yet, in 
the annals of this State, as will be seen, no public man was ever 
subjected to contumely so gross, abuse more harrowing, or pur- 
sued with malice more vindictive ; and that these cruelties caused 
bim many a heart-pang, casting a shadow over his exalted posi- 
tion, or embittered his closing days, is not a foreign inference. 

It was during his first congressional term, before he was stricken 
with paralysis, that his high sense of gallantry was deeply wounded 
by an efibrt on the part of the southern chi\alry, through Mr. Sed- 
don, of Virginia, to depreciate the valor of northern troojis at Bu- 
ena Vista, while the victory upon that field — "snatched from the 
jaws of defeat" — was attributed solely to southern troops, and i)ar- 
ticularly claimed for the Mississippi rifles, a regiment conunanded 
by Jefferson Davis, the late rebel chief. The discussions in con- 
gress, growing out of the acquisition of territory, of a character to 
bode dissolution to the Union for a time, were attended by unu- 
sual explosions of turbulent passions. Personal insults and mena- 
ces to northern members, with a view to their intimidation, were 
frequent. These insults and the braggadocio of swaggering dis- 
unionists to overawe the north, which were submitted to in many 

•Gov. Palmer's funeral oration, May, 1861. 



BISSELL'S ADMrNISTRATlON. 059 

instances with a meekness to cause one even now to blush with in- 
dij^nation, Bissell's ardent nature could not brook, and the vile 
shmder of Seddon was repelled in a speecli rej)lete witli tacts, 
stinging- rel)uke and moving eloquence, wliich ac(|uiicd for him 
national fame, and was a source of pride to his section and State. 
Such bokl utterances in such accomplished oratory was moie than 
the vaunting chivalry could bear. lie was challenged by Jcrterson 
Davis to nu>rtal combat. Bissell had indulged in lioiiorai)ie de- 
bate, waruD, it is true, but in terms decorous withal, and in man- 
ner courteous, yet his life was sought. It was explicable only on 
the ground that the challenge was addressed to tlie entire north. 
It could not chajige or vary the fact of history connected with the 
battle of Buena Vista. But when Bissell coolly accepted the (!hal- 
lenge, without unseendy ]:)arade, evincing not only his individual 
intrepidity but an earnest of a deliberate intention to fight, which 
won him the admiration and gratitude of the country, the nnitter 
was acco m m od ated. 

But the constitution of Illinois, besides the regular oath of oflice 
prescribed the following in addition : 

"I do solemnly swear that I have not fought a duel, nor sent or nfccpted 
a challenge to tight a duel, the probable issue of which might have been 
the death of either party, nor been a second to either party, nor in any 
manner ai<led or assisted in such duel, nor been knowingly the bearer of 
such challenge or Hcei^tunee, since the adoption of the constitution ; and 
that I will not be so engaged or concerned, directly or indirectly, in or 
aboutsuch duel during my continuance in ottice : so help me God." 

The democracy, which had indulged confident expectations of 
success in the election of 18.56 to the very last, when they fouml 
the scepter of power, so long Avielded by them in Illinois, ])ass 
froi>i their grasp, their chagrin and mortification knew no boumls. 
During the canvass their press and stump orators had not been 
silent on Bissell's disability on account of this affair with Jeff. 
Davis, and after the election, the i)ressure and onslaught in this 
direction Avas furious and uniideruiittent. The discase-smitlen 
nuin was pursued with a bitterness and ghoul-like spirit ])aiuful to 
read, using' the circumstance of accepting the chidleiigi', er,st a 
source of such })ride to every citizen, as a means iu)w to i)i()stiate 
him. Their press teemed with coininents upon the deliberate in- 
tention of so distinguished, exalted and homn'able a, personitge as 
the governor of- this great State (;onuuitting the dark and fearful 
crime of perjury. 

But these assaults, that they should have no deterring effect 
upon their object, were met by the republican i)ress, politicians 
and orators, at meetings and banquets celebrating the great vic- 
tory, in various parts of the State, by every known art of encour- 
ageinent, legal sophistry, and assurances that the governor elect 
could and would without hesitation, take tlie oath of oflice pre- 
scribed by the constitution. It would not do to lose the fruits of 
a great victory on account of a paltry oath of ofhce. The consti- 
tution, it was exclaimed, by the simplest rules of law could not 
and did not have any extra-territorial jurisdiction, wherefore he 
could not perpetrates an infraction of it where it did not extend — 
he was a rectus in curiam this respect. Bissell himself }>ublished 
a letter in the Alton Courier, in which he weid over the whole legal 
grounds applicable to the question, resting upon the fact that he 



660 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

was beyond tbe legal jurisdiction of the coiistitutiou of Illiuois. 
He fuitheriiiore regarded the objections so vehemently urged as a 
political persecution of liimselfj the result of mortification conse- 
quent upon democratic defeat, and announced his determination 
to take the required oath. In this he was applauded by his party, 
declaring that he was right, that the people looked to and relied 
upon him, that his incorrui>tible integrity was above reproach, 
and that he wonld take no step or do aught which his conscience 
could not fully justify. 

He further, it seems, took counsel from and fortified himself 
with the opinions of the best legal talent of the State among his 
political frieiids. At the time of Bissell's election as governor he 
had been an invalid exceeding three years, his j)aralysis rendering 
him for much of the time physically helpless, and it is not in ac- 
cordance with physiological law that the mind connected with 
such a body shoidd maintain its wonted vigor, strengh of purpose 
or indepen<lence of will the same as if the system was unimpaired ; 
and though he himself wrote at the time of the meeting of the 
Bloomington convention that his intellect knew no abatement of 
its vigor and strength, " it was manifest to his friends that his ac- 
tive career was ejided."* A man smitten with incurable disease 
leans upon the support of his friends, and is then more than ordi- 
narily influenced by them. Hid they not, therefore, assume a 
culpable resj)onsibility in putting him forward for this place, and 
after election further impel a step which exposed him to the en- 
venomed shafts of an implacable political enemy, if not fraught 
with serious consequences to the peace of his conscience ? Hemo- 
crats derisively avowed that his moral constitution was not spared 
by the blow which prostrated his nervous system. 

In January, 1857, Governor-elect Bissell and family arrived by 
the Chicago and Alton railroad at the seat of government. Gov- 
ernor Matteson met them with his carriage at the depot, and con- 
ducted them to the elegant mansion to which they had been in- 
vited by the flattering partiality of the people of this great State. 
On the 13th inst., atli p. m., the two houses of the general assem- 
bly, which had been in session since the 5th inst., i)receded by 
their respective officers and escorted by Capt. Hopkins' artillery 
and a large concourse of citizens, proceeded to the executive man- 
sion in pursuance of a joint resolution to witness the installation 
of the governor-elect. The oath of office having been taken, and 
the ceremonies and congratulations over, the two houses returned 
to the hall of the house of representatives, the lobby and gallery 
of which were crowded. Lieutenant-Governor-elect Wood was 
then sworn in by Chief Justice Scates, and the inaugural message 
of Governor Bissell received and read to the two houses, after 
which the senate retired to their chamber, where Lieutenaut-Gov^- 
ernor Wood delivered a neat and api>ropriate address. 

Governor Bissell's inaugural message was short and a very or- 
dinary document, noticeable only in that it stepped out of the 
usual course in "distinguishing" the incorporators of the Illiuois 
Central railroad company, " that our people in future may never 
forget to whom they are mostly indebted for the great work of 
that road," For the handsome grant of land that those gentle- 
men got from the State, m-ore than enough to build and fully 

* Palmei-'s funei-al oiation,May, 1871. 



bissell's administration. 661 

equip that road, one would suppose that the peo))h' did not owe 
them much either in debt or gratitude. But the portion of this 
message particuhirly offending- to the democratic majority was a 
cursory view and discussion of the all absorbing- slavery question 
as connected with Kansas. Now in this there was perh:>i)s noth- 
ing- unusual, but the out-going- governor, Matteson, in his com- 
plete and admirable valedictory message, then a week old, had 
studiously avoided the subject of politics in any phase whatever, 
and had invoked harmony in council with his distiiiguislied suc- 
cessor. This, then, was the fire-brand for an explosion, doubtless 
but too gladly received, and a most extraordinary debate, both 
as to character and duration, sprung- up. 

In the house, Mr. I. N. Arnold, upon the conclusion of the 
reading- of the message, made a motion to have the usual number 
of 20,000 copies printed. This was the signal for attack. Mr. 
Logan (now senator in congress), moved to amend hy inserting 
10,000, and followed up his motion by a speech of two days, dura- 
tion, which in severity of language excels perhaps anything that 
that gentleman has ever uttered. It shocked the better sense of 
all considei-ate men not wholly devoured by jiartisan malignity, 
and must have deeply wounded the sensitive feelings of Bissell's 
high strung nature rendered more acute by a long entailed, en- 
feebling nervous disorder. To many democrats the speech was no 
suprise. Due preparation, partici[)ated in by some of the party 
leaders, had early l)een made. Material for evi<lence to cover the 
entire ground had been carefully colle(;ted, and an orator to exe- 
cute the unfeeling task selected with skillful penetration. In 
August preceding, Col, Richardson had written to Jefferson Davis 
for a copy of the correspondence between the latter and Col. Bis- 
isel, connected with their dueling affair. In the ])ubli.shed corres- 
pondence the challenge and its acceptance, or the niemorandum 
of iaiial settlement had never appeared. Davis had to write to 
California to Mr. Inge tor it, and it had now arrived to be used to 
convict Bissel of })erjury. Major Harris had written from Wash- 
ington, stating he knew Bissell had accepted a challenge from 
Davis, for he had copied it. Tlie Hon V. B. Fouke, who was 
present in Springfield, furnished a written statement that Bissell 
in tlie canviiss against him 1852, for congress, had urged his ac- 
ceptance of this challenge in his own favor, because lie was ineli- 
gible to any State office on acc^)unt of the constitutional oath of 
office. Col. John Crain said he had heard I>issell state the same 
in a speech at Nashville in 1851. The Hon. W. li. 3Iorrison wrote 
that Bissell during the late canvass for governor, had said in his 
hearing, that hedid accept the challenge from Jeff Davis, &c.;all 
these letters are paraded in the s})eech of Logan, Jan. Ki-ll, 1857. 

Thus fortified, Logan exclaimed: " If corruption enters into 
liiglj i)laees, it is my duty as a faithful public servant, to drag it 
from its polluted <len and expose its hideous defoimity to public 
criticism and contempt." He would "demonstrate to the world 
a degree of moral turpitude without parallel in the history of the 
State. No go\ernor of Illinois lias ever sought retirement to 
take the oath (►f ottice" — the oath was taken at tiie executive man- 
sion, as we have seen. " We might infer from this, that a guilty 
and bleeding conscience had sought seclusion rather than stand 
erect upon this floor and pass the fiery ordeal. The secluded 



662 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

aud uimsal ])laec at which it was taken may afford grounds for an 
inference as to the worlving of a mind goaded to desperation by 
a weighty conviction of moral turpitude." That the executive 
had said "he must commit })er]ury to hold the oftice of governor; 
and then hear of his talking the very oath which he said woul<l 
amount to periury; I am lost in amazement — standing before 
the people with falsehood upon his lii)S, and averring his own 
guilt of a reckless disregard of all that can inspire confidence in 
man ; * * the moral sense of a million and a half of the 
people has been shocked by that fearful oath. Trutli, sir, has 
been crushed to earth. The high standard of moral rectitude has 
been broken. The votaries of viitue and honesty have been van- 
quished, and one universal wail, from Chicago to Cairo, has been 
heard in consequence of the prostration of the executive chair by 
the hands of a man whose lips are quivering with falsehood. * 
The constitution of my beloved State lies prostrate in the dust — 
bleeding and mangled. * * I warn young men and old 
against the exami)le set. I pray God that we may never agaiti 
witness such an occasion; Virtue and Truth bereft of all their 
charms, while the hideous and hateful gods of vice hold dominion 
over the people." Such are only a few salient extracts from this 
long speech.! 

The array of able names, both democrat and republican, as 
members of the house at this session, is excellent. Much party 
feeling had been already elicited, as we shall see, in the first efforts 
to organize the house, and the debates incident to this question, 
nominally upon the printing of the governor's message, were not 
only generally participated in but were protracted, exciting and 
ex(^eedingiy acrimonious. We cannot do more than to state that 
tbe position of the friejjds of the governor, in defense of him, was 
generally the same as has already been indicated — that the locus 
delicti was the District of Columbia; that he had otfemled no law 
of Illinois, either statutory or organic, for neither could have legal 
jurisdiction beyond the State ; wherefore his excellency might 
safely and truly swear that he had not accepted a challenge to 
fight a dnel since the adoption of the constitution. Aud Mr. De- 
nio, in the debate, asserted that Davis " to this day declares to 
Gov^ Bissell, through Senator Trund)ull, that he did not consider 
the notes exchanged between them equivalent to a challenge." 
But the documentary' evidence shows this to be untenable. 

The locus delicti, which the governor and his friends set up aud 
used as a defense, was not in question. That the offense commit- 
ted in the District of Columbia was defined as an oifense by our 
statutes is true, but that it was not punishable here is equally 
true. It was circumstances and evasions of that character, how- 
ever, that the constitutional oath sought to compass aud prevent. 
The intent of the law may be gathered from the circumstances of 
its passage. To nuuk the i)oi)ular abhorence of the duello, and to 
impose upon its votaries the disability of holding oftice in spite of 
their constant evasions of its punishments by going beyond the 
confines of the State, was the aim of its framers, and it has failed 
of efficacy in only two instances. The offense now and here was 
not in accepting a challenge in Washington, but in swearing at 
this time, in Illinois, that he had not. The reasoning in the one 

* See 111, State Register, Feb. 1857. 



bissell's administration. 6G3 

case does not appear to fit tlie other. Was Bissell tlien only a de- 
facto governor "1 

The courtesy of printing the usual number of copies of the 
message was denied. Attacks on tlie piivate character of his ex- 
cellency continued throughout the session. No annoyance or em- 
barrassment that could be intlicted was spared him. In the pas- 
sage of the bill establishing the northern or «Ioliet penitentiary, 
reconnnended in his message, his customary privileges as a co-or- 
dinate branch of the law-making power were encroached upon, 
and the appointmentof the commissioners taken from him. The 
dignity of oflicial position, and the courtesies and amenities inci- 
dent thereto, were, to a great extent, sunk out of view. 

In the senate, which contained a democratic majority of one, no 
discourtesy was shown to the governor by a refusal to order the 
printing of the usual number of copies of his message. In that 
chaml)er, besides, general harmony and good feeling prevailed 
throughout the session, and business moved along with acceptable 
dispatch. Lieuteiumt-Governor Wood, a gentleman of fine, coin- 
manding personal appearance, presided in an impartial manner, 
and his conciliatory <leportment, meeting out to all the senators 
the same courtesy, was received and met in return by a like mark 
of respect and cordiality. 

The house, notwithstanding its many able and talented members, 
was the theatre of much turbulence and partisan strife through- 
out the session. It was said to have opened as a mob and closed 
in a rout. In political complexion it stood, democrats 38, republi- 
cans 31, ajid Americans (5. There were, however, two contestants 
to this democratic majority, and in the Peoria case of Eastman, 
republican, against Shellabarger, democrat, it would seem that 
Eastman was justly entitled to the seat. A few votes cast for 0. 
L. instead of C. M. Eastman had been thrown out, and the certifi- 
cate awarded to Shellal)arger, wlun-eas had they been counted the 
former would have had the majority. 

In the first effort to effect a temi)orary organization of the house 
was enacted one of those unscendy squabbles, whi(;h, while thej^ 
are not unfrequent in this free country, are nevertheless a dis- 
grace to any deliberative body. The republicans were juimarily 
■ in fault. By uniting the Americans with their 31 mem1)ers they 
had planned' to secure the organization of the house in accordance 
with the usages of the lower house of congress and the I>ritisli par- 
liament. For this purpose Mr. Bridges, clerk of the house for the 
preceding general assend)ly, a republican, was on hand to call the 
house to order and temporarily organize it ; to act as tem])()iary 
speaker, and in that capacity exclude all contestants from \oting, 
which would leave the republicans in a majority, and throw its 
pei-manent organization into their hands. But the democrats were 
on the alert, and the trick was suspected. The moment the old 
clerk essayed to call the house to order, F. D. Preston Jiominated 
John Dougherty for speaker j»-o tern. A scene of uni)aralleled 
confusion and u})roar, mixed with personal menace, now ensued, 
Preston, in stentorian tones and with much firmness, i)utting 
Dougherty's nonnnation to vote and declaring it carried, and 
Bridges, persistent in his right to organize the house, calling the 
roll for this purpose, and many members answeriug in recogniticm 
of his right. Mr. Latshaw was declared secretary jjro tern, in the 



664 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

same inauiier that Douglierty had been chosen speaker, and he 
also was calling the roll of members. Above the din a motion was 
now made for the sergeant-at-arms to eject the old clerk, Bridges. 
Amid tlie great nproar it was declared carried, and at once exe- 
cuted with a rush, by his forcible removal, in which quite a num- 
ber of the honorable gentlemen volunteered their assistance. The 
greatest confusion prevailed, nuiscle was triumphant and order 
was restored. The victory was with the democrats 5 Shellabarger, 
one of the Peoria contestants, was retained in liis seat, which gave 
them a clear working majority and the organization of the house. 
As there were many able members in the house, this Peoiia con- 
tested election case, as well as the question of printing the gover- 
nor's message, elicited their full i)ower of debate, and nuiny tine 
and eloquent speeches from both sides were made during the ses- 
sion. 

Early in the session an apportionment bill, based upon the 
State census of 1855, was introduced into the house by the repub- 
licans. The population of Illinois, in. 1850, was 851,470, and iu 
1855, 1,300,251 — an increase of 447,781 — about 50 per cent., or 
one-third her entire population in 5 years. This gain was two- 
thirds in the northern parts of the State, the main rejjublicau 
strongholds. The bill was therefore at once spurned by the dem- 
ocrats, who oifered a substitute which was i)rovocative of the 
most stubborn parliamentary resistance at every step by the re- 
publicans. Such measures are nearly always passed in the interests 
of the dominant party. Both bills souglit to secure ascendency 
in the next legislature, when a United States senator was to be 
elected to Douglas' place. 

The constitution required districts to be composed of contigu- 
ous territory, bounded by county lines. The substitue was 
claimed to be unconstitutional, in fact a perfect libel on the theory 
of equal representation, in that it "gerrymandered" the State into 
all sorts of deformity, the mere cornering of counties in many in- 
stances being deemed a sufficient contiguity of territory for the 
formation of districts; in one district 3 votes were made equal to 
4 in another; in another 5 were made to equal more than in still 
another; and that in a certain contingency one county would 
be without rei)resentation at all. With much show of rea- 
son, doubtless, the opposition regarded the substitute as a most 
villainous piece of party legislation, and they exhausted every 
parliamentary effort and device to deieat it, but failed. The bill 
was passed toward the heel of the session. It now went to the 
governor for his signature. That functionary, it was contidently 
expected, Avould veto it ; the surju-ise, therefore, was simply as- 
tounding when his secretary, on the last day of the session, with 
other bills reported his approval of it to the liouse. 

And now everything was bustle, there was hurrying to and fro. 
His excellency was confronted by disappointed but determined 
political friends, and within an hour he sought to recall his mes- 
sage of approval, alleging it to have been made by mistake. Some 
republicans openly boasted that they had compelled therecall and 
the veto. An informal note exi)lanatory of the circumstances 
was sent to the house, followed afterwards by his veto and return 
of the bill. The chagrin and mortiticaticm was now changed from 
the republican to the democratic side. The house, where it origi- 



bissell's administration. 665 

nated, refused to receive back the bill, or allow the veto message 
to be read or entered upon the journal, as the constitution re- 
quired, and both were taken to the othce of the Secretary of State, 
and there tiled. It was held that after the governor liad an- 
nounced his approval of the bill it became a law, and passed for- 
ever beyond his control, and the only way to reach it would be 
by repeal. 

The republican members signed a protest, which was spread 
upon the minutes, as was the umlonbted right of any two or 
niore. But now that party feeling was thoroughly aroused, the 
l)rotest was not allowed to staiul. On motion, it was e.\i)uiiged 
from the journal. This conduct, both with reference to the rejec- 
tion of the veto message and the expunging of the protest, was 
contrary to the (constitution, revolutionary and most reprehensi- 
ble. With these partisan acts, and amidst the greatest uproar, 
without indulging the ordinary courtesy of passing a resolution of 
thanks to t\w speaker, the hour of the sine die adjournment hav- 
ing been postponed by stopping the clock, this deliberative body 
fiiuUly, late in the night, adjourned in a rout. 

Some democrats having contidence in the legality of the point 
upon which the house acted, that the governor could not recall 
his approval, the act was by mandamus carried up to the su- 
preme fx)urt to test its validity. But the oi)inion of ttiat tribunal 
was adverse. The constitutionality of the objectionable provi- 
sions of the bill were not passed upon, but whether the forms of 
legislation which it followed ren<lered it valid or not. Judge 
Ciiton, delivering the opinion of the court, held that while a 
t)ill is in the possession and control of the executive, within the pe- 
riod limited by the constitution, it has not the force of law, and 
he nuiy exercise a veto i)ower, and so return to the house where it 
originated, with his name eiased, notwithstanding he had once 
announced hisa|)proval of it. 

Apportionment Bill of isno. — Two years later, at the (;lose 
of the session, another bedlam, more outrageous and undignified 
than the foiegoing, was enacted by the legislature. Theoc-casiou 
was again an ai»porti()niiient measure. The democracy, through 
the herculean labors of Douglas in his senatorial canvass against 
Mr. Lincoln, were in a small nuijority in both houses, although 
the popular vote of the State was against them. Seeing the 
close of their rule approaching, probably in the next election as 
it proved, they sought to perpetuate their power, and possibly 
with the view to elect a deniocratic successor to the then hated 
Trumbull in the United States senate, in 1861, by so shaping the 
senatorial and representative districts as to give them the gen- 
eral assembly and accomplish the ends in view. 

The bill, it'seems, was indeed a most unfair gerrymander, looking 
solely to i»artisan ends. Counties separately entitled to represen- 
tatives weregr()Ui)ed with others, and large districts formed whose 
aggregate democratic vote would overbalance tiieir small republi- 
can niaj(»rities, and thus force upon them representatives they did 
not waiit. Instea<l of forming districts out of contiguous and 
comi)act territory, they were stretched over two degrees of lati- 
tude. To the republican counties of the State, whose population 
was stated at OiO,718, were accorded 33 represeutatives, while to 



666 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

the democratic counties, with a population of 477,678, were given 
41 representatives. 

The bill was introduced the third week of the session and the 
democratic majority forced it along in its order. The repul)li(;ans 
who were abl.N' represented, particularly in the house, fought it at 
every step. Thus all the legislation behind this bill was held in 
abeyance an its account. The 42 days contemplated by the con- 
stitution as the limit of the session, were frittered away in reso- 
lutions, parliamentary contention, and buncomb speeches. When 
it finally passed, first the lieutenant-governor, whose signature 
was required to it, was said to be absent during the 
night session, and refused to sign it except at the cajjital. 
Next Gov. Bissell retained it a week before he sent in his 
veto. In the meantime everything of importance was delayed. 
The enrolling clerks, in obedience to orders it was said, retarded 
their labors. Chairmen of the engrossing committees had their 
pockets crannned with bilh, which they would neither rei)ort them- 
selves nor disgorge for others to do it. Private bills of friend 
and foe werekei)t back, so great was the feeling of determijiation. 
ConMeut of veto, it was determined to repass the bill over it be- 
fore any otlier business should be transacted. It was the main 
appropriation bill, through non-action upon which the ends of the 
majority were sought to be accomi)lished by failing to ju-ovidethe 
means for carrying on the government and administering the laws 
during the coming two years' interregnum. The republicans sought 
to pass it out of the regular order but failed. It was well un- 
derstood that with the passage of this bill they would leave all else 
in the lurch, stampede, and break a quorum to defeat the hated 
apportionment. 

Finally the governor sent in his veto. The house had met at 
9 A. M. Immediately after prayer, the Hon. L. S. Church an- 
nounced the governor's private secretary, and as he commenced to 
read a violent tumult ensued. The democrats almost in a body 
sprang to their feet, vociferating liercely, while above the din 
rapped the sj^eakerwith his gavel, crying " silence — order — there 
is no quorum present. No communication can be made to the 
house in the absence of a quorum! Doorkeeper i)ut that nmn 
out" — meaning the secretary. Others shouted ''Knock him 
down," " Kick him out," &c., with other threats and im])recations. 
The door-keeper started to execute the si>eaker's order, but by 
this time the secretary had read the veto message, and delivering 
it and the bill to a ])age, turned to depart. As the page staited 
to the clerk's desk, the si)eaker ordered the papers to be returned 
to the secretary, and Mr. Green of Massac volunteered to execute 
the order, lie snatched them from the boy's hand, pursued the 
secretary into the lobby and thrust them at him. Upon refusal 
they were violently cast on the floor. Mr. Church gathered them 
up, folded them together, walked leisurely up the aisle and laid 
them carefully on the speaker's desk. That gentleman, with a 
contemptuous expression, brushed them ofl'. They were examined 
by several members and thrown back, when Mr. Green picked 
them oti" the Hoor and thrust them in his pocket, with the renuuk 
that he had as much right to them as anybody and he Avould as- 
sume the responsibility; meanwhile the wildest disorder prevailed. 



bissell's administration. GC7 

When quietude was restored, ;i call of the house sliowed ouly 42 
members present, less than a quornni, and the house adjourned. 

The objections of the governor to tlie ai)i)ortioinent bill were 
that its effect would be to continue the control of the general as- 
sembly in the hands of a minority of the jieople; that the new 
county of Ford was i)laced wholly witliiuboth the Dth and 18th 
senatorial distiicts; that in the matter of giving excess the 
10th section of the the 10th article of the constitution was 
disregarded; that there was an unnecessary departure from sin- 
gle districts — a glaring instance being the 32d, comi»osed of the 
counties of Champaign, Piatt, DeWitt, Macon, Moultrie, Shelby 
and Effingham, to which 3 rei)resentatives were given, when the 
census showed that the 7 counties Avould divide ueatly into 3 sep- 
arate districts, &c. 

Messrs. S. A. Ilurlbut, A. W. Mack, L. S. Church, Leonard 
Swett and J. A. Davis, republicans, offered a protest against the 
action of the house in its rejection of the veto message, setting 
forth in scathing language the conduct of the house and the 
si>eaker, as detailed ; quoting also the governor's message to make 
it ap{>ear of record. The speaker, lion. W. 11. Morrison, doubt- 
ing the the necessity of receiving the protest without the house 
tirst ])assing ui)on the i>ropriety of its language, held it for ad- 
visement, but subseipiently, witli the nnxlitication of some of its 
allusions to individual mend)ers, not himself, he admitted it, and 
it was spread upon the journal. The democrats spread a couuter 
protest against receiving the Urst protest upon the journal. 

In the meantime the not unexpected republican hegira took 
l)lace — a few being left behind to attend to the i)rotest and look 
after things generally. The quorum was broken, the re-passage 
of the apiiortionment bill over the governor's veto prevented, and 
all the untinished business brought to a deadlock; involving hun- 
dreds of bills, both public and i>rivate, including the general i\p- 
])ropriation bill necessary to keep the wheels of government iu 
motion. The result was not so bad, however, as was at tirst 
anticipated. The api)roiiriations for the northern penitentiary 
and the asylums at Jacksonville had been gotten through early in 
the session, as also for the i)ayment of the semi-annual interest 
on the State debt; and the judges, by a law of 1.S4U, could draw 
their salaries on vouchers certilied from the governor to the 
auditor. The conduct of the republicans in leaving was revolu- 
tionai-y, and the whole proceedings not oidy undignified but dis- 
creditable to the State. If the minority, not a|)i)reciating that in 
their capacity as legislators they acted for the whole State ami the 
entire people, sought only to discharge partisan duty to their con- 
stituents, then they should have defeated the re-election of Doug- 
las^ and, indeed, they might iu the same way have altogether jire- 
vented legislation. After waiting two days for the return of the 
delinquents, the democrats adjourned the general assembly sine 
die. 

U})on the death of Gov. Bissell, March 18, 1860, the Lieut. Gov., 
John Wood, by virtue of his office, became governor for the unex- 
l)ired term of near 10 months time Bissell Avas the only execu- 
tive of the State who died iu that office. 



668 HI8T0RY OF ILLINOIS. 



THE CANAL SCRIP FRAUD. 

Ill the winter of 1859 was brought to. light the most stupendous 
individual fraud ever i3eri)etrated upon the State of Illinois. It 
was greatlj' iutensitied in that all the attendant circumstances 
pointed to a gentleman as the perpetrator, wdio but a short time 
before had beeu honored with the most exalted station in the gift 
of the people of tlie State, and who carried into his retirement 
their confidence and esteem. The fraud consisted in the re-issue 
of $1124,182 66 of 90 days redeemed canal scrij), dating back some 
30 years. Owing to the pecuniary necessities of that period, the 
canal trustees had issued $265,237 ninety-day checks, dated May 1st, 
and $123,317, dated August 1st, 1839. Much looseness had been 
observed in the original issue of these checks as well as in their 
redemption, they having been put aside without being cancelled. 
A superabundance of them had been prepared (not knowing how 
many might be needed) all signed and executed except filling in 
the name of the treasuier. They remained unregistered and un- 
trimmed until detached and signed, when the amount of the dif- 
ferent denominations were entered in a book, which served as a 
memorandum of the actual amount in circulation. These checks 
had beeu put in circulation in 1839 for a temporary purpose from 
the canal office at Lockport, and were redeemed partly by the 
State bank branch at Chicago, in i)ayment for dues to the canal, 
and otherwise. It appears from the reports of the canal officers 
to the legislature, in 1840, that all of both these May and August 
issues had beeii redeemed, except $822, and in 1842-3 only $323 
remained outstanding. 

During the session of the legislature, in 1859, Gen. Jacob Fry, for 
many years canal trustee, called at the auditor's office and showed 
Mr. Dubois, auditor, one of these old canal checks, which had been 
offered for sale in Springfield, and cautioned the State officers 
against receiving such scrij), explaining how it was long since re- 
deemed, and that what was then in circulation must be fraudu- 
lent. He was referred to the fund commissioner's office — the gov- 
ernor having been ex-officio fund commissioner since 1843 — where 
he leained to his amazement that scrip of that description to a 
very large sum had been funded, and that new bonds of the State 
nnder the funding acts had been issued therefor. The checks 
were duly signed W. F. Thornton, i)resident, and countersigned 
by Jacob Fry, commissioner, and by those gentlemen, and also 
Mr. Joel Manning, recognized as the same $50 and $100 checks 
issued by them in 1839, and redeemed and carefully packed away 
in a box, but now doing service again, after exchange as free- 
bank dei)osits. With this revelation consternation became rife in 
every State department, in which the legislature participated, 
the people generally shared, and the newspaper press fairly 
reveled. Nor was this lessened when it also transpired that the 
whole of this scrip thus fraudulently converted was presented by 
no less a persomige than ex-Gov. Matteson. 

In the State seiuite, Mr. Marshall of Coles, introduced a resolu- 
tion, which was adojited, instructing the finance committee to 
inquire into certain State stocks said to be issued and based on 
counterfeit or spurious scrii), emxjowering them to send for ])er- 



bissell's administration. C69 

sons and papers, and to report to the senate tlie result of tlieir 
investijiation. This committee consisted of S. W. Fuller, chair- 
man, B. C. Cook, A. J. Kuykendall, Z. Appliii.nton, S. A. Buck- 
master and Silas L. Bryan. They report : 

"It appears that m December, 1S5G, just before the close of his term 
of office, about ^13,000, in amount, of the i-hecks above describt'd, were, 
by Gov. Matteson. presented to Enoeli Moore, secretary of the fund 
connnissioner, and new State bonds issued tlierefor. That during tlie 
year IS.")?, about $93,500 additional of the same cliecks were, by Gover- 
nor Matteson, presented to the same officer, who issued new bonds for 
that amount — and tiiat at divers times there has been paid to Governor 
Matteson, from tlie State treasury, an amount of money, for {jrineipal 
and interest, to make, with the bonds so issued to him, the sum of Sii23,- 
182 66, on account of the canal ehecks so presented by him. The greater 
l^art of the checks are recognized by Gen. Thornton, Gen. Fry and 
Mr. iSIanuing as the genuine $50 and $100 checks of May 1st and Au- 
gust 1st, 1839, by them issued and redeemed, and as part of the 
redeemed checks packed by Mr. Manning and Gen. Fry in the box de- 
posited in the bank at Chicago^ in the year 1840. There are also found 
among the checks funded by Gov. Matteson, two packages of the checks, 
dated August 1st, 1839, amounting to $10,500, which are fresh in ap})ear- 
ance, have the edges uutrimmed, but fully signeii by the commissioner 
and secretary of the canal commissioners, and used by the treasurer of 
the board, but wanting the name of the treasurer filled in upon their 
face, and lying upoueach other in consecutive numbers." 

It appeared also iu testimony before the committee that Gen. 
Fry, treasurer of the canal board, and Joel Manning-, .secretary, 
in the fall of ISiO, counted and packed in a larjic sealed box the 
checks redeemed and other evidences of canal indebtedness, and 
they believe some of the partially executed checks ; that Mr. j\Jan- 
iiing took the box to Chicago and deposited it in the Branch State 
Bank, where it remained umlisturbed until 1848, Avhen it, with 
other boxes and packages left there by the canal oflicers, was re- 
moved to the canal office in Chicago. This box and other divers 
l^ackages of redeemed canal indebtedness, were receipted for by 
successors to predecessors from time to time as changes in that 
office occurred. An<l none of these 90 day checlcs were seen in cir- 
culation from 1840-1 down to 1859, Gen. Hart L. Stuart testified 
that for years after 1847 he bought altogether near half a million 
dollars worth of all kinds of Illinois canal indebtedness, adverti- 
sing therefor in Chicago and New York, but among all his pur- 
chases he saw only about $100 of the 1839 canal checks. 

In 1853 Gov. Matteson appointed Josiah Mclvoberts State canal 
trustee, who went to Chicago to receive from ex-Lieut.-Gov. J. B. 
Wells the assets of the canal office, among which was this sealed 
box, corresponding to the above description. He received also 
another box with a loose lid or cover, containing broken packages 
of canal indebtedness, defaced with a canceling haiunun-, but on 
counting the contents they were found to be short in many instan- 
ces of the amounts noted on the wrappers. He also found di\ers 
packages of canal indebtedness in the office, partially broken, and 
part of the contents missing. And "he was advised by Gov. 
Wells, his predecessor, in substance, that the vouchers and affairs 
of the canal office would not hold out, or prove correct, but such as 
were there then of the papers, vouchers and furniture of the office, 
lie received from Gov. Wells." 

McEoberts then advised Gov. IMatteson that the books, vouch- 
ers, &c., of the canal office had been turned over to him, among 



670 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

which there was luueh useless matter which shoiikl be disposed of; 
aud bj" the governor's direction lie packed all the evidences of 
canal or other indebtedness received from Wells in a trunk and a 
box (an ordinary shoe box,) for transmissiou to Springfield. In so 
doing he tried to put the same sealed box "into the trunk auvl 
shoe box, but it was too large, and he broke it open and packed 
the contents either in the trunk or shoe box, or a part in each, 
which, he cannot certainly state. After pacldng the trunk and 
shoe box, he locked and sealed the trunk and box," directed 
them to Gov. Joel A. Matteson, at Springfield, Illinois, put them 
on board the railroad at Chicago, and came with them to La- 
Salle, with Gov. Matteson, and there left them in charge of Gov. 
Matteson, who directed them to be sent to the Central Kail 
road depot at La Salle, e^t rowte for Siuingfleld, Illinois, in charge 
of Gov. Matteson, who was then going to Springfield. 

"There is no distinct evidence before the committee that the shoe 
box has ever been seeu since, but the trunk was found during the 
course of this investigation in a basement room of the capitol at 
Springfield. It was opened (there were upon it some appearances 
of having been sealed twice, as if opened and sealed again), and 
the contents found to consist of a great variety of evidences of 
canal indebtedness, some complete, that had been in circulation 
and redeemed and cancelled, and some unfinished scri}), also can- 
celled with a hammer, the whole contents counted to near $-!,o^'0,- 
000, of all sorrs, although Mr. McKoberts stated in his report to 
Gov. Matteson, in 1853, that the contents of thetruidv and box de- 
livered by him to Gov. Matteson, in the spring of that ^t^av, were 
only estimated to amount to $080,000." The uiu^ancelled checks 
were not found in the trunk, and no trace of the box was ever dis- 
covered. 

Thus the box and trunk, which the evidence and attendant cir- 
cumstances all show contained the redeemed and unused canal 
checks of 1839, were directly traced into the custody of the gov- 
ernor ; he subsequently appeared with the identical bonds in his 
iwssesion, and had them exchanged orfunded for new State bonds 
by the secretary of the fund commissioner, to the amount of |2L'3,- 
182.GG; and he ai)peared further as the sole beneficiary of their i)ro- 
ceeds. A j)rma/ac?'e case was thus strongly made out against the 
ex-governor, and the onns prohmidi was shifted to him to relieve 
himself of the charge. 

Under this grave state of the case, it was only shown in defense 
that the governor, after his retirement in the winter of 1857, took 
rooms at the St. Nicholas Hotel in Springtield, where he bought 
largely c ' the public indebtedness of the State— $380,000 of all 
sorts, other than canal checks of 1830. Mr. Kiles testified that 
$200,000 of this sum was fuiuled for and on account of Clark, 
IJo(lge& Co. "Messrs. E. E. Goodell (a son-in-hiw of the govern- 
or), \Vm. Smith and Mr. Nesbitt, swore that Gov. Matteson re- 
ceived from the Merchants' and Drovers' Bank, at Joliet, from 
December 12, 1850, to about the first of May, 1857, a little over 
$200,000, which Mr. Smith understood was to be used in buying 
State or canal iiidebtedness. Mr. Goodell states he knew that Gov. 
Matteson was about that time buying public indebtedness; and 
Mr. Nesbitt, that he brought to him packnges of money, which he 
delivered to him at his room in the St. Nicholas Hotel." Gen. I. B. 



bissell's administration. 671 

Ciirrau and A. H. Moore testified ''that tliey, eacli, at difiereiit 
times, were in his rooms at that liotel, and sawliim biiyiiif;- of ]>er- 
sons unknown to them, and apparently strangers in the town, canal 
scrip and clieclvs, to an amount, on sonu^ occasions, of about -t."),- 
0(K), which he paid for in cash at the time, except in one or two 
instances he was noticed to give a clieclv." Curnin thought pnr- 
clnises were made ocasionally at 75 cents on the <h)l]ar for i)ri.nci- 
pal, to which was added the accrued interest ; and lu' also tliouglit 
that he observed i)urchascs to the amount of |;>(),()()0 to $.-)(),()()(), 
and tliat some of these were 1)0 day checks. Moore swon^ that he 
thought he had observed the governor pay from $1.20 to $l.:'A) for 
l>rincipal ami interest of public indebtedness due. A letter from 
Governor Bissell stated that shortly after his accession he was 
fretjueutly api>lied to by letters and persons strangers to him, 
desiring to dis[»ose of evideiu;es of State indebtedm\ss, and he uni- 
foriidy referred them to Gov. Matteson as dealing in suchevi<lences. 

Thus while the trunk full of cancelled and worthless evidences 
of State indebtedness was readily found, no successful effort ap- 
pears to have been made to show what became of the box con- 
taining the uncancelled and unused canal scrip; and while Mat- 
teson obtained the new State bonds and money, he failed to show 
where he got the 90 day canal checks exchanged for them, 
shown to have been in the lost shoe box. 

From the time the exchange was effected in 1857, up to the time 
of its detection in 1850, neither Gov. Bissell, although ex officio 
fund commissioner, nor any other State ofticer, the fund commis- 
sioner's clerk, iMr. Moore, who had also been Matteson's clerk, 
alone excepted, knew anything of the transaction. Governor 
Matteson was not personally examined before the committee of 
inxestigation. Messrs. Grimshaw, Browning and Koerner were 
present on behalf of the State, and Messrs. Stuart and Ed- 
wards of Springfield, as counsel for Gov. Matteson. The exami- 
nation was reported in detail, and may be found in full in the 
Mcekh' Illinois State Journal oi April 27, and May 4tli, 11th and 
ISth, lS59. 

The committee forebore to express any opinion of the guilt or 
innocence of any party concerned, and were apparently glad that 
Gov. Matteson had saved them "the necessity of determining 
many endjarrassing questions arising out of the foregoing state- 
ment of facts, by offering to indemnify the State against all loss 
or liability by reason of moneys ])aid him, or bonds issued to him 
on account of said canal checks." The governor's letter to this 
effect, dated S[)ringfield, February 9th, 1859, ajjpears with their 
report. This letter, notwithstanding its fair langiuige that he had 
"unconsciously and innocently been made the instrument through 
whom a gross fraud upon the State has been attempted," and his 
"earnest desire for the preservation of [his] own rei)utation ])ure 
ami spotless, rendered [him] unwilling to retnin these bonds, 
although i)urchased by and issu<'d to [him] bona fide and for a vab 
uable consideration," was commonly regarded as a coid'ession of 
the transaction. 

These funded bonds were on deposit with the auditor of State 
as security for the State bank (so-called) located at Shawnee- 
town, a free or stock bank owned by Gov. Matteson. To imlem- 

•See m. Reports 1859, vol. 1, 644. 



672 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

nify the State against loss by these securities thus fraudulently 
obtained for the canal scrip, the governor and his wife, under 
date of April 21, 1859, mortgaged his Quincy property to the 
State.* 

The committee asked leave to sit during vacation for further 
investigation, which was granted, and in 18G1 they made a volumi- 
nous report, embracing a general examination into the different 
classes of indebtedness of tlie State. They found in the course 
of their investigation additional frauds upon tlie State perpetra- 
ted during the period in question, Avith various kinds of scrip, 
amounting in the aggregate, estimating iirincii)al and interest up 
to January 1, 18G1, to $165,346. 

To pay off a claim of $38,214 44 to Mr. Kenedy, authorized by 
the legislature in 1846-7, Gov. French had commeiiced to reserve, 
undefaced, internal improvement scrip paid infor State lands sold, 
but as this was slow in coming in, he, in September, issued bonds 
to Kenedy, which paid him off". In the meantime $4,501 64 of the 
land scrip had accunudated, and the governor caused a descrip- 
tive list of it to be made and liled away, which Avas found by the 
committee; but the scrip was fraudulently funded May 14, 1857, 
amounting then, principal and interest^ to $6,656 79. In Decem- 
ber, 1841, Gov. Carlin placed in the hands of the canal commis- 
sioners 298 bonds of $1,000 each, 195 were paid out, 101 returned, 
and 2, Nos. 105 and 106, reserved in blank for Messrs. J. G. and 
D. L, Roberts, who never called for them, and they were never 
paid out to any one. The bonds were dated July 1, 1841, anul 
fully executed except inserting the name of the payee. The com- 
mittee now found the two bonds in the auditor's office cancelled. 
" The evidence before the committee tends to show that the name 
of J. Cratty, the payee of bonds Nos. 105 and 106, aforesaid, is 
in the handwriting of Joel A. Matteson ; that while 19 bonds, 
numbered consecutively from 126 to 144 inclusive, were paid out 
to Cratty by the commissioners, these two never were, but were 
reserved as above stated. The loss to the State, as we have 
seen, was estimated at $165,346, besides the $223,182 66, based 
upon the uncancelled canal checks of 1839, total $368,528 GG. 
The committee conclude: "Whether this scrip thus fraudulently 
taken from the State was the scrip which was in the box and 
trunk above mentioned cannot be determined, because no des- 
criptive lists of the scrip was kept. The only facts in evidence 
before us tending' to throw light upon that subject are above 
stated." 

In the spring of 1859 the offense was brought to the attention 
of the grand jury of Sangamon county by three of the State 
officials, Messrs. Dubois, Hatch and Miller, who by their letter 
of April 27th, furnished that body a list of witnesses in va- 
rious parts of the State, all of whom had been before the 
senate committee. The witnesses were subijoenaed, and the e\i- 
deuce elicited was such that the grand jury, by a vote of 16 to 7, 
determined to indict; but on the next day their action was on 
motion reconsidered. The inquiry was extended, but nothing 
new being elicited they again determined to find a true bill, oidy 
to be again reconsidered. And now sundry members of the jury 
began to falter in their determination, and when they again bal- 

• See Book N. of Mortgages, pp. 650-83, Adams Co. — — — 



bissell's administration. 673 

lotted the bill was refused by a vote of 10 for to 12 against — 5 
having reversed their opinions. Many rumors and surmises, both 
of a political and financial character, gained curienc}' in connec- 
tion with these "backings and fillings" of that body. 

A grand jury's investigations nre ex 2)((rte. It is not their prov- 
ince to inquire into the defense. The attorneys of tlie accused 
governor planned a letter, which reached the jury through the 
prose(;uting attorney, suggesting (besides some witnesses who 
bad testified favorably to Matteson before the committee) the 
immes of Capt. O. H. Pratf of LaSalle and Dr. A. R. Knapp of 
Jerseyville, as parties who would make important disclosures. 
According to the rumors of the period, which were exceedingly 
numerous, the captain and the doctor mentioned were expected 
to shift the brand from the governor, and fix it ujion ex-Lieut. 
Gov. J. B. Wells, then deceased, who, we have seen, when he 
yielded up the canal oflice to his successor, McRoberts, liad re- 
marked "that the vouchers and affairs of the canal office would 
not hofd out." But the scheme failed; though these nunors 
promptly brought to the capital of Illinois Judge Wells, of Mas- 
sachusetts, his brother, who unwilling that the imputation rest 
longer on idle and mischievous rumors, demanded that the charge 
be avowed and the grounds distinctly set out— when they ini- 
ni ed i ate! y ceased .* 

The sum subsequently recovered by the State, under decree jeu- 
dered in the Sangamon circuit court against Matteson, was •'$2.'>5,- 
.500. On the 27th of April, 1804, the master's sale of the ex-gov- 
ernor's proi>erty took i)lace at the door of the court house in 
Springfield, to satisfy the decree. The property sold realized 
$238,000, leaving a deficit to the State of $27,500. The State 
became the purchaser of the larger share of it. His si)leiHlid man- 
sion and grounds at Springfield, which cost $03,000, brought only 
$40,000. This property was afterwards redeemed and never 
passe<l out of the possession of the family ; a son-in-law being the 
reputed owner, and the ex-go^•ernor making his very retired home 
there. Never did a governor retire from oftice in Illinois Avithmore 
respect by the people of both parties ; with more general confi- 
dence in his integrity or administrative ability; with prospects 
for future jiolitical preferment of exceeding high promise ; but the 
disclosure of these frauds upon the State, prostrated as by a sin- 
gle blow all these cherished hopes, and to-day there are doubt- 
less many peoi)le in Illinois who even do not know that such a 
man is in life among us.+ 

THE MACALISTER AND STEBBINS BONDS. 

Attempted Swindle by Fmiding them in 1859. — And now at the 
very hight of the great hue and cry of corruption, theft, robbery, 
&c., raised in connection with the canal scrip fraud, oa er which 
the republican press fairly gloated with demoniac delight, and 
while in the full tide of its onward career, a shadow was suddenly 
thrown across its track by a dark cloud replete with ominous por- 
tent, implicating the existing State government in an attempted 

* The full proceedings of the grand jury are published in the weekly 111. State Jour- 
nal of July 13, 1859. 
t The ex-g-Qvernor died in the winter of 1872-3 at Chicago. 
43 



674 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

swindle upon the treasury of the State, amounting to $244,268, by 
the refiiiuliiig of the Macalister and Stebbins bonds, so-called, 
which struck consternation into the ranks of the leaders. The 
democratic press, which had stood almost dund) under the revela- 
tion of the canal check fraud and meekly received the vehement 
blows of its adversary, was not slow to avail itself of the oppor- 
tunity thus afforded to oft'-set the former, and it rallied to the onset 
with a will. While the two wrongs did not make one rigid, it 
was nevertheless a great relief (snch is human nature) for the lat- 
ter to tind grounds to clmrge the former ecpnUly with culi>al)ility. 
In 1841, June 17th, JohnD. Whiteside, fund commissioner, re- 
ceived an advance of $2(11,400 from Macalister & Stei)bins, bank- 
ers in New York, for a short i)eriod, and as security, hy pot liecated 
with them 804 State bonds of .$1,000 each, bearing per cent, in- 
terest from Miiy 1, 1841. Eight days later he delivered to them 
30 $1,000 i)er cent, internal imi)rovement bonds; on the 1st of 
July following he gave them an order on Nevins, Townseud &Co., 
of New York, for a further batch of 41 bonds of $1,000 each, 
which they received; and on the 27th of October following, they 
received from Michael Kenedy $38,215 44 in canal scri]) — the 
whole aggregating $012,215 44 of Illinois interest bearing indebt- 
edness, whicli that lirm received to secure their advance of $201,- 
460 to the State. The receipt of these sums they acknowledged 
in their account current rendered in 1842, during the session of 
the general assembly, being 28 64-100 cents on the dollar of secur- 
ity in their hands. Upon the bonds and obligations received by 
them, after the first 804, they had agreed to muke further advances 
to pay the State's July interest for 1841, if it was found necessary, 
but tlie State stopping her interest piiyments, the advance was 
never nnvde ; and under her then financial embarrassments, the 
$261,460 advanced was not repaid; the hypothecated bonds, ac- 
cording to the contract with the fund commissioner, became for- 
feit, and Macalister & Stebbins claimed their full redemi)tion in 
money. But it was answered that this contract was made in vio- 
lation of law ; that it was the duty of the lender to have inquired 
into the fund commissioner's legal authority to hypothecate these 
obligations, and as he had manifestly been overreached by the 
arts and cunjiiug of money -jobbers, the State, at the bar of con- 
science, would only rei)ay the amount actually received with the 
interest agreed to be i)aid. But these just terms of settlement 
were refused, after which the pledged securities were known as 
the " Macalister & Stebbins' bonds." 

In 1847 (Feb. 28th,) the legislature passed "an act to authorize 
the funding of the State debt." By its i)rovisions the Macalister 
& Stebbins bonds were specially excluded from its operation. The 
new "certificates of indebtedness" authorized by it were desig- 
nated "New Internal Imi»rovement Stock of the State of Illinois," 
of $1,000 each. "Certificates" for matured interest of over 6 years 
were to be issued, not to draw interest till after 1857, being with- 
out coui)ons, as the interest was stipulated in the body of the cer- 
tificates. A "transfer agent" was to be ai)iK)inted in New York to 
attend to the funding of the complicated Illinois indebtedness. 

Three days after a supplemental act was passed to authorize a 
settlement with Macalister & Stebbins, by the inovisious of which 



eissell's administration. G75 

30 cents on the dollar were ottered, in new bonds on the anionnt 
hyi)othecated; the bonds to bear upon their face the words, "liijni- 
dation bonds," which, it will be observed, would ha\ e made two 
classes of Illinois funded bonds. By its terms the hiw ex]>ired on 
the 4th of July, 1847, and as the holders of the bonds refused to 
surrender them, or settle accoidin^- to its i»ro\isions, notliin*;- more 
wiis done. 

Subsequentlybetter counsel ])revailed, and at the session of the 
lejiislature in the winter of 1S41>, Wm. H. Jiissell, then a. nHMnl)er 
of congress from Illinois, was sent by Macallister & Stebbins to 
iSpringtield to make as good a bargain with the 8tate as he could 
for the redemption and settlement of these securities. "An act" 
was passed "to prevent loss to the State on the Macalistei' & 
Stebbins bonds." It was enacted that upon surrender of the bonds 
and scrip hyi)othecated with Macalister & Stebbins, amounting in 
the aggregate to $lH3,2ir).44, togt'ther with the interest coupons, 
the governor was to settle and i)ay the amount of mom-y originally 
advanced with 7 per cent, interest thereon from the date of deposit 
to the time of settlement, in $1,()()0 bonds due after bSd"), bearing 
(J per cent, interest, i)ayable semi annually in ISew York, j>>-o rata 
out of the interest fuiKl. The old bonds to be surrendeied in su(;h 
amounts at a time as $1,'0,()0() of the new l)onds would settle; and 
all heretofore surrendered to be credited in full at 12(1 cents on the 
dollar of the <S04 bonds first hypothecated. The new bonds, like 
those provich'd for in the act of 1S47, were to bear u])on their face 
the wor<ls "liquidation bonds." Hence no "new intei'ual im[)rove- 
ment stock" could legally be issued for these bonds; these liquida- 
tion bonds were a. distinct class. The" greater portion of the 
Macalister & Stebbins bonds were funded under this act at the 
rate offered, biit not all — 114 having passed out of their hands. 

During the session of the general assembly in 1807, Dr. W. W. 
IJoman, member from St. Clair, introduced a bill Avhich became a 
law, entitled "An act to fund the arrears of interest accrued and 
un[»aid on the public debt of the State of Illinois." It authorized 
the governor to take up all arrears of interest due and uni)aid, and 
to issue to the holders tlier<'of bonds of .$1,(1(10 each, the sajue as 
those authorized by the funding act of 1847; for old bonds with- 
out coupons, interest ceitihcates were to be issued to the holder, 
for which new bonds were to bc^ issued u])on presentation ; and 
"any holder of canal or internal ini])rovement scrip liohling less 
than |?1,0(I0 may i»resent the same with interest certiticates enough 
to make $l,(KIOor more, and the goveiiior shall issue a bond as be- 
fore stated for such amount." 

After its passage it was apprehended that the law was bi-oad 
enough in its terms to include the outstanding Macalister tS: Steb- 
bins bonds. To pre\ent such a construc4^ion. a joint resolution 
was promptly passed : "That no bonds or certiticates foi- airears 
of interest upon the ^Macalister & Stebbins bonds, hcUl by lien, 
shall be issued by thegovernor tothe holdersof theat'orenu'ntioned 
indebtedness, to their agents, or to any person ori)ersons clainn'ng 
under them." 

The outstanding 1 14 ]Vracalister«S: Stebbins bonds of ll.OOO each 
had passed into the iK)ssession of other i>arties in New York, who 
alleged that they had purchased them some 10 years ago at i)ublic 
auction without the knowledge that the State refused to pay them 



676 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

at par. They now, under the law of 1857, made application to tbe 
governor to Lave them funded at par, which was refused. They 
next applied to the supreme court for a mandamus to compel the 
governor to fund them, but the writ was also refused, the court 
holding that the executive is a co-ordinate and independent branch 
of the government, and that tliey had no power to command him 
to do an otticial act. iS^o opinion was expressed relative to the 
l^ower of the governor, under the law, to issue the bonds ; but 
Judge Breese, in deliverijig the opinion of the court, added : "If 
the governcu- asks our opinion on the point of duty, we will cheer- 
fully give it ; but we refer him to the high tribunal of his own 
conscience and the public jndgment." 

But notwithstanding the refusal of Gov. Bissell at this time to 
fund them, and apparently in the face of the joint resolution above 
quoted, he subsequently changed his mind, signed the requisite 
number of new bonds in blank, as did also the treasurer, Millei-, 
and sent them on to New York to be tilled up, as was the repre- 
hensible custon of the time. In 1859 he further ordered the State 
transfer agent, EdAvard Bement, resident in New York, to fund 
the old Macalister & Stebbins bonds at their full value, princii»a] 
and interest, in the "New Internal Improvement stock" of 1847, 
authorized by the funding act of that period, which in express 
terms forbade the funding of these bonds. The principal, $114,0(M), 
was accordingly funded, February 5th, 1859, leaving |78,GG(>, the 
arrears of interest, still unfunded. The bonds were held at the 
time by the New York Bowery Insurance Company, $85,000 ; the 
Mechanics' Banking Association, $26,000; and Morris Ketchum, 
$3,000. Under the existing laws of the State, the governor had 
no power to settle with these parties upon any other terms than 
those proposed by the law of 1849, at -:8.64 cents on the dollar; 
and the Just liability of the State on these outstanding Macalister 
& Stebbins bonds," including interest, was less than $45,000, 
whereas by this action it would have been directly $192,083, and 
ultimately "$244,268— a loss of near $200,000. 

The transaction seems to have been kept a profound secret. 
But at this time the canal scrip fraud having transpired, a bill 
was introduced into the legislature abolishing the funding agency 
in New York, and orderijig the books of the ofltice, containing the 
evidences of this transaction, to be forwarded to Springtield — and 
now on "a more careful examination of the law [the governor] be- 
came doubtful of his authority in the matter, and immediately 
telegra])hed Mr. Bement to stop funding, which was done at once."* 
Immediately after this the governor informed the auditor 
of the fact. "I was for blowing it at once," said that function- 
ary, "but he [the governor] insisted that that woukl lessen his 
chances of having the bonds returned, and I reluctantly consented 
to keep still for a time."t A correspondence was immediately 
opened by the governor with Mr. Bement and the holders, to 
negotiate with them for their surrender, which did not at once suc- 
ceed. In May the books of the New York funding agency were 
brought to Springfield. The auditor, professing now to derive 
his information from them, broke the subject to the treasurer, 
ATho ATas already apprised of it. These gentlemen, before the 

•See Dr. Muck's letter to the Chicago Journal, July 12, 1859. 
tSee Dubois' letter, lU. State Jour., July 20, 1859. 



bissell's administration. 677 



treasurer started to ]Sre\y York to pay the July interest on the 
State bonds generally, agreed and determined pdsitively between 
themselves "that nothing- should ever be paid iiiK)n the bonds of 
either principal or interest, while [they] were in the olliees." With 
this resolution on their part, the closure of the tnuusfer office in 
New York, and the fact that the new bonds issued under the law 
of 1849 were inscribed bonds — not transferable ex(!ej)t npon the 
books — they could not be used or placed upon the market at any 
price; nothing could be done with them, and as neither princi[)al 
nor interest had been paid to any considerable extent, the State 
could not be, and was not, financially, harmed. The scheme was 
nipped in the bud ; though before the transfer agency was closed 
in New York Mr. Ketchum succeeded in having his three new or 
funded certificates of $1,0U0 each transferred on the books to a 
Mr. Graham. 

"The plan embraced the funding of the 114 bonds under the 
general law of 1S47, which expressly prohibited its being done; 
to issue for them -New Internal Improvement Stock,' to the ciedit 
of which new stock was to be [)Iaced, the aggregate of i)ro rata 
interest which the State had paid in cosh on its bonds since 1847, 
amounting on these $114,000 of 'stock' to $37,208, which sum would 
be payable on the 1st of July, 1859, the first interest ])ay day after 
the funding of the bonds, (the bonds being fun(le<l on the 5th of 
February, 1859); in addition to which two sums there was issued 
certificates for interest due from date of the original bonds sur- 
rendered, up to the passage of the law of 1847 under which they 
were funded, amounting to $41,388 83 ; and the holders were en- 
titled to the further sum of $41,382, being the balance of the 13 
year's interest remaining uncredited to the 'new stock,' for whicdi, 
under Dr. Eoman's law of 1857, thev would be entitled to certifi- 
cates"*— making a total of $244,2G8 S3, or just about $200,000 
more than tlie State justly owed. 

During tlie summer of 1859, Dr. Mack was sent to New York to 
JK'gotiate for the surrender of the refunded bonds. As the hold- 
(ers found they could not make them available — being inscribed 
bonds they could not be sold without transfer on the books — 
the State departnient unwilling to recognize them or jtay interest 
on them either accruing or in arrear, tliey were finally, in Octo- 
ber, 1859, surrendered. The holders were unwilling, however, to 
.settle by the law of 1849. Six years later, at the session of 18G5, 
the legislature passed a law compelling tlie surrender of the Mac- 
alister aiid Stebbins bonds, under penalty of a foifeiture of inter- 
est after July, and principal after January following, 18t)(). The 
amount allowed to bejuiid by this law on each $1000 was $248 13. 

The ac.tioif of Gov. Bissell in ordering the funding of the ^lac- 
alister and Stebbins boiuls is difficult to explain. lie apparently 
disi'egarded the Dr. Komaii resolution, misremembered the man- 
damus proceedings in 1857 to comp<»l him to do what he now did, 
and violated the law of 1847, under whi('h the funding was done, 
M'hich expressly forba<le it; while e\en if he had been legally au- 
thorized to pay their I'ull value of principal and interest, as oidy 
about 28 cents on the dollar had ever been received for them by 

Letter of "lavestig-ator" to Chicago Times, Aug. 1859. 



678 nisTOEY OF Illinois. 

the State, it was plainly coutrary to the justice and equity of the 
case, and popular opiniou would have sustained him iu a refusal, 
for the protection of the treasury of the State.* 

Note— * When the transaction grained the light, during- the height of the canal scrip 
fraud investigation, Bissell's enemies, stimulated doubtless to additional partisan 
leeling, or influenced by personal animosity, put the very worst construction possible 
upon it, and the most corrupt motives ot combining with New York sharpers to rob 
the treasury were attributed to his excellency. A long letter from New Vork to the 
Chicago Times, dated August 20, 1859, signed "Investigator," evinces a "working up of 
the case" with apparently damaging effect to his excellency. From it, it seems, that 
an old IJellevilleacqaintaDce of Bissell's, through letters of introduction from him, in 
18.58, gained credit enough in New York to buy 111 of the bonds, with their accrued in- 
terest of $120,000 besides, for 5585,000. He brought an installment to Illinois to get 
funded, but owing to a quarrel as to how the profits were to be divided between him 
and his confederates, the sale was rescinded, and after some threats with the law, the 
bonds were given back. Next, the New York owners, one of whom was Morris Ketch- 
nm, a close friend of the governor's and one of the original Illinois Central Railroad 
Incorporators, having also resigned the State transfer agency, his partner, Bement, 
being appointed in the place, all with a view to the consummation of this fraud, it is 
hinted, tried their skill and ultimately succeed, as we have seen, in having the bonds 
partially funded; and with all these efforts Bissell, who had the power to fund the 
bonds, is sought by letters, conjectures and deductions, to be connected as a corrupt 
sharer in the profits of the transaction. The letter is the careful, elaborate and able 
argument of a legal prosecutor, who manifestly has much personal feeling in the mat- 
ter. It contains a complete history of the Macalister and Stebbins bonds, and many 
of the points against the governor appear to be well sustained by his own correspond- 
ence. At the meeting of the democratic State convention at Springfield, in January, 
1860, Hon. J. L. Don Morrison avowed himself its author, and iu a speech supple- 
mented his charges against his excellency by the production of a aumber of letters 
from him to the New York parties and his Belleville acquaintance + 

Prior toMorrison's convention speech, Bissell had been under many inflictions; but 
this was too much and in the IHiwJis State Journal ot .January 11,1860, he published a 
stinging reply, evincing the rekindling of his old flame of scathing invective. He 
attributes the causeless attack upon him to the envy and jealousy of his assailant, as 
the key to all his malice; thev were neighbors, both living in Belleville — one, obscure, 
had been honored with office repeatedly; the other, wealthy and conspicuous, had met 
■with constant disappointment in this respect. He deni.d receiving one cent during 
his long official career that did not properly and legally belong to him; pronounced 
the "Investigator" letter "a tissue of vile assumptions, inferences, deductions and 
downright lies;" accused Morrison of dishonorably suppressing a letter of his to Pen- 
seneau [the Belleville friend) rejecting a dishonorable proposition in reference to the 
funding of the Macalister and Stebbins bonds, which would have "blown his pitiful 
cobwebs sky-high," and by way of counter charges, proceeds negatively to intimate his 
assailant's connection with many dishonorable acts, overreaching widows and orphans, 
&c., to obtain titles to lands, prompting the Old Ranger to exclaim : "If that man 
keeps out of the penitentiafy 20 years he will be the richest man in Illinois. 

tSeelll. State Register, Jan. 10, 1860. 



Chapter LII. 

OUE SEI^ATORS IK CONGEE SS. 

Their Lives and Characters — Senatorial Contest between Lincoln 
and Douglas in 1858. 



Edwards and Thomas. — Upon the meeting: of tlie first Slate 
legislature in October, 1818, Kiiiiau Edwards, who had been the 
able and popular territorial governor up to that time, and Jesse 
B. Thomas, one of the federal judges during the entire separate 
territorial existence of Illinois, were elected as senators to con- 
gress ; the former on the first ballot by a large majority, ,">!3 out 
of the 40 votes, and the latter on the od ballot by 131 out of the 
40 votes cast; Leonard AVhite receiving IS, and Michael Jones 1. 

The full term of a senator is years, or 3 congresses. The con- 
stitution of the U. S. divides the senators into 3 classes, one going- 
out with the exi)iration of each congress. Upon the admission of 
a State the new senators draw lots for classes. Edwards drew the 
od class, being the existing loth congress which ex])ired with the 
3d of March, 1819, and Thomas the class which ex])ired with the 
17th congress on tlie 3d of March 18L*3. Both were re-elected for 
full terms. Edwards in 1819, till March 4th 18l}5, and Thomas at 
the session of 1822-3 till March 4th, 1829. 

Of Edwards we have already spoken fully, as governor. 
Thomas, as a federal judge, had l^orne himself with much dignity 
n])on the bench, but it is recorded that he did not apply his 
talents to the nuistery of the law. By nature he was rather a poli- 
tician, an avocation which absorbed his better abilities through 
life. Without talent as a speaker, he exhibited shrewdness and 
tact in the managenu'iit of men and questions. We have alieady 
noted the manner of his election as a delegate to congress by the 
Indiana territorial legislature in 1808, his pledge being that he 
procure the separation of IlliiK)is from Indiana, a valuable public 
service to us, which he fully discharged. Both senators actively 
supported, .in 1820, the admission of Missouri as a slave state. 
Mr. Thomas gained considerable notoriety for originally suggest- 
ing the line of 36d. 30m., known as the Missouri comi>romise. 
With this i)roviso the Missouri bill passed the senate, 24 to 20; 
the senators of all the slaveholding States, with one from Indiana 
and two from Illinois, the last admitted State into the Union, 
voting for it. Mr. Ilamlol])h, the leader of the ultia southern fac- 
tion in the house, indignantly cliaracterized the compromise as a 
"dirty bargain," and the northern men by whose co-opera- 
tion it was carried as "doughfaces," which was the origin of that 
appelatiou. Thomas was the intimate friend of Mr. Crawford, 

C79 



080 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

advocating- bis election to the presidency in 1824, but after tbe suc- 
cess of Adams, came over to tbe support of bis administration. 
During tbe convention struggle be advocated tbe engrafting of 
islavery upon our constitution. After tbe expiration of bis last 
senatorial term, be removed to Obio, wbere be died in 1853. 

Joliii McLean. — In 1821 Edwards resigned tbe senatorsbip to 
accei)t tbe mission to Mexico tendered bim by President Monroe. 
On tbe meeting of tbe legislature in ^November of tbatyear, John 
McLean was elected to till tbe unexpired term of Edwards, tbe 
latter baving tbrown up tbe Mexican mission, being bis competi- 
tor. McLean is said to bave been in many respects, the most 
gifted man of bis period in Illinois. He was born 1791, in North 
Carolina. At tbe age of 1 years bis father's family removed to 
Logan county, Kentucky, wbere be received such limited educa- 
tion as tbe new country afforded. He studied law, and in 1815, at 
tbe age of 23, came to Illinois and settled at Sbawueetown, with 
little means and less credit, but endowed witb great natural tal- 
ents and swayed by a lofty ambition. He speedily became con- 
spicuous at tlie bar and in political life. Tbree years after, be 
became a candidate for congress, Daniel P. Cook being bis oi)po- 
neut. Tbe contest was one of tbe most animated and vigorous 
ever made in tbe State, cbaracterized tbrougbout by a bigb-toned 
courtesy, wbicb eminently distinguisbed botb comi)etitors. Tliey 
were young men of rare i)romise and alike won tbe esteem of tbe 
people. McLean was elected l)y a small nuvjority, but al tbe next 
election Cook succeeded over bim and continued to bold tliei)la('e 
until 1820, wben Duncan beat bim. McLean was frequently a 
mend)er of tbe legislature and speaker of tbe bouse. 

He looked tbe born orator; witli a large symmetrical tigure, tine 
ligbt complexion, a frank, magnanimous soul, be exercised tbat 
magnetism over bis auditory wbicb stamped bim as tbe leader of 
men. Possessed of strong common sense, a lively imagination. 
a pleasant bumor, ready command of language, bis oratory flowed 
witb a moving torrent, almost irresistible to tbe masses of bis 
day. Witb tbese native attributes and a compass of intellect 
exceedingly great, consciousness of power caused bim to rely 
perbaps too mucb ui)on tbem to tbe exclusion of tbat discipline, 
constant and i)ainstaking study wbicb make tbe profonnd scholar. 
He was twice elected to tbe U. S. senate, the layt time, l^ccember 
eth, 1828, unanimously, as tlie successor of Jesse B. Tliontas, for 
a full term; but be oidy served tbe lirst session, and after coming- 
home died at Shawneetown in 1830, in the very prime of his man- 
hood, at the age of 39 years. His death was a great public loss, 
and tbe legisjature, as a fitting testimonial to bis memory, nanuHl 
tbe large, fcTOle and now populous county of McLean in honor of 
■ him. 

EUas Kent Kane — was elected a senator in congress Novem- 
ber 30, 1821, for the term commencing March 4, 1825, and termi- 
nating Mareb 3, 1831— to the place of M(;Lean. The latter, at the 
time of Iris election, 7 days before for the 3 months unexpired term 
of Edwards, was also a candidate for the long term, and, not 
doubting his choice, innnediately departed for Washington ; but 
a new candidate ai)peared in the field, and after a protracted 



SENATORS 'IN CONGRESS. 681 

sting'^le, lie tailed becoming- liis own .siiceessor, aiidElias K. Kane 
was elected. This uas on the 10th ballot, when Kane received 
28 votes, and Samuel D. Lockwood, the next highest, 23. iNIr. 
Kane was a native of Kew York; had received a thorongli educa- 
tion, being, a graduate of Yale College, studied law, and in 1814, 
when quite young, sought the south and west, and located tinally 
at Kaskaskia. He was i)ossessed of a strong, clear mind ; was a 
close reasoner, a profound lawyer, an agreeable speaker, a bund wri- 
ter and attained eminence in his ])rofession as well as in ])ublic life. 
When the wheels of the new State government were put in mo- 
tion, in October, 1818, Gov. Bond api)ointed him secretary of State. 
Aiterwards he was a State senator, Decendier 11, 18;J(), he Avas 
re-elected, on the first ballot, to the IT. S. senate for the full term 
from the 4th of March following', J. M. Kobinson, his principal 
opponent, receiving G votes; but before the expiration of his 2nd 
term, his health, which had long- been feeble, gave way, and he 
died at Washington, Decend)er 12th, 1835. He was a man of 
purity of character, hones0' of intention, amiable and benevolent 
in disposition, and very generally esteemed. The legislature 
named the county of Kane in honor to his memor}. 

DavuJ JcK'cff Baler — was, Noveniber 12th, 1830, appointed by 
Gov. Edwards to fill the unexpired term of John M(;Lean, deceased; 
but the legislature, between which and his excellency there was 
little accord, meeting- shortly afterwards, refused to sanction the 
executive choice, and on the 11th of Hecember, 1830, elected John 
M. Kobinson instead. Baker was born in Connecticut, in 1702, 
and after receiving- a collegiate education, and studying law, in 
1810 with his young- bride removed to Illinois, andlo(.'ated at Kas- 
kaskia. He was a studious, })ainstaking lawer, and attained a 
standing- with the ablest of the Illinois bar. He was long probate 
judge of Eandolph county. He eschewed politics, except in 1824, 
\\\h'U he actively, both with pen and tongue, opposed the intro- 
du<'tion of slavery into Illinois. For his warm utterances, the 
tlien chief justice of the State", Thomas IJeynolds, afterwai'ds gov- 
ernor of Missouri, attacked him with a, bludgeon in the streets of 
Kaskaskia. During his short stay in congress he originated the 
measure for disposing- of the government lands in tracts of 40 acres, 
whi<-h facilitated the settlement of the State— the law up to that' 
tinu' not permitting the entry of less than 100 acres. In 1833 he 
was appoMited by Jackson U. S. attoiney for Illinois, and reap- 
})ointed in 18.')7 by Van Buren. In 1840 he united with the whig- 
]);n-ly. In 1848 he was defeated for supreme judge by Mr. Trum- 
bull, in the 3d grand division. In 1854 he helped to organize the 
republican party. He died at Alton, August 10, 1809. * 

John M. Robinson — had the following opi)onents: Theophilus 
W. Sjiiith, Thomas Mather, R. M. Young, J. Kitchell and ex-Gov. 
Bond, but his strength increased at every ballot, and on the 5tli 
obtained a majority. Gen. Robinson was a Kentuekian by 
biitli, with a liberal education and a lawyer by ])rofession. While 
still a young man he canu' to Illinois and settled at Carmi, where 
he married, and continued to make his home ; a member of his 

•See Weekly Illinois State Journal, Aug. 11, 1869. 



682 HISTORY OF LLLINOIS. 

family — a daughter, tlieouly survivor — still resides there. He was 
tall aud erect in stature, well proportioued, of light complexion, 
with large head, pleasiug couuteuance and winning address — a 
fine specimen of manly beauty. A distinguished trait of his char- 
acter was sociability; indeed, his convivial disposition carried him 
into frequent excesses. His title of general was derived from a 
connection with the militia oigainzation of the State. He Avas re- 
elected to the U. S. senate December 20th, 1834, on the first ballot 
by a vote of 47 to 30 — R. JM. Young being his opponent — for a full 
term, which expired March 3d, 1841. In 1843 he was elected one 
of our supreme judges, but within two months after, April 27th, 
died at Ottawa, away from home, whither his remains were taken. 

Williain Lee I). Eiving — was elected 33ecember 29th, 1835, to 
serve out the unexpired term of Elias K. Kane, deceased. This 
election was a protracted struggle. His competitors were James 
Semple and K. M. Young, bothof w4iom led him on the first ballot, 
the vote standing, Semple 25, Young 19 and Ewing 18. On the 
8th ballot Young was dropped, the 9th and 10th stood a tie, but 
on the 12th Ewing received 40 to Semitic 37, and was elected. 
Gen. Ewing was a gentleman of culture, a lawyer by profession, 
and had been nuich in jtublic lile. He had been receiver of the 
public moneys at Vandalia and lost a $1,000 dei)Osit by the rob- 
bery of the State bank in 1823. He was speaker of the State 
senate in 1834, and by virtue of that position had been acting 
governor for 15 days. His title of general was of militia origin, 
and he attained some distinction in the l>lack Hawk war. He was 
a Kentuckian, above medium hight, and of heavy build, with 
auburn hair, blue eyes, large-sized head and short face. He was 
genial, social, friendly and affable, with fair talent, though little 
originality. Under Gov. Ford he was elected State auditor. 

Richard M. Young — succeeded to the seat of Gen. Ewing, and 
served out a full term from IVfarch 4, 1837, to March 4, 1843. He 
was elected December 14, 183G, on the 3d ballot, Sauuiel McRob- 
erts being his princij^al opponent; Archie Williams sind Gen. 
Ewing also received some votes, the former 21 and the latter 13. 
Judge Young was gifted with tine colloquial powers, and his inter- 
course with men was managed with an urbanity, smoothness and 
address well calculated to impress them with his excellence and 
worth, in which lay the secret of his success, rather than force or 
energy of character, or vigor and comjtass of mental endowments. 
His talents, which were respectable and above mediocrity, derived 
additional lustre from these amiable attributes. He was a Kentuck- 
ian, of si)iiie build, rather tall, educated, and a lawyer by jtrob^s- 
sion. In 1824 he was elected by the legislature one of the 5 circuit 
judges, and assigned to the 2d circuit. During his senatorial term 
in 1839, he was appointed by Gov. Carlin one of the State agents 
in connection with ex-Gov. Reynolds, to negotiafe the $4,000,000 
canal loan, for which purpose they repaired to Europe, and their 
advances of $1,000,000 in Illinois bonds to the house of Wright & 
Co., of London, proved a heavy loss to the State. Still, under 
party operations, before his senatorial term expired, he was nnidc, 
February 3d, 1842, a su]»reme judge, a jtosition which he held 
until 1847. He died at Washington, in an insane asylum. 



SENATORS IN CONGRESS. G83 

Fioiii this time on tlie caucus system was resorted to by i)ar- 
aes to determine their choice of candi(Uites for ottices, including 
that of United States senator, and aspirants to that exalted posi- 
tion were no longer distracted with the whims of individual legis- 
lators. The scheming or ])arty pipe-laying was now all with the 
view to secure the favor of leaders and the manii)idators of the 
caucus. Whom king-caucus designated as the i)arty nominee no 
one was to gainsay. The system was adopted by theminority aswell 
as the majority party, but it is to be noted that Illinois never had 
a whig senator throughout the existence of that jjarty. The hrst 
democratic senatorial caucus resulted in the selection of i)er 
haps the most uncompromisiug party man in the State. 

i^amncl AIcEohcrfs — the first native Illinoisan ever elevated to 
the high oftice of a United States senator from this State, was boin 
April 12, 17'J9, in what is now Monroe comity, his father residing 
on a farm. He received a good English eductation from a conii)e- 
tentpiivate tutor, Edward IIumi)lirey, and attained also some 
proticiency in latin, but his naturally strong mind inclined him to 
mathematics. At the early age of 20 he was appointed circuit 
clerk of Monroe county, a position which afforded him oi>portu- 
nity to become familiarized with forms of law, which he eagerly 
embniced, ])ursuing at the same time a most assiduous course of 
reading. Twoi years later he entered the law department of Tran- 
sylvania University at Lexington, Ky., where, nfter 3 full courses 
of lectures, he graduated with the degree of bachelor of laws. He 
commenced the practice of law in conii)etition with such men as 
Kane, Keynolds, Mills, Mears, Blackwell,Star, Clark, Baker, E«ldy, 
McLean. &c. In 1824, at the age of 25, he was elected by the 
legislature one of the 5 circuit judges. As judge he tirst i)ublicly 
exhibited strong partisan bias. In 1824 he had been a violent 
convention advocate, and now, in defiance of a release by the leg- 
islature, he assessed a fine against Gov. Coles for settling his 
emancipated slaves in Madison county, without giving ))ond that 
they should not become a public chaige; he also removed a circuit 
clerk in the same county, and ap])ointed another in his i)lace, 
from i>artisan motives, which caused a great outcry at the time 
and contributed largely to the repeal of the circuit court system 
in 1827. In 1828 he was elected a State semitor;in 18;)(> a]>]tointed 
United States district attorney for this State ; in 1832 receiver of 
the public moneys at the Danville land oftice, and in IS.'JU solicitor 
of the general himl oliiceat Washington. When the State banks 
of 18-37 passed into whig control by their organization. Judge 
Mcltoberts, with others, o]»i)osed them, ami they were reliised tlie 
land ofhce moneys as deposits, to aid in crippling them. On the 
10th of December, 1840, Sanuiel Mclloberts was elected United 
States senator for a full term, commencing March 4th, 1841. He 
received on the first ballot 77 votes, Cyrus Edwards, the whig 
nominee, 50, and E. D. Baker, 1. He died MmvAx 22, 1843, at Cin- 
cinnati, at the house of his ohl friend, Judge James Hall, formerly 
of Shawneetown, on his route home -from Washington, in the 
vigor of int<'llectual manhood, at the age of 44 years. 

Judge McRoberts was a little above nuulium hight, sparely 
built, of a nervous-bilious temperament, and had a good head.* 



*He had a detect in one eye. 



684 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

He was swayed by a stubborn will, a high ambition, and 
unbounded energy. His mind. Avas clear strong and precise, and 
he was a deep read lawyer. He was ever a voracions student, 
given to over-exertion. While he exerted a cogent influence over 
his party, he was yet without the smooth and oily arts of the 
ordinary politician. He governed bj^^ the i^ower of will rather 
than address and blandishment. 

Sidney Breese— succeeded R. M. Young to the United States 
senate for a full term, from March 4, 1843. He was the democratic 
caucus nominee and was elected December 17, 1842, on the first 
ballot, by lOSTOtes to his opponent, Archibald Williams', 49. 

He was born about the close of the last century, in Oneida 
county, N. Y., received a collegiate education and graduated with 
distinction from Union College. He had been the school-fellow 
of Elias Kent Kane, who was his senior. After the latter was 
appointed secretary of State, in 1818, he wrote for young Breese 
to join him, which he did by the close of the year, and read law 
with him. Aside from the ability of his preceptor, this gave him 
the advantage of forming a wide acquaintance in the new State. 
In 1820 he essayed the practice of the law in Jackson county, but 
met with failure in court before a jury, and, overwhelmed with 
mortification, resolved to abandon his profession. The next year 
he became postmaster of the ancient town of Kaskaskia. In 1822 
Gov. Bond appointed him <;ircuit attorney, in which position Gov. 
Coles retained him, but Edwards did not. In 1831 he prepared 
and published "Breese's Reports" of our sui)reme court decisions, 
benig the first book ever published in the State. The next year 
he took part in the Black Hawk war — being a major. On the 
establishment of the circuit court system, in 1835, he was chosen 
judge, in which capacity the McClernand-Field case came before 
hini— ^an exciting political question — concerning the power of 
the governor to remove the incumbent of the office of the secre- 
tary of State, which he decided with an elaborate opinion in 
favor of the relator, but which the supreme court reversed. U])on 
the reorganization of that court, in 1841, resulting in great part 
from this question, he was elected one of the five democratic 
supreme judges. 

As senator, he occupied the seat of his old school-mate and 
friend, E. K. Kane. Upon the expiration of his term he was 
elected, in 1850, to the legislature, and was made speaker of the 
house. In 1855 he was again elected circuit judge, and two years 
later, on the resignation of Judge Scates, again elevated to the 
supreme bench, where he has held a position ever since ; and 
here it is, by his numerous and able opinions, that he has made a 
lasting recoVd in the annals of this State, being a finished scholar 
and profound jurist. 

In congress he favored the annexation of Texas, our title to 
Oregon up to the line of 54d. 4()m., and carrying the war 
with IMexico into the lieart of that country. To his connection 
Avitli the land giant for the benefit of the Illinois Central 
railroad, we have alluded — his original plan being a pre-emi>tion 
instead of a grant. He juocured the passage of acts for the sale 
of the mineral lands at Galena and other places, and the rei)(>al 
of the 5 years exemption from taxation of the public lands in this 



SENATOES IN CONGRESS. 685 

State, wliich were valuable aids to the State at that juncture of 
her tiuaucial distress, lie made ajso an able re})()rt in faxor of a 
grant of land to a railroad from Lake Miehioan to tlie Pacilic. 

James ^^nqjle — was appointed United Stiites senator by Gov. 
Ford, in 1843, as the successor of Samuel 3Iclvoberts, decease<l, 
and after serving;' for one session as sucli a])pointee, the Iciiisla- 
ture, December 11, 1841, eontirmed his api)ointnu'nt by electing 
him for the unexi)ired term of his predecessor, by a voteol" 102 
to Jolin J. Hardin 47. In politics Semi)]e was a «leniocrat, and 
tlie caucus luuninee of his i)arty, as was Hardin of the whigs. 
He luul been nuich in public life. He was speaker of the house 
in 1S30-7, when the State Internal Improvement measure was 
passed ; afterward Charge de Affairs to oSTew Grenada and Judge 
of the supreme court. Gen. Semi)le was a fine looking man, and 
detested the plots and intrigues of i)oliti(;ians. Many of the older 
residents of Alton and Springfield will remember him as the })ro- 
jector of the "steam wagon" wliich lay for .years a wreck on the 
prairie south of Springfield. He wrote an elaborate histoiy of 
Mexico, which has never been published. 

Stephen Arnold Douglas — became the successor of Semple. He 
received the Democratic caucus nomination and was elected De- 
cem]>er 14, 184t), on the first ballot, by 100 votes to Cyrus Ed- 
wards, the whig lUHuinee, 45. Douglas was not uukiu)wn in the 
national legislature, having already served pints of 3 terms in 
the lower house. With the advent of this remarkable man, whom 
we do not hesitate to call great, into the U. S. senate, Uliiujis, 
took at once high rank in that august l)ody, redounding not only 
to her glory, but solid advantage such as no State before nor since 
has received from the hands of congress. We allude to the pro- 
curing of the Illinois Central railroail laml grant, a herculean 
task, in which he received the earnest support of his colleague aiul 
the entire delegation in the lower house. Douglas, though young 
in years, was directly acknowledged the peer of the great states- 
men, Clay, Webster and Calhoun, with whom he served his first 
term. Since his death, Trumbull has nuiintained a high i)osition 
for Illinois down to the present time. Douglas became his own 
successor in 1853, and again in 1850; l)ut we defer a more ex- 
tended sketch of his life and character to an account of the (cele- 
brated senatorial contest between him and Mr. Lincoln in 1858, 
coiitained in this chapter. 

James Shields — was chosen to succeed Sidney Breese for a full 
term from March 4th, 1849. He was the caucus nomiiu'c of the 
democracy, largely in the ascendant in Illinois. The contest — an 
exciting one — was oxer the caucus nomination. Breese strove 
earnestly to become his own successor, and .John A. McClernand, 
ambitioiis for the exalted seat, was also in the field. IJoth were 
greatly the superiors of Shields in ability ami probal)ly in art and 
address, but the latter had the advantage of military glory be- 
fore which mere civil services, however valuable, have ever paled. 
Keither was he a novice in civil official experience. Born in (county 
Tyrone, Ireland, in 1810, he emigrated to the U. S. in 1827, and 
settled in in Illinois, 3 years later. In 7 years time, without being 



686 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

naturalized, he was sent to tlie legislature from Randolph county. 
GoN'. Carlin appointed him auditor, and in 1843, he was elected a 
sui)reme judge. Under President Polk he was commissioner of 
the general land ofltice at Washington. In the Mexican war he 
entered by favor of the president as a brigadier-general and was 
afterward breveted major-general for gallant services. He was 
a fortunate soldier. Borne from the field of Cerro Gordo shot 
through and through, and reported athome as killed, he recovered 
in time to take a conspicuous part in the triumph of our arms un- 
der Scott in the valley of Mexico. In this latter campaign such 
was his soldierly conduct that the State of South Carolina voted 
him a handsome and costly sword, inscribed with the battles of 
Cherrebusco and Chepultepec, and the following sentiment: 

"FROM THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 

"TO GENERAL SHIELDS. 

''In testimony of her admiration of gallantly in the Mexican war, and 
as a tribute of gratitude for his parental atteutiou to the Palmetto 
regiment." 

From Mexico, after the fall of the capital of that country, had 
first come the announcement by letter that the gallant soldier 
would be a competitor for senatorial honors before the ensuing 
legislature of 1819. On his way home, at Washington, a public 
dinner was tendered him and Gen. Quitman, at which, in a ;Si)eech 
Shields si)oke incautiously in glowing terms of Gen. Scott, then 
under ban with the administration. Breese forseeing in this 
soldier of renown a formidable conii)etitor for his i)lace, did not 
attend the banquet. Before long Shields was ordered to Tami)ico, 
baton his route thither, at iSVw Orleans, a dispatch from the 
War department ordered him l)ack to Washington, to testify in 
the trial of Gen. Pillow. The order to return to Tampico was not 
renewed, and Shields came to Illinois and moved about among his 
friends. Now he was api)ointed governor of remote Oregon, which 
created the impression upon the jtublic mind that the object of the 
administration, which did not relish his fearless praise of Gen. 
Scott, was to banish him beyond being a competitor against 
Breese for the senate, but he did not accept the governorship of 
that remote post. 

In the senatorial canvass it was urged against Breese that he 
difi'ered with his colleague on a subject of vital importance to the 
State, the procuring of the Illinois Central railroad grant of land ; 
against McClernand it was objected that his principles of democ- 
racy were so thoroughly Jacksonian that consistency would lead 
him to oppose the vital interest of the west, the improvement of 
rivers and harbors; and against Shields, that he was ineligible, 
because, as a foreigner, he had not been naturalized long enough 
to entitle him to a seat in the U. S. Senate, the constitution of 
the U. S. requiring a citizenship of t) years. Shields having been 
naturalized in Ov-tober, 1840. These valid objections failed, and 
he was elected. 

Shields repaired to Washington to take his seat on the 4th of 
Maich following. And now this most im])ulsive sou of Erin 
committed a most foolish bluuder, to call it no worse, as public 



SENATORS IN CONGRESS 687 

men are wont to do when tliey write letters. To overcome the 
question of his inelij^ibility, wliich woiihl ])robabl.v be raised 
against his talcing a seat in the senate, he addressed Mr. Breese 
a letter under date of February 23, 1S49, cliiirging- him, among 
other "meiinnesses," toward him, with propagating- this in Illinois, 
saying : "Had I been defeated by you on that ground, I had sworn 
in my heart that you never should have profited by your suceess; 
and dei>end upon it, I would have kept that vow, regardless of 
consequences." I>iit that being past, he deiminded of him then a 
letter, acknowledging, in effect, that in 18^0, when he ( Shields,) 
talk(Ml of going- to Canada iu case of war, that he (Jheese) as 
circuit judge, offered to give him sonu-thing- in the sha]>eof a final 
naturalization certificate to take along — to simply proof in case of 
difficulty ; adding, '-and refuse this request, 1 here give you fair 
warning: — let the consequences fall on your own head — I shall hold 
myself acquitted both before God an nuin for the course I shall 
feel bound to imrsue toward you." 

But Breese did nt)t scare as well as it was evidently ho])ed. He 
refused <'ompliance with the denmud, Avhi(;h he construed as a 
thr<'at of assassination, })ublishing- his refusal, together with 
Shields' letter, in the news[»apers. Shields, in a subse(pu'nt letter, 
attempted to explain this away. When his credentials were pre- 
sented iu the senate on the oth of March, objections to his eligi- 
bility were promptly interposed; Douglas, however, succeeded iu 
having- him sworn in, which enabled him to participate in the 
debate. After due investigation, a resolution was reported that 
Mr. kShields was not eligible at the commem;ement of the term for 
which he was elected, and that his election was void. Before its 
adoption he tendered his resignation', and thus addressed the 
senate: *'To my own State, sir, 1 shall api)eal, ami hear what she 
has to say ; and if she deserts me now, if my State shall not an- 
swer to the appeal I am about to make to her, I will say further 
that it is my intention (though I have endeavored to prove my 
fidelity to my country by every act of my life,) never to offer 
myself again for oflice in the United States." As his resignation 
should have been tendered to the governor ratherthan the senate, 
the resolution was adopted. 

The question at home now was as to the power of the governor 
to till the vacancy thus occasioned. The constitution of the IT. S. 
says if vacancies ha]q)en b}' resignation or otherwise, during- the 
recess of the legislature of any State, the executive thereof may 
make tem[>orary a2>i»oiidments until the next meeting". Was this 
such a vacancy as the constitution contemplated that the governor 
had power to fill by ai)pointment, and thus save the expense of a 
called session ? The question was thoroughly discussed iu the 
l)id)Iic press, and by letters from public men, l)()th for and against. 
JNIr. Douglas, perhaps fearing a new election before Mr. Shields 
would beconu' eligible, held that the governor had the iK)wer y^ but 
that functionary, iu a long letter published, disclaimed the ]tower,t 
and finally, in Se[>tember of that year, issued his proclamation, 
convening- the legislature in extraordinary session, October 22, 
1840, to elect a II. S. senator, including- in his call a number of 
other subjects for legislative action. Under the decision of the 

*See his letter in 111. State Register, Aug-. 30,1849. 
+ Ibid, June ai, 184?. 



088 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

TJ. S. senate Gov. French had it in his i)ower to cut off Shiekls 
from tliis position, but he convened the ]ejj;ishitnre for a time just 
after Shiekls woukl be rendered eligible by being 9 years natural- 
ized. 

After the call the canvass waxed exceedingly warm. The wliig 
press openly espoused the cause of Shields, ciyiug out persecution, 
and charging that those democrats Avho usually controlled the 
jjarty in the State had determined to sacritice the gallant soldier, 
and that to attain their ends wicked means were being employed. 
Breese, McClernand and Shields were again the candidates, ami 
the friends of the respective aspirants were exceedingly active. 
The contest was again for the caucus nomination. The friends of 
McClernand, fewest in number, supposing that such a state of 
hostility existed between tlie respective adiierents of Breese and 
Shields, that neither would yield in caucus, biit would iinally as a 
compromise concentrate upon their candidate, proved very tena- 
cious. 21 ballotings were had ; on the iirst Shields received 28, 
Breese 21, and McClernand 18 ; on the last, Breese 20, McClernand 
12 and Shields 37 — a majority. The highest for Breese was on 
the 7th ballot, 29 ; the highest for McClernand on the 2d, 19. 
Shields was again elected senator, and thus ended the very bitter 
struggle. 

Lyman Tnimhull — succeeded to the seat of Senator Sliields for 
a full term froin the 4th of March, 1855 ; and became his own 
successor in 1801. Since the first organization of the democratic 
party, and dating beyond that to 1824, when it was in its forma- 
tive stage, those who afterwards constituted it never failed of 
electing men of their political views and principles to the U. S. 
senate from this State. Their defeat now was attended by a 
bitterness and depth of feeling unprecedented. The occasion we 
have already traced to the repeal of the Missouri compromise, 
resulting, unexi)ectedly to all parties, in this State going ahti-^e- 
braska at the election, of November, 1854. 

At the meeting of the legislature the choice of a U. S. senator 
was to be the political event of the session. The exact i)olitical 
status of that body after the election was not at once fully realized, 
and while the democracy were ap})rehensive they jet hoped to 
prevail. But upon its assembling in January, 1855, it became 
speedily apparent that by a fusion of all the anti-Nebraska mem- 
bers the democracy were in a minority. The house, on the 2d 
day, was .organized by the election of anti-Nebraska officers : Thos. 
J. Turner, of Stephenson, being chosen speaker by 40 votes over 
J. P. Eichmond, of Schuyler, democrat, 24. The senate acted 
more tardily on account of the conduct of Messrs. Jaruigan and 
Morton, Nel3raska democrats, representing anti-Nebraska districts, 
in absenting themselves. The fusionists, however, jirevailed, and 
organized both houses. 

Alarm now seized the democracy. Their press cried out to the 
fold: the wolf is on his walk — let the old party awaken to the 
danger which threatens it from the allied isms; traitors are con- 
spiring to stab deep into its vitals; nefarious schemes are con- 
cocted and combinations of an unholy ambition formed, moved 
unto by a deep-seated antipathy against the truest ami best men 



SENATORS IN CONGRESS. G89 

of the State.* Anon intimidation and cajolery were both tried 
ni»on the disaftectt'd wanderers from the demoeratic fold. They 
were deiionneed as malcontents who illy re<iuited the past favors 
bestow ed npon them at the hands of the democracy l)y their base 
attempts to disrnpt the old party — ingrates, pi()m])ted by malice 
and jealousy to rule or ruin. Tliey were apprised that the people 
were viyilaiit and would narrowly scrutiinze their every act, arti- 
tice and departuiv from principle, and would not fail to visit signal 
retribution upon those who braved, defied ami trampled iqnm the 
po[>idar will. The name of Doujiias-— a tower of strength, and 
dear to the democratic heart — was invoked ; it was necessary that 
his colleaiiue should be a man who would uphold his hands to 
battle for the success of those great i)rincii)les of non-interven- 
tion which were founded in jnstice, and which by the nuigicof his 
genius would e\entually triumph and overwhelm all its opi»onents 
with confusion. t 

All this was i)reliminary to the senatorial election. The contest 
was tar<lily ai>pr(»ached and was not linally reached until the Sth 
of February, owing ]>artly to a snow blockade which kept nmny 
mend»ers from the cajtital beyond the time of the temporary 
adjournment. James Shields, the regular democratic caucus 
nominee, was placed in nonnnation by Mr. Graham; Abraham 
Lincoln, tlie idol of the old whigs and strongly anti-Nebraska, 
by Ste[»lien T. Logan 5 and Lyman Trumbull the nominee of the 
less than half a dozen anti-Nebraska democrats, by John M. 
Palmer. Archibald Williams, W. B. Ogden, Joel A. Mattesou, 
Cyrus Edwards and W. B. Kellogg Avere also put in nomination. 
51 v(»tes were necesi'ary tea choice on joint ballot. On the tirst, 
Shields received 41, Lincoln 44, Trumbull 5, and the others named 
each 1. On the 7th ballot Shields was out of the field and Mat- 
tesou being sul)stituted, received on the 8,tli 4(5 votes, the utmost 
strength of the democracy. On the lOth Mr. Lincoln's name was 
withdrawn aiul the whig vote being concentrated on Mr. Trumbull, 
he received o() votes direct, and before the result was announced, 
Mr. Sullivan changed from Williams to Trumbull, electing himb}' 
just the requisite number. 

Neither i>ersnasion nor menace could move or intimidate the 
Trumludl phalanx of fi\e. Mr. Lincoln, though ambitious of 
senatorial honors, for he had been elected a member of the same 
legislature, but supposing he could be elected senator, had resigned 
shortly after; now when it became a])i)arent that he could not suc- 
ceed, he pressed hisfriends to support Mr. Trumbull, which was ulti- 
mately done, (witJi tears by his old friend, Judge Logan, it is said), 
not that they loved him less, but the cause of freedoui demanded 
it. Governor Mattesou, though he was not the caucus choice of 
his party, not being in full accord with Douglas on the question of 
harbor and river improvements in the west, the levy of tonnage 
duty for this purpose, &c.,the democracy boasted (as was done by 
Mr. Moulton ui>ou the tloor of the house, notwithstanding their 
knowledge of a-u anti-Nebraska majority,) that in the last resort 
enough members, influenced by a high regard of personal consid- 

* See 111, State Resister, Jan. ia55. 
i See the press of the period. 

44 



690 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

eratiou for his excellency, would rally to bis .support and triumph- 
antly elect hiui. But they reckoned without their host.* 

Mr. Trumbull, at the time of bis election to the senate of the 
U. S., was about 43 years old. He was born in Connecticut, where 
he received a good education. Subsequently he turned liis atten- 
tion to the law and later settled in Ilbnois to practice liisi)rofes- 
sion, which he did with marked success, speedily attaining- dis- 
tinction as an able lawyer. In 1840 he was elected to the legisla- 
ture. When Douglas was elected a supreme judge in 1841, Gov. 
Carlin, resisting legishrtive dictation, iii)pointed Trumbull to the 
vacant office of secretary of State, over Mc'Clernaiul, but lie came 
near being defeated in the senate by the efforts of the hitter and 
his friends, out of which grew some ill-feeling. Attheoi)eniirg of 
Gov. Ford's a<lministration,he incurred the displeasureof that func- 
tionary by opposing his policy toward the State banks, causing his 
dismissal from office. The same year and the following one, he 
sought the i-ongressional nomination in the Belleville district, 
but failing', upon the nu?eting of the legislature he aspired to 
the senatorial nomination against James Semple, the governor's 
appointee, and failed again. In 1840 his naine aj)i)ears among tlie 
candidates for governor, but failed through the influence of Gov. 
Ford, and on account of his o])position to the canal. He imme- 
diately sought and obtained the candidacy for congress in the 
Belleville district, but was defeated by over 2,000 majority, though 
the district was largely democratic. As a i)olitician Trumbull 
lacked that hearty and cordial geniality of nnmner which wins 
popularity among the masses. His intercourse with the i)eoi)le, if 
not formal, lelt the impression of reserve, and his nature was re- 
pellant rather than magnetic. But no such disadvantage obtaiiu'd 
with him in regard to politicians — over such as might be reached 
by the force of intellect he ever exercised a large influence. How- 
ever, after these repeated trials for place, in 1848 he Avas elected 
one of the supreme judges under the new constitution, which 
office he resigned July 4, 1853, on account of insufficient salary. 
By nature, study and habit he was admirably fltted for thebeucli; 
with a mind strong, clear and penetrating, wliich, while it inclined 
to detail, never lost its broad grasp of principle — here he was 
capacitated for great eminence. He was an able, searching and 
coni}>rehensive constitutional pleader. He was ever a strenuous 
and ultra democrat, but in 1854, unable to brook the repeal of th-e 
Missouri comi)romise, he opposed his party upon that question, 
and was in November elected to congress as an anti-Nebraska 
democrat, which place he resigned to accei)t the senatorship. 

His record iu congress, which is national, and not our i)rovince 
to give, stands very high. He was for many years the able chair- 
man of the judiciary committee, and few congressional acts of 
importance but what bear the impress of his far reaching mind. 
As an orator he is devoid of imagery and ornateness of diction, 

* The whigs for a long time felt sore over the defeat of Mr. Lincoln and the forcing 
of an obnoxious candidate upon them bj- the arbitrary conduct of only .'imen. In 
1856 the Hon. J. H. Matheny, a whig, in a Filmore speech at Petersburg, using most 
scathing language toward Mr. Trumbull, boldly charged a pre-arranged bargain be- 
tween all the anti-Nebraska elements to the eftect that Trumbull was lo he elected to 
congress, which was done : that the abolitiouists were to have the offices on the co7i- 
vening of the legislature, which they gf)t; and that the whigs were to have the U. S. 
senator, which tliey did not get. The charge was denied at the time by a brother-in- 
law of Mr. Trumbull, and in 18.')8, Mr. Lincoln, during his senatorial canvass with Mr. 
Douglas, iu his speech at Charleston characterized it as a " cock and bull story."] 



SENATORS IN CONGRESS. G91 

bat as a close, clear, compact and systematic thinker, with an 
excellent memory, a wide aiiquaiutaiico of public alfairs, and an 
extensive knowledge of the law, he was the most formidable de- 
bater of the august senate. As a practical expounder of the 
principles of his party, he eclipsed Mr, Seward. He ever has 
been a hard student, but notwithstanding his mental labor he 
bears his near three-score years well and looks youthful.* 

DOUGLAS AND LINCOLN. 

Senatorial Campaign o/1858. — The contest between these gen- 
tlemen for a seat in tlie IJ. S. senate is not only the most memorable 
in the annals of Illinois, but involving great natioiud issues at the 
time, assumed a scope beyond the mere i)ersonal success of the 
contestants, and an importance which arrested public attention 
from all parts of the Union. Douglas was the leading representa- 
tive man of the democracy, and Lincoln being pitted against him, 
became the same for the republican i)arty. It was called the battle 
ot the giants, and results grew out of it, both as relates to the men 
concerned and the principles involved, the nu)st momentous to the 
nation since its foundation was laid in the blood of the llevolution. 

To ap[)reciate tliis contest fully we are comi>elIed to present a 
short view of the status of parties at the time. 

The all-absorbing political question was that of slavery. Since 
the (lay that Whitney invented the cotton-gin, slave labor had 
gradually become so profitable that the whole south favored the 
eidargement of its territorial area, and so far as the south, acting 
as a unit, could control the democratic party, it was pro-slavery. 
To this was arrayed in sectional antagonism the new republican 
l)arty, which, while it i)rofessed to be anti-slavery only so far as 
extending the territorial area of slavery, had through sympathy 
swept into its ranks as co-workers all the old abolition element of 
the country. Between these two, thus presenting a dangerous 
secti(Uial issue, it was attempt^id to interpose the broad national 
doctrine of non-intervention, or as itwas called, i)opular sovereignty, 
of which Mr. Douglas was the acknowledged champion. This i)rin- 
ciple, honestly aitplied to the organization of the territoiies, and 
fairly carried out, offere<l the only peaceable solution for the lierce 
sectionalism of the period. But this jjlausible theory was practically 
subjected to the grossest abuses. Kansas and Nebraska had been 
organized upon it, but no sooner done than emigrant aid societies 
were formed throughout the north sending thither men armed with 
Shar[»'s rifles to locally- organize the territory in the interests of 
freedom, while the slaveholders of the south with their emissai-ies 
l»ressed over the borders to effect the lii-st organization in the in- 
terests of slavery. Two parties with totally opposite views thns 
strove for supremacy in a new countiy where there was no legal 
restraint imposed upon them, and it is nut strange that collision and 
an actual border war followed. 

[* Gov. Matteson rofusod Mr. Triimbuil his oetrili'cate of election as senator in 
1855, lieciiuse tlie constitution providerl tliat " the judu-es ol' tlie sutn-eme and circuit 
courts shailnotbe eligible to any olfice or public trust in this State or the United 
States, durinjr the term for which they are elected, nor for one year thereafter." 
But the senate of the U. S., when the question was raised, held that it was the jud^e 
of the qualification of its members, a ri^ht which no State law, either organic or statu- 
tory, could take away or circumscribe.] 



693 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

Wl)ile the south viewed ]>oi)uhir sovereignty as the short cut to 
all' the ends of abolitionism, the democratic party, of which, by its 
unity it was the controlling party at Cincinnati in national conven- 
tion assembled, solemnly aflirmed it as its creed. Mr. Euclianaii, 
its nominee, in his letter of acceptance said "that the peojde of a 
territory, like those of a State, shall decide for themselves Avhether 
slavery' shall or shall not exist within their limits." The nation 
gave its confidence to these fair promises only to be deceived. 
After Buchanan's accession to poAver, with a cabinet mainly of 
southern men about ]iim,he threw off the nu\sk, and in his mani- 
festo to the New England memorialists, said : "slavery existed at 
that period — when the Kansas-Xebraska bill was passed — and 
still exists in Kansas under the constitution of theU. S. TJiis point 
has at last been decided by the highest tribunal known to our 
laws [alluding to tlie Dred Scott decision]. How it could have 
been seriously doubted is a mystery." 

During the summer of 1857 was concocted in Kansas the infa- 
mous Lecom])ton constitution. After the election of the i>ro-shivery 
delegates — the free State men not voting — and when the character 
of their work was well anticipated, rumors wei"e current that the 
president would siistain it ; and after the adoption of its i)ro- 
slavery clause by a largely fraudulent vote, in which all the great 
historic names of the country, from George Washington down, 
were recorded in its favor — the free State men not voting at all, 
because the constitution proper, which also recognized slavery, 
uot being submitted — upon the meeting of congress he boldly ami 
in shameless defiance of his previous pledges to the country, urged 
the admission of Kansas under this fraud.* He made it the test 
of party fealty, and brought to bear in its favor the full power of 
his official i)atronage. Douglas, in a speech at Milwauke, in 1800, 
says : 

" If you look into the Lecompton constitution you will find that the 
original document made Kansas a slave State, and then the schedule 
submitted another slavery clause to the people to vote for or against ; if 
they voted for it, Kansas was a slave State, and if they voted against it 
stili it was a slave State. When I reached Washington, three days before 
the meeting of congress, I went directly to the pi'esident, and had a talk 
with himupou this subject, in which I informed him, as a friend, not to 
send the constitution into congress for acceptance. I told him that it 
was a violation of every pledge we liad made to the people ; a violation 
of tlie fundameuttd principles of the democratic party, and a violation 
of the principles of all parties in all republican governments ; because \t 
was an attempt to force a constitutiou upon an unwilling people. He 
begged me not to say anything upon the subject until we should hear the 
news as to how the vote stood on the slavery clause. The vote, you re- 
member, was to be taken on the slavery clause on the 21st of December, 
three or four weeks subsequent to this convention. I told the president 
that if he would withhold his i-ecommendation until the vote was taken 
on that clause I would withhold my speech against the measure. He 
said lie must recommend it in his message, and I replied that if he did, 
I would denounce it the moment his message was read. At last the 
president became somewhat excited upon the subject, and he arose and 
said to me : 'Mr. Douglas, I desire you to remember that no democrat 

♦ "My political life has no greater error to atone for than ray neglect to crush this 
reptile of Pennsylvania when I had him in my power. He was the cause of a bitter 
war between two men of this republic (Clay and .Jackson,) who should not have been so 
estraiiycd. Ilis r(![irusentations caused ti)e charge of 'bargain and sale,' and vvhen 
brouiilit lionu- to liuii he meanly left me to face it. Friends interfered to save himfrnm 
beinv; ex posed, and I hsiened to them.'— Jackson's opinion of Buchanan, expressed 
to Moses IJawsoii in 1837. See Washington Ilepublic, 



SENATORS IN CONGRESS. G93 

ever yet differed from an administration of his own elioice without being 
crushed.' Tiien lie added : 'Beware of the fate of Tallmadge and Rivers.' 
I arose and said : 'Mr. President, I wisli you to remember tliat General 
Jacltson is dead, sir.' From that day to this he and I have been trying 
the question whether General Jackson is dead. And one thing is certain 
— the people of Illinois decided in 1858 that James Buchanan was not 
General Jackson." 

At the opeuing- of congress iu the fall of 1857, the slave propa- 
gaiidists, assured of the powerful aid of the executive, proclaimed 
loudly that Kansas must be admitted under the Lecompton cou- 
stitutiou uucouditioually, supplemented with their oft repeated 
threats of disunion. But the great champion of popular sover- 
eignty, unwilling to do this violence, both to the law of his country 
and the pledges of his party, now promi)tIy stepped forward and 
fought the battle of freedom for Kansas, almost single-handed of 
iiis party iu the senate, but well seconded iu the house by the 
democrats of the Illinois delegation, ably led by the lamented 
Thonuis L. Harris. In disregard of old and dear party ties, the 
popular sovereignty democrats stood side by side with the repub- 
licaus iu congress, aiul the recreant president with his disunion 
allies were deleated iu their outrageous scheme to force slavery 
on the unwilling people of Kansas. 

From a volume entitled " Our Living Representative Men," by 
John Savage, we copy a few graphic sentences describing a mem- 
orable scene iu the Ujiited States senate, on the occasion of Mr. 
Douglas' delireriug his celebrated anti-Lecomi)t(Ui speech, ]Marcli 
I*!*, 1858. Besides citizens from all parts of the Union and mem- 
bers of the lu)use, the dignitaries and represeutatixes of foreign 
courtjs at Washington were in atendauce: 

"If the immense mass of people who crowded the galleries, the 
loVvbies, the stairways and tiie ante-rooms of the senate is any evidence 
of interest in the question of debate, then Kansas is tlie most interest- 
ing topic of the day. * * Senator Douglas entered the chamber just 
after a fainting laxly had been carried out of the gallery. * * He was 
congratulated by men of all parties, and soon was engaged in an earnest 
con tab with Green, upon whose spirits, however, the Little Giant did 
Dot seem to make any especial change. * * * * 

Gwiii and Seward rose simultaneously and moved to admit the ladies 
to the iloor of the senate, and a perfect flood of beauty poured into the 
chamber. The appearance of Senator Douglas was the token for around 
of applause. The sight must have been jts deeply gratifying to him as 
it was entrancing to that mother and daughter, Mrs. Douglas and her 
mother, wlio, from the reporters' gallery, looked upcm the scene with 
that anxious pleasure which tell the physiognomist that they, of all 
the gay aud brilliant crowd, had the deepest interest in it. For three 
hours Senator Douglas spoke— he warmed up by degrees, lifting the 
head and heart of the multitude with him, until one almost felt as if 
he were iu Europe during the revolutions, listening to some powerful 
tribune of the people expounding their rights and inspiring them to 
such acti<m as made America a republic. He went tlirough his public 
course. The period embi'aced some of the most prominent and vital acts 
iu the history of American poltics. He showed — not as a defence, but 
in :j proud, manly, and almost defiaut spirit — what his acts had been; 
he echoed his own words ; he wiis prouc! of his deeds — deeds and words 
whicii were recognized portions of the policy of the democratic party. 

As he proceeded, with emphatic and measured dignity, to define his 
position in the present crisis— wiuit the duty of a senator from a sover- 
eign State was, and the responsibility he owed to the people whose voice 
culminate in him — he held the multitude chained with that peculiar 
eloquence which, based on common sense and the rights of man, reaches 
its destination without the aid of winged rhetoric. Such eloquence 



694 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

does not dazzle, it conviuces , it does not stretch the fancy, but solidilies 
the head ; it does not hold the breath, but makes one breathe freer, for 
it cheers the heart. 

The great burst of applause which broke from the galleries and rolled 
over the chamber was a nobler testimony to the principles enunciated 
by the eloquent senator than might be written. He was there tlie 
defender of the people, the representative of the State, and not the 
vassal of the executive, nor the valet of the administration, to do its 
bidding without consulting their own judgment or the interests of the 
people. He stood forth as the champion of State sovereignty." He 
grew in enthusiasm with the progress of his subject, and the effect was 
electric. 

Thus was conveyed a lesson which should have taught the chief 
magistrate of this nation that there may be popular leaders more 
powerful than the executive, with all his enormous patronage at 
Ins hack ; but his perception was blinded by mortification, iind 
he looked only to revenge, and for this purpose pursued Douglas, 
who looked foiward to a renewed senatorial term at the eiisuing; 
session of the legislature, with all his official power and patronage, 
into Illinois. 

Tlie adherents of the president in this State, the federal officers 
and appointees, and other recipients of his bounty and favors, 
joined by the broken down i)oliticians and place hunters, whose 
future depended not upon the preservation but rather the de- 
struction of the democratic party, and also those moved by envy 
or hatred of the "Little Giant," were rallied and thoroughly organ- 
ized. A few democratic newspapers yielded to subsidy, but more 
were directly established ; and itinerant orators were enii>l(>yed to 
peiambulate the State through its lengtli and breadth. The adlier- 
ents of the president were designated as Danites. A secret 
politico-nulitary order in Kansas, of whose fearful oaths and 
frightful doings, horrid accounts had been published, was 
denounced in congress by Mr. Douglas, and characterized as an 
imitation of a cut-throat Monnon band, called Danites. One of 
the reputed leaders of the Kansas order was employed in Illinois 
as a general post office agent, in which capacity he traversed the 
State constantly, notoriously doing more to organize the admiins- 
tration oposition against Douglas, by threats of dismissal or intim- 
idation, than ferreting out government delinquencies. 

The democracy of Illinois met in convention at Springfield, 
April 21, 1858, to nominate candidates for State treasurer and 
superintendent of i)ublic instruction, and particularly to declare 
its status with legard to the great question of variance between 
the ])resident and Senator Douglas. In 97 of the 101 counties 
resoluti<nishad already been passed by the democracy, approving 
tlie course of tlie Illinois delegation in congress upon thisLecomp- 
ton question. Two conventions met at the appointed time and 
l)lace, botli clainnng to represent the true democracy of the State, 
one sustaining po[)ular sovereignty and approving the course of 
our delegation in congress during the Lecompton struggle, the 
other endorsing the administration and repudiating Douglas as 
attiliating with republicans. The latter wasbut sparingly attended, 
the representation being from 24 counties, and its proceedings 
were somewhat spiritless. John Dougherty (since lieutenant 
governor) presided. Ike Cook, a (3hicago postmaster, was chief 
maimgei', and Dr. Leroy, John L. McCoiniel,R. B. Car})enter and 
B. F. Blackburn were the speakers. As it was partly comijosed 



SENATORS IN CONGRESS. 695 

of seceders, uo ticket was made, and an adjonrnment till tlie 9th 
of June was had, when it met again with a somewhat larger 
attendance. John Dongherty was nominated for treasnrer, and 
ex-Gov. John Reynolds for State school superintendent, both by 
acclamation. The "nationals" met with much encouragement 
from the republicans, but now, in their long platform of princi- 
l)les, they paid their respects to them as follows: We deem the 
principles and policy of the black republicans as utterly opposed 
to the spirit in which the Union was formed, and the success of 
that party would be disastrous to its prosperity — which was not 
so palatable to the latter. The president was very nuicli dissat- 
istied with these meagre and spiritless affairs ; county meetings 
and district conventions were therefore held, and administration 
legislative tickets were generally put in tlie field with the ho[)e of 
diverting' votes enough to carry the State for the republicans. 

The regular democratic convention was largely attended, 84 
counties Iseing fully represented, embracing- more of the eminent 
and distinguished men of the State, than was connnon on such 
occasions. Ex-Lieut. Gov. John Moore presided. The ticket 
uuide was W. B. Fondey for treasurer, and ex-Gov. French for 
sni)erintendent of public instruction. While the resolutions of 
the convention were firm in their tone, they did not opeidy and 
decisively mention Douglas by i]ameand applaud his course, nor 
did they condejnn the president in direct ternis. It Avas sought 
rather to avoid an open rupture with the administration. A reso- 
lution offered by Judge Drummond, "Tliat this convention view 
with regret the course pursued by the i)resent administration in 
removing- good men from officefor the expression of opinions upon 
any given proposition," was, upon motion of Judge O. C. Skinner, 
l»romptiy laid on the table. This looks like a piece of arrant 
truckling- to an arbitrary and recreant president. It was ho])cd 
that the Kansas troubles would prove evanescent and that party 
unity would l)e preserved. The convention did not nomiiuvte or 
recomniend Mr. Douglas as the senatorial candidate, as did the 
rei)ublicans Mr. Lincoln, some time after. But his candidacy was 
geiun'ally conceded. There were other aspiiants in the demo- 
cratic ranks, but when it was perceived what herculean blows 
were requisite in the fight, the field was left by common consent to 
the Little Giant. 

But with the efforts and exceptions mentioned, the democracy 
generally, both press and i)eople, sustained Senator Douglas. 
During the darkest hour of the Lecompton struggle, the rei)ubli- 
can press, laying aside party, heartily praised the course of Doug- 
las and his colleagues of the house for their noble stand in vindi- 
cation of law and popidar right, against the slave oligarchy, with 
a treacherous president at its head. During- the canvass Mr. 
Greeley, a warm admirer of the character of Douglas, howexer he 
warred against his political principles, held the followinghniguage 
in the New York T/'i&WMe regarding his or Mr. Lincoln's success: 

"There is a contingency iu which even he [Mr. Liucohi] might be 
elected, that would cause such election to be viewed with regret by 
republicans in other States. ■* * We allude to secret coalition between 
republican leaders and the little faction of postmasters, tide-waiters and 
federal office seekers, who, for the sake of their dirty pudding, present 
and hoped for, pretend to approve the Lecompton traud, and are now 
hounding on the track of Senator Douglas. Any conspiring or conniv- 



69G HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

ing with this pack on the part of republicans of Illinois, no matter by 
what name glossed, under what pretext veiled, would be regarded by 
rei)ublicans in other States with profound disfavor." 

Of Douglas, he lieldtbe following language : 

"They have seen him separate himself from a triumphant and almost 
invincible administration, which had honors to dispense and millions 
to disburse, braving the denunciations of party organization and party 
progress, which have for 20 years borne him onward from triumph 
to triumph, and from indigence and obscurity to opulence and dis- 
tinction — they have seen him incur the deadly and unquenchable 
hatred of the slave power, blasting in a moment all the reasonable hopes 
of obtaining the presidency through the machinery and spell of the 
democratic party. * * When a statesman so high in'position, in jjower, 
in hopes, separates himself froiji a triumphant majority to fight a 
momentous hattle on the side of a minority, to whom he had always 
stood in deadly opposition, it is scarcely I'easonable to attribute that 
change to any motive which does not honor his conscienciousness and 
his courage. And it seems to us particularly ungracious in those to 
whom he has lent the weight of his powerful arm to unite with his 
and their implacable enemies, in disparaging his motives, belittleiug his 
influence, and paralyzing his exertions. * * However pointed may be 
our future differences, we shall never forget that in the Lecompton 
struggle he proved faithful, in defiance of great temptation, not to our 
principles but to his own, * * If this course was taken, the conse- 
quences braved by Mr. Douglas, solely upon the sti'ength of his convic- 
tions of right, and of the moral weight of the pledges given in the 
Nebraska bill and the Cincinnati platform, no public man in our day 
has evinced a nobler fidelity and courage " 

But this out-spoken approval of Douglas' course by the republi- 
can press outside of the State was bitterly and defiantly resisted 
in Illinois. Tlie administration organs had read liini and his fol- 
lowers out of the democratic party, and the reflection had been 
indulged that he might find a lodging place in the republican, but 
the i)ress of the latter party, knowing well the man, scouted tliis 
as an egregious falacy. Their ])o]itical hatred of their old foe was 
revived with all its former animosity, and they pro(;lainied that 
there was no conflict into which the rc})ublicaiis of Illinois entered 
so heartily, so thoroughly, so unitedly as this. They desired to 
be avenged on hiui with an intensity not to be appreciated by 
outsiders, and for the purpose in hand asked to be let alone in 
the fight by the sentimental philosophers and enthusiasts abroa<l.* 
The feeblest efforts, sayings and pnr[)oses of the Buchanan men, to 
divide the deiiuK'racy of the State, Avere greedily taken up, paraded 
before the public and heralded abroad in a magnificent foini. 
The strange anomaly was exhibited ol' a most persistent i)raise 
and flattery bestowed by the republicans upon tlie slave l»arty, 
Avhile those who had in congress stoo<l side by side with them in 
the defeat of the Lecomi)ton iniquity, received only their abuse 
and slander. All this to ])roin()te the schism in the democratic 
party, and redound to the benefit of their own. 

The State re])ublican convention met at Springfield, June 15, 1858 
and wasorganizcd by selecting ex-Lieut.-Gov. Koerni^r as ))resident. 
It was largel.N attended, 87 counties being represented, and nuicli 
eiitliusiauSin was exlubited. James ]\riller, the then incumbent, was 
re-nominated for treasurer withoiTt oi)])()sition. For the (.-andidacy 
of the oflice of superintendent of public instruction ten mimes 
were presented. The second ballot sliowed the contest to lie be- 

'ifee Chicago papers ol June, 1858. 



SENATORS IN CONGRESS. 697 



tweeii W. H. Powell, the then incumbent, and Newton Batemau, 
of Morgan, who on the third ballot received the nomination. 

In their declaration of principles they "disclaimed all intention 
of attempting-, either directly or indirectly, to assail or abridge the 
rights of any of the members of the confederacy guarantied by the 
constitution, or in any manner to interfere with the institution of 
slavery in the States where it existed." They denounced the ad- 
ministration ; differed with the decision of the U. S. supreme court 
in the Dred Scott case ; maintained the right of congress to pro- 
hibit slavery in the territories, and its duty to exercise it; ap])roved 
tlie then recent decision of the supreme court of Illinois declaring 
that i)roperty in persons was repugnant to the constitution, and 
that slavery was the creature of local or municipal law. Charles 
L. Wilson offered a resolution, which was unanimously adopted 
amidst shouts of apidause : " That Abraham Lincoln is the tirst 
and only choice of the republicans of Illinois for the U. S. senate, 
as the succcessor of Stephen A. Douglas." 

Douglas and Lincoln. — These two most eminent and illustri- 
ous men of Illinois and of the nation deserve at our hands some- 
wiiat more extended biographical sketches than are generally 
given in this work, which we deem it proi)er to make before in^o- 
ceeding to detail their great contest for senatorial honors. 

iSfep hen Arnold BnugJas — was born April 23, 1813, at Brandon, 
Vci-mont, "a good State to emigrate from," as he has said. His 
fatlier. who died when Stei»hen was an infant of 3 months, was a 
])hysician of considerable eminence, and a native of New York. 
His grandfather was a l*ennsylvanian, and a soldier in the Bevo- 
liition, being with Washington at Valley Forge and at Yorktown. 
His great grandfather was also native born, but the remote ancestry 
was from Scotland, and, it has been said, traceable to the blood of 
the Douglas. In youth Stephen received the ordinary school 
education of his native State, and was an apt and diligent pupil. 
At 15, unable to gratify an ardent desire to prepare for college, 
owing to his mother's straightened circumstances, he apjtrenticed 
liimself to the cabinet trade. In 18 months afterwards, tindingit 
too hard for his constitution, he abandoned it and entered the 
aciidem^' at Brandon. The following year, his nu>ther having 
married a Mr. Granger, whose son had previously married his 
eldest sister, the family renntved to Canadagiui, N. Y. Here 
Steplien resumed his academical course, and also commenced to 
read law. At the age of 20 he started west to seek an eligible 
location. At Cleveland he was long detained by sickness. Becov- 
ering, he went to Cincinnati, and thence by river to St. Louis, 
finding his way, late in the fall of 1833, to the village of Winches- 
ter, Scott county, Illinois, whither he Avalked from Jacksonville, 
in quest of a school to teach, his exchequer being reduced to 37^ 
cents. His tirst work was clerking at a vendue, which yielded him 
$(), but he obtained, shortly after, a school of 40 ])upils at J^3 a 
quarter. He ke[)t uj) his law studies meanwhile, and the following 
jMarch was admitted to the bar by the supreme court sitting at 
Vandalia, He iu>w betook himself to the practice of the law, and 
s])(^e(lily won distinction in his i>rofession. Within a year of his 
admisjiion to the bai', before he was 22 years old, he was chosen by 



698 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

the legislature attorney general of the State. In 1836 he was 
elected to the legisUiture t'roni Morgan county, being the youngest 
member in that body. At this session the internal improvement 
folly of the St;ite Mas entered upon. In 1837 he was appointed by 
Van Buren register of the lan(l office at Springfield. The same 
year he was nominated for congress, and at the election of August, 
1838, came within 5 votes of an election out of 36,000 cast, his op- 
ponent being the Hon. John T. Stuart, whig. He Jiow devoted 
himself assiduously to his new profession, and proved himself ;iu 
able lawyer and successful advocate. His tact and skill in the 
examination of witnesses Avas unrivalled. In 1810 he entered with 
great ardor into the exciting i)residential campaign, canvassing 
the State thoroughly, by addressing L'OT meetings in favor of Van 
Buren. Upon the meeting of the legislature in December of that 
year, he was ap[)oiuted secretary of State by Gov. Carlin, who was 
unable to withstand the pressure in his favor. During the session, 
from partisan motives, the sui>renie court was reorganized, in 
which Douglas took au active part through lobby addresses, &c., 
and was also elected to a seat upon the bench, rendering the 
court democratic. The supreme judges had to perform circuit 
duty, Douglas being assigned to theQuincy district. 

In the 4th volume of the "Law lieporter," Boston, 1842, may be 
found a letter from a lawyer, who had emigrated to Illinois, giv- 
ing the following description of him on the bench : 

"The judge of our circuit is S. A. Douglas, a youth of 28, who was the 
democratic candidate for congress in 1838, in opposition to [J. T.] Stuart, 
tlie late member. He is a Vermonter, a man of considerable talent, and, 
in the way of despatching business, is a perfect 'steam engine in breecli- 
es.' This dispatch is the only benefit our circuit will derive from tlie 
change. He is the most democratic judge I ever knew. While a ease is 
going on he leaves the bench and goes among the people, and among the 
members of the bar, takes a cigar and nas a social smoke with them, or 
often sitting in their laps, being in person say five feet nothing, or tliere- 
abouts, and probably weighing about 100 j^ouuds. 1 have often tliought 
we sliould cut a cpieer figure if one of our Suffolk bar should accidental- 
ly drop in." 

But Douglas' manners upon the bench were unexceptional. He 
was studious, clear, comprehensive and exjieditious, and it may be 
said that a more popular judge never wore the ermine in this 
State, notwithstanding his youth and slight figure. 

In 1843 he was tirst elected to congress by a nnijority of about 
400. He was twice re-elected, his majority being increased ea(;h 
time — the last time to 3,000. In the lower house he is said to 
have been cautious ami sparing of debate, studious and closely 
observant, and when he did arise for a speech it was apt, forcible, 
and to the purpose. Ilis early education was not so thorough and 
scholastic as it might have been, as he well knew, but this fact 
could never have been gathered from his speeches. Ashamed to 
be either uninformed or misinformed, he was a studious toiler 
throughout his busy and boisterous political life, amidst all its 
engrossing cares and unceasing occuj)ation, and a wide and varied 
reader of history and its kindred of politics and law. Contact 
with public affairs gave scope to his understanding ami depth to 
his jndgenuMit, and his knowledge became vast, complete and 
accurate. Oiu'. of his first masterly efforts in congress to attract 
national attention, was his speech on the uill to refund to Gen. 



SENATORS IN CONGRESS. 009 



Jackfsou the fine imposed upon biiu for placiiio; 'New OrleaiKs imder 
maitial law at the time of the battle in its defence on the 8th of 
Jamiaiy, 1812. Tlie venerable hero of that <ilorious event subse- 
quently thanked Doui^las for this able vindication, saying : I knew 
when 1 proclaimed and enforced martial law that I was doing- 
right; but never, until I read your speech, could I express the 
reasons wliich actuated my conduct. 

In 1S17 Douglas entered the seiuite, Avhicli was the arena of his 
herculean labors. His name, young as he was, became speedily 
asso(;iated with the great national issues which affected the des- 
tiny <»f this people. He moulded and gave them direction in i)ub- 
lic affairs. Between the aggressions of the south and the resist- 
am-e of the north over the angry subject of slavery in our terri- 
turics, it has been said that there is no escape from the conclusion 
that the genius of Douglas offered the oidy peaceable solution of 
a common national ground upon which all could meet in the theory 
of territorial sovereignty. To it, through his labors, the demo- 
cratic party was committed in 1850, gahied a triumph at the polls 
and then was basely betrayed by Buchanan and the south. But 
Donglas was true and faithful to it to the last and defemled it 
whenever and wherever assailed. And while he was i)ersoually 
I)ur.sned by bittei', imi)lacal>le, open i)()litical opponents, his dar 
ling idea, which was empire or ruin with him, \\as more grossly 
betrayed by perhdious friends who rode into power n]K)n it. 

Tiie most striking peculiarity in the jjhi/siijne of Mr. Douglas 
was his stature whi(;h was greatly below the medium hight — not 
above 5 feet. His trunk was ample, compact and erec-t. with full 
chest and square, well detined, though lujt broad shoulders; but 
his extremities were dis[)ropurtionately short. In the latter years 
of his life he grew stout, though iu>t obese. His figure would have 
been fatal to the divinity of the Appollo Belvedere. Wliile his 
diminutive stature would arrest attention, his facile and natural 
dignity of manner, not to say grace, with an air, as if boin to 
connnand, would cause idle curiosity in the contemidation of his 
person to pass into speedy forget fulness by the respect and 
attention wliich he inspired. His s[»lendid head, covered with a 
lieaA-y suit of dark hair, nicely poised upon his shoulders and 
connected by a short neck, was massive in its brain developenuMit, 
con\eying, under animation, the impression of almost iidinite 
l)ower. Tlie ami)le forehead was squarely l)uilt up o\er the wide 
an-.hes of his heavy brows, under which rolled a pair of large, 
restless, deep-set, dark blue eyes, capable of shooting out glances 
of electric fire, when under the impulse of the powerful brain 
battery back of them. His nose was broad and short, with flaring 
nostrils, denoting coohiess and courage. At its junction with the 
projecting forehead it left a- ])eculiar transverse crease. His mouth 
was ample, cleanly cut, with lips finely arched, the whole evincing 
decision, and by the depression at the angles, conveying a mingled 
idea of sadness and disdain. His chin, backed by a firm jaw, 
squared well to the general outline of his face, indicating ardor, 
strength and vigor. He wore no beard, but presented smoothly 
shaven cheeks and handsome throat with slight double-chin. The 
general contour of his face was regular, and its muscles wonder- 
fully nu)bile, giving a i)leasing and Avinning countenance; his 
complexion, though somewhat dark, with his usually good health. 



700 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

"svas clear ; the exuberance of liis animal spirits was extraordinary. 
He was of the vital tenii)eranient. Such is a brief physical 
description of the "Little Giant."* 

As an orator Douglas possessed the peculiar magnetism of 
inil)arting to his aiulitory the hue of his sentiments and views — 
swaying- their will or directing their sensibility at pleasure. He 
affected no senatorial airs, betrayed no aristocratic spirit, but 
niiturally and easily identitied himself with the democracy. He 
hiid been the genial companion of nuiny an eiirly pioneer, and his 
intimate knowledge of the people and sympathy with them, 
enabled him on the stump to convey to their common understand- 
ing, in their own accustomed vehicles of thought, his reasoning 
upon the political questions of the day, often enforcing and clinch- 
ing- an argument to those who remembered the frontier times by a 
peculiar border figure, carrying- conviction to their minds as 
evinced bj' a spontaneous outburst of applause at freqnent inter- 
vals. But his most inseparable attributes were rapidity andbohl- 
iiess of thought, and his dexterity in debate — of which he became 
a consummate master — cropped out in early life, giving i)ro]nise 
of unequaled power in his first eftbrtson the stump. He had tlie 
faculty of summoning all his mental resources with a promptitude 
Avhich served admirably the occasion, even if required instantly 
in reply to a i)owertul antagonist in the senate. Therefore, while 
his forte lay to a certain extent in his matchless power npon the 
hustings, he swayed a no less power in the caucus or the august 
senate. His manner of treating a subject was bold and inde- 
dependent, always striking- the hard and strong points. To halt- 
ing- friends he ai)peared at times to be overbearing-; and there 
Avas a vein of cold irony in his nature which, with a defiant tone 
in his remarks, a haughty manner and a curling of the lip, suidc 
deep into the heart of an enemy. Energy and activity, courage 
and fortitude, were of the essence of his nature. The assaults 
that would excruciate some men only excited a smile of derision 
on his intrepid face. Elastic in both body and mind, he was ca})a- 
ble of performing- an incredible amount of political hibor in the 
open field. Thus with sagacity as if insj^ired by genius, a mind 

* This soubriquet originated very early in his public life. In 1833 President Jack- 
son added to his refusal to recharter tlie U. S. Bank, the removal of the deposits. 
Great was the consternation of the people, and a g-eneral panic prevailed. Party feel- 
int; ran extren-.ely higrh, the president's supporters were unsettled in their views and 
thousands differed with him ou these measures Douyhis l)ad just located at Jackson- 
ville and opened a law office in a room in tJie fourt-lnmse. The whigs of Jlorgan 
county, from their number a'd standing', were arrogant and audacious in their denun- 
ciation of the administiation. Douglas mingled freely with the people, who usually 
crowded the county seat on Saturdays, and among- them, was outspoken in his appro- 
bation of the acts of the administration. He and the editor of the democratic paper 
at Jacksonville, deeming it advisable to rally the undecidi? 1, etfect an organization of 
the iKliiiiiiistration party, and define its position, in opposition to the views of many 
friends, called a mass meeting, and prepared a set of resolutions endorsing the bank 
policy of the administration. On the day of the meeting the court house was thronged 
with people of both parties. Douglas being comi)aratively a stranger, declined to offer 
resolutions, but as it soon became ajiparent unless he iMd it would not be done, be 
boldly advanced and read them, following with a few brief explanatory remarks. 
Immediately upon his conclusion, Josiah Lamborn. a whig of great influence and 
oratorical powers, attacked the resolutions and their reader in a severe and caustic 
manner. The blood of Douglas wasup; this was his first political effort, but he met 
hi- antajzonist with such arguments, so vehement and effective, that the exeitonieiit 
of his fi-iends reached the highest point of endurance; they cheered, seized, and bore 
iiim aU'ift through the crowd and around the pul)lic square, in gratitude and admira- 
tion, apyil.ving to him such complimentary titles as '•hiah-combed cock," "little giant" 
&c , which last, by its peculiar appropriateness, adhered to him to the last. His effort 
th:it day, in a measure, changed the political destiny of Morgan county. It was long 
reinembered, and the old veterans of Morgan alwiiysheld that Douglas never equalled 
this speech of March, ISii.—Sheahaii's Life of Douglas. 



SENATOllS IN CONGRESS. 701 

miitiiied by careful study, a judgment clear and decisive ; a cour- 
a.iie wliicli sbraidv from no <langer, ainouutiuft- at times to apparent 
audacity, yet always tempered with discretion; a will to yield to 
no ditliculty, and unai)i)alled by any obstacle; ai)preciation of the 
])e<)i)le and the rare faculty to lead them, Douj;ias was a states- 
iimii of the very first order.* 

Douglas' si)eeches contain few rhetorical llourishes. But they 
arc iiuxlels of exact laiiguag-e, orderly aTid systematic in thought, 
full and com]»rehensive in gras]) There is never a strained effort 
at mere beauty of word p;iinring. The architecture of his sen- 
tences, as well as the ideas, are solid, nnissive masonry, with 
broad foumlation laid on firm rock, and the details and working- 
plans so accurate as to be i)erfect in their adaptation, with noth- 
ing a.miss or foreign and lu) surplus or waste material. So well 
ami thoroughly are his sentences woven together that it is ditti- 
cult to extract from his speeches any sei>arate sentence con- 
veying, text-like, a summary of the whole. While they are complete 
they yet seem parts necessarily connected with the whole. \l\s 

'Rev. W. H. Milburn. 

NdTE— To further illustrate Douglas' power among- the people, we subjoin a chatty 
luit Kvaiihic slcetch by the editor of the Newburyport (Mass.) Herald (republican), who 
was a fellow passeng:"er in the cars with :Mr. Douglas through Illinois on occasion of 
opi-nin.L'- the Ohio & Mississippi railroad, and afterwards: 

'That man with a big;', round head, a brow almost as broad as Webster's, and a ruiiclt, 
active eye that rolls under the heavy projecting- brow, watehlng-every other man, and 
nut allowing- a motion to escape him -with arms too short for his body, which is lull and 
riHind as thoug-h it never lacked the juices that supply life ; and with small duck legs, 
which, had they grown as thick as his back-bone (and thej' would, probably, if Provi- 
dence had not foreseen that he would want back-bone more than legs in his battle of 
life,) would have made him of respectable stature. -that little man is no less than the 
great politician of the west, who has atti-acted more attention in the last four years 
than any other man of the nation, and (huie more to give direction to public affairs 
than even the president, with a million and a half of voters at his back, and the armj-, 
navy and treasury of North America at his command. It is the 'Little Giant,' Stephen 
A. Douglas, with whom we parted company at Vincennes, and who has slowly come 
along, feeling the public pulse to learn the political health of the 'Suckers' up to 
Springfield, the capital of the State. 

•'The means of success in Senator Douglas are very apparent. First, he is really and 
intellectually a great man. Eastern people who view him only as a low politician, 
should disabuse their minds in relation to one who is to exercise a wide infliience in 
the affairs of the country, and very probably, for he is yet young, to be the head of the 
republic. He is massive in hisconceptions, broad and comprehensive in his views, and 
in a good measure is endowed with all those powers of mind that make a statesman. 

But he is greater still in energy of character. There are those that think that a 
defeat of him next year would he his death in politics ; but the man who sprung from 
a cabinet-maker shop in Vermont, and without father or friend worked his way to an 
iionorable place upon the bench of judges, who entered Ulinois with less than yd cents 
in money, and not one cent in credit, and lias acquired great wealth, and the highest 
station and influence, is not ready to be whipped out. But if he is great in mind, and 
greater in energy, he is greatest in those winning manners for which the world calls 
him a demagogue. Scarcely a man, woman or child in the cars escaped his attention, 
or passed by unspoken to. At one moment he talks with the old, stern visaged politi- 
cian, who has been soured by a thousand defeats and disappointments ; in the next, to 
that well formed and genial Kentuckian, who has just sought a free State ; now ho sits 
down with the little girl aiiproaching her teens, and asks of her school studies : and he 
pats the little boy on the head, and in presenceof his mother and proud father (what 
father is not proud to see his boy noticed?) says a word of his mild eyes and glossy 
locks. Again the lady is approached with a fair word aud a bland smile, and goes home 
pleased to tell her father how he looks, and then half a dozen are about him, all stand- 
ing together. He can talk religion with tiie priest as well as polities with the states- 
man; he can congratulate the newly appointed Buchanan office-holder, who has sup- 
planted his friend, tell the displaced friend of the good time coming, when his wing 
shall be up; and at every station, more regularly than the conductor, Mr. Douglas is 
uiion the platform with a .trood-bye to the leaving, and a welcome to the departing 
traveler— a shake of the hand with one man that stands at the depot, and a touch of 
the hat to another. He knows everybody; can tell the question that aflects each 
locality : call the name of every farm owner on the way; tell all travelers something- 
of the homes they left, that they never knew themselves, and suggest what place 
they deserve in heaven. Now, such a man as that, in contact with everybody, know- 
ing everybody, and at the bottom wrapped up with the one idea of preferment, power 
and dominion among men is not easily to be put down; and his oppotients might as well 
believe at once, that when they fight him they fight a strong man— a little giant indeed. 
He would be popular in Boston or anywhere else, and half the 'three thousand clergy- 
men' he denounced would have their hearts stolen if lie could speak to them a half 
hour.' 



702 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

arguments succeed each other like tlie weigiity blows of an enor- 
mous trip-hammer, shaping the subject in hand with irresistible 
power, tiattening the i>oints opposed to him, aiul possibly the 
adversary under its mighty tilts. 

In the circle of Wasliington life, Douglas, with the honois of 
a senator, appeared with a natural grace and dignity larely 
excelled. At the social board or in dinner table conversation, 
Col. Forney in his sketches of public men, sws : "Douglas was 
almost unrivaled. His repartee was a tlasli, and his courtesy as 
knightly as if he had beeen born in the best society."* 

Abraham Lincoln. — The life of one who has become so exalted in 
American history as Abraham Lin(;oln, must ever possess a chai-m 
to the reader in its minutest detail. But the great acts with which 
his mime is associated are national, and it is foreign to the scope 
of this work to give more than a cursory glance at the nuin as he 
appeared in Illinois. We desire rather to sjjeak of his meagre 
early life, his attributes of person, character aiul mind — his (]ual- 
ities of head and heart — as they appeared liere, than the great 
events with which he was subsequently connected, however the 
latter may have flown from the former. His broad executive ca- 
pacity, so suddeidy developed under great trials, constituting the 
subliinest events in our history; his fidelity to the right, and his 
courage and firmness which grew out of that, it may here be said, 
were not without astonishment to those who knew him best in 
Illinois, and who imagined tiiat they comprehended all that was 
to be learned of his character.t Possibly it was so to himself. The 
great lesson of man — know thyself — is ever least understood. 

The most striking contrast between Mr. Lincoln and his antag- 
onist for senatorial honors, was in tlieir physical ap})earance. It 
"would l»e difficult to find two men with the requisite capacity for 
so exalted a ])osition, more oi)posite in physical development than 
these. Mr. Douglas, as we have seen, was low of stature, scarce 5 
feet, erect, with truidv large and rotund, and extremities uiululy 
short. Mr. Lincoln, on the other hand, was tall, exceeding G feet, 
spare, angular body, with a slight forward inclination, extremities 
long and lank, the upper terminating in huge hands and the latter 
in large feet. His shoulders, of medium breadth, drooped slightly 
forward, giving him thea[)pearance of being hollow-breasted. As it 
is a fact, it is not derogatory to say of him that hisai)pearance was 
somewhat ungainly. He was of the nervous bilious temi)erament. 
His head, covered with thick nuisses of dark hair, was large, with 
a receeding but ample forehead, well and prominently developed 
at its base, and under the arched and projecting brows rolled his 
clear, dark-blue eyes of more than medium size, Arith a mild and 
benignant expression, speaking the sympathetic soul within. His 
nose was his most prominent facial organ — high, thin, straight, 
neither long nor short,— a fine nose, ex])ressive of even force of 
character. His ample mouth, while it indicated enough of decision 
and strength of will, was totally devoid of anything like disdainful 
expression. It would have been (lilfi(adt for Mr. Ivincoln, ca])able 
as he was to express in his face inimitable grotesqueiu'ss, to have 
curled his lip in contemi)t, defiance or disdain. His chin, mostly 

•Wa«hing'ton Sunday Chronicle, 1872. 

+See Gov. Palmer's funeral address at the reburial of Bissell's remains, May 31, 1871. 



SENATORS IN CONGRESS. 703 

covered with whiskers, was of fair prominence ; though it hicked 
that squareness which gives a full and agreeable development to 
the lower face, while at the same time it is indicative of ardency and 
coml)ativeness — it was not the military chin. His-cheeks were gaunt, 
and the general outline of his face, as lias been aptly said, was that 
of craggy grandeur. It wore a habitual ex])ressi()n of sadness ; 
yet his countenance could bea-m with a kindliness of heart which 
ga\'e license for the approach of the humblest, and reve;ded a large- 
ness of soul replete with a charitable and forgiving disposition. 
His health, though never apparently robust, was uniformly good, 
and he was capable of great physical eiulurance. 

Abraham Lincoln was born in La Kue (now Hardin) county 
Kentucky, about 2 nules south of the village of Hoginsville, Feb- 
ruary llith, 1809. (He was thus the senior of his comi)etitor by 3 
years.) Here his father had taken up a laud claim of 300 acres, 
rough, broken and poor, containing a fine spring, known to this 
day as the "Linkum Spring." Unable to pay for the unprovluctive 
land, the claim was al)andoned, and the fanuly moved from place 
to place in tiie neighborhood, being very destitute. These remoxals 
occurring while Abraham was scarcely more than an infant, has 
given rise to different statements as to the exact i)lace of his birth. 
It is said that in that part of Kentucky four places now claim the 
honcu'. In 1810 the family started westward, following the Ohio 
river, and settling in Spencer county, Indiana. Two years later 
the nn>ther died, and also an only sister; the thriftless father 
married ;igain, and Abraham worked in the neighborhood on 
farms, and in clearing away the dense forest underwent the sturdy 
discipline of toil. He received the meagre education which the 
new country afforded, but his boyhood had few advantages of 
culture, and he was emphatically self-made.* "I have not a fine 
edueation ; I am not capable of entering into a disquisition upon 
diiilectics, I believe you call it" — he himself complained in his 
Ohiciigo speech in answer to Douglas at the opeinng of the sena- 
torial canvass in 1858. He was of, and grew up anu)ng, the com- 
mon ])eople, the hard handed yeomanry of toil. His warm and 
benevolent heart was thus early taught to sympathise with labor, 
and later his brain a])[)reciated the imi)ortance of its freedom. 

He grew to manhood rapidly, and such were his qualities of 
head that before he attained to majority he was employed as 
supercargo to take a flat-boat load of produce to New (J>rleans, 
Avhich he did giving full satisfaction. In 1830 the fnniily removed 
to Illinois, settling on thesouth side of the north fork of the San- 
gamon river, 10 miles southwest of Decatur, in Macon county. 
Here young Lincoln spent his first winter in Illinois, during which 
he aided in building for the family a cabin, stables and other 
buildings; mauled and split rails, cleared and fenced in 10 acres 
of ground. From this X)lace the rails which played so important 
apart in the campaign of 1800 were procured. t The following 

* It is asserted that he learned to cipher ona smooth clap board by the light of a 
cabin Are after getting throujrh with the day's labor, while worknig on the Crew farm 
in Indiana When tlie board was written over with figures, recourse was had to a draw- 
ing knife to shavL' it down, and with the clean surface thus presented it was ready 
for further use. The books that he could get to read were very few, but the Bible 
was evifU'ntly one of them. 

+Oue Charles Hanks, a cousin on the mother's side, who had all the time lived within 
two and a half miles of this place, published in 18ti0 a letter saying, that 5 years after- 
ward the entire fence was burned up, and that he helped to build a new one: but his 
brother John maintained the geauineoess of the rails. See Decatur papers 1860. 



704 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



spring, being uow of age, lie aided iu conducting a flat-boat down 
the Sangamon, became acquainted with tlie country, ami later 
found employment as clerk in a country store, at a village on its 
west bank named New Salem, a mile from tlie present Petersburg, 
whither its tenements Avere tinally removed. Lincoln, with a 
partner, succeeded his employer^ the stock of goods probably not 
large and the purchase being made on time. The merchanrs, us 
nierchauts are wont to do, speedily failed. Lincoln now turned 
his attention to surveying, but when the Black Hawk war broke 
out, in 1832, he voluuteered antl was elected captain of his com- 
pany. He served three nninths but was in no engagement with 
the enemy. The same year he became a caiulidate for the legis- 
lature but was defeated. He was an Adams man, the whig party 
not yet having assumed its name. He now pursued surveying 
and occupied his spare time in readiug law. In 1834 he again 
ofl'ered for the legislature and was elected as a member for San- 
gamon, the village of his residence, since Menard county, was then 
still in Sangamon. He was for four successive terms re-elected 
from the same county, but after his tirst session, by the advice 
of a friend, to whom he ever felt grateful, he gave u]) the businessof 
surveyi ug, settled in Springfield and thenceforward gave his atten- 
tion wholly to the law. Duringhis 8 years in the legislature he was a 
serviceable mendjer, belonging to the minority party all the time, 
and attained some distinction. He was twice the whig candidate 
for speaker, which was acom[)liment but an empty honor. Li 
1837 he sustained the visionary scheme of the State Internal 
Imi)rovement system, which nearly bankrupted the State, doubt- 
less like all others, with the best, but mistaken intentions. Still 
it is to be remembered that as one of the ''long nine" from San- 
gamon, who acting constantly as a unit, artfully contrived nmny 
combinations during that eventful session, always with an eye 
single to removing the capital from Yandalia to Springfield. Out 
of all the reckless schemes of that session, the constituents of Mr. 
Lincoln in Springfield were the only ones who ever derived any 
permanent benefit from any of them. He was a vigorous opponent 
of the partisan reorganization of the supreme court in 1841. 

He now (1842) devoted himself exclusively to the i)ractice of his 
profession, in which he attained a high standing as a lawyer, and 
particularly as an advocate. Before a jury he had few equals 
either in originality, humor or i^athos. His most effective oratory 
was of the persuasive order. While he sought to lead a jury b^' 
the force of logical reasoning and striking similes, whatever his i)os- 
tulate, he seldom attempted to drive them either by intimidation 
or the x)Ower of detailed argumentation, to awaken perhaps their 
obstinacy or tire tliem into listlessness. He Avould contrive to put 
them in good humor by apt and original turns on his antaginiist, 
his inimitable manner and complete acting being his most effective 
aids for this purpose ; gain their favor; enlist their interest ; then 
touch their sympathies by the power of his pathos, and wring from 
them a verdict. His most effective weapons with which to assail 
or demolish the argumejits of opposing counsel, either of attack or 
defense, were his powers of ridicule, originality and quaint logical 
reasoning. To the beginner at the bar he w^as kind, indulgent 
and ever ready to render assistance without ostentation. He was 
full of humor, overflowing with anecdote, and loved a neat, harm- 



SENATORS IN CONGRESS. 705 

less practical joke. With rare capacity for treasuring np anecdotes, 
he had a fund to aptly illustrate almost every circumstance in 
life. Many were original with him, as he had an eye constantly 
on the look-out for theliumorous or grotesque in everything, and 
a good point never escaped his attention, nor snffcrcd in the ren- 
dering. Among the older members of the Illinois bar his humorous 
sayings, oddities, and ])ointed anecdotes are yet current. 

During the i>residential contest of 1844, Mr. Lincoln canvassed 
the State for Henry Clay, the beloved chief of all the old whigs. 
In 1S4(; he was elected to congress, taking his seat in the lower 
liouscat tlie same time that Douglas entered the senate. lie was the 
oidy wliigiu the Illinois delegation, and in common with his party, 
opiH>sed the ^lexican war. He introduced a set of resolntions shortly 
after, proposing aninquiry as to the exact spot ui)ou Texan soil 
where American blood was first s})i!led by the Mexicans. These 
resolutions gained some notoriety for their quisical and witty char- 
acter, and liave been generally known as his "spot resolntions." He 
supported the "Wihnot proviso" attached to the bill appropriating 
$3,000,(H)0 for the war— being the same which Mr. Donglas moved 
to amend by prohibiting slaxery from all acciuired territory north of 
of oOd. oOm., but whi(;h was lost. Mr. Liiu;oln declined the candidacy 
for re-election in 1848. In 1849 he Urst received the complimentary 
vote of his party for U. S. seiuitor. He was again their candidate 
in l8oo, but through the obstinacy of ahandfnlof anti-Nebraska 
democrats, Mr. Trumbull was elected, as we have seen. 

Mr. Lincoln was truly great in nniny traits of his character. 
Chief among these may be mentioned his fidelity to the right, 
tirmiiess to principle, fortitude to duty, honesty and tenacity of 
pur{H>se, and moral courage, united to such amiable attributes as 
kindness of heart, forbearance for others, eiuluring patience, mod- 
esty and geutleness of disposition. All these virtues he i)ossessed 
in an eminent deree. Some of his old, intimate and loving friends* 
say that he was ambitious, V)ut his ambition was so tempered with 
patience, that it never would have, as it did not, overleap itself. 

His op[)osition to slavery was grounded ui)ouits inherent moral 
M'rongfnlness — that it was a great evil, socially, politically, and 
materially. His conscience revolted at its injustice, its degrada- 
tion and cruelty. His heart naturally symi)athized with the op- 
})ressed. Douglas, born and reared in free States, while he 
doubtless regarded slavery as a clog and hindrance to the material 
advancemeut of a people or State, never disclosed by any expres- 
sion, either written or spoken, his conception of its moral enor- 
mity. The refrain of his speeches was ever to let the people decide 
it in their own way — '"I do not care whether slavery is voted up or 
down." 

Mr. Lincoln's speeches and writings bear the stamp of strong 
individuality — peculiarly Lincolnian — which crops out in nearly 
every paragraph. They abound in short pithy sentences, separate 
and distinct in themselves, approaching to aphorisms. Many of 
them are stamped with immortality. They are sublime conceptions 
of great truths, clothed in few but ami)le words, which will live in 
the remote cycles of time, when his more painstaking sentences 
and carefnlly-studied arguments may be lost under the moldering 

* Hon. J. K. Dubois. 

45 



706 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

(lust of ages. "Slavery is foumled in tlie selfishness of man's 
nature — opposition to it iu tlie love of justice," he exehiiined at 
Peoria iu 1854. "Eepeal the Missouri couii)roinise — repeal all 
coini)ro]uises — repeal the Declaration of Independence — rei)e;d all 
past history — you still cannot re[)eai luunan nature. Jt still will 
be iu the abuinlauce of man's lieart that slavery extension is wrong, 
aud, out of the abundance of his heart his mouth will continue to 
speak." Evidently he was deeply read in the book of books, the 
Bible, as the last sentence above shows, and he ])ossessed the 
hai)py faculty of weaving its sublime sentiments with his own 
thoughts and expressions. His speeches bore abundant testinumy 
to this. Politicians should ever bear in mind this broad text from 
him, that ours is a "governnn^nt of the peoi)le, for the i)eoi)le and 
by tlie »i)e()ple." But time and circumstam-es considered, it will 
be diftlcult to find sentiments outside of the inspire<l book more 
touchingly beautiful than the closing paragraph of his last inau- 
gural address : "With malice toward none, with charity for all, 
with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us 
stri\'e on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds, 
and care for him who shall have borne tlie battle, and for his 
widow and his or}»hans — to do all which may achieve and cherish 
a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations." 

To fully appreciate Mr. Lincoln as an orator he must be both 
heard and seen— he conveyed so much nu'aning by gesture and 
manner. And even then many of his sentiments were so terse 
that it was imi)ossible to do him justice ; iu)r can this be done by 
a casual reading after him. He seemed to be aware of this him- 
self, for in pre[)aring his early writings or speeches for the i>ress, 
understrokes for italics and capitals were freely resorted to, to 
give them [)Ower and em[)hasis. 

Both these senatorial candidates used simple, i)lain but exact 
language, and eschewed mere word-painting. They sought to 
reach the understandingof the common people, ami indulged little 
in the sweeping roundness of grand oratory. The best s])eeche.s 
of Mr. Lincoln's life are said to ha\e been made four years i)ri<)r to 
this contest, when the Missouri compromise was first re])ealed, in 
answer to Douglas, who sought to justify himself before the i)eo- 
ple. Mr. Lincoln was looking forward at the tinu^ to be(U)me the 
successor to Shields in the senate. One made at Peoria. October 
16, 1854, is recorded, and is a chaste and ])owerful argnnumt. It 
received a wide circulation. The one made 12 days before at 
Springfield, in debate with Mr. Douglas, being the first time that 
these chami)ions measured their strength, is not recorded. It is 
said to have greatly exceeded the former in boldness of sentiment, 
force of argument, beauty and moving eloquence. It was made 
in the representatives' hall in presence of the first State re})ubli- 
can convention, when that party was in its chrysalis state, and a 
great throng of peoi)le from all parts of the State attending the 
first State fair. A ctmtemporary writer describing it says: Every 
mind present did homage to the man who took heart and bioke 
like a sun over tbe understanding ; he shivered the Nebraska 
ini(piity as a tree of the forest is torn and rent asunder, by hot 
bolts of truth.* 

• See 111. state Journal, Oct. 18, 1854. 



SENATORS IN CONGRESS. 707 

Such is our brief siiiuining- up of the li^es and cliaraeter of these 
jireat representative men, upon whose contest in Illinois for the 
seiiatorsliip rested tlie eager e^yes of tlie entii'c nation, s<» iMi])(>rtant 
were the political issues for which thcv contended. The combat- 
ants were not unacquainted with each other's strength, for as we 
liave seen they had previously crossed their trenchant blades of 
argument, logic and debate in the political arena.* 

THE CANVASS. 

We have seen that tlie State republican convention in June de- 
clared .Air. Lincoln the first and only choice of its ])arty for the 
•senatorial seat of Mv. Douglas. Mr. Lincoln was not unprei»arcd 
for this action of the convention. The choice of Trumbull over 
liini in isr»r>had gained him the sympathy of his party, and he was 
Ulicnce tacitly looked forward to as the successor of Mr. Douglas 
foiu- years later. This he a))j)reciated himself When Douglas, 
(who well understood this also,) therefore, in June. 1857, during a 
lull iu political excitem<Mit, found, or created, an occasion, through 
the invitation of the U. S. grand Jury sitting at Sjtringlield, to air 
his [Mtlitical views and [>ossibly forestall public o[)inion, Mr. Lin- 
coln was ou the alert, and after some time for i)reparation, two 
weeks later answere<l Douglas' s})eech from the same stand, and 
had it also published. The conv<'ntion now (June l(j, 1858,) took 
a recess until 8 o'clock in the evening, wheJi Mr. Lincoln addressed 
them ill a carefully prepared speech, whose opening sentences — 
truly LijKX)lnian — aftewards attained so much celebrity, we sid)- 
join : 

"If we could fii-st know icho-e we are, and u-hUher we are tending, we 
could tliea better judge what to do, and how to doit. 

"We are now far into the tifth year since a policy was Initiated with 
the ■awuvd object, and confilau promise, of putting au end to slavery 
agitation. 

"Under the operation of that policy, that agitation has not only not 

cki.skI^ but has conxfnnt/i/ augmented 

"In my opinion it m/l not cease until a n-isis shall have been reached 
and passed— 'A house divided against itself cannot stand.' 

"I believe this government cannot endure ijermauently half s/aw and 
half /'/f*-. I do not expect tlie Union to be disso/ved — I do uot expect 
tlie bouse to fall — but I do expect it will cease to be divided. It will 
become af/ one thing, or a/l the other. Either the opponents of slavery 
will arrest the further spread of it, and place it Avhere the public mind 
shall rest in the belief that it is in the course of ultimate extinction ; or, 
it,ii'idr<ic<uex will put it forward, till it shall become alike lawful in all 
tlie States, «/(/ as well as ?if Ml — uo7i/i as well as xonlh. Have we no lendaiey 
to the latter condition?" 

— proceeding to argue that we had under the Nebraska doctrine 
and the Dred Scott decision. f 

These at the time bold and advanced political sentiments were 
uttered 4 mouths prior to the euunciatioii of Mr. Seward's cele- 

*The followiug figure, to illustrate the relative merits of the contestants, current at 
the time, views this civil battle Iroin a militai-y stiuiflnoint. We leave the reader to 
estimate its fairness : Douglas marshnlhiil ;ili m^ tucis u ith the view to concentrate 
them with terrible and irresistible onslaught upon a given pDiiit of liis aiirersary's line 
of battle, and with great power and energy attem|>ts to rout the enemy from his 
strongest position. Lincoln in his argument breaksout all along his entire battle line 
in sudden charges, unsurpassed in brilliancy of execution, affording subjects for the 
poet's pen to live in heroic verse for perhaps countless ages 

••■See 111. State Journal, June 18, 1858. The above is from a draft made by Mr. Lincoln 
himself, italics and all. 



708 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

brated "inepiessible conflict" doctrine, which rendered that states- 
man the coniiiion target for all the opposition i>olitical sliafts 
throngiiout the land. Mr. Lincoln's had not only precedence, but 
they were more comprehensive and direct ; and is it any wonder 
that political sentiments so axiomatic dwelt in the hearts of the 
people, and subsequently turned the nation's eye upon the man 
whose mind conceived them ? But they also furnislied Mr, J)ouy- 
las a handle with which to ring- upon his opi)onent, with inces.sant 
repetition, all the changes of detested abolitionism, disunion and 
civil war with its liorrid concomitants, until they told with deep 
eifect upon the masses. 

The rei)ublican ])ress demanded for Mr. Lincoln, with frequent 
iteration, a free ])olitical fight, whi(;h was no less freely tendered 
by Mr. Douglas, who, before he left Washington, matured his 
preparations for a vigorous and thorough stuniping canvass, to 
embrace the amjjle field of the entire State, isowithstanding his 
oi)en rupture with the administration, which was i)ursning him 
into Illinois, the grudging- support of the State democratic con- 
vention at its meeting- in April forced liim into a i)lau of can)- 
l^aign somewhat conciliatory toward the administration, but war 
to the knife against the anti-slavery heresies, as he called them, 
enunciated in the i)latform of principles adopted by the State 
republican convention, and i)articularly against the advanced anti- 
slavery i)ositio]i of their senatorial non)inee. The rejMiblicans, to 
promote the chism in the democratic ranks, encouraged the Buc- 
hanan followers in various ways by favorable notices of their 
meetings, i)ublishing- their proceedings, flattering their efibrtKS, &c- 

Douglas, on his arrival from Washington, was received at Chi- 
cago by an immense concourse of people with shouts and huzzahs^ 
amidst the roar of cannon, music from bands and the escort of a 
blaze of fire-works. He entered directly upon the cami)aign by 
addressing his first speech from the balcony of the Tremont Hotel 
to a perfect sea of human faces upturned in the thronged street 
below. He re affirmed his doctjine of poi)ular sovereignty with 
great force, stood by the ])latform, and acquiesced in the Dred 
Scott decision while it remained the law. He then paid his 
respects to Mr. Ijincoln, who was present on the balcony, takiiig* 
for a text his couvention speech, that a liouse divided against 
itself cannot stand — that the government could not endure half 
slave and half free, which he assailed with a logical power and 
vehemence unsuri»assed in his generation, leaving a dee}) and 
abiding impression upon his auditory. He further denounced the 
unholy alliance of the republicans with the unscrupulous pro- 
slavery Buchanan oftice-holders to compass his defeat, as unnatu- 
ral, declaring his jturpose to fire his broadsides, as the Russians 
did at Sel)astop(»l, regardless of which were hit, Turk or Christian. 

At the conclusion of his speech, loud (;alls were made by the 
crowd for Mr. Lincoln, lie declined si)caking-, but made an 
appointment for the following- evening, when he replied to Mr. 
Douglas from tlu^ same stand. A larger, denser and more enthu- 
siastic crowd, if that were possible, greeted the rei)ublican chief- 
tain, the windows and balconies of the houses on both sides of 
the street and the street itself being literally packed with men 
and women. Procession alter ])r()cession with bands of music 
arrived on the ground amidst a brilliant pyrotechnic display. Mr. 



SENATORS IN CONGRESS. 709 

Lincoln ou his appearance was hailed with a storm of applause. 
He denied the charge of an alliance between the republicans and 
the federal ofitice-holders, but the former would certainly do noth- 
ing to [)revent the democratic schism, and reminded Douglas that 
if he was the "rngged Russian bear," it was a very suggestive 
circumstance that the ''allies" did take Sebastopol — which was 
very hap[)y. He declared Douglas' great doctrine of squatter 
sovereignty as old as the Declaration of Independen(;e itself; that 
governments derived their just i^owers from the consent of the 
governed; but ridiculed the idea of its compatibility with the 
Dred Scott decision, which held slavery to exist in all the territo- 
ries by virtue of the constitution, with which neither congress nor 
the territorial legislature could interfere. Hence no man could 
consistently stand both by that decision and the Cincinnati plat- 
form, which declared the sovereignty of the territories absolute 
as that of the States. He maintained the power of congress to 
exclude slavery from the territories, notwithstanding the decision 
of the supreme c<:)urt. 

But Doiigijis' great assault upon his convention si)eech, that a 
divided house could not stand, that the government could not 
endure half slave and half free — had the effect to throw him upou 
the defensive, from which he did not recover during the canvass. 
He [>lead — "I did not say that I was in favor of anything in it. 
I only -said what I expecttd would take place. J made a predic- 
tion only; it may have been a foolish one perhaps." 

Mr. Lincoln had taken bold and advanceil ground. We who 
liav e lived to see his words fultilled can hardly ap[)reciate their 
full iniport as applied to those times. The striking deductions 
that Douglas niade from theui, apparently irresistible in their con- 
clusions then, and which have become history since, tended to 
♦Irive their author into the then detested ranks of the abolition- 
disuniouists, hated of nearly all men, and need we wojuler at Mr. 
Lincolavs shrinking' from the position thus h)gi('ally as.sigiied to 
liim, or at the defense of himself, as we have quoted ? Douglas 
did not intermit his blows upon this point during the canvass, but 
iuinimered and battered away at it continuously. It was his 
jstronghold, and underit he crowded his antagonist unceasingly. 
Indeed son»e rei>ublican papers got to denying- that Lincoln ever 
uttered the sentiment. It lost him the senatorshij* then, but 
ats unceasing iteration placed him prominently before the country, 
and two years later it gained tor him the presidency. A prophet 
ss not without honor save in his own country. 

An I now blazed forth in full splendor that remarkable canvass 
all over the State. The prairies seeemed animated with political 
fervor and discussions. The peoj>le did or talked little else. The 
business of railroads increased enormously. The trains were alive 
with the people and exeursions were the order of the day. In 
attendance uiH>n the great leaders were swarms of politicians, 
rcpla('e<l from time to tiuieas rapidly as they drop[»ed off, besides 
jonrnnlists, reporters and others drawn by the excitemejit of the 
occasion. The ladies not unfrequently nu't the trains containing 
the icaders and attendaiitsand s[nead for thens bounte<nisre[tasts- 
Indced creature comforts were occasionally furnished on the cars. 
Up and d<»wn the State and through its length an<l breadth, by 
rail, by carriage, raged the great i)olitical battle of the giants. 



710 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

The people seemingly were aglow with the fire of their resjiective 
party leaders. Tlie contest was the most exciting- in our history. 

As an illustration of what was kept up all over the State, both 
on occasion of the joint debates and the separate discussions, we 
will describe Douglas' first trip, made on the Chicago & Alton 
railroad to Springfield, Mr, Lincoln being also aboard. Douglas 
and a party of friends left Chicago Friday morning, June Kith. 
The train, although it was the regular passenger, was tastily dec- 
orated with riags and banners, inscribed with the iiaino of the 
senator, appropriate mottoes, such as ^'champion of the people," 
'^popular sovereignty," &c. At Bridgeport a numerous body of 
laborers quit their work to cheer the senator as the train swejit by, 
At Lockport a momentAs halt was made, and hearty greetings 
were exchanged with the assembled friends, amidst the handker- 
chief wavings of welcome from numerous ladies. At Joliet its arrival 
was announced by the boonung otcainion, and upon the senator's 
ap])earance the thousands assembled rent the air with their cheers. 
He had only time to thank them for their cordial welcome. A 
uumenms ])arty of friends here joined them for Si>ringfield. A 
platform car was attached to the rear of the train, carrying a can- 
non to herald their ai)[)roach at every station along the rouf<'. 
At Wilmington the salute of a 6-pounder was answered by this 
piece on board. A large concourse of people had assembled, and 
as the train drew up a fine band played "Hail to the Chief!" fol- 
lowed, on the appearance of the senator, by air-s])littiiig clu'crs 
from the crow d, men swinging their hats, and ladies waving their 
handkerchiefs, making a scene of indescri)>able enthusiasni an<l 
joy. Temler greetings and kindly expressions were exchange(i 
with the rei)resentative of the great principle of self-government. 
At every station these glowing scenes were repeated. 

At Bioomington, where it was appointed for Douglas to sjK^ak, 
suitable arrangeM)ents for his welcome had been made. The day 
was inauspicious, but the i>eople had gathered in large luimbers 
through rain andnuul. The Bioomington Guards in full uniform, 
citizens, mounted, on foot and in carriages, formed into line as an 
escort to the civic hero. A salute of 32 guns was fired on the ap- 
proach of the train, and the appearance of the senator was followed 
by the usual expressions of enthusiasm greatly augmented. Doug- 
las entered a carriage and a i)rocession was formed whiith moved 
through the priiuM})al streets, lined on either side with dense 
nuisses of i>eople, the windows and balconies of the houses filled 
with ladies waving their handkerchiefs. The Laiulon House, the 
sto]>i)ing ])lace, was appropriately decorated with flags and nM>ttoes 
of weh^onui for the occasion. At night there was a grand ]>yrotech- 
ni(^ disi)lay, the court house was brilliantly iHuminated, and 
Douglas addressed the people in the public square. Mr. Lincoln 
was called out, but excused himself on the gTouudofits being 
Douglas' ovation. 

On the following morning a special train took the party, whicii 
was further joined by the Bioomington Guards with their can- 
non and a large number of citizens, to Springfield. Tlie train 
Avas ap])ropriately decorated with beautiful flags and inscriptions. 

At Atlanta both Douglas and Lincoln were called out by a 
large assemblage of people, and both excused themselves from 
speaking. At Lincoln a halt was made for dinnei*. The town 



SErJATOES IN CONGRESS. 711 

Avas crowded with people, and tbe reception was splendid. The 
piinci[);il street Avas si)auned by a triumphal arch — a graceful 
combination of leaves, flowers and evergreens, and small banners 
with mottoes, surmounted by a large one inscribed "Douglas For- 
ever." The Lincoln House was also beantifully decorated, and, 
after partaking of a sumptuous repast, Douglas made a brief but 
happy address, received the congratulations of his friends, when 
the excursionists sped on their way towards the capital, the i)re- 
vious scenes being repeated at every station. At Willianisville, 
committees from counties south, east and west of Sangamon, met 
the train, and the party being greatly increased, two engines were 
brought into requisition; and thus with cannons tiring, bands 
playing martial airs, the train, amidst the greetings, shoutings, 
and joys of a large multitude, sped into the capital city. A halt 
was made at Edwards' Grove, where, notwithstanding the occa- 
sional rain, the people from far and near had waited by thousands, 
and were now addressed by Douglas for three hours in one of his 
most masterly efforts.* 

At night Mr. Lincoln spoke in the city. He had not heard 
Douglas. We subjoin the opening remarks : 

*'Fellow-Citizens : Another election which is deemed an important 
one is approaching, and, as I suppose, tlie republican party will, with- 
out niucli difficulty, elect their State ticket. But in regard to the legis- 
hiture we, the republicans, labor under some disadvaiatages." This ne 
attributed to a want of change in the apportionment of representatives 
in tlie legislature, still based upon the census of 1850, which bore with 
unequal effect upon the north part of the State, tlie republican strong- 
hold, which had nearly doubled its population since then, while in the 
soutli part no corresponding increase had taken place. 

He further alluded to some disadvantages of a personal character, in 
the following humorous vein : 

"Tliere is still another disadvantage under which we labor, and to 
which I ask your attention. It arises out of the relative positions of the 
two persons who stand before you as candidates for the senate. Senator 
Douglas is of world-wide renown. All the anxious politicians of liis 
party have been looking to him as certainly, at no very distant day to be 
the i^resident of the United States. They have seen in his round, jolly 
fruitful face post-offices, land-offices, marshalships, and cabinet ap- 
pointments, chargeships and foreign missions, bursting and spouting 
out in wonderful exuberance, ready to be laid liold of by their greedy 
hands. (Great laughter.) And as they have been gazing upon this at- 
tractive picture so long they cannot, in the little distraction that has 
taken place in the party, bring tliemselves to quite give up the charming 
hope ; but with greedier anxiety tliey rush about him, sustain him, 
give him marclies, triumphal entries, and receptions beyond what even 
in the days of his highest prosperity they could have brought about in 
his favor. On the contrary, nobody has ever expected me to be presi- 
dent. In my poor, lean, lank face nobody has ever seen that any cabba- 
ges wei-e sprouting out." [See Illinois State Register, July 22, 1858.] 

How differently two year's time showed the result. But not- 
withstanding all these disadvantages, one week later he addressed 
Douglas a note dated Chicago July 24th, by the hand of the Hon. 
N. 15. Judd, for an arrangement to ''address the same aiuliences 
the present canvass." Mr. Douglas answered on the same day 
that under the advice of the democratic State central committee 
a list of appointments running into October had been made for 
him, at which legislative and congressional candidates would also 

•Condensed from 111. State Register of July 19, 1858. 



712 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

bei)reseiit occupying the wLole time. His wily nature led him 
further to suggest that in comi)aiiy with Mr. Lincoln Avould be a 
third candidate for the senate, canvassing the State for the sole 
purpose of dividing the democratic vote, Avho Avould also claim a 
portion of the time from the same stand ; and further in the same 
politic vein expressed his surprise that Mr. Lincoln should have 
Avaited till after his appointments were out when they had been 
together a luimber of times before; but while not at liberty to 
change his a])}»oiutnu^nts he took the responsibility to stipulate 
for joint discussions in 7 congressional districts, one in each, they 
having already both spoken in the2dand(Jth — Chicago and Spring- 
field. He named Ottawa, Freeport, Quincy, Jonesboro, Charles- 
ton, Galesbuig and Alton, the si>eakiiig to alternate by oi)ening 
fori hour, answering 1^, and replying ^ — he taking the oi)enings 
at the first and last places. Mr. Lincoln replied protestingagainst 
the insinuations of unfairness, Aviiich, he thought groundless and 
unjust; denied any knowlege of his plan of ap{)ointments ; 
thought Douglas had the advantage in the openings and closings 
of the s])eaking, and accei>ted the proposition. But their sepa- 
rate appointments were such also that they usually followed each 
other in rapid order, in one i)lace, Sullivan, on the same day. 

Thechanipionsfirstmet for joint discussion at Ottawa. They were 
attended by short-hand reporters, many leading news{>apersabrt)ad 
had their special correspondents on the ground, and the speeches 
were carefully taken down and widely circulated. It is not our 
purpose to give a synopsis of the debates, which have been fully 
published, but to draw attention to a few leading occurrences. 

Douglas here propouiuled 7 questions to Mr. Lincoln, all based 
upon a resolution that he mistakeidy supposed the first State 
republican convention had adopted at Springtield, October 4, 
1854, and which had recognized ^Ir. Tvincoln by placing liim on 
the State central committee. The leading question was whether 
he favored the unconditioiud rei)eal of tlie fugitive slave law? 
The resolution proposed " to repeal and entirely abrogate the fugi- 
tive slave law;" but Mr. Lincoln had already declared his reluct- 
ant support of a just and equitable fugitive slave law, because the 
constitution was mandatory upon that point, and the re})ublican 
conventions of 185G-8 had omitted to declare against the remli- 
tion of fugitives from labor. Douglas, to prove Lincoln's i)osi- 
tion extreme or in<;onsistent, as also the rei)ublicans generally, 
made use of this resolution — into which he was led by the Si)ring- 
field Register, wliich liad published it with the i>roceedn>gs of the 
convention. It was really a resolution ad(»pted by a Kane county 
meeting; but Mr. Ijincoln was not aware of the mortifying mis- 
take Douglas had fallen into. The republican press, however, 
soon unea.rthed it, and the opi)ortunity to assail Douglas thus 
afltbrded was fully availed. Its columns teenuMl with chaiges of 
''bold and deliberate forgery," "unparalleled nu^ulacity," ''dast- 
ardly infamy," «&<;.* 

At Freei)ort, days after, Mr. Lincoln answered Douglas's inter- 
rogatories, this one in the negative, and then i)roi)ounded 4 to 



* To show the depth of party and personal t'eeliiiB' ayainst Douglas at the time, the 
Chioaso Pce.ss A- 7'//7<i///f' spoke of hitn at Ottawa, as follows: "He liowlcfS, he ranted, 
he bellowed, he pawed dill, he shook his head, he turned livid in the faee. he striiek 
ills rijiht hand into his kit. he foamed at tiie mouth, he anathematized, he cursed, be 
exulted, he domineered— he played Douglas." 



SENATORS IN CONGRESS. 713 

Dou.ijla.s, which the latter proceeded to answer immediately, 
making them the subject of his speech. While this proved his 
ready and wonderful powers of debate, it would have perliaps 
been well to have deliberated some time as Mr. Lincoln had done. 
The 2d interro<4atory was : "Can the people of a United States ter- 
ritory, in any lawful way, against the wishes of any citizen of the 
Uidted States, exclude slavery from its limits prior to the forma- 
tion of a State constitution f 

The Dred Scott decision was, that congress had no right to pro- 
hibit a citizen of the United States from takingany property which 
he lawfully held into a territory of the United States ', and that 
if congress could not do this, it could not authorize a territorial 
government, in the absence of any distinction in property, to 
exchide shives, which were property under the constitution. In 
his Chicago speech, Doughis had said that to this decision of the 
august tribunal of the supreme court he bowed with deference. 
Now he said : ''I answer emphatically that in my opinion the peo- 
ple of a territory can by lawful means exclude slavery before it 
comes in as a State. Mr. Lincoln knew that I had given that 
answer over and over again." But in the very next breath he inti- 
mated that this could only be done by the adoi)tion of unfrieiidly 
police regulations, by the territorial legislature withholding the 
needed local or numicipal laws, without which slavery could not 
exist a day anywhere. 

The Freeport speech caused Douglas to be severelj' denounced, 
not onlyat home but abroad, by republicans, for his gross inconsist- 
ency and change of front, and throughout the south as having at 
last.sJiown hiy cloven foot; they couldhave no further conftdence in 
a northern nmn who unnecessarily espoused theirinterests against 
liis own section. 

After this the general scoi)e of their discussions was not mate- 
rially eidarged. It was shivery in the territories and the rights 
of the peo[)le in rebition thereto, Mr. Lincoln insisting that con- 
gress, notwithstanding the obiter dictum of the supreme court in 
the JJred Scott decision, had the right, the same as when the ordi- 
nance of 1787 was ado[)ted, to exclude slavery, and ought to ex- 
ercise it; and Mr. Douglas holding that the vexed question ought 
to be referred to the people of the territory immediately con- 
cerned, to settle as their other domestic institutions in their own 
sovereign way, subject oidy to the constitution of the United 
States. Mr. Lincoln did not assume an attitude of hostility to 
slaveiy in the States, other than that he desired it "to be put in 
course of ultimate extinction," the language of his first conven- 
tion si)eech. He did not repeat or enlarge upon the extreme 
ground of this speech, but constantly guarded against it, though 
Douglas throughout the debates essayed to push him on to it. 

\\'liilst there were but 7 joint discussions, the two champions 
had their separate programmes for speaking so arranged for them 
that they addressed very nearly the same crowds in many coun- 
ties of the State, some times on the same day, but oftener with only 
a very short tinie interveuiiig. lu Sullivan, Moultrie county, wIku'C 
they si)oke on the sauie day, a serious collision between their 
respective crowds was imminent for a time. Mr. Lincoln hadi)ur 
posed deferring his speech to the last, but as a separate stand had 
been elected by the republicans in the north part of the town, 



714 IIISTOKY OF ILLINOIS. 

tliey formed a })ro('t's;si()Ji of tlieir forces, and in marcbing tliitlier 
attempted to go right tbionglj tlie other crowd in the street where 
Douglas was si)eal<ing, and out of tlieir way. This was not to be 
broolced ; a i)arley ensued, during which the band wagon was 
attempted to be driven through tlie crowd and a conflict was the 
immedate result. But through the commaijding voice of Doug- 
las, beycmd a few blows, a general melee was averted. 

At Winchester, his first home, Douglas' enthusiastic greeting 
was deei)ly touching. The old county of Scott was never so aroused 
before. His arrival was announced by the roar of cannon and 
the glad shouts of a large assemblage. Here among these people 
the now great senator had first cast his lot a i)enniless stranger. 
Here he had taught school, and among his auditory were gray- 
haired sires and fond old matrons who had entrusted to him the 
education of their children, and i)ui)ils whom he had taught. All 
the old settlers well remembered him in his i)overty and ol)scurity, 
and doubtless the entire community were now animated by that 
pleasant pride and affection which said ''we are the nnikers of this 
great man'' — glorying in his fame and ])rosperity — and with that 
feeling welcomed the whilom schoolmaster iii his i>resent character 
of the great American statesman. Let the rea<ler trust both the 
heart and mind of Douglas to suitably deal with the occasion of 
such a kindly reunion, and dis})lay to the utmost those wonderful 
powers of eloquence which were i)laced under additional tribute 
by the time, circumstance and place. He alludeil, in the most 
touching manner, to his advent and residence at Winchester, his 
early struggles and honest efforts for a beginning in a strange 
land ; the ready imagination of his hearers readily suggesting the 
rest, while many a tear of joy crei)t down furrowed clieelcs as the 
spontaneous outburst of cheers from friend and iK)liti(;al foe rent 
the air, and attested the oi>inion of all in entire ai>probation of his 
subsequent career, more exalted, but among true Americans, not 
more honorable. The audience and occasion were suggestive of a 
rich vein of sentimental topics to the orator, and none escai)ed 
him or were omitted. It is a source of regret that this sjteech, so 
well calculated to give us a fuller insight into the depth of Doug- 
las' better nature, was not recorded. 

The result of the election returned to the legislature, in the 
house, 40 democrats and 35 republicans; the senate stood 14 dem- 
ocrats and 11 rei)ublicans, giving the former 8 majority on joint 
ballot. The rei)ublicans carried the State by a i)lurality, the v«)te 
standing: republicans, 124,()'J8 ; democrats, 121,190; IJuchanan 
demociats, and scattering, 4,803. 

And now the administration clique, defeated in their efibrts to 
beat Douglas, fell out among themselves, and blamed each other 
for the residt. It seems that some of the Uuchaium ofdce-liolders, 
like Ike Cook and others, favored the direct su])i)ort of the repub- 
licans at the polls, while others, like E. B. Cari)enter,t etc., made 
the fight against Douglas and the republicans, both, on i)rinciple. 
JMany charges of subser\'iency, gross decei)tion of the president as 
to their strength, blumlers, follies and villainies, were bandied 
back and forth. Col. John Dougherty, the administration candi- 

*See 111. State Register, Sept. 25, 1858 

tSee his letter to Chicago Democrat, Nov., 1858. 



SENATORS IN CONGRESS. 715 

date for treasurer, wLo liad received less tliaii 5,000 votes out of 
the one-fourth of a iiiillioii east, issued a manifesto to the people 
of Illinois, through the Cairo G'asv:,'/.', "reading the entire demo- 
cratic party out of the party, and insisting that their delegates 
should not be admitted to the,, Charleston convention [in 1800].""" 
The Buchanan party now affected to believe that Douglas would 
be defeated before the legislature; but when the time came there 
were no opponents to him before the demo(;ratic caucus, t though 
Le was absent, and he was re-elected by 51 votes to Mr. Lincoln 
40. He telegrai)hed back from Baltimore — "Let the voice of the 
people rule." 

Thus terminated this unprecedented senatorial contest, which 
was waged throughout with a vigor ami spirit which had no par- 
allel in the history of })arties in this or any other fc!tate. Both the 
gi'eat i)olitical organizations fought with a lierceness which never 
lagged for a moment, but increased with every coming day. With 
Douglas, apparently, his })olitical fortune was at stake. The rei)ub- 
licans, after the election, complimented Mr. Lincoln for the strong 
and noble tight he had made, what no other unin in the State 
could have done for the cause ; and they consoled him in the lan- 
guage of Pope: 

"More true joy Mareellus exiled feels 
Tliau CsBsar with avwc't-at liis /(«7.v." 

Mr. Lincoln was thus brought conspicuouly before the nation as 
one of the ablest leaders of the opposition ; and, in the humble 
oi>inion of the writer, this great (contest, which i)rimarily resulted 
simi)ly in the making of a U. S. senator of one of the contestants, 
directed the public eye to the merits of the other, and caused him 
to become the standard bearer, two years later, of that part}' 
Avhose cardinal principle demanded freedom for the i)ublic domain, 
and which, aided by the divisions in the ranks of the democracy, 
carried him by their voices triunii>hantly into the i)residential 
chair ; which the south deemed a snfticient affront for disunion. 

Having consumed so much space to comi)lete the sketch of our 
senators in congress, Ave can only say that to the seat of Donglas, 
after his death in 18(51, succeeded, 1st, the Hon. O. H. Browning 
by appointment from Gov. Yates ; 2d, the legislature in 1803, be- 
ing (leniocratic, and iiei'ce in i)artisan s|)irit, Browning failed of 
contirmation, and the Hon. ^V. A. Ifichardson was elected for the 
remainder of Douglas' unex)>ired term. In the three executive 
a[>pointments to senatorial vacancies in the history of the State — 
Baker in 18o0, Semple in 1813, and Browning in 1801— only one, 
that of Semple, has been contirmed by the legislature. In LS05 
Kichard Yates was eleiitedto the same seat for a full term, and he 
in 1871 was succeeded by Gen. John A. Logan, who is the secoiul 
native Illinoisan that has ever tilled that exalted office for this 
State. 

* "Not bavins the fear of numbers before his eyes, he boMly ruled the 121,000 demo- 
crats who voted for Doujihis, out, to graze u|ion the common, as unworthy to associate 
with him, and sat the autocrat of the party in IlJinois" — said the St. Louis RepiMican at 
the time. 

+ Thoui^h in September Judg'e Breese in a letter to Mr. Boj^akin, of the Belleville 
Dcmnerot, wrote : "Idemand as a riuht to know who requested you to say as you have 
said in an editorial in jour paper of the 4th. that "Jud^e Breese is not, nor will he be, 
a candidate for the U. S. senate in ouposition to Mr. Douglas.'' 



Chapter LIII. 

1861-1865— ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR YATES. 

Party Conventions of 1860 — The two Great Labor Systems of the 
Country in Direct Antagonism — Life and Character of Gover- 
nor Yates — Lieutenant Governor Hoffman — Condition of the 
State and Comparative Growth since 1850. 



The republican State convention of 1860 met at Decatur, May 
9th. Every county except Pulaski was represented. The Hon. 
Joseph Gillesi)ie, of Madison, was chosen to preside over its 
deliberations. For the candidacy of governor there were three 
aspirants: Norman B. Judd, of Cook, Leonard Swett, of McLean, 
and Richard Yates, of Morgan. On the tirst ballot Judd received 
245 votes, Swett 191, Yates 183 and .lames Knox 12 ; on the third 
ballot Judd received his highest number, 263; on the fourth all 
the Swett men but 36 went to the sui)i)()rt of Yates, giving him 
363 votes, which nomiiuited him. Juclcl had incurred the formid- 
able opi>ositiou of the Chicago Democrat, then a power with the 
republican ])arty of the State. Francis A. Hoffman, of DuPage, 
was next nominated as a candidate for lieutenant governor by 
acclamation. The remainder of the ticket was: For auditor, Jesse 
K. Dubois; for treasurer, William Butler ; for secretary o+" State, 
O. M. Hatch, and for superintendent of i»ublic instruction, New- 
ton Batenum — all incumbents. The Bloomington platform of 4 
years before was re-ado])ted with a stronger plank regarding the 
right of foreigners, doubtless to sweeten the slightly remaining 
taintof know nothingism that denux-rats might scent about rei)ub- 
lican garments. They also declared for a lionu'stead act by con- 
gress, and the immediate admission of Kansas as a free State. A 
resolution was ado])ted that Abrahiim Lincoln was the choice of 
the rei)id)lican party of Illinois for i)resident, and the delegates 
from this State were instructed to use all honorable means to 
secure his nomination at the Chicago convention, and to vote for 
him as a unit. A motion to strike out the last chmse was 
defeated. 

Mi: Iloffnmn, candidate for lieutenant governor, it will be 
remendx'red by the reader, was nominated for the same place on 
the rei)ublican ticket in 185(>, but shortly after was found not to 
be eligible to the oflice if elected, he being a German and not a 
citizen for 11 years as the (M)nstitution required. He now icfused 
to run tor the position, alleging ill health. The State ceiitial com- 
mittee i)ut the jiame of Hon. Vital Jarrot, of St. Clair, on tRe 
ticket in his stead. But the congressional convention of the 3d 
71G 



YATES' ADMINISTEATION. 717 

district at Blooiningtou refused to ratify Ids iiondiiatioii, \Yljere- 
upoii lie also declined to run. Tlie objection was that it gave both 
gubernatorial candidates to the southern portion of the State. 
The State convention was thereupon recalled and met again, this 
time at Springfield, August 8th, on occasion of the great re)>ubli- 
can nniss meeting at tlie home of Lincoln, one of the grandest out- 
pourings of the i)eople and largest civicdennuistration with which 
any public man was ever honored. In convention, on motion of 
Mr. Jarrot, Mr. Hoffman had leave to withdraw his letter of 
decliiKition, and his nouduation was again unanimously coufirnu'd. 

The State democratic convention of 18(»0 met at Springtield in 
the hall of the house of representatives, June loth. Hon. Wm. 
McMurtry, of Knox, presided. On the tirst ballot to nominate a can- 
didate for governor, J. C. Allen, of Crawford, received 157 votes ; S. 
A. Bucknuister, of Madison. 81 ; J. L. L). Morrison, of St. Clair, 88 ; 
Kewtou Cloud, of Morgai), 05 ; W. B. Scates, of Cook, 14 ; J. A. 
McClernand and B. S. Edwards, both of Sangamon, 2 each. On 
the second ballot it was soon disclosed that Allen was the favorite, 
and all the other competitors beiPig withdrawn before the 
announcement of the vote, Allen's nondiuition was nmde unanim- 
ous. The balance of the ticket was: For lieutenant governor, L. 
AV. Boss, of Fulton; secretary of State, G.H. Cam])bell, of Logan ; 
auditor, Berimrd Arntzen, of Adams; treasurer, Hugh Maher, of 
Cook ; superiidendent of public instruction. Dr. E. B. Boe, of 
McLean. Their resolutions reaftirmed the principles of the Cin- 
cinnati platform of 185(5, ap[>roved the course of the delegates to 
the Charleston convention, and expressed their confidence in Ste- 
phen A. Douglas for president. 

On July the 11th, the Buchanan or Breckinridge democracy met 
in convention also at Siuingtield, and put the following State 
ticket in the field: For governor. Dr. Thomas M. Hope, of Madi- 
son ; lieutenant governor, ThonuisSneU, of DeWitt; secretary of 
State, B. T. Burke, of Macoupin ; auditor, Henry S. Sndth, of 
Knox; treasurer, W. H. Cather, of Adams; superintendent of 
public instruction, J. H. Dennis, of St. Clair; the electors at large 
being John Dougherty ami Thompson Cami»l)ell. Eleven coun- 
ties out of lOli were represented by 53 delegates, 41 of ^vhom 
Avere currently reported at the time as federal ofiftce-holders. 

The Bell-Everett State convention metatDecatur, Aug. 10, 180(>. 
Thirty counties were represented by an aggregate of 92 delegates. 
They nondnated the following ticket: For governor, the Hon. 
John T. Stuart, of SanganK)n ; lieutenant governor, Henry S, 
Blackburn, of Bock Island ; secretary of State, James Monroe, of 
Coles ; auditor, James D. Sndth, of Sangamon ; treasurer, Jona- 
than Stamper, of Macon ; superndendent of public instruction, 
D. J. Snow, of Sangamon ; electors at large, M. Y. Johnson, of 
JoDaviess and D. ]\L Woodson, of Green. 

Thus 4 tickets were in the field. The political contest of 1800 
over the question of slavery was the most momentous in the his- 
tory of this nation. The two great labor systems of the country, 
free and slave, representing their respective sections, were biought 
into direct antagonism for the first time in a presidential election. 
The southern wing of the democratic party, spurning Douglas and 
his theory of popular sovereignty at Charleston, split from ds 
uortheru associate, and eagerly brought forward the labor 



718 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

system of its section and opposed it to that of tlie north. The 
issue thus presented was so cknirly defined that it was impossi- 
ble to long occupy any middle ground. The power of Douglas 
alone lield his followers to one for a time, but it was apparent rliat 
all between would soon be but a chuolic mass, whose piirMcles, 
drifting hither and thither, must hml lodgment on the side within 
whose sectional or local focus of attraction they chanced to conu'. 
The inexorable logic of events disclosed the completion of an 
ine\itable destiny. The house was indeed divided against itself, 
and the irrei)ressible contiict was at hand. The canvass proved 
both an exciting and determined one, and the fearful consequen- 
quences ha\e ]>assed into history, abundantly and ably written up 
by other hands. 

The victory at the polls for the repul)licans of Illinois in ISGO 
was complete. They carried the i)residential and State tickets, 
and gained both liouses ot the legislature, each by a small ma- 
jority. For governor, Yates received 172,190, Allen 159.2."i3, 
Stuart 1,020, Hoi)e 2,010 and Chickering 1,110. The vote on the 
presidential ticket was: for Lincoln, 171,100 ; Douglas, 158,251 ; 
Bell-Everett, 1,<S51 ; and Breckenridge, 2,292. With few exce])- 
tions the adherents of the latter two tickets — particularly the 
lea(Un-s of the Breckinridge faction — we';e shortly afterwards ab- 
sorbed by the republican party, where some of the Buchanan men 
have since attained distinction, both for their radicalism and suc- 
cess in obtaining office. 

Eicliard Yates was born January IS, 1818, on the banks of the 
Ohio river, at Warsaw, Gallatin county, Kentucky. His fathei", 
in J831, nu)ved to Illinois, and settled (after stoi>ping for a time 
in Springlield,) at Island Grove, Sangamon county. Here, after 
attending school, liichard Joined the family. Subsequently, he 
entered Illinois College, at Jacksonville, where, in 1837, he grad- 
uated with first honors. He chose for his profession the law, the 
Hon. J. J. Hardin being liis instructor. After admission to the 
bar he soon rose to distinction as an advocate. Gifted with a 
fluent and ready oratory, he soon appeared in the political hust- 
ings, and being a passionate admirer of the great whig leader of 
the west, Henry Clay, he joined his political fortunes to the party 
of his idol. In 1810 he engaged with great ardor in the exciting 
"hard cider campaign" for Harrison. Two years later he Avas 
elected to the legislature from Morgan county, a democratic 
stronghold. He served three or four terms in the legislature, 
and such was the fascination of his oratory, that by 1850 his 
large congressional district, extending fi-om Moi-gan and Sanga- 
mon north to include La Salle, unauinu)usly tendered him the 
whig nonnnatiou. His o[)ponent of the denu)cratic l>arty, was 
Major Thomas L. Harris, a very ]>opular man, who had won dis- 
tinction at the battle of Cerro Gordo, in the late war with Mexico, 
and who, though the district was whig, had beaten for the same 
l)ositi(»n, two years before, the Hon. Stephen T. Logan by a large 
majority. The contest between Yates and Harris, animating and 
persevei'ing, resulted in the election of the foi-mer. Two years 
later, the <lemocracy ungenerously thrust aside Major Harris and 
pitted John Calhoun against Yates, and, though Calhoun was a 
man of great intellect, and when aroused, of unsurpassed ability 



YATES' ADMINISTRATION. 719 

as a political debater — whom Mr. Liiieolu bad said he would 
dread more in debate than any man in Illinois — the result was 
as before. It was during' Yates' second term that the great 
question of the repeal of the Missouri comi)iomise came before 
congress, against which he earl^' arrayed himself, and took de- 
cided and advanced anti-slavery ground in a si)eeeh of rare 
oratory and rennirkable power, which gained him natiiinal rep- 
utation. But we have seen that at this formative period of the 
reimblican party, the whigs of central Illinois, unwilling to join 
tlieir fortunes with a sectional party, went with the democracy, 
and in 1854, Major Harris being again his opponent for congress, 
Yates was defeated on the Nebraska issue by oidy about 200 
votes in the district which had given Pierce two years before 
2,000 majority over Scott. Six years later he was elected gov- 
ernor by the party, for the aid in the formation of which he had 
suffered this defeat. 

Kichard Yates occupied the chair of State during the most 
critical i>eriod of our country's history. In the fate of the nation 
Axas involved the destiny of the States. The life-struggle of the 
former derived its sustenance from the loyalty of the latter. The 
position of governor of a great State was, therefore, important 
and responsible, as it was capable of being exerted for vast 
good or immense evil. Need it be said that in this trying period 
lie discharged his duty with patiiotic fidelity to the cause of the 
nation? Gov. Yates had many valuable attributes for his high 
station in this ordeal of the country. His loyalty was as undoul)ted 
as it proved itself true. He was the close personal friend of Pres- 
ident Lincoln. His ardent devotion to the Union was founded 
upon a deep love for it. While he had been early identified with 
the formation of the republican party, he had not been connected 
with the old abolitionists, among whom were persons who pre- 
ferred the success of their hobby to the safety of the Union. But 
above all, he had a deep hold upon the affections of the people, 
won by his moving eloquence and genial manners. He inspired 
strong attachments among his partisan friends. Nature hatl fash- 
ioned him to be admired by the masses. Handsome, erect and 
symmetrical in person, with a winning address ami a magnetic 
power, few men posssessed more of the elements of ])opuiarity. 
His oratory, into the spirit of which he entered with apparent for- 
getfuluess of self, was scholarly and captivating, the hearer hardly 
knowing why he was transported. Though less logical than «-lo- 
quent, he reasoned well, and alway.' inspired deep and enduring- 
paitisan attachments. He was social ami convivial to an eminent 
degree, traits of character, which, however, were subjected to 
little of i)uritanic denial ; but in the very excesses of his ai)petites 
he has carried with him the sympathies of the people, almost irre- 
spective of party, on account of his many noble attributes of head 
and heart. 

The very creditable military efforts of this State during the war 
of the rebellion, in putting her quotas, aggregating the enoinious 
number of about 200,000* soldiers in the field, were ever i)romptly 

*In 1850 Illinois had a population of 851,470, and accordinu- to the arniv rejiister for 
1851. her militia numbered 170,359, 4,168 of \yhom were commissioned officers: in 1860, 
she had a population of 1,711.951, which would have given her at the breaking- out of 
the rebellion, in 1861 a militia force of 350,000, and. out of this number nearly :>00,000 
volunteers were furnished. i 



720 HISTORY OP ILLINOIS. 

and ably seconded by his excellency : he was ambitious to deserve 
the title of the soldiers' friend. His proclamations calling for vol- 
unteers are impassionate appeals, urging the duties and require- 
ments of i^atriotism upon the people; and his special messages to 
the last democratic legislature of this State, ])]eadi)»g for material 
aid for the sickarul wounded soldiers of Illinois regiments, 'oreathe 
a deep fervor of noble sentiment and feeling rarely equalled in 
beauty or felicity of expression. Generally his messages on i)oliti- 
cal or civil affairs were able and comprehensive; though on these 
subjects, particularly the former, his style is perhaps too florid 
and diffuse. There were no State civil events of an engrossing 
character during Gov. Yates' administration ; two years of it, 
however, were replete with partisan quarrels of great bitterness, 
during the sitting of the constitutional convention of 1862, and 
the sessions of the last democratic legislature in 18G3, whicli lat- 
ter body he finally squelched by his act of prorogation. These 
the reader will find summed up further along. The ojieiations 
of Illinois regiments in the field are also elsewhere recorded in 
detail. 

Lieut. Gov. HoUnian was born at Herford, Prussia, 1822. He 
■was the son of a bookseller, and educated at the Frederich Wil- 
liam Gymnasium of his imtive town. At the age of 18 he emi- 
grated to America, landing penniless in Kew York. Borrowing 
$8 he started west, and after a toilsome journey reached Chi- 
cago in 1840. Moneyless and unable to speak the Englisli lan- 
guage, he taught a snniU German school at Dunkley's Giove, 
DuPage county, at $50 a year, with the privilege of "boarding 
around" among its patrons. Next, having studied theology, he 
was ordained a minister of the Lutheran church. In 1852 he 
removed to Chicago, ^^tudied law, was successful in the real estate 
business, became a free-banker in 1854, and as such, with the 
secession of 1801 and the downfall of our "stum]>tail" cuiTency, 
failed. He had annually published, in German, a review of the 
commerce and finances of Chicago, and scattering thousands of 
copies in his native land, materially benefited her growth; and as 
commissioner of the foreign land department of the Central Kail- 
road Company, he was instrumental in inducing many thousands 
of German families to purchase lands and settle in Illinois. 

He early took an active niterest in public affairs. In 1847 he 
was a mend)er of the famous Eiver and Harbor convention at 
Chicago. In 1853 he was elected alderman for the 8th ward of that 
city. He was among the first of the prominent Germans of the 
northwest to advocate the anti-slavery cause by writingfor the first 
German newsiiaper of Chicago, and translating from the German 
for the Democrat. In 1848 he supported Van Buren for the i)resi- 
dency ; with the repeal of the Missouri compromise he aided in 
the organization of the republican party, and in 1856 canvassed 
the State for Fremont. Well educated, a clear mind, decision and 
energy, he acquitted himself Avith dignity and impartiality as the 
presiding officer of the Senate during a i)eriod replete with parti- 
san strife, and the most perilous in our history.t 

Comparative Growth of the State since 1850. — The national cen- 
sus of 1860 revealed for Illinois a population of 1,711,951, against 

+See "Biographical Slcetclics of leu'diiiK men of Chicago," by A. Shuman. 



YATES' ADMINISTRATION. 721 



851,4:70 in 1850 — au increase of over 100 per cent, in tlie preced- 
in<;- decade. This ranlced her as tlie fourth State in the Union in 
point of popnhition, and entitled lier to 11 members in the lower 
house of congress. 

Tlie following" table from the census reports show her increase 
in wealth during this period: 

Classen nf Prrijierty. 1850. 1860 

Real and personal $156,000,000 $S71,(K)0.000 

Value of farms 96,000,000 4;K,00(i,0 

Value of fartr.ino- implements 6,000,()00 18,(H10,0<J0 

Value of orchard products 446,049 ],145,9:ii) 

Value of live stock 24,000,000 73.4;i^,Oii0 

Value of animals slaughtered 4,973,000 15,0.0,000 

Wheat raised. No. bushels 9,414,000 24,1.59.003 

Corn raised, No. bushels 57,546.600 11.5,','06,IH10 

Rarlev, No. bushels 110,000 1,175,000 

Buckwheat, No. bushels 184,000 y45()(iO 

Potatoes, No. bushels 2,514,000 5,799,9C,4 

Hav.tons 001,9.52 l,8:)4,:.'i;i 

Butter, lbs 1.200,000 28,3:]7,(«10 

Tobacco, lbs 841,394 7,014,234 

Total No of acres improved 500,000 13,251,U00 

This shows the aggregate wealth of 1850 to have multiplied five 
times in one decade ; the value of farms 1^ times. But while the 
census of 1860 gave us a total property value of $871,000,000 the 
assessed value for the same year was not quite 1390,000,000. Illi- 
nois was the first corn and wheat producing State in the Union ; 
in value of her live stock she was second; in cattle, Texas and 
Ohio were ahead ; in thenumber of horses, Ohio was also ahead, 
having 022,829 to Illinois 575,101 ; in the number of improved 



acres, IS^ew York alone led her by about 1,000,000 acres. 
The permanent debt of the State in 18G0 was $10,277 



IGl. 



4G 



Chapter LIV. 
ILLINOIS IN THE WAE OF THE EEBELLrON. 

Slavery — Sectional Antagonism — Secession — Inauguration of Lincoln 
— Call for Volunteers — Proclamation of Gov. Yates — Uprising of 
the People. 



In 18G1 the Great Rebellion assnined a definite sliape, and a civil 
war of the most astounding' magnitude followed. Tlie i)viinaiy 
cause of the antagonism which existed between the Northern and 
Southern sections of the Union was the institution of shivery. 
Other agencies doubtless served proximately to intensify the hos- 
tility unfo] tuiiately engeiuleied, but in every instance, if not 
directly connected with this great national evi],tlieir remote origin 
could be traced to it. 

The federal constitution recogiiized slavery, but its franiers sup- 
posed that in the different States wheie it existed the benig)i in- 
fluences of free institutions and the palpable advantages of free 
labor, would extirpate it without the intervention of the general 
government. These hap})y anticipations at first seemed likely to 
be realized. Commencing with the more northern of tlie slave 
States the work of emancipation gradually extended southward 
till it reached Virginia, Maryland and Kentucky, where its further 
progress was stayed. The growth of cotton in the Gulf States 
had in the meantime become a source of vast wealth, and tlie be- 
lief that slaxer^- was essential to its cultivation greatly nu)di{ied 
the repugnance with which it had hitherto been regarded. The 
remaining slave States, now actuated by i)ecuniary considerii- 
tions, abandoned the idea of emancipation and a<;cepted slavery 
as a permanent institution. The invention of the cotton-gin and 
other machineiy gave a new impetus to the cultivation of cotton, 
and the fabrics manufactured from it, and those engaged in this 
great branch of iiulustry soon resolved not only to i)rote(;t slavery 
where it existed, but demanded new territory for its futuie expan- 
sion. In carving new States out of the vast unoccupied i)ortion 
of the natiomil domain, a bitter sectional contest arose as to 
whether the new members of the confederacy should belong to the 
empire of freedom or slavery. The opponents of slavery were de- 
sirous of restricting it to its original limits, but the cotton States 
threatened to withdraw from the Union if their demands were not 
granted, thus causing grave apprehensions for the safety of the 
republic unless the question could be amicably adjusted. Peiul- 
ing the admission of Missouri into the Union a comi)romise wa:. at 
length effected, making the southern boundary of that State the 



THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. 723 

liiit^ of (leiiiarkiitiou between free and slave territory. This was 
isn]»pose(l at the time to be a tinal settlement of the dangerous 
question, for no one ])roi)osed to interfere with slavery within its 
original limits. 

The recognition and protection thus offered inspired new confi- 
dence in the advocates of slavery, and so enhanced the value of 
its capital that they ultinuitely became the principal elements of 
sonthern wealth. With her capital thus invested the south nec- 
essarily became agricultural, and hence the agitation that arose 
in regard to the tariff, culminating in the attempt of South Caro- 
lina to nullify the laws of the U. S. tor collecting duties. Notwith- 
standing repeated threats on the part of this refractory member 
of the Union to withdraw, the sturdy determination of Jackson 
s<'cured the enforcement of law, but the cause which had pro- 
du('e<l the disturbance still existed, and soon disclosed itself in 
anctther form. By the treaty with Mexico vast accessions of 
Jerritoiy w(ue made to the national domain, and southern politi- 
cians insisted on the repeal of the Missouri compromise, declaring 
they liad a right under the constitution to take their chattels to 
any piut of tlie western territory and compete with the north in 
the formation of new States. The <jnestion was brought before 
the national legislature, and this compact, originally established 
for the benefit of slavery, for the same puri)Ose was now annulled, 
thereby renewing sectional agitation and animosity. The fertile 
plains of Kansas, situated within the region which had be«n con- 
secrated to freedom, were rai>idly attracting i)opulation, and a 
fierce struggle immediately arose to decide whether the territoi y 
sliouhl be adniitte<l into the Union as a free or slave State. As 
its character in this res[K'ct must now be determined by the vote 
of actual residents, emigrants in great numbers were hurried int»» 
it fr(uu the rival sections. After a i)rotracted contest the cham- 
pions of slavery, finding theins<'lves in the minority, and knowing 
the result of the ballot would lie against them, endeavored to gain 
ascendency by intiigue ami violence. 

Tha startling fact now became a.})parent, even to the southern 
mind, that while slavery eimbled the few Avho owned ami con- 
trctlled it to amass piincely fortunes, and live idle ami profigato 
lives, it corresjfondingly impoverished the States in which it ex- 
iste<l. At the adoption of the federal constitution both sections 
started with perhaps e(iual natural advantages, but one having 
free and the other compulsory labor, an immense disparity now 
existed between them in all the elements of power and ci\'ilization. 
The Xorth, with its vastly preponderating pojiulation, could now 
peo[»lc and control the greater jiart of the uno;'cupied territory, 
and with the reiieal of the ^lissouri compromise the South had 
given the legal right to it. 

J)uriug the years of increasing excitement the general govern- 
ment remained uncommitted to either section, but the States in 
which the contest originally C(>mmence(l daily became more hos- 
tile, and in some instances laws were emi(;te(l calculated to further 
infiame the ]>ublic mind. A lenmrkable fact, however anomalous 
it may a|>pear, was that the extreme northern and southern States, 
the most remote from the evils complained of and the least likely 
to be affected by the issue which entered inf(> the controversy, 
manifested the greatest hostility. In many northern localities the 



724 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

impression prevailed that the rendition of slaves to tljeir masters 
was wroiiy, and the enforcement of the fugitive shive law met 
with strong- opposition, while in the South those who expressed 
themselves condemnatory of slavery were subjected to imligiiities 
which even barbarism Avould hesitate to impose. Truth ever 
demands investigation, and error ever shuns it, consequently 
those who in the interest of slavery imposed restraint upon free 
speech virtually acknowledged they were endeavoriiig to uphold 
an institution intrinsically wrong. This moral despotism set up 
in the midst of the republic further exasperated the northern mind, 
the indignation becoming so unmaimgeable in some instances as 
to transcend the requirements of law and order. 

As a result of the sectional feeling, conventions assembled in 
the diflerent i)arts of the Sonth ostensibly tor commercial pur- 
poses, but in reality to i>lot treason against the general govern- 
jnent. The church, for a long time involved in the controversy, iit 
some of its branches, endeavored to maintain conservative ground, 
Avhile others were torn asunder by the violence and antagonism 
of the contest. Southern clergymen, while preaching redem])tion 
from spiritual bondage, strangely insisted that the political bond- 
age of the African, which imbruited both the soul and body of 
its rictims, was a <livine institution. Southern disunionists also 
endeavored to ])oison the public mind with the impression tliat 
tbe future triumi»h of the republican party would be a justifiable 
pretext for dissolving the Union. Said .Jefferson Davis in a speech 
at Jackson, Miss.: "If an abolitionist be chosen president of the 
United States you will have presented to you tlie question 
whether you will i)ermit the government to pass into the hands of 
your avowe<l and in)i)lacable enemies. Without pausing for au 
answer, I will state my own position to be that such a. result would 
be a species of re\'olutioD by which the purposes of the govern- 
ment would be destroyed, and the observances of its mere forms 
entitled to noresi)ect. In that event, in such manner as should be 
most expedient, 1 should deem it your duty to provide for your 
safety outside ot the Union." Said the unscrujjulous jmlitician, 
-C- W. L. YancN": "The remedy of the south is in a diligent organi- 

zation of li'ei' true men for prompt resistance to the next aggres- 
sion. It must come in the nature of thi)igs. No additional party 
can save us; no sectional party can ever do it. Butif we could do 
as our fathers did, organize committees of safety all over the cotton 
States, and it is only by these that we can hope for any effective 
movement. We shall fi>re the southern heart, instruct the south- 
ern mind, give courage to each and at the proper moment, by one 
organized concerted action, we can precipitate the cotton States 
into a revolution." 

While the politi(;al horizon was assuming this alarming aspect 
the i)i'esideiitial contest of ISOO gave additional intensity to sec- 
tional excitement. The sujjporters of Mr. Breckenridge evinced 
the greatest hostility toward the rejniblicans, and 0]>enly declared 
their determination never to submit to thegovernnK'ut if it should 
pass into their hands. Fornunly similardenunciations ai)d threats 
cause<l the most serious alarm, but now they had beconje so com- 
7uon that in the fierce stonns of i>olitical excitement that swei)t 
over the (jountry tlu^y were little regarded. The protra(rted con- 
test at length terminated in the election of Mr. Lincoln. It was 



THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. 



evident to all who were conversant with the progress of events 
that the supremacy which the south had so long maintained iu 
the government was at an end. The southern malcontents must 
now either submit to republican rule or put in practice their oft- 
repeated threat to dissolve the Union. The latter alternative was 
chosen. 

As the result of this election was flashed over the telegraph 
wires, it was hailed as a pretext for secession. The cities of the 
Gulf States were nightly illuminated, and preparations were 
immediately commenced for the coming conflict. Ignoring the 
moral sense of mankind, which had long since condemne<l slavery, 
they proposed to found a nation recognizing the absolute suprem- 
acy of the white man and the perpetual bondage of the negro. 
Long accustomed to the exercise of arbitrary power over the body 
and soul of the bondman, they had lost all symjcithy for free 
institutions, and while ostensibly proposing- to establish a repub- 
lic, their ultimate object was doubtless the upbuilding of a mou- 
iirchy. States and nations when subjected to great evils which 
the governing power refuses to rectify have the right of revolu- 
tion, but the abettors of the present movement had no such justi- 
titicatiou. The dominant party had come into power strictly 
within the pale of the eonstitutiou and law, and with a platform 
fully recognizing the right of each State to manage its domestic 
siistitutions in its own way. It is true the incoming president had 
given it as his opinion that the government could not remain i)er- 
juiuseutjy half slave and half free, but this was in view of the fact 
that natural law rendered the two conditions wholly inc()m])ati- 
ble, and not because lie wished to make the civil law a disturbing 
eleuient. On the contrary, he had said in a speech at Cincinnati 
tUe previous year, "I now assure you that I neither had nor now 
have any purpose in any way of interfering with the institution 
of shivery where it exists. I believe we have no }»ower under the 
eonstitutiou of the United States, or rather under the form of 
government under which we live, to interfere with the institution 
of slavery or any other institution of our sister States." 

But independent of grievances, the south maintained that the 
several States on entering the Union, reserved to themselves the 
right to secede from it whenever they deemed their interest ren- 
dered it expedient. In the iu)rth it was contended that the power, if 
not expressed, is im[)lied in thefumlamental law of all governments 
to [protect and indetinitely prolong their existence that the trainers 
of our constitution never intended to incorporate in it any pro- 
visiiui for its destruction ; that its checks and balances for pre- 
iserviiig Jjarmony in the diflcrent departments of government were 
designed to make it annghty fabric ca[>able of resisting the most 
a<l verse vicissitudes of coming time; that the doctrine of volun- 
tary secession if admitted would disintegrate all existing govern- 
ments, and reduce society to a chaos, that mankind, whether in 
an individual or corporate capacity, must therefore submit to 
just restraint in order to secure the beneficent emls contem[)lated 
hy good government. It was contended moreover the States of 
]j(t!iisiana, Fhuida and Texascost the general government between 
8i-'<H(,()0(),000and $;}(H),()()(>,()00, and it was unreasonable to suppose 
that they could withdraw at pleasu.re after the obligation incur- 
red by the exi)enditures of this vast sum of money, that a pri- 



726 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS, 

niai y object of tlieir acquisition Ava.s to obtain control of tLe IMis- 
sissippi, and the people of the northwest could never consent lliat 
it should How hundieds of miles through forei.i'n jurisdiction and 
thus be compelled to submit to the arbitrary imposition of <luties 
upon their commerce. 

When, however, the hour finally came for committing- the overt 
act which should dismember the great re})ublic, even the reckh'ss 
conspirators, who had for years derided the warnings of states- 
men, and stigmatized them as Union -savers, trembled in view of 
the consequences which must follow. The people especially, 
among- whom there were many loyalists, hesitated to enter the 
yawning- abyss, whose dark and angry de})ths the ken of hu)iiaii 
wisdom was unable to fathom. Some of their wisest and most pa- 
triotic leaders, till borne down by the tide of revolution, ct)ntiiiu- 
ally endeavored to avert the imjjending- calamity. 

Said A. H. Stephens in the Georgia convention j)endi)(g tlie 
discussion of secession : '-This step once taken can ne^■el• be re- 
called, and all the baleful and withering- consequences that will 
follow must rest on this convention for all coming- time. Wheu 
we and our i)osterity shall see onr lovely land desolated by liie; 
demon of war which this act of yours will inevitably invite and call 
forth ; when our green tieldsand waviijg harvests sliall be troddc sj 
down by a murderous soldiery, and the fiery car of war swee])iiig- 
over our land, our ten)ples of justice laid in ashes, all the horroi-s 
and desolations of war ui)on us — who but this convention will hv 
lield responsible for it "i and who but him who shall have given 
his vote for this unwise and ill-timed measure shall be held u» ;.» 
strict account by this suicidal act by the present generation, and 
probably cursed and execrated by posterity for all time, for i lit- 
wide and desolating- ruin that will inevitably follow this act you 
now i)ropose to ])erpetrate ?" 

At this critical period, pregnant with the unnumbered woes fhat 
aftewards befell the country, the representatives of Illinois in 
congress all united in condenniing- secession, and maintaing the 
right of coercion. Douglas, in his last speech before the distin- 
guished body of which he was a member, rennvrked : '••Sir, the 
word government means coercion. There can be no government 
without coercion. Coercion is the vital principle ui)on which all 
governments rest. Withdraw the right of coercion and you <lis- 
solve your government. If every n)an would do his duty and 
respect the rights of his neighbor there would be no necessity for 
government. The necessity of government is found to consist in 
the fact that some men will not do right unless forced. The object 
of all government is to coerce ami compel every man to do his 
duty who would not otherwise perform it, and hence I do not sub- 
scribe to this doctrine that coercion is not to be used in a free 
government. It must be used in all governments, no matter what 
their form or what their principles." Mr. Trumbull, his colleague, 
in speaking of compromise said, if they wanted anything, let them 
go back to the Missouri com[)romise and stand by it. All agreed 
that congress had no right to interfere with slavery in the States ; 
but he would never, by his vote, make one slave, and the people 
of the great Northwest would never consent by their act to estab- 
lish slaverv anvwhere. He did not believe the constitution needed 



THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. 



amen ding', but was M'illiiij^ to vote a recoiniiiending to the States 
to make a proposal to call a convention to consider amendments. 

During' the interval of timefrom the election to the inaugnratioii 
of Mr. Lincoln, the conspirators hurried forward their uidiallowed 
scheme. The seven extreme Southern States adopted ordinances of 
secession, each declaring it had again resumed its place among" 
the independent nations of the world, with full powers to declare 
war, establish commerce, contract alliances, and perform all other 
a<;ts pertaining to independent States. In order to meet the fearful 
responsibilities thus incurred, thev immediately seized a large 
nuiiil)er of the forts and arsenals within their limits, and invested 
the others with troops to enforce their submission. In many in- 
stances those in command basely betrayed the government that 
had educated and given them positions. Delegates from the 
several rebellious states assembled at Montgomery, Alabama, 
and organized a provisional government, adopting the constitu- 
tion of the U. S., modilied so as to suit treason and slavery, 
and electing Jeft'erson Davis president, and Alexander H. Ste[)h- 
ens vice-president. Rumors in the meantime prevailed that armed 
rebels were about to march against the national capital, and Gen. 
Scott organized the militia of the District of Columbia, placed 
regulars in the navj^ yard, and adopted other precautionary meas- 
ures to prevent an attack. Yet the i^resident, while admitting 
that secession was treason and revolution, said that the federal 
government had no power to coerce into submission rebellious 
States. Even when the nation was crumbling into fragments, 
and an energetic effort might, to a great extent, have i)revented 
the terrible ordeal of bloocl through which it subsequently passed, 
he pleaded for further concessions to its implacable enemies. Pa- 
triots all over the land had keenly felt the indignities and insults 
so defiantly perpetrated by rebels, whose arrogance, instead of 
being severely punished, only met with encouragement under the 
imbecile rule of IJnchanan. It was, therefore, with no little anxi- 
ety and impatience that all looked forward to the incoming ad- 
ministration, hoi)ing that those about to assume the reins of 
government would have the wisdom to comprehend the situation 
of the country, and the courage to punish the traitors who were 
endeavoring to ruin it. On the 11th of February, 1801, the presi- 
dent-elect left his home in Springtiehl preparatory to assume the 
grave responsibility which devolved on him as chief magistrate 
of the nation now rent with civil feuds and upon the eve of a 
bloody war. A large number of his old friends assembled at the 
depot to bid him farewell, and express their sympathy in view of 
the perilous and momentous duties that awaited him. Said he: 

"My friends, no oue, not in my position, can appreciate the sadness I 
feel at this partiug. To this people I owe all that am. Here I have lived 
more tlian a quarter of a century, here my children were born, and here 
one of them lies buried. I know not how soon I will see you again. A 
duty devolves upon lue which is perhaps greater than that which has 
rested upon any other man since the day of Wasliington. He would 
never have succeeded except for the aid of Divine Providence, on wliich 
he at all times relied. I feel that I cannot succeed without tlie same 
divine aid which sustained him. On the same Almigiity Being I place 
my reliance for support, and I liope you, my triends, willpray tliat 1 may 
receive that divine assistanioe, without which I cannot succeed, but with 
which success is certain. Again I bid you all an affectionate farewell." 



728 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

Hitlierto he liad maiiitaiiie'd a quiet reserve respecting the 
momeiitous crisis in national affairs, but now as he journeyed 
toward the capital of the republic he found it impossible to longer 
remain silent. In all the princii)al cities through which he passed 
vast crowds assembled to greet him and listen to the brief speeches 
made in connection with the interchange of civilities. In these 
guarded utterances he did not commit himself to any definite line 
of policy save to express his intention to leave unmolested the 
institutions of the disaffected states, his devotion to the Union 
and his desire to nuuntain it without a resort to arms. The vast 
extent of the conspiracy was not yet fully understood, and he in 
common with a great many others still hoped for a peaceful solu- 
tion of the difficulties. At Cincinnati he said 

•' Mr. Mayor and FeUow-ritizens: J have spoken but once before this in 
Cincinnati. That was a year previous to tlie late presidential election. 
On that occasion, in a playful mauuerbut with sincere words, I addressed 
much of what I said to the Keutuckians. I gave my opinion tliat we 
as republicans would ultimately beat them as democrats, but that they 
could postpone the result longer by uominatiug Senator Douglas for the 
presidency than in any other way. They did not in any true sense nom- 
inate Mr. Douglas, and the result has come certainly as soon as ever I 
expected. I told them how I expected they would be treated after they 
should be beaten, and I now wish to call their attention to what I then 
said. When beaten you perhaps will want to know what we will do 
with you. I will tell you so far as I am authorized to sjieak for the opposi- 
tion. We mean to treat you as near as we possibly can as Washiugton, 
Jefferson and Madison treated you. We mean to leave you alone and in 
no way interfere with your institutions. We mean to recognize and 
bear in mind that you have as good hearts in your bosoms as other peo- 
ple, or as we claim to have, and treat you accordingly. Fellow-citizens 
of Kentucky, brethren may I call you, in my new position I see uooeca- 
sion and feel no inclination to retract a word from this. If it shall 
not be made good be assured the fault shall not be mine." 

Arriving in New York he said : 

"In my devotion to the Union I am behind no man in the nation, but 
I fear too great confidence may have been placed iu my wisdom to pre- 
serve it. I am sure I bring a heart devoted to the work, and there is 
nothing that could ever induce me to consent willingly to the destruction 
of this Union, iu which not only the great city of New York, but the 
whole country has acquired its greatness, unless it should be the object 
for which the Union itself was made. I understand that the ship was 
made for the carrying and preservation of the cargo, and so long as the 
ship is safe with the cargo it shall not be abandoned." 

While thus speaking to large assemblies in different cities, 
runH)rs reached him that an attempt would be nnide to assassin- 
ate him on the way to the cai)ital, or if he reached it an armed 
mob \\ ()\dd assemble and prevent his iiniuguration. These rei)()rts 
were at first regarded with incredulity but when he reached 
Philadelphia he was warned by Gen. Scott that if he atteni])ted 
to pass through Baltimore in the day time hislife would be ex])osed 
to imminent danger. Acting on the ad\ i(;e of those who knew 
the extent of the danger and the vast importance of his reaching 
the seat of government in safety, he left his family at llarrisburg 
and proceeded in disguise on the nighttrain to'W'ashington. Had 
it been known that such nnilignity existed that such a crime was 
meditated iigainst the life of him whose only cause of offcns(M'on- 
sisted in assuming the iniportiint responsibilities to which he had 
been constitutionally called by a nuijority of his countrymen, 



THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. 729 

a lialf a luillioii of men would liave volunteered to escort liini 
tlirouj^li the rebellious city. LInex[)ected by the (;onspiiators who 
had nuirked hiui for their ])rey, and his friends who were nudcing 
l)rei)arations for his recei)tiou, he arrived in AVashiiiytou on the 
morning of the U3(l of February. Ou the 4th of March he was 
inaugurjited president of the United States in the presence of a 
vast multitude who had assend)led to witness the imposing si»ec- 
tacle. His inaugund address is a 'state paper of more than ordi- 
nary ability, and whatever may have been the susi)cions previ- 
ously entertained in the South in regard to Ins polii^y after this 
expression of his views, the rebellion was wholly without a justifi- 
able pretext. While the most ample assurances are given of i)ro- 
tection in the Union, he also refers to his obligations to maintain 
it, and his determination to do it. Its grent length renders it 
impracticable to lepeat it iu full, but the following passages are 
characteristic of its spirit : 

"Apprehensions seem to exist among the people of the Southern 
States that by the accession of a republican administration that their 
property and their peace and personal security are to be endangered. 
There has never been any reasonable cause for such apprehension. 
Indeed, the most ample evidence to the contraiy has all the wlnle ex- 
isted and been open to tlieir inspection. It is found in nearly all the 
public speeches of him who now addresses you. I consider that in view 
of the constitution and laws the Union is unbroken, and to the extent 
of my ability I will take care as the constitution expressly enjoins upon 
ine that the laws of the Union be faithfully executed in all the States. 
Doing this I deem it only a simple duty on my part, and I shall perform 
it so far as practicable unless my rightful masters, the American ]>eople, 
shall witlihold the requisite means, or shall in some other authoritative 
manner direct the contrary. Physically sj^eaking, we cannot separate. 
We cannot move the respective sections from each other, nor bnilil an 
impassable wall between them. A husband and wife may be divorced 
and go out of the presence and beyond the reach of each other, but the 
ditferent parts of our country cannot do this. They cannot but remain 
face to face, and intercourse either amicable or hostile must contiue 
between them. Is it possible then to make that intercourse more advan- 
tageous or more satisfactory after separation than before ? Can aliens 
make treatise more easily than friends can make laws among friends ? 
Supiaoseyougo to war, you cannot fight always, and when after much 
loss on both sides, and no gain on either, you cease fighting the identical 
old questions are upon you. In your hands, my dissatistied fellow coun- 
trymen, and not in mine, is the momentous issue of civil war. The gov- 
ernment will not assail you. You can have no conflict without being 
yourselves the aggressors. You have no solemn oath registered iu heaven 
to destroy the government, while I shall have the most solemn one to 
preserve, i^rotect and defend it. I am loth to close. We are not enennes. 
but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have 
strained it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords 
of memory stretching from every battle field and patriot's grave to 
every living heart and bearth-stoue all over this broad laud will yet 
swell the chorus of the Uuion, when again touched, as surely they will 
be, by the better angels of our nature." 

At the time of Mr. Lincoln's accession to power several mem- 
bers of the Union claimed that they had withdrawn from it, ami 
styling themselves the "Confederate States of Aun-rica," had 
organized a se}>arate goveimnent. The renniining slave States 
Avere convulsed with excitement, and traitors taking advantage 
of the nuigiiiinimity which the new adnnnistration would fain 
have exercised, with tiendish eagerness were endeavoring to ])re- 
cij[)itate them also into rcNolution. The confederate authorities, 



730 HTSTOEY OF ILLINOIS. 

emboldejied by this foibeaiaiice, and actiiifi- on the assumption of 
their inde|)endeiice, sent commissioners to Washington to amicably 
arrange all diflerences growing out of their separation from tlie 
United States. They, however, failed to receiye any recognition, 
anl were informed by Mr. Seward, Secretary of State, that the 
action of their States was an unjustifiable and unconstitutional 
aggression upon the authority of the federal government. The 
convention of Virginia being- in session at the time, also sent com- 
missioners to ascertain from Mr. Lincoln the policy he intemled 
to pursue in regard to the Confederate States. In reply, the pres- 
ident reafflrmed the opinion previously exi)ressed in his inaugu- 
ral tluit he would repossess the ])roperty and places belonging to 
the United States, and collect the duties on imports. He like- 
wise informed them that he would not needlessly invade nuy 
State, yet when such conduct as the firing upon Fort Sumter ren- 
dered it necessary he would rei)el force by force. 

This celebrated fortress was situated in Charleston harbor, and 
just prior to the assault had been occupied by Major Anderson as 
a place of greater strength and security than Fort Moultrie, from 
Avhich he removed. Notwithstaiuling the fact that Sonth Caio- 
lina was in open revolt, Mr. Buchanan had allowed the most for- 
midable works to be erected around the fort. Had permission 
been granted to Major Anderson with his heavy artillery he could 
Lave swept the adjacent shores ami tlius have prevented the 
preparations which he daily witnessed for his overthrow. As the 
batteries commamled the entrance to the harbor cut oft supplies 
from the sea, and the hostile shore refused to furnish provisions, an 
attack for the reduction of thefortAvas wholly unnecessary. When, 
however, the prei)arations were comi>leted, Beauregard, who liad 
deserted the Hag of his country, hurriedly opened fire u])on it, 
as if fearful that starvation miglit, by giving him peaceable pos- 
session, frustrate his desire for an op})ortunity to inaugurate civil 
war by a bloody assault. After a furious cannonade of 34 hoius 
the fort was wrapped in flames, and Major Anderson and his 
small band of heroes were forced to capitulate. 

Thus had been struck the hrst blow of the conflict which sum- 
moned vast armies into the field, brought State into collision with 
State, ami drenched the land in fraternal blood. When the news 
of the bombardment and surrender reached the ^orth, the whole 
country rocked with excitement. Longer forbearance was now 
impossible, and President Lincoln immediately issued a i)rocla- 
mation calling for 75,000 volunteers. The proclanmtion stated 
that combinations existed in several of the States too powerful to 
be sui)pressed by ordinary judicial proceedings, and that the 
force to be raised Avould be employed to rei)ossess the property of 
the United States in the hands of the insurgents and enforce the 
observance of law. It also summoned congress to meet on the 
4th of July to institute in view of the extraordinary condition of 
pul>lic affairs such measures as the safety of the imtion might 
demand. 

The details connected with raising the troops having been 
arranged by the war department, (lov. Yates was inlbrmed that 
the quota of Illinois was six regiments. On the loth of A])ril, the 
day on which the intelligence was communicated by Mr. Cameron, 



THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. 731 

tlie secretary of ^val•, the goveruoi' issued the Ibllowiug proclama- 
tion : 

"I, Richard Yates, governor of the State of Illinois, by virtue of the 
authority vested in me by tlie constitution, hereby convene the legisla- 
ture of the State, and the members of the 22d general assembly are hereby 
required to be and appear iu their respective places in the capital on Tues- 
day, the 23d day of April A. D. 1861, for tlie purpose of euactiug such 
laws and adopting such measures as may be ileemed necessary upon the 
following subjects: The more perfect organization and equii)ment of 
the militia of the State and placing the same on the best footing to ren- 
der assistance to the general government in preserving the Union, 
enforcing tlie laws, and protecting the property and rights of tlie peo- 
ple; also, the raising of sucli money and other means as may be required 
to carry out tlie foregoing object, and also to provide for the expense of 
such session." 

General orders one ami two were issued from headqnarteis at 
Si)rini;tield, the first commanded divisions, brigades and regiments 
to hold tliemselves in readiness for actual service, and the second 
pr()\idiiig for the immediate organization of six regiments. 

The in'csident's procl.unation at the South was regarded as a 
declaration of war, and Davis issued a similar one calling for 
volunteers and granting letters of nuiinpie for privateers to ])rey 
on northern commerce. The •shouts of approval with which it 
-w as received everywhere in the nortli showed the people weie 
grcjitly in advance of the government as to the proiiriety of using 
military force. They had long writhed umler the murderous stabs 
thrust by traitors at the vitals of the nation, and now when this re- 
straint was removed, and the time hadcomeforaction, therebouml 
of poi)ular feeling and indignation was overwmdming. The luai- 
ries, liandcts and cities of Illinois became ablaze with excitement. 
Pulpits tliumlered with aiuithennis against tlie crime of treason, 
secular orators sjioke eloquently of the tiag which, as the symbol 
of the nation's majesty, had been so ruthlessly insidted, and 
news[)a[)ers teemed with jiroclanuitions and })re])arations for war. 
All ages, sexes and conditions as if UH:>\'cd by a common impulse 
jiartook of the enthusiasm. The aged and feeble again assumed 
the burdens of civil life that the young and vigorous might grap- 
l>le with the sterner duties of war; the wealthy jirovided for the 
families of the indigent whose mitural protectors were guarding 
tlie life of the nation. Fair woman laid the incense of her sym- 
]>atliy and devotion on the altar of her country; and even chil- 
dren, imbibing the inspiration, converted their play grounds into 
cam[) and parade grounds, and miniature drums and cannon 
became theconunon toys of their nursery. 

A similar uprising occurred in all the loyal States of the Union, 
and men and money, the sinews of war, were furnished with lav- 
ish profusion. Within two weeks after the president issued 
his proclamation, beside a large surplus of rejected apiilicants, 
there were a hundred thousand men luejiaring for active opera- 
tions, while more than thirty millions of dollars had been oiiered 
by private individuals, corporations, and legislatures to procure 
arms and munitions. 



/ 



Chapter LV. 

18G1-1864— ILLINOIS IN THE EEBELLION. 

Unprecedented Success in Furnishing Men — Patriotic Efforts of 
Women — Military Operations Within the State. 



Enlistments. — Almost simultaneously with the call for troops 
eulistments commenced, and withiu ten days 10,000 volunteers 
offered service, and the sum of near $1,000,000 was tendered by 
patriotic citizens to procure supplies, for Avhich the State, in the 
sudden emergency, had made no i)rovision. At the time the 
requisition was made the military law of the State was imperfect, 
and in many respects in contlict with the regulations of the war 
department, while perhaps not more than 30 military comi)anies 
were to be fouml in the entire State. In some of the larger towns 
and cities, however, there were a number of well-drilled com- 
panies whi(;h volunteered, and i)roved a vahnible acquisition in 
the organization of the immense forces subse(jueiitly sent to the 
Held. It was early thought that Cairo was in danger of seiznre 
by the rebels, and these companies formed the luicleus of the force 
hurriedly gathered and sent thither for its defense. On the 19th 
of A[»ril, 1861, Simon Cameron, secretary of war, telegraphed Gov. 
Yates to take possession of this important strategic jwint as 
soon as a force could be raised for that pnri)ose. The governor 
forthwith sent a dispatch to Gen. Swift, of Chicago, to raise and 
equi}) as large a body of men as possible Ibr immediate service, 
and sent a messenger by rail with full instructions for the occui)a- 
tion of Cairo. With conunendable promptness this officer, on the 
21st of the month, got on board the southern bound train of the 
Central railroad with four ])ieces of cannon and the following- 
companies: Company A, Chicago Zouaves, Captain Hayden, 89 
men ; Company B, Chicago Zouaves, Captain Clybouriie, 8o men ; 
Chicago Light Artillery, Ca[)tain Smith, 150 nu'ii ; Captain H<ir<l- 
ing's company, 80 nu^n ; I'urner's Union Cadets, 97 men ; and 
Lincoln Ilities, Captain Milialotzy, 0(5 men. These were followed, 
on the L*LM, by Ca]»rain Iloughtelling's Light Artillery, of Ottawa, 
80 men ; Ciii)tain Ilawling's Light Artillery, of Lockport, and Cap- 
toin McAlister's Light Artillery, of Plainlield, 

Of the volunteers who offered their services under the call of the 
governor oidy regiments could be accepted under the quotii of 
the State. These, in accordiiiice with an act of the legislature, 
whicli met on the 23d, weie desiginited by the inunbers commen- 
cing with 7 and ending witli 12. as a mark of res[»ect tor tiie 
regiments which had servetl in the JMexican war. The entire forcu 
730, 



THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. 



r33 



was styled the 1st Brigade of Illinois volniiteeis. The regulations 
of the wai' (le])aitinent lecjiiired each regiment to consist (»f J colo- 
nel, 1 lieutenant-colonel, 1 nuijor, 1 adjutant, 1 regimental quarter- 
master, 1 surgeon, 1 surgeon's unite, 1 sergeant-major, 1 drum- 
major, 1 fife-major, 10 captains, 10 lieutenants, 10 ensigns, 10 
drummers, 10 titers, 10 corporals, 40 sergeants and 010 privates. 
Thus organized a regiment nund)cred 780 men, rank ami file, and 
the entire brigade 1,080. Gen. Prentiss was placed in command, 
and i>i()ceeding- to Cairo with the larger part of the force, he re- 
lieved Gen. Swift. The commanding otticer of each regiment, the 
call under Avhich it was organized, the time and i>lace it was mus- 
tered into service, and the aggregiite strength iire given in the 
subjoind schedule, taken from the report of the adjutant general. 
There was a large sur[>lus of nien in camp, and such was the pa- 
triotic desire to enter the service that numy of them wei)t when 
refused admission. 

The legislature, anticipating another call for troops, authorized 
the forimition of 10 additioiud regiments of infantry, 1 of cavalry, 
and a battalion of artillery. The hiw ])rovided that one regiment 
should be furnished by each congressional district, and one by the 
State at large. Over 200 com[)anies immediately volunteered, and 
from this large nundjcr the required force was selected and or- 
dered into camp. The act creating the regiments had hardly 
passed the legislature before the president issued a call for 12,000 
volunteers to serve for three years unless sooner discharged. The 
quota of Illinois under this call was only regiments, and a mes- 
senger was sent to Washington to urge upon the war department 
the importance of accepting" the entire force orgainzed by the 
State. It was believed that more men would be needed, and as 
they were already iu camp, and had made considerable proficiency 
in drill, to disband them would cause distrust in the wisdom of the 
government. As the result of persisteut imi)ortunity the four 



Schedule — Shotmng statement of volunteer troops orcfanized ivithin the Stats, and sent to the field, 
commencing April, 18G1, and end in r/ December '^\, 180."), icith n timber of regiment, name of original 
commanili)ig Djlicer, call under v'hich recruited and organised, date of organisation and muster 
into United Htutex' service, pluee of muster, and the aggregate strcngtii of eacli organization. 



INFANTRY. 



No. 



Commanding officer at 
organization. 



Col. John Cook 

' ' Rich'd J. Oglesby. 

" Eleazer A. Paine. 

' ' Jas. D. Morgan . . . 

" W. H. L. Wallace. 

" John Mc Arthur. . . 

" JohnB. Wynian.. 

' ' John M. Palmer. . 

• ' Thos. J. Turner. . 

" RoVt F. Smith... 

" Leonard F. Ross.. 

' ' Mich'l K. Lawler. 

' ' John B. Turchin.. 

" Chas.C. Marsh 

' ' Ulysses S. Grant. . 

' ' Henry Dougherty, 

' ' Jas. A, Mulligan I 

" Fred'k Hecker. . | 

' ' Wm. N. Coler 



Call under which re- 
cruited and organized. 



Aug. 15, 1861 , 



May 15, 1861. 



May 15, 1861. 
MayV5,"i86i! 



Authorized bv the Sec. 
of War, July, 1861... 



Date of organ- 
ization and 
muster into 
U. S. service 



July 25, 1861 



May 24, 1861. 
May 25, 1861. 
May 24, 1861. 



May 28, 1861 . 



June 13, 1861 
June 15, 1861 
June 25, 1861 
June 18, 1861 
July 8, 1861. 



Place where mus- 
tered into the 
United States ser 
vice. 



Cairo, Dlinois. 



Dixon , 

Jacksonville. 

Freeport 

Quincy 



Anna . 



Joliet. ... 
Mattoon . 
Belleville , 
Chicago... 
Chicago... 



<.> 



1747 
1853 
1265 
1759 
1384 
1675 
1112 
2015 
2023 
1833 
1259 
2043 
1095 
1817 
1266 
1164 
1982 
989 
1082 



734 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



reinaiiiing- regiments were accepted, and the entire force was mus- 
tered into service, as shown in the schedule. 

Owin<r to the great expense connected with the equipment of 
cavalry and the opi)osition of Gen. Scott to the emi)h)ynieiit of 
any considerable force of this iirm of the service, the governor 
accepted only 5 companies but designated the remaining o, Mhich 
should be re(;eived in case the goverm)r should need them. The 
battalion of artillery authorized by the legislatuie w;is never or- 
ganized as contemplated in the law, yet several companies, some 
of which were in Gcii. Swift's exi>edition, were received into the 
service, as per schedule. 

The more than knightly ardor with which the young men of the 
State at first exhibited was still unabated, and several thousaml 
being denied the privilege of serving in regiments of their own 
State, went abroad and enlisted in the forces of other States. 

In view of the ahirming aspect of the rebellion, the secretary" 
of war, in May, June and July, 18(51, authorized some 17 regi- 
ments of infantry and o of cavalry. These regiments were 
speedily tilled up, and in answer to an ajtplication for furnishing 
additional forces, the secretary of war replied that no more troops 
would be received till authorized by congress. Congiess convened 
July 4th, and consequent ui)on the battles ot IJuU liun and 
Wilson's Creek with tiie national capital imperilled and Fremont's 
force threatened by superior numbei's, em})oweied the i)resident to 
call into the service .">()(), (XIO ^()lunteers•, lo regiments of infan- 
try, '3 of cavalry, as a part of the quota, of the State under the call 
were forthwith tendered; thepeoi»le im})atient at the slow })rogress 
of the war, would have increased this force by thousands had they 
been permitted. From the 14th of August till the ,'3<1 of December, it 
was agreed to accept all the infantry which should be willing to 
enter the service. As the result, 11 regiments of infantry, 4 of 
cavalry, and 8 companies for the 2d regiment of artillery volun- 



26 Col. 

27 

28 

29 

30 

31 

32 

33 

34 

35 

36 

37 

38 

39 

40 

41 

42 

43 

44 

45 

46 

47 

48 

49 

50 

51 

52 

53 

54 

55 

56 

57 

58 



John M. Loomis. 
Nap. B. Buford.. 
A. K. John.son. .. 
Jas. S. Rearden.. 
Philip B. Fouke. 
John A. Logan. . . 

John Logan 

Chas. E. Hovey. 
Edward N. Kirk 
Gu8. A. Smith.. 
Nich. Greu.sel. 
Julius W^hite. . . 
Wm. P. Cailin.. 
AusUn Light. .. 
Steph. G. Hicks. 
Isaac C. Pugh.. 
Wni. A. Wehb. . 
Julius Raith . . . 
Chas.Noblesdorfl' ^ 
John E. Smith. . 5 

John A. Davis 

John Brynp.r 

Isham N. Haynie 
"Wm. R. Morrison. 
Moses M. Banc. .. 
G. W. Gumming. . 
Isaac G. Wilson.. 
W.H.W.Cnshnian 
Thos. W. Harris .. 

David Stuart 

Robert Kiikham. . 
Silas D. Baldwin , 
AVm. F. Lynch . . . 
P. Sidney Post . . . 
Silas C Toler 



July 2.5, 1861. 
Julv 25," 1861. 



Authorized by the Sec- 
retary of War, in 
May, June and Jul.y, 
ISfii '.. 



July 25, 1861 

Author zed by the Sec- 
retary of War, in 
May, June and July, 
1801 

July 25, 1861 

Authorized, Sec, War, 
May, June, July, 1861 

July 25, 1861.....' 

Sec. War, July, 1861... 

July 25, 1861..' 



Oct. 31, 1861. 



Aug. 3, 1861. 
July 27, 1861. 
Sept. 30, 1861. 
Sept. 8, 1861. 
Dec. 31, 1861. 
Aug, 15, 1861. 
Sept. 7, 1861. 



Camp Butler. 



AuthonzedSe.pt. 20, '61 
Authorized July 1, '61 
Authoriz(Ml Sept. Hi, '61 
Authorized Oct. 3, '61 
Autliorizcd July, 1861 
Authorized Aug, 14, '61 

Authorized Sept. 25, '61 

Julv 25, 1S61 

Authorized Oct. 3. '6! 



Sept. 23, 1861 
Sept. 18, 1861 
Aug. 15, 1861 
Decerab. 186J 
Aug. 10, 1861 
Aug. 9, 1861 
Sept. 17, 1861 
Dec. 16, 1861 
Sept. 13, 1861 
Dec. 26, 1861 
Dec. 28, 1861 
Oct. 1, 1861 
Nov. 18, 1861 
Dec. 31, 1861 
Sept. I'J. Ir^tn 
I)ec'61 l'\li'ti-J 
Nov. 19, IHOI 
March 1862 
Feb. 18, 1862 
Oct. 31, 1861 
Feb. 27, 1862 
Dec. 26, 1861 
Dec. 21, 1861 
August, 1861 
Feb. 17, 1862 



Camp Butler. 
Camp Butler. 
Camp Butler. 
Camp Butler. 
Camp Butler. 
Camp Butler. 
Camp Butler. 



Aurora 

Chicago 

Camp Butler. . . 

Chicago 

Salem 

Decatur 

Chicago 

('amp Butler. . . 

Chicago 

Galena 

Camp Butler. . . 

Peoria 

Camp Butler. .. 
Camp Butlsr. .. 

(^)uiucy 

(amp Douglas. 

Geneva 

Ottawa 

Anna 

Camp Douglas. 
Shawneetown.. 
Camp Douglas. 
Camp Douglas. 
St. Louis, Mo.. 
Anna.. .' 



1602 
1193 
1939 
1547 
1878 
1973 
1711 
1660 
1558 
1012 
1593 
1157 
1388 
1807 
1277 
1211 
18i4 
1902 
1512 
1716 
2015 
2051 
1874 
1482 
1761 
1550 
1519 
1434 
1720 
1287 
1180 
1754 
2202 
1762 
1647 



THE WAE OF THE REBELLTON. 



735 



teered and were accei)ted. On the od of December an order was 
pronial<iated wliieh .stopped all further recruiting', except for the 
com[>letion of coin[)auies already in process of formation. With 
the enlistment of over 4,000 fortius i)urpose during' the remainder 
of the month, the record of the year was completed. J)es}»ite the 
rebutils and op[)ositi<)ii fre(j[uently manifested by the war dei)art- 
ment, the State at the close of the year had in caiiqjs of instruc- 
tiou over 17,000 men, had sent to the tield nearly r(0,000, aud con- 
sequently had exceeded her quotas about 15,000. 

On the L'd of Ai)ril, ISij'J, all the corps authorized previous to 
December, were full and the ofticers who had been detached for 
recruiting i)ur[K)ses were ordered to reJ4)in their regiments. Many 
of the okl regiments, however, as the resiUt of disease and recent 
battles, had been reduced below the proper standard, and recruit- 
ing' was still contiuiied for the pur[»ose of replenishing them with 
their complement of men. Early in May Washington was threat- 
ened by a. large force of the enemy, and JMr. Stanton, secretary of 
war, telegra[»hed Governor Yates on the 25th instant, for more 
trooi»s and se\"eral regiments of infantry and cavalry were Idled 
up and sent to the tield. 

On the ()th of July, 1802, the president issued a call for 300,000 
volunteers to serve for o years, and on the 7th of August another 
call for oOO,000 militia, to serve for a period of inne months. The 
secretary, believing that a draft would be necessai-y. ordei'ed 
the enrollment of the militia that it might take effect on the ISth 
of August if the quota under the tirst call was not comi)leted l»y 
that time. This vigorous determination on the part of the gov- 
ernment was hailed with demonstrations of approval by the people 
of the State, and everywhere preparations were commenced to 
make a response commensurate Avith the magnitude of the requisi- 
tion. The adjutant-generals' ofitice was at once thronged by mes- 
sengers from every part of the State, denuinding for their several 



61 


Col. Jacob Fry 


ea 


' ' James M. True. . . 


63 


' ' Francis Mora 


64 


Lt. Col. I). D. Williams. 


65 


Col. Daniel Cameron . . 


66 


" Patrick E. Bnrke. 


67 


' ' Ko.sell M. Hough . 


68 


" Elia>. Stuart 


eit 


' ' Jos. H. Tucker. . . 


70 


" 0. T.Reeves 


71 


' ' Othniel Gilbert . . 


7a 


' ' FretVk A. Starring 


73 


" Jas. F. Jaqnesa. . . 


74 


' ' Jason Marsh 


75 


" George Kyan 


76 


" Alonzo W. Mack.. 


77 


' ' David P. Grier.., . 


78 


' ' W. H. Bennison. . 


79 


" Lvnian Guinnip.. 


80 


" Thos. G.Allen.... 


81 


'' Jas. J. Dollius. 


8-2 


' ' Frederick Hecker. 


83 


' ' Abner C. Harding. 


84 


" Louis H Waters. 


85 


' ' Robert S. Moore. . 


86 


' ' David D. Irons 


87 


' ' John E. Whiting. 


88 


' ' F. 'J\ Sherman 


8i» 


' ' John Christopher. 


90 


' ' Timothy O'Mera. . 


91 


" Henry M. Day 


Ha 


" Smith D. Atkins.. 


93 


' ' Holden Putnam. . . 


94 


" Wm. W. Ormo.... 



Authorized Aug. 14, '61 March 7, 1862 
Authorized Oct. 3, '61 1 April 10, 1862 

Authorized Aug. 14, '61 Dec. 31, 1862 
iMav 15, 1862 
Transf'd from Mo. 14th April, 1862... 

" 25,1862 |jnnel3, 1862 

!junc 20, 1862 

'' [June 14, 1662 

July 4, 1862 

July 26, 1862 
July, 1862 Aug. 21, 1862 



Sept. 4, 1862 
Sept. 2, 1862 
Aug. 22, 1862 
*Sept. 2 9 COS. 
Sept. 1, 1862 
Aug. 28, 1862 
Aug. 25, 1862 
Aug. 26, 1862 

Aug. 21, 1862 
Sept. 1, 1862 
Aug. 27, 1862 

Sept. 22, 1862 
Aug. 27, 1862 
*Aug. 25, 9cos 
Nov. '22, 1862 
Sept. 8, 1862 
Srpt. 4. 1862 
Oct. 13, 1862 
Aug. 20. 1862 



Carrollton 

Anna 

Anna 

Camp Butler 

Camp Douglas... 

St. Louis, Mo 

Camp Douglas . . 

Camp Butler 

Camp Douglas. .. 

Camp Butler 

Camp Douglas... 
Camp l><iUL;las. . . 
Camp lUUlcr. ... 

Kocktord 

Dixon 

Kankakee 

Peoria 



Quincy 

Danville 

Centralia 

Anna 

Camp Butler 

Monmouth 

<.)uincy 

Peoria 

Peoria 

Shawneetown 

Camp Douglas 

Cam]i Douglas . . ., 

(.'amp DdULihis. 

('ani]i lUitlcr 

Rockford 

I'rinc'tn & Chicago. 
Bloomington 



1385 

1730 

1228 

1624 

1684 

1694 

979 

889 

912 

1006 

940 

1471 

968 

989 

987 

1110 

1051 

1028 

974 

928 

1187 

961 

1286 

956 

959 

993 

994 

907 

1285 

95» 

1041 

1205 

1036 

1091 



736 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



counties the privilege of A'oluiiteeriiig, and thereby secnriiig 
exemption from tlie draft. This preference for vohmteering-, and 
an urgent request tliat the quota of the State under botli calls 
might be immediately ascertained, was made known to the secre- 
tary of war. Infornnition was duly received that the entire num- 
ber was 52,290, and volunteers would be accepted till the 15th of 
August for forming new regiments, ami after that for filling old 
ones already in the held. The State had now furnished 16,978 in 
excess of previous quotas, and it was at tirst intended that this 
surplus should be deducted from the present requisition. This, 
however, Avas afterwards countermanded and it was therefore 
necessary to raise the entire number in l'.\ <hiys or submit to the 
alternative of a draft. The resnlt is thus eloquently given in the 
language of Adjutant-Gen. Fuller: 

" These new volunteers must come, if come at all, from the farmers 
and meelianics of tlie State. 'I'lie farmers were in the midst of liarvest, 
and it is no exaggeration to say that, inspired by a laoly zeal, animated 
by a common purpose, and firmly resolved on rescuing the government 
from the very brinl\ of ruin, and restoring it to the contUtion our fatliers 
left it, that over 50,0IJ0 of them left tlieir harvests ungatliered, their tools 
and their benciies, tlie plows in their furrows, and turning tlieir backs 
on their liomes, and before 11 days expired the demands of the govern- 
ment were met and botli quotas were tilled. Proud indeed was tlie day 
to all Illinoisans wlien the announcement was made that tlie enlist- 
ments were full. And when the historian shall record the eventful 
days of August, 18G2, no prouder record can be erected to the honor and 
memory of a free people than a plain and full narrative of actual reali- 
ties. It is not my province in this report to bestow fulsome praise or 
write glowing eulogies, but when I remember what we all witnessed in 
those days; when I remember the patriotism and unselfish impulse 
which animated every soul, and the universal liberality of those who 
were either too young or too old to enlist to aid those who were eager 
to join their brethren in the field ; when I remember the holy ardor 
which aged mothers and fair daughters infused into husbands, sons and 



95, Col. Lawr'n S. Church. 
' ' Thos. E. Champion 
" F S. Rutherford.. 
" J. J. Funkhouser. 
■' G. W. K.Bailey.. 
' ' Fred. A. Bartleson 

" Chas. H. Fox 

" Win. McMurtry., 
' ' Amos C. Babcock. 
' ' Al).salom B. Moore 

" Daniel Dustin 

" Rob' t B. Latham.. 

' ' Thoma.s Snell 

'' John Warner 

'' Alex. tT. Nimmo.. 

" Thos. S. Casey 

' ' .Tames S. Martin . . 
" T. J. Henderson. . . 

' ' Geo. B. Hoge 

' ' Jas. W. Judy 

" Jesse H.Moore... 
' ' Nathan H . Tupper 
'' Ri.sdcn M. Moore. 

' ' John G. Fonda 

'■ Thos. J. Kenney. . 
' ' Geo. W, McKeaig. 

Never Organized 

Col. John I. Einaker. . 

James Mooro 

Thomas J. Sloan.. 

Oscar F. Harmon. 

Jonth'u Richmond 

John VanArman.. 

Robert M. Hudley 

Geo. P. Smith 



96 
97 
98 
99 
100 
101 
102 
103 
104 
105 
106 
107 
108 
109 
110 
111 
112 
113 
114 
115 
116 
117 
118 
119 
120 
121 
122 
123 
124 
125 
126 
V27 
128 
129 




Sept. 4, 
Sept. 6, 
Sept. 8, 
Sept. 3, 
Aug. 2fi, 
Aug 30, 
Sept. 2, 

Oct. 2, 
Aug. 27, 
Sept. 2, 
Sept. 17, 
Sept. 4, 
Aug. 28, 
Sept. 11, 

Sept. 18, 
Sept. 12, 
Oct. 1, 
Sept. 18, 
Sept. 13, 
Sept. 30, 
Sept. 19, 
Nov. 29, 
Oct. 7, 
Oct. 29, 



1862 Rockford 

1862 iRockford 

1862 Camp Butler 

1862 1 Centralia 

1862 Florence, Pike co. 



1862 
1862 



Joliet. 

Jacksonville , 
Knoxville 

1862 Peoria 

1862 Ottawa 

1862] Chicago 

1862 Lincoln . 

1862 

1862 

1861 



1862 



Camp Butler. .. 

Peoria 

Anna 

Anna 

Salem 

1862! Peoria 

1862 Cami) Douglas. 
1862 Caniii Butler... 
1862 Canii> Butler... 

l.-^iy Decatur 

IfCfi Camp Butler. .. 
If 62 Camp Butler. . . 

1862 Quiuc.y 

1862 Camp "Butler... 



Sept. 4, 1862 

Sept. 6, 1862 

Sept. 10, 1862 

Sept. 4, 1862 



Carlinville 

Mattoon 

Camp Butler. .. 

Danville 

Chicago 

♦Sept. 5, 9 coslCamp Douglas. 
Dec. 18, 1862 Camp Butler. . . 
Sept. 8, lH62|Poutiac 



1427 
1206 
1082 
1078 
936 
921 
911 
998 
917 
977 
1001 
1097 
944 
927 
967 
873 
994 
1095 
1258 
990 
960 
952 
995 
1101 
952 
814 



934 
1050 
1130 
933 
998 
957 
866 
1011 



THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. 



ioi 



brothers — I say wheu I remember all these things, I cannot but feel 
justitied iu departing from the dull routine of statistics and bestow 
upon the subject this parting notice." 

A vast army was thus siiddeuly usliered into existence, and 
tlie government being- unable to supply tents, how to provide com- 
fortable quarters became an important consideration. In many 
counties, therefoi-e, large numbers were temporarily lodged under 
the sheds of fair grounds till barracks could be erected at the prin- 
cipal camps of instruction at Springfield and Chicago. It was also 
difticult to procure clothing. The vast multitude of recruits iu the 
different States, and the sudden emergency whicli had called them 
forth, taxed the government to its utmost capacity to furnish 
equipments. Before the close of the year, however, there were 
clothed, armed and sent from the State 59 regiments of infantry, 
and four batteries of artillery, aggregating' a force of .53,S11> men. 
There was also enlisted during the same time for the 14th 
cavalry, and for old regiments an additional number, which, added 
to the former, makes a grand total of 58,416 men, an excess of 
23,097 over the quotas of the State. 

The last call for troops was on the 19th of December, 18G4. The 
number reqitired was o(X),000, and if not raised by voluntary en- 
listments, by the 15th of February following the State was to be 
drafted. Past experience had shown that troops could be more 
readily secured by the formation of new organizations, and ap])li- 
cation was made to the war department for the privilege of raising 
ten additional regiments. Permission was granted, and a number 
of persons who had distinguished themselves in the service, but 
whose terms of enlistment had expired, commenced recruiting, 
each authorized to raise a single company. Formerly one person 
had been permitted to raise a whole regiment, but it required a 
much longer time for its accomplishment than where the work 
was sub-divided among a number. This modification in the prac- 
tice which had hitherto prevailed operated with astonishing success. 
The adjutant general's office was again thronged with applications 



130 
131 
132 
133 
134 
135 
136 
137 
138 
139 
140 
141 
142 
143 
144 
145 
146 
147 
148 
149 
150 
151 
152 
153 
154 
155 
156 



Col. Nathaniel Niles... 

" Gporgo W. Neeley. 

" ■ Thus. ('. Pickett." 

" TliaiL Phillins... 

" W.W.iIc(;he.sney 

" John S. Wolfe... 

" Fred A. Johns.. 

" John Wood 

" J. W. Goodwin.. 

" Peter Davidson.. 

" L. H. Whitney.. 

" Stephen Bronson. 

" Kollin V. Aukney 

" Dudley C. Smith J 

" Cyrus Hall 

" George W. Lackey. 

" Henry H. Dean 

" Hiram F. Sickles... 

" Horace H. Wilsie.. 

" "Wm. C. Knettner.. 

" Geo. W. Keener... 

" French B. Woodall 

" F. D. Stephen.son.. 

" Stephen Bronson. . 

" McLean F. Wood.. 

" Gnstavus A. Smith 

•' Alfred F. Smith... 

" J. W. Wilson 

" John A. Bross 

Capt. John Curtis 

" Simon J. Stookey 
" James Steele.... 

47 



July, 1862. 



100 day otganizations 
tendered by the Gov- 
ernor of Hlinois, April 
21, '64, and accepted 
by the President, 
April 23, 1864. 



July. 1864 

100 day's organization.. 
July, '1864 

December 19, 1864 



Spec auth'ty Sec. War. 

*Sept.24, 1863 

100 day's organization. 
100 dav's organization. 
April 15, 1861 



Oct. 25, 
Nov. 13, 
June 1, 
May 31, 

June 6, 
June 1, 
Jiine 5, 
June 21, 
June 1, 
June 18, 
June 16, 
June 18, 
June 11, 
Oct. 21, 
June 9, 
Sept. 20, 
Feb. 18, 
Feb. 18, 
Feb. 11, 
Feb. 14, 
Feb. 25, 
Feb. 18, 
Feb. 27, 
Feb. 22, 
Feb. 28, 
March 9, 
Dec. 1, 



1865. 
1862. 
1864. 
1864.' 

1864. 
1804. 
1864. 
1804. 
1864. 
1864. 
1854. 
1864. 
1864. 
1864. 
1864. 
1864. 
1865. 
1865. 
1865. 
1865. 
1865- 
1865. 
1865. 
1865. 
1865. 
1865. 
1861. 



June 21, 
June 21, 
June 15, 



1864. 
1864. 
1864. 



Camp Butler 

Camp Massac 

Camp Fry 

Camp Butler 

Camp Fry 

]\Iattoon 

Ceutiralia 

Quincy 

Quincy 

Peoria 

Camp Butler 

Elgin 

Camp Butler 

Mattoon 

Alton, His 

Camp Butler 

Camp Butler 

Chicago 

Quincy 

Camp Butler, 

Camp Butler 

Quincy 

Camp Butler 

Chicago 

Camp Butler 

Camp Butler 

Chicago 

Chicago 

Quincy 

Camp Butler 

Camp Butler 

Chicago 



932 

880 
853 
851 
878 
852 
842 
849 
835 
878 
871 
842 
851 
865 

1159 
880 

1056 

1047 
917 
9S3 
933 
970 
945 

1078 
994 
929 
975 
985 
903 
91 
90 
86 



738 



HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



for authority to raise companies, and as fast as a sufficient number 
was secured for a regiment it was organized aiul marclied to the 
front. Early in February it was feared thsit recruiting was going 
on so rapidly that more volunteers would offer than could possibly 
enter the 10 regiments, and the draft was temporarily postponed. 
These regiments were soon completed, and it was directed that tlie 
remaining companies arriving under voluntary enlistments should 
be disposed of in tilling up old regiments. This course was con- 
tinued till the loth of April, 1SG5, when, by an order of the war 
department, recruiting ceased tliroughout the U. S. The State now 
only lacked 4,896 of completing her quota. These would have 
been speedily obtained had not the termination of the war ren- 
dered it unnecessary. 

Toward the close of the war, in consequence of an imperfect 
enrollment of those subject to militiivy duty, it became evident 
that the State was furnishing thousands in excess of what a cor- 
rect estimate would huxe required. So glaring had this dispro- 
j)ortiou become, that under the last call the quota in a number of 
sub-districts exceeded the number of able-bodied men. Yet the 
people, when it was found inexpedient to correct the enrollment, 
determined to raise the nundjer required, believing that in the 
extraordinary exigencies of the times the safety of the country 
demanded the sacriUce. Let the thousainls of brave men which 
the State thus voluntarily" laid on the altar of the country foi'ever 
remain a proud monument of thepatriotism which so triumphantly 
sustained it in the hour of danger. 

The office of the Adjutant General, whi(di played such an important 
part in the organization of the troops, was occupied at the com- 
mencement of the war by Thomas S. Mather. The duties of the 
oftice were then executed by virtue of the militia law of IS-lo, and 
acts amendatory thereof. Mr. Mather held the office till November, 
1861, when Gen. Allen C. Fuller assumed control. The latter in- 
cumbent, possessing superior qualifications, soon reduced the 
military records of the State, hitherto sparse and confused, to 
order, and systematized the business of the office. A fruitful source 
of disorder grew out of the accei)tance by the war dei)artmentof 
what were termed independent regiments. The coirespon deuce 
of the first 22iegiments of infantry and 4of cavalry were addressed 
directlyto the war department, and for a time their officers were 
disinclined to furnish the adjutant general Avith muster rolls, 
and other official information. To remedy this evil and promote 



CAVALRY 

Auth'd bv Sec'y War. . 

July 2, 1861 

July 25, 1861 

Authoiizerl July, '61. 
Auth'd Alls;. 27, 1861... 

July 25, 1861 

July 25, 1861 

Aiitliorized July, 1S61. 
Authorized July, 1861, 
Auth'd Sept. 5, 1861.... 

*July. 1861 

Auth'd Sept. 28, 1861. 
Auth-d Nov. 27, 1861... 

July, 1862 

July, 1861 

April, 1861, July, 1862. 
1863 



Col. 



Tho.s. A. Marshall 

Silas Noble 

Euficue A. Carr 

T. Lyle Dickey 

Johu J. TJpdefiratf 
Thos. H.Cavauauuh 
Wni. Pitt Kelloiiji: 
John F. rarn.swovtii 
Albert G. llrackett 
James A. iSarrett.. 
Itobeit G. Ingersoll 

Aruo Vos.s 

Joseph W.Bell.... 

Horace Capron 

Warren Stewart. .. 
(.'liristian Thieliuan 
John L. Beyeridae. 



June, 1861 

Ans. 24, 1861. 
St'pt. 21, 1861. 
Sei)t. :!(), 1861. 

Dec. 1861 

Noy.61 Jan'62 
Aug. 1861.... 
Sept. 18, 1861. 
Oct. 26, 1861. 
Nov. 25, 1861. 
Dec. 20, 1861 
Uec'61 Feb '62 

Jan. 7, 1863 
oV'r\\ Dec25'63 
Ja'n.Apl, 18G3. 
Jan. 28, 1861. 



Bloomingtou... 
Camp Butler... 
Camp Butler. . 

Ottawa 

Camp Butler.., 
Camp Butler.. 
Camp Butler. . 

St. Charles 

Carap Douglas 
Camp Butler. . 

Peoria 

Camp Butler. . 
Camp Douglas 

Peoria 

Camp Butler, . 
Camp Butler. . 
St. Charles 



1206 
1861 
2183 
1656 
1669 
2248 
2282 
2412 
2619 
1934 
2:;62 
2174 
1759 
1565 
1473 
1462 
1247 



THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. 



739 



liarinoiiy between the federal niul State authorities, the secretiuy 
of war proimilgated order 18, Avhich coiitaiiis the tbllowing pro- 
vLsiou: '-The .governors of the States are Ieji;illy the authorities 
for raising' vohiiiteer reg'inients and coiiiuiissioniiig' their oflicers. 
Accord iuiily no iude|)endent organizafions, as such, will hereafter 
he reco.ii'nized in the IT. S. service. Copies of the rolls of muster 
into service will be sent as soon as practicable to the governors 
of the States to which they belong by the comnumders of bri- 
gades, regiment or corps, heretofore recognized as independent 
of State organizations, and all vacancies of commissions in such 
regiments and cori)S will be hereafter filled by the respective 
governors according to law." Mr. Fuller retained possession of 
the ofiice till January 1, 1S()3. Tlienee to the installation of 
(len. 1. K. Haynie, January 14, 1805, the duties of the ofHce were 
discharged by Lieut.-Col. Edward P. Xiles, who, from the com- 
meiuiement of the war, had been intimately connected with its 
routine. By the provisions of an act to provide for the appoint- 
ment, an<l to prescribe the duties of, the adjutant general, ap- 
pro\'ed Fubruary 2d, 18G5, the oftice became an organized de- 
partment of the State government. In accordance Avith the law 



nnST KEGIMENT— ILLIN(JIS LIGHT AliXILLEKY. 



Field 
Ciipt. 



1111(1 Staff 

CM. Willard.... 

Ezra Taylof 

C. Haugfitaliiiii'.. 
Ed. McAllister.. 
A. C. AVatei'house 
JohuT. Ch.'iuy.. 
Arthur O'Learj)-. 
Axel Silvfrsjiurr. 
Edward Boutuu . 

A. Fraiililiii 

Joliu Kdurke.... 

John B. Miller... 

Kficruit.s 



April, 1S(31. 
July, 1661 



July, 18G-2. 



Oct. 
Jan. 
Dec. 
Feb. 

Feb. 
Fell. 
Feb. 
■ran. 
Feb. 
AuL', 



letu. 

1801, 
18(U 
1862. 
18(12. 
1862. 
1862. 
1^62 
1862. 



Chicago 

Chicajfo 

Ottawa 

I'laiutield 

Chica.^i) 

Camp Butler. . 

Cairo 

Chicago 

Cliicago 

Shawiicctowu. 

t.'hi.-ago 

Chicago 



7 
16« 
20't 
175 
141 
148 
1.5!) 
113 
147 
l(i9 
96 
1.^3 
154 
883 



SECOND REGIMENT— ILLINOIS LIGHT ARTILLEET. 



Capt. Peter Davidson. . I July, 1861 

" Rilev ^[arison i April, 1861 

" Caleb Hopkius .... July, 1 861 

" Jasoer M. ]Jrc.s.ser Autli'd, Sept. 1861. 

" Adolph Schwartz 

" Joliu W. I'owell. 

" Chas. J. Stolbraiid 

" Andrew Steiubeclj 

" Charles W. Xeith. 

'■ Beiij. F. Itoirers. .. 

■' W^ni. H. linlton... 

" John C. Phillip.---.. 

Field and .statf.. 

Kecruits 



Auth'd Sept. 15, 1861. 



Authorized 1861. 
Authorized 1862. 



Aug. 17, 
June 20, 
Aug. 5, 
Dec. 17, 
Feb. 1, 
Dec. 11, 
Dec. 31, 
Dec. 31, 
Dec. 31, 
Dec. 31, 
Feb. 28, 
June 6, 



1861. 
1861 
1861. 
1861- 
1862 
1861 
1861. 
1861. 
1861. 
1861 
1862. 
1862. 



Peoria 

Springfield 

CJairo 

Cairo 

Cairo 

Cape Girai'deau,Mo. 

Caiiii) Butler 

Cam]) Bntli-r 

Cam)) Butler 

Camp Butler 

Cliicago I.. 

Chicago 



116 
127 
1.54 
117 
136 
100 
108 
115 
107 
108 
145 
100 
10 
1171 



INDEPENDENT BATTERIES. 




Capt. James S. Stokes. .July 1862 

Thu.-i. F. Vaughn ' " 

' Cha,s. G. Cooiey, ! '• 

' Geo.W. Renwickj •■ 

' Wm. Ci)irg.sn-ell. Auth'd Sept. 15, 1861. 

Ed. C. Henshaw. 'July. 1862 

' Lyman Bridges.. JAuUrd Jan. 1, 1862.. 
' John H. Colvin.. Auth'd July, 1863... 



July 31, 1862. Chiiago. 



Aug. 21, ^-62 
Aug. 29, 18^ -.2. 
Nov. 15, lr<t)2. 
Sep. 23, 1861- 
Oct. 15, 1862. 
Jan. 1, 1862. 
Oct. 10, 1863. 



Caiup Butler. 
( 'iiiiago . . ... 

Elgin' 

C'mp Douglas 
Ottawa ..'.... 

Chicago 

Chicago 

Chic%o 



258 
190 
270 
242 
221 
196 

"oi 

127 



EEC APITULA TION. 

Infantry 185 941 

Cavalry •. 3",082 

Artillery 7,277 



740 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

Gen. Hayuie provided a seal of office. Previously, to give yalidity 
to commissious and other official iustrnments, it was necessary 
to procure tlie seal and signature of the secretary of State. 
After a suitable imprint was provided, this indirect method of 
transacting the business of the office was discontinued. The ex- 
tensive reports, issued under the supervision of Gen. Haynie, 
contain all the military information that can be interesting to the 
reader or useful in the organization of future armies, and may 
justly be regarded as a monument of industry, of which the State 
should be proud. 

From data thus furnished, the whole number of enlistments 
during the war was 250,000, average strength 299,903, number 
killed in action, 5,888 ; died of Avounds, 3,032 ; of dis^ise, 19,490, 
in prison, 907 ; lost at sea, 205 ; aggregate, 29,588.* 

Medical BejKirtment. — At the instance of the Secretary of War, 
the governor ajipointed a board of medical examiners consisting 
of A. H. Johnson, president, and O. M. Eyan, secretary. The 
medical profession sharing the enthusiasm that animated the 
masses, tendered their services to the government with a zeal 
which, in many instances, surpassed their qualifications for the 
work they were required to perform. They went forth in large 
numbers from the prairie, the village and country where their 
undiversified practice little qualified them for the more arduous 
and extensive duties of the army. 

The board met on the 18th of June, 1801, in Springfield, and in 
accordance with the army regulations they proceeded to "inves- 
tigate carefully the physical ability, moral character and profes- 
sional attainments of each candidate. To accommodate the large 
number who applied for positions, sessions were held in Chicago, 
Alton, Cairo and the field. The importance of the work which 
they perforiwed may be inferred from the fact that much the 
larger part of the mortality connected with armies results from 
diseases instead of the sword, and that many of those who pro- 
posed to assume the responsibilities of physicians had never 
received the first rudiments of a medical education. It is but 
justice to state that the selections niade by the board were judi- 
cious, and that the medical treatment enjoyed by our volunteers 
was efficient. Many not only evinced a high order of skill in the 
practice of surgery and therapeutics, but what was of more import- 
ance, with a paternal solicitude instituted the most rigid sanitary 
regulations for the prevention of disease. 

(Jamps. — The two principal camps in the State were Camp But- 
ler, at Springfield, and Camp Douglas, at Chicago. The immedi- 
ate location of the former was near where the Toledo, Wabash & 
Western railroad crosses the Sangamon river, and that of the lat- 
ter just hj the last resting place of the great statesman after whom 
it was named. Each was provided with commissary and ordnance 
warehouses, general prison and small pox hospitals, company and 
prison bai»racks, officers' quarters and other structures necessary 
for the outfit of an extensive encampment. Both places — espe- 
cially Camp Butler — became the principal i)oints for the rendez- 

•Co«»pntation by Adjutant General E. L. Higgins. 



THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. 741 

vous and iustriictiou of volunteers and mustering them out of ser- 
vice after the war. 

As the result of the battle of Fort Donelson some 10,000 priso- 
ners were sent to these camps, and thereafter they became places 
of custody for other prisoners captured in the war. Their treat- 
ment hy the officers in charge was always humane, though if the 
statements of rebel writers could be credited, they suffered more 
hellish barbarities than were perpetrated in the prison pens of 
the South. Of the 30,000 prisoners received at different times at 
Camp Douglas 3,500 died, about 10 per cent., while of the number 
of prisoners received at Belle Isle more than 50 per cent, died 
from exposure, starvation and brutality. The site of Camp But- 
ler is still i)reserved as a national cemetery, in which many of 
the gallant sons of Illinois sleep in honored graves. Other camps 
were formed in different parts of the State, but they in general 
subserved only temporarj'^ I)urposes. 

Women of Illinois. — We have spoken of the patriotic sons 
of Illinois, her daughters must not be omitted. Perhaps the 
brightest page in the history of the State is that which records 
their efforts in behalf of the soldier. Their devotion to the 
imtional cause was rather the promi)tings of inspiration than the 
ordinary impulse of patriotism, and its defenders were objects of 
their deepest symi^atliy. Women in all ages have prompted men 
to deeds of noble daring, while with the progress of civilization 
in modern times her intluence has become more potent than presi- 
dents, cabinets or crowns. It is a true adage that she who rocks 
the cradle rules the world. In the hallowed associations of home 
are Ijorn and nurtured the great intellects, large hearts and the 
staunch integrity which has accomplished all that is noble in the 
histor}^ of the race. 

The women of Illinois, in common with others all over the land, 
were the first to commiserate the sufferings of the soldier, and the 
first to make efforts to afford relief. In this they were actuated 
not only by a heroic love of country, but their kindred were 
enduring the privations of war, and who like them could feel for 
their distress ! Though j^bysically incapacitated to share with 
them the toil and perils of battle, yet before its smoke and the 
echoes of its artdlery passed away they could bind up their 
wounds, and b> their stelf-denial inspire them with a holier ardor 
for the cause they were defending. How many weary sufferers on 
the field of carnage, in the lonely hospital relieved by their 
bounty and cheered by their presence, none but the recording 
angel can tell. 

Their labors soon assumed an organized form ; hundreds of relief 
societies sprang up all over the State, and proportionately as the 
terrible effects of the war increased, the warm current of their 
sympathies and charities augmented. These consisted of food, 
clotliing, medicine, hospital delicacies, reading matter and thou- 
sands of other articles in such quantities as to necessitate the 
chartering of cars, and in some instances steamboats to carry 
them to their destination. 

The counties of the State next became enlisted in the work of 
benevolence. In the 60 where records were made and reported, 
the sums donated as bounties to volunteers for the support of sol- 



742 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

diers' families and other objects amounted to more than $1,500,- 
000. In tbis estimate tbe donations of 33 counties, and tLe unre- 
corded benevolence of thousands of individuals all over the State, 
is not included. 

Another form which the work assumed was the establishment 
of soldiers' homes in tlie ])rincipal cities. In these places of ref- 
uge the traveling' soldier, when he had no one else to care for him, 
was provided with bonrd and lodging free of cost. During the 
war the several homes in Illinois and otlier parts af the West fur- 
nished lodging for 000,000 men and meals valued at $2,500,000. 
The relief thus afforded was not intended as a substitute but as 
supplemental to that of the government. Tlie troops of Illinois 
particii)ated in some of the most gigantic struggles of the war, 
in wln(;h no government system, however provident or elastic, can 
do more than mitigate the suffering. In these bloody conflicts 
the private benevolence of the peo]>le nobly secojided the efforts 
of the goverjiment, and could the relief afforded by both have been 
tenfold more effective, the wounded would still have suffered 
unspeakable privations and agony. 

The sanitary commission greatly assisted in arousing and giv- 
ing direction to the benevolent enterprise of the State. The llrst 
members of the society were appointed on the 9th of June, 1801, 
by the Secretary of AYar. They met and organized in Washing- 
ton the same month, and in the autiimn of the same year Dr. 
Newberry, one of the most efficient members, organized the 
Northwestern branch at Chicago. 

" This was one of the most efficient of all its auxilaries in collecting 
supplies, and its various tributaries scattered throughout tlie States of 
Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin, did more lor the relief of the soldier 
probably in proportion to their means, than those of any other section 
of the country. No where had the commission warmer or moreen thusias- 
tic friendsthau at Chicago. It was most fortunate in enlisting at an early 
period the active sympathy of some of the most iufiuential and trusted 
men of that important place. The names of the gentlemen who con- 
ducted its operations, Judge Skinner, E. B. McCagg and E. W. Blatcli- 
ford were alone a tower of strength to its cause throughout the North- 
west and the commission reaped the benefit in the vast contributions of 
that region of their wide spread reputation and active exertions."* 

The most successful effort iu turning the great tide of popular 
sympathy into the channel of the commission, occurred at Chicago 
in May, 18G5. The means employed was a fair iu whicli not 
only Illinois, but her sister States of the West, were largely rep- 
resented. Though all gave it a hearty support the conception of 
itr; plan and the success with which it was carried out was mostly 
due to the efforts of Madams Iloge and Livermore. These ladies 
Avho are the perso]nfi<;ation of benevolence and energy wrote 
appeals, distributed circulars, aiul addressed public meetings till 
the great heart of the Northwest was moved to its utmost depths. 
Union Hall, the princii)al building, occupied the whole of Dear- 
born Park and was brilliantly illundnated with gas from floor to 
apex. In the centre Avere tastefully arranged in bootlis and on 
tables tlie consecrated offerings of churches, and rare and beauti- 
ful contributions fi'om the nations of Europe. In the two 
wings business and industry were represented by goods and 
machinerj-, less ornamental but more useful. Eastward a whole 

• History of the Sanitary Commission. 



THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. 743 

block was covered by Floral Hall, whose contents appeared like a 
crystalized vision of beanty, in wliicb. both natnre and art had 
been laid nnder contribution for their most exquisite productious. 
Bryan's Hall, then the hiigest room in the city, was used as a 
depository for battle-torn banners and other trojihies of the war, 
indicative of Illinois and western valor. 

Generals Grant and Hooker, Senator Yates, and a large number 
of other distinguished personages, gave the prestige of their 
presence to the occasion. A vast midtitude thronged the diflVrent 
avenues of approach to the city, and though the rel)ellion liad 
suddenly collapsed and the necessity for raising funds had greatly 
ceased, the gross |)roceeds amounted to more than $300,000 and 
the net profits to $250,000. 

MiUtary Movement f, in the State. — The operations of the immense 
hosts furnished by the State within her borders, was limited iu 
extent. We have already s})oken of the occupation of Cairo, 
located at the junction of the Oliio and Mississippi rivers and 
Illinois Central railroad, which Avas early regarded as a strategic 
point of more than ordinary signifi(jance. Its near proximity to 
Kentucky, Missouri and Tennessee, whose governments were con- 
trolled by di.sloyal men, rendered it liable to seizure. One of the 
tirst acts of the garrison was to 6upi)ress the traffic iu lead and 
other contraband merchandise carried on by Galena, St. Louis 
and Cincinnati, with the rebellious cities on the Lower Mississippi. 
Among other contraband shipments Gov. Yates received intelli- 
gence that two steameas, the C. E. Hilbnan and John I). Perry, 
carrying arms and anjinunition, were about to descend the river 
from St. Louis and telegraphed Col. Prentiss to stop them ami 
take possession of their cargoes. In due time the vessels made 
their ap[)earance and were immediately boarded and brought to 
the wharf. A large number of arms and other military stores 
were seized and confiscated, a proceeding at the time somewhat 
informal, but subseipiently a})proved by the Secretary of Avar. 
Toi>revent the recurrence of similar attemi)ts on the part of the 
rebels to obtain snp])lies all further shipments to posts under in- 
surrectionary control Avere interdicted. 

. The State was almost destitute of arms, and the Cairo exi»edi- 
tion had been equipped to a great extent with shot guns and rifles, 
taken from the stoTesin Chicago. According to the rei>ort of the 
ordinance qartermaster, the arsenal coiitained oidy 302 muskets, 
105 rifles, 133 musketoons, and 297 pistols. In addition to tliose 
there Averea number of other arms in possession of difiereiit militia 
companies of the State, of antique patterns, and far inferior to 
weapons of a more modern construction. Uiuler these circum- 
stances an eflbrt was made to obtain arms from the a rsei ml of 
Kew York, and a messen'ger Avas sent to Washington for a similar 
purpose. It, hoAvever, soon became evident that this destitution 
was uot confined to Illinois, but as the result of Floyd's treacheiy, 
common to all the Northern States. According to rebel ne\vs[>a- 
l>ers, there had been deposited at different points in the South 
107,000 stand of muskets, and 200,000 pistols for the avowed pur- 
pose of overturning the gOA'erument to Avhich they rightfull}' be- 
longed. Furthermore, of the home squadron, consisting of 12 
vessels, carrying 187 guns and 2,000 men, only 4 small vessels, 



744 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

carrying 25 gnus aud 280 men, were available, tlie otliers having 
been dispersed to distant seas. 

While the subject of procuring arms was under advisement, the 
messenger who had been dispatched to Washington returned with 
an order on the arsenal at St. Louis for 10,000 muskets. This re- 
jjository of military stores Avas now closely watched by traitors, 
and a mob of them were ready to seize the arms which it contained 
the moment an attempt should be made to remove them. While 
those in charge of the requisition were looking about for compe- 
tent men, aud considering an available plan for getting possession 
of them. Captain Stokes, of Chicago, volunteei^ed to undertake the 
hazardous enterprise. Gov. Yates at once put into his hands the 
order issued by the secretary of war, and hastening to St. Louis, 
he found the arsenal surrounded by a disorderly, treasonable 
rabble. After a number of unavailing attempts to pass through 
the crowd, he at length reached the building, and communicated 
to the oflicer in chaijge the object of his visit. The commander in- 
formed him that the arsenal was surrounded b}' hundreds of spies 
in communication with the secessionists of the city, and that the 
most trivial movement might excits suspicion, and bring an over- 
powering force upon the garrison at any moment. Although he 
doubted the i^ossibility of complying with the requisition, it was 
evident that delay would render it more difficult, and permission, 
was given to Captain Stokes to make the attempt. These appre- 
hensions were well founded, for the next day information was re- 
ceived that Gov. Jackson had ordered 2,000 armed men down 
from Jefferson City, and was evidently contemplating by this 
movement the capture of the arsenal. Two batteries had already 
been planted by his friends, one near the arsenal, and one on the 
St. Louis levee, aud were either designed for this purpose, or some 
other treasonable object. Captain Stokes immediately telegraphed 
to Alton to have a steamer descend the river and about midnight 
land opposite the arsenal, and proceeding to the same place with 
700 men of the 7th Illinois, soon commenced lowering the heavy 
boxes containing the guns from the upper to the lower portion of 
the building. At the same time, to divert attention from his real 
design, he caused 500 unserviceable muskets to be openlj' jils^ced 
on a different boat. As intended, this movement was soon de- 
tected, and the shouts and escite'ment upon their seizure, drew 
most of the crowd from the arsenal. Captain Stokes ordered the 
remainder, who were acting as a i)osse, to be shut up in the guard 
house, and as soon as the boat came along side commenced 
freighting her with guns. When the 10,000 muskets were aboard 
he asked permission to empty the entue arsejial, and was told to 
go ahead and take what he w^anted. He, therefore, instead of 
confining himself to the requisition, besides cannon and a large 
number of other valuable accoutrements, took 500 carbines, 500 
pistols, and 20,000 muskets, leaving only 7,000 to arm the St. 
Louis volunteers. When all was on board and the order was given 
to start, it was found that the immense weight of the cargo had 
bound the bow of the boat to a rock, which at every turn of the 
wheel was crushing through the bottom. The arms had been piled 
in large quantities about the engines to protect thm from the bat- 
tery on the levee, aiul assistance was immediately summoned from 
the arsenal to remove them to the stern. Fortunately, when this 



THE WAR OP THE EEBELLION. 745 

was partially effected the boat fell away from the shore and floated 
iuto deep water. 

"Which way V said Captain Mitchell, of the steamer. "Straight 
ill the regular channel to Alton," replied Captain JStokes. ''What 
if we are attacked f said Captain Mitchell. "Then we will fight," 
Avas the reply of Captain Stokes. "What if we are overpowered?" 
said JMitchell. "Run the boat to the deepest part of the river and 
sink her," rei)lied Stokes. "I'll do it," was the heroic answer of 
Mitchell, and away they went i)ast the secession battery, past the 
St. Louis levee, and in the regular channel onto Alton, where they 
arrived at 5 o'clock in the morning. W^hen they touched the land- 
ing, Captain Stokes, fearing pursuit by some of the secession mili- 
tary comi)anies by which the city of St. Louis was disgraced, ran 
to the market house and rang the fire bell. The citizens came 
flocking pell-mell to the river in all sorts of habiliments. Captain 
Stokes informed them as to the state of affairs, and pointed to the 
freight cars. Insta^ntly men, women and children boarded the 
steamer, seized the freight, and clambered up the levee to the 
cars. Eich and poor tugged together with might and main for two 
Lours, when the cargo was all de^wsited on the cars, and the train 
moved off" to Springtield amid the most enthusiastic cheers."*These 
arms thus rescued from the very grasp of traitors, served to equip 
the flrst regiments of the State, and on many a bloody field be- 
came the terrible avengers of those who sought to use them against 
their country. 

* Patriotism of Illinois. 



Chapter LVI. 

18G1— 1862. ILLINOIS IN MISSOURI. 

Battles of Lexington, Monroe, Charlesfon, FredericTctoion, Belmont and 

Pea Ridge. 



Having gixon a brief sketch of the operation of Illinois at home 
let us look abroad at the exploits of her soldiers in the field. 

In the valley of the Mississippi, east of the Alleghanies, and on 
the Southern seaboard, every commercial highway was blockaded 
by the terrible enginery of war, and every mountain pass and sa- 
lient out-post echoed with the tramp of hostile squadrons. In the 
disposition of the Union armies, Illinois troops were mo»stly con- 
fined to operations on the Mississippi, the Tennessee, the Cum- 
berland, the White, the Red, the Savannah, and in the battles of 
Belmont, Pea Ridge, Donelson, Shiloh, Corinth, Perryville, Vicks- 
burg, Jackson, Stone river, Chickamauga and Lookout Mountain, 
Missionary Ridge, Peach Tree Creek, Jonesboro, Atlanta, Savan- 
nah, Franklin and Nashville, and they won fame for themselves 
and a proud record for the State. 

Military operations in the West commenced with the occupation 
of Cairo. Missouri lying westward, with a treasonable executive 
and a population i)artly disloyal, soon became involved in civil 
strife. Gov. Jackson appointed Sterling Price brigadier general 
of the State troops, which were to be organized and equipped for 
action. He managed to get the police of St. Louis under his con- 
trol, and endeavored to persuade the people of the city and State 
to €ast their destiny with their brethren of the Southern Confed- 
eracy. Acting upon his advice a body of armed men, notoriously 
hostile to the government, and in communication with traitors in 
the seceded States, met near ihe city, styling their place of ren- 
dezvous Camp Jackson, in honor of the governor. Caj)tain Lyon, 
then in command of the arsenal, had in the meantime been em- 
powered by the president to enroll 10,000 loyal men to maintain 
the authority of the government within the limits of the State. 
With the promptitude which the emergency demanded, he ap- 
peared on the morning of May 10th with a force of 0,000 men before 
the hostile camp, and demanded its surrender. Taken wholly by 
surprise, and threatened by a superior force, there was no alterna- 
tive but to submit, and accordingly 20 cannons, 1200 rifles, find a 
large amount of amnumition fell into the hands of the Unionists. 
The f(U^ce, after disi)er,sing the rebels retired to the city, and being 
assaulted with showers of stones and pistol shots from disunion- 
ists, they fired into their ranks iind killed some of their leaders. 
Great excitement ensued, and but for the vigorous interposition 
746 



THE- WAR OV THE REBELLION. 747 

of Lyon the commercial metropolis of Missouri would have become 
the scene of strife between warring- factions. His course being 
highly approved at Washington, he was raised to the rank of bri- 
gadier general, and placed in command of the government forces 
tben operating in the State. 

Perceiving that the militia force under Price, although, organ- 
ized with the i)rofessed intention of preserving peace, was also 
treasonable in its sympathies and ulterior designs, he ordered them 
t<» surrender their arms. When this demand was made Jackson 
issued a prochimation calling 50,000 State militia to repel fed- 
eral invasion, thus further disclosing the iva\ animus of the organ- 
ization under liis control. With a view of arresting further 
proceedings of this kind, Lyon started in steamers for Jefferson 
City with a force of 2,000 men, and arpiving thither he found that 
Jackson had evacuated the city and retreated to Booneville, 
higher up the river. Following him to the latter i)lace, he, on the 
ITtli of June, met and completely routed the rebel force, and most 
of tlieir military stores fell into his hands. With the Union force 
in rapid i)ursuit Jackson and his followers fled to the southwest- 
ern part of the State, Avhere he expected assistance from Price. 
He was, however, met in Jasper county by 15,000 men under Col. 
Franz Sigel, a spirited oflicer, who was pushing forward tx) prevent 
his junction with reinforcements. On the 4th of July Sigel had 
an engagement with his force near Carthage, and although out- 
iiuml)ered two to one, inflicted upon him a. severe blow, the rebel 
loss being 50 killed and 150 wounded, while his own was only 13 
killed and 31 wounded. Sigel's ammunition being exhausted, he 
Avas compelled to fall back,flrst to Mt. Vernon, and then to Spruig- 
lield, where he met Gen. Lyon. The retreat was fortunate, for 
the next day Price, reinforced by several thousand men from 
Texas and Arkansas, under command of McCuUoch, advanced to 
the sup[)ort of Jackson. This force contiinied its march in the 
direction taken by Sigel, and took a position on Wilson's creek, 
with the intention of moving against Springfiebl, only tt»n miles dis- 
tant. Lyon's forceatthe latter place was only5,000men,andmany 
of these \vere inexperienced recruits, who had just taken the place 
of 3-months troops, while he was confronted with 20,000 enemies. 
A council of war was held, and in view of the demoralizing efi'ect 
a retreat would have upon the Union cause, it was decided to risk 
a battle with even this superior force. 

Accordingly on the 8th of August Lyon led his forces against 
the eiieui}'. A bloody tight ensued, in which Lyon, at the head of 
one of his regiments, in a heavy charge against the foe, was 
pierced through the Iwiivt by two bullets, and fell lifeless from his 
steed. 

The command now devolved on Major Sturgis, and after three 
hours' hard flghting the enemy was driven from the field. The 
Union troops, being now without ammunition, retired to Spring- 
field, where Sigel took command, and conducted them to Eolla. 
The loss of the enemy was reported at 1,347, ours at 1,235, besides 
the death of Lyon, who was himself a host. His glorious pastj 
the purity of his life, and almost reckless daring, had made him 
the idol of the people, and when stricken down the nation was 
filled with mourning. Eebel authorities endeavored to magnify 
this battle into a victory, notwithstanding the fact that 20,000 of 



748 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

tlieir men had been met by 5,000 federals and so badly dis^ibled 
that they could not pursue the latter when they retreated. As 
Price was unable to resume operations for more than a month, it 
was evidently a Union triumph, although dearly purchased at the 
cost of Lyon's life. 

Early in July, 1861, Fremont was entrusted A\'ith the chief com- 
mand of the western department, embracing- the State of Illmois, 
and the States and territories between the Mississippi and the 
Eocky Mountains. He found the situation of affairs in his new 
field of labor very unpromising. Pope was in northern Missouri 
with a small force, Prentiss atCairo with a fewregiments. Confront- 
ing these and ready to pounce upon them with irresistible might 
wheneverthevarying fortunes of war furnished an opi)ortunity, were 
20,000 rneii under Pillow at New Madrid, and 30,000 under Price in 
the southwest part of the State. One of Fremont's first acts was to 
reinforce Cairo and Bird's Point, on the opposite side of the Missis- 
sippi, both imperiled by the overwhelming forces on the river 
below. On the 30tli of August he issued a proclamation i)lacing 
the whole State of Missouri under martial law, and declaring the 
property of rebels confiscated, and their slaves free men. Public 
opinion, however, was not yet prepared for emancipation, and 
President Lincoln annulled that portion relating to slavery. 

Battle of Lexington. — After recovering from the battle of Wil- 
son's creek. Price started northward to the Missouri river, it Avas 
supposed to get possession of Jefferson City, and reinstate the au- 
thority of Gov. Jackson. Despite small detachments sent out to 
intercept his movements, he turned his course to the northwest, 
and on the 11th of September set down before Lexington, on the 
Missouri, 300 miles above St. Louis. Col. Mulligan, in command 
of the 23d Illinois infantry, 1st Illinois cavalry, and about 1,200 
Missouri troops, had previously taken position between Old and 
New Lexington, distant about half a mile, and commenced fortify- 
ing it. His entire force was less than 3,000, while the assailants 
w^ere estimated at nearly 20,000, and consisted, according to rebel 
statements, of the elite of the Confederate army. As early as the 
12th an assault was made on his works, but the fierce and derter- 
mined manner in which it was met soon convinced Price that even 
with his overwhelming numbers, it would not be prudent to at- 
tempt to carry the place bj^ storm. Accordingly, as a means of 
gradual ax)proach, bales of hemp, saturated with water, to prevent 
ignition from the hot shots of Mulligan's guns, were rolled in 
front of his batteries. Mulligan, in the meantime, had burnt a 
portion of the old town to prevent the enemy taking shelter in it, 
and sent messengers by different routes for more troops. 

Price, who had been waiting for ammunition, received a supjdy 
and on the 18th 13 guns, jiosted in commanding positions, oi)eiied 
their fiery throats upon the federal intenchmeuts. The Union 
commander had five small brass pieces Mhich were brought into 
position and worked with great gallantry, being charged with 
rough shot manufactured for the occasion in a^ neighboring foundry. 
Price having previously seized the boats in the river, and fortified 
the adjacent bluffs., the besieged troops were cutoff from water, 
and suffered the most intense agonies of thirst. This hardship 
was further aggravated by the stench arising from the putrid car- 



THE "WAR OF THE REBELLION. 749 

casses of horses wliicli in lar<ie iniinbors liadboen slaughtered by 
the tire of the rebel ginis. It, however, rained at intervals, and 
the thirsty men, by sjyreading tlieir blankets till they became sat- 
urated with water, and then wringing them in camp dishes, were 
enabled to prolong the seige till the 2()th,wlien they snrrendered. 

Col. Mnlligan facetionsly renmrksof the homo gnards, a portion 
of the Missouri troops nnder his command who refused to tight, 
that they were "invincible in peace and invisible in war." Col. 
Estvan, of the rebel service, in writing of the capitulation, said : 
"This surrender does not cast the slightest discredit on Col. jMuI- 
ligan, his ofticers and men. After having exhausted all their 
means against an enemy three times their strength, they had no 
choice but capitulation. The booty was considerable. In addi- 
tion to arms, clothing and ammunition, we took more than a mil- 
lion dollars in hard cash. These dollars nearly rendered our 
fellows frantic, for this was the object which had induced the ma- 
jority of them to take up arms against their former government."* 

A writer in the Chicago Posf thus speaks of jMuUigan's command 
known as the Irish Brigade, of which he was a i>rivate : 

"On the 17th the enemy commenced erecting breastworks of hemp 
bales from behind which they continued to fire as they rolled them to- 
wards us. About 3 o'clock of the same day they charged over our en- 
trenchments, upon Col. Peabody'shome guards, and phiuted their tlags 
on the top of our breastworks, The Irish Brigade was ordered to leave 
its position on tlie opposite side to retake tlie ground which Peabody had 
lost. We fired on tlie run, and continued on the double quick. The 
rebels scattered and fled like a tiock of sheep, but left the top of the 
breastworks covered witli dead and wounded. In this single charge we 
killed and wounded some 05 and lost about 30. They had no bayonets, 
and most of their weapons being shot guns we did not give them time to 
use them. They fired at random. Col. Mvdligan received a buck-shot 
through oue of his legs, which lamed but did not disable him ; six or 
seveu passed thi'ough his blouse. Six different times during the ensuing 
niglit tlie rebels were allowed to approach the ditch on the side next tlie 
city. When they got sufficiently near, our boys on the inside 
would explode a mine, hurling them promiscuously in every direction, 
and slaughtering them by liundreds. Six mines were thus sprung un- 
der their feet, and tliey evidently began to regard that side of the eu- 
treuehment as a dangerous locality." 

Col. Mulligan, who by the gallant though unsuccessful defense of 
Lexington, won the esteem of Illinois, was born in 1829, in the 
city of Utica, oSTew York. While a child his father died and his 
mother moved with him to Chicago. At the age of 24 he com- 
menced studying law in the ofilce of Isaac N. Arnold, M. C. from 
the Chicago district, and in 1856 was admitted to the bar. At the 
commencement of the war he was captain of a militia company, 
the Shields Guard, in the drilling of which he acquired a knowl- 
edge of military tactics. At the fall of Sumter he threw his 
soul into the cause of the Union, assisted in forming the Irish- 
American companies of Chicago into a regiment, known as the 
Irish brigade, of which he was elected colonel. The conduct of 
the regiment at Lexington and elsewhere was brave and eflicient. 

Fremont had sent reinforcements to Mulligan, and unfortu- 
nately his men had hardly laid down their arms when the succor- 
ing force made its appearance on the opposite side of the river. 

* This admission but illy comports with the oft-repeated statement of rebels that 
they had taken up arms to resist the aggressions of the north. 



750 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

He left St. Louis on the 27th, for the purpose of lueetiuy Price 
and giving- him battle at some point on the Missouii. His force 
was composed of live divisions, commanded respectively by Gens. 
Pope, Sigel, Hunter, Ashboth andMcKinstry, anu>initing in the 
aggregate to 30,000 men. The wary rebel" general, however, 
soon apprised of his intentions, commenced retreating southward 
and by offensive cavalry feints succeeded in placing the Osage 
between him and his pursuers. Fremont still folh>wing, on the 
28th of October the advance divisions of his army entered Si)ring- 
field and drove a portion of the rebel force from tlie town. As 
soon as he came up preparations commenced to give the enemy 
battle, but unfortunately at this juncture when the army was 
eager for the contest and e^'erything seemed to promise success, 
he was relieved of his command. 

This was not entirely unexpected as liis relations with the war 
department had for some time been unsatisfactory. Its occur- 
rence at this critical time, however, was a matter of regret, for 
whatever errors may have been committed, the retreat of the army 
and the abandonment of this portion of the State to rebels, which 
followed, was far more disastrous. The failure to promptly send 
troops to the relief of Mulligan caused a storm to break out against 
him, and his enemies never afterwards became reconciled. He 
was charged with defrauding the governnient in purcliasing sup- 
plies for the army ; with surrounding himself with favoritesto the 
exclusion of meritorious officers, and finally iucomi)etency in the 
management of his department; it should, however, be jncn- 
tioned in extenuation of these charges, thar the failure to relieve 
Lexington was rafher the result of adverse circumstances than 
the fault of Fremont ; that his attempt to free the slaves of rebel 
masters, although rejected at the time, subsequently became the 
policy of theg,overnme]it, and that had he been enabled to carry 
out his plans for the descent of the Mississippi, wliich his succes- 
sors months afterward adopted, it would have saved the country 
thousands of lives and millions of treasure. 

Battle of Monroe. — Besides the battle of Lexington, a numl)er 
of minor engag-ements occurred in Missouri during Fremont's 
administration, in which the troops of Illinois bore a distinguished 
part. A spirited tight occurred between Col. E. T. Smith of the 
16th Illinois and the rebel Gov. Harris, in command of 2,500 con- 
federates stationed at Florida. The federal officer with a'ibrce of 
GOO men detached from Ids own regiment and the 3d Iowa, left 
his camp at Monroe, 30 miles west" of Hannibal, to engage the 
enemy. On nearing the ford on Salt river, he was suddeidy 
attacked and Gapt. McAlister of the lOth Illinois, mortally 
wounded. Finding himself coidronted by greatly superior nuui- 
bers Gol. Sndth fell back to Monroe and stationed his force in an 
academy. Here he maintained his position till the arrival of re- 
inforcements fiom Quincy, under ex-Gov. Wood, when the enemy 
was charged and routed with a loss of 70 men and a large num- 
ber of horses. 

Battle of CharJesfon.—Ou the 19th of August an engagement 
occurred at Gharleston, of whi<'h Gen. Fremont gives the'follow- 
iug- account : " Keport from commanding officer at Gairo says that 



THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. 751 

Col. Dou,2;lierty of tUe 32(1 Illinois, with 3()() men sent out yester- 
day at 7 o'clock liom Bird's Point, attacked the enemy at 
Cliaileston, 1,200 strong, drove him back, killed 40, took 17 priso- 
ners and 15 horses and retnrn<'d at 2 A. ivi. to Bird's Point, with 
a loss of 1 killed and wounded." A correspondent of the New 
York Trihune relates the following of Lt. Col. Ransom of the 11th 
Illinois: "He was urging his men to the charge when a nnm 
rode up and called out "Do you know you are killing our own 
men f Kansom replied "I know what I am doing ; who are you?" 
The reply was " I am for Jeff Davis." Eansom rei)lied, " You are 
the man I am after," and instantly two pistols were drawn. The 
rebel hred first, taking effect in Col. liansom's arm near the 
shoulder. The colonel fired, killing his antagonist instantly. 

Battle of Fredericl-toicn. — Another ^spirited engagement came 
off on the 21st of October near Fredericktown. Gen. Grant then 
commanding the southwest district of Missouri, with headquarters 
at Cairo, hearing that the town was occupied by a rebel force 
under Gen. Jeff. Thompson, sent Col. Plunnuer, of the 11th Mis- 
souri, to operate against them. This regiment was composed of 
Illinois men who enlisted in Missouri. The completion of the 
quota rendered it impossible to obtain admission to the service at 
home, and hence they went abroad. The force of the latter con- 
sisted of his own regiment, the 17th Illinois, Col. Ross, the 20tb, 
Col. Marsh, White's section of Taylor's Chicago battery and 
Captains Stewart and Saunders' companies of Illinois cavalry. 
On his arrival at Fredericktown he found it in ])ossession of Col. 
Carlin, 38th Illinois, Avhose command, in addition to the o8th, 
included the 21st aiul 23d Illinois, Colonels Alexander and Har- 
vey and several companies of infantry and cavalry from Wis- 
consin and Iowa. The entire force uiuler the leadership of Col. 
P]und)er rapidly pursued and overtook the enemy, when a severe 
engagement followed. The 17th Illinois and Taylor' s battery 
commenced the attack in the rear, while the other regiments de- 
ployed to the right and left as they came up and delivered their 
tire. The left of the rebel force soon gave way, and their reti'eat 
was (converted into a rout. The right under Thompson su])ported 
by a battery maintained its position longer, but the battery 
was at length captured and the rout became general. The 
retreating foe was pursued a distance of 20 miles, and lost in the 
engagement 200 men by death and 80 by capture. The federal 
loss was 6 killed and GO wounded. 

Gen. Hunter, who was senttosucceedGen. Fremont, arrived on 
the 3d of IsTovember, and declining an engagement with Price com- 
menced retreatingin the direction of St. Louis. Price followed him 
and endeavored to destroy the ISTorthern railroad for the purposeof 
cuttingoff communication with St. Louis. On the ISth of Novem- 
ber Gen. Halleck reached that city, and relieving Gen. Hunter, 
took command of the Western Dei)artment. He immediately 
issued a proclamation fixing the penalty of death against all per- 
sons engaged in destroying railroads and telegraplis, and by supe- 
rior strategy succeeded in circumventing the designs of Price. 
On the 7th of December Pope was placed in command of the 
troops in Northern Missouri, and pusliing forward he occupied a 
position between Warrensburg and Clinton. Operating from this 



752 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

positiou be enabled Col. J. C. Davis to meet aud completely rout 
tlie enemy near the mouth of Clear creek. This victory was 
immediately followed by an epeditionto Lexington for the purpose 
of destroying a foundry and a small fleet in possession of rebel 
troops. This was speedily accomplished, and with it almost the 
entire regiou between the Missouri aud Usage rivers fell into the 
hands of the federals. 

Battle of Belmont. — In the meantime Gen. Grant made an 
attempt to capture the rebel force at Belmont, on the Missouri 
side of the Mississippi. Henceforth the history of this officer 
is too well known to require recital. ^Vith his past history we 
are not so familiar. Ulysses S. Grant was born in Clermont county, 
Ohio, Aprd 27, 1822. At the age of 17 he was udmitted to 
the military academy at West Point, and graduated June 30, 
1843. Immediately after his graduation he received the brevet 
of 2d lieutenant, and was placed in the 4th regiment of United 
States infantry, then stationed in Missouri. During the war 
with Mexico his regiment was ordered to join the army of 
occupation under Geu. Taylor, and subsequently he participated 
in the battles of Palo Alto, Keseca de la Palma and Monterey. 
On the arrival of Gen. Scott he was transferred to his command, 
and in the battles of Vera (Jruz and Molino del Pey liis bravery 
was so conspicuous, he was made 1st lieutenant on thebattle tield. 
In the battle of Chepulteiiec, which followed, he further distin- 
guished himself and was again promoted, receiving the brevet of 
captain in the regular army. Witli the cessation of the war he 
returned home, resigned his commission and lived a private life till 
the commencement of the rebellion. 

In April 1861, he waited on Gov. Yates and tendered him his 
services, modestly stating that he had been educated at the ex- 
pense of the government; that he now thought it his duty 
to assist in defending it, and would regard it a privilege to 
be assigned to any position where he could render himself use- 
ful. The first important duty with which he was entrusted was 
the organization of the first regiments furnished by the State 
under the call of April 15, 1801. Evincing in the performance of 
this work his superior military qualifications, the governor plsiced 
him in command of the 21st Illinois, his commission as colonel dat- 
ing from the 15th of June, 1801. At the time he took command the 
regiment was demoralized and incomplete, but in 10 days after- 
ward he filled it to the maximum standard aud brought it to a 
state of discipline seldom attained in so short a time. Being 
ordered to Northern Missouri, his regiment proceeded on foot from 
Springfield to the Illinois river, thence on the cars to Quiucy, 
where its first duty was the protection of the Quincy & Palmyra 
and the Hannibal and St. Joseph railroads. 

On the 31st of July Grant was placed in command of the troops 
at Mexico, in the l^orth Missouri District, commanded by Brig. 
Gen. Pope. Early distinguishing himself in the field, his claims 
for increased rank were recognized by his friends in Illinois before 
his worth was fully appreciated in Washington. His vigorous 
prosecution of the camijaign in ISTorth Missouri, however, soon 
won universal recognition, and he was promoted August 23d to 
the rank of brigadier general, his commission dating from May 



THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. 753 

ITtli. After liis promotion lie was placed in command of the Di.s- 
ti'ict of Cairo, embracing in its jnrisdiction Soutlieru Illinois and 
Missouri and tliat part of Kentucky west of the Cumberland. 
The force now under his command consisted of two brigades num- 
bering' 2,850 men. Thefirst under Gen. John A. McClernand con- 
sisted of the 27th, Col. Buford ; 30th, Col. Fouke ; 31st, Col. J. A. 
Logan ;Capt. Dollins' company of 4th cavalry and Taylor's battery 
of light artillery. The second, under Col H. Dougherty, com- 
prised his own regiment, the 21st Illinois, and the 7th Iowa, Col. 
Lauman. The entire force except the last regiment was from Illi- 
nois. 

Grant's first movement was to seize Smithland and Paducah 
resi)ctively at the mouths of the Cumberland and Tennessee, and 
use them as the base of future operations in the rebel States. 
Having" garrisoned these places, his next movement was to dis- 
lodge a rebel force stationed at Belmont, on the.Missouri side of 
the Mississippi. The entire force under his command was em- 
barked on board the gunboats Tyler and Lexington and landed 
November 7th, 1861, at Lucas' bend, about two miles from the 
camp of the enemy. As soon as debarkation was effected a line 
of battle was formed, Buford commanding the right, Fouke the 
center and Logan the left. The advance toward the camp was 
a continuous running- fight, in which a storm of the enemy's mis- 
siles battered and tore down the timber in the faces of our men. 
Passing over all obstacles and surmounting' all opposition the 
three divisions vietl with each other for the honor of first reach- 
ing the rebel position. The scene became terrific, men grappled 
with men, column charged upon column, musketry rattled, can- 
mm thundered and tore frightful gaps in the contending forces. 
Presently the 57th planted its colors in the midst of the hostile 
encampment, and a loud and prolonged shout was heard above 
the din of battle. Next, the 21st captured a 12-pound gun battery, 
one of the enemy's principal defences, when a final impetuous, 
irresistible charge drove him in every direction and left the field 
in i)ossession of the federals. The victory was complete. The 
captured camp was immediately fired, and all the rebel baggage 
and ammunition destroved. 

In the meantime a heavy rebel force was thrown across the 
river from Columbus and moved up to repair the disaster, while 
batteries opened upon our men from the opposite shore. Unable 
to cojie with such formidable numbers, a retreat became necessary 
to avoid being cut off from the boats. The command was there- 
fore given to retire, but before it could be executed the passage 
became blocked up with rebel forces. The boys of Illinois and 
Iowa, however, had fought their wayforwaid, and they now in 
oi)position to a foe of greatly superior numbers fought their way 
back. Every regiment suffered severely, but it was believed the 
enemy suffered worse. Grant in his official report gives the loss 
of the former at 84 killed and 150 wounded; that of the latter was 
not known. 

The object of the battle was to prevent the enemy from send- 
ing reinforcements to Price and Thompson in Missouri. 
But how this was to be done does not appear, when the 
impossibility of holding the position under the heavy guns of 
Columbus was apparent. Though the propriety/ of the expedition 
48 



754 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

may be qnestiouedthe valor of Illinois wasiiTtdoubted. Gon. Mc- 
Cleinaud was in the midstof danger display in fusreat coolness and 
skill in handling hik forces. Gen. Logan exliibited the intrepid- 
ity and judgment which distinguished him in subsequent 
battles, and Col. Dougherty at the head of his brigade was three 
times wounded and at length taken prisoner. Says McClernand : 

"I cannot bestow too high commendation ui:)ou all I had the honor to 
command on that day. Supplied with inferior and defective arms, many 
of which could not be discharged, many bursting in use, they fought an 
an enemy in woods with which he was fandliar, behind defensive works 
which he had been prejjaring for montlis, in the face of a battery at Bel- 
mont and under the huge guns at Columbus, and althougli numbering 
three or four to our one, we beat him and captured several stand of colors, 
destroying his camp and carrying off a large amount of jiroperty alieady 
mentioned. To mention all wlio did well would include every man of 
my command v/ho came under my personal notice. Both officers and 
privates did their whole duty, nobly sustaining the character of Ameri- 
cans and Illinoisaus. They shed new luster u])on the flag of their country 
by holding it in triumph through the shock of battle and the din of arms. 
The blood they so freely poured out proved their devotion to their coun- 
try and serves to hallow a just cause with glorious recollections. Theii 
success was that of citizen soldiers." 

Battle of Pea Ridge. — The forces operating in Missouri at the 
close of January, 1862, were combined under the connnand of Gen, 
S. B. Curtis, a distinguished ofiicer of the U. S. nrniy. Early the 
following mouth they pushed rapidly toward Sitriugfield, where 
on the llith they encountered Price with about 4,000 men. Sharp 
skirmishing ensued and the rebel general fleeing during tlie night 
to avoid an engagement, was pursued for nu)re than 100 miles. 
Stoi>ping in the vicinity of the lioston mountains he was re-inforced 
by McCulloch and Van Dorn, whereby his army was augmented 
to near 40,000 men, and he was again enabled to resume offensive 
operations. Curtis thus threatened, had distributed portions ol 
his command for garrison duty along his extensive line of com- 
munication, and now had left only 12,000 men and about 50 pieces 
of artillery. His several divisions had been sent in various direc- 
tions for the purpose of obtaining forage and disi)ersing rebel 
bands gathering at different i^oints hi the southeastern part of the 
State. The 1st and 2d were under Sigel near Bentonville^ the 3d 
under Davis near Sugar Creek, and the 4th under Carr at Cross 
Hollow. Early in March intelligence was received that Van Dorn 
who assumed chief command, was advancing to make an attack 

A corresponJent of the Chicag'o Post, writing of Belmont, says : "An incident wor- 
thy of being recorded occurrefl during- the recent battle. Col Phil. B. Fouke, of the 
Slstlllinois, and Col. John V. Writjht, of the 13th Tennessee, both members of the last 
congress, were wsirm friends and occupied seats together. When the war broke out 
before they had left Washington, Mr. Wright received the aijpointment of colonel 
from the governor of Tennessee. When about to separate Mr. Wright said ; 'Phil., I 
am goiuir into the war, and I suppose you will be in it also, and I promise if we meet 
on the battle field that I will take care of your men if you will take care of mine.' 
The pledge was mutual, and the 'ext time thej-met was on the bloody field of Belmont. 
At one time during the fight Col. Fouke's men were lying down waiting for the enemy 
and he was standing on a log in full view waiting for them, when about twenty of 
Wriglit's men leveled their muskets at him, which movement being seen by Col. Wright, 
he looked in the direction and recognized Col. Fouke, ordered his men to desist, saying 
that miin was his friend and he di(i not want him harmed. This interposition doubt- 
less saved Col. Fouke's life bs these Tennesseeans are crack shots. Col. Wright was 
was afterwards severely wounded, but the ne.\t day sent his adjutant to infoi'm Col. 
Fouke that ho had not forgotten liis pledge. Before the battle was ended Col. Fouke's 
regiment took a number of Col. Wright's men, and horeligously ohsesved his sharcof 
the pledge, looking after the wants of the prisoners as though they were bis own 
men." 



THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. * 755 

and the several divisions of the Union forces were ordered to con- 
centrate on Sngar Creek, a point re^ua.rded favorable for effective 
resistence. Si<iel in brini^ing np his division was assailed by large 
n ambers of tlie enemy, and for five lionrs compelled to cnt his 
way throngh their midst to effect a junction with the others. 

On the <!th of JNtarch, 1S02, the entii'e force wasbrongiit together 
on tlie western edge of Pea liidge, and in anticipation of au 
engagement, slept on their arms. The battle commenced at early 
dawn and i'age<l furiously the whole d:iy, during which Van ]J)orii 
succeeded in marching round the Federal army, and took a posi- 
tion in tlie rear. Curtis was thus com[)elled to change his front, 
and although exposed to the continued fire of the enemy, the 
movement was executed with the most intrepid gallantry. In the 
centi-e and on the left the battle raged with increased fury, and 
when evening put au end to the carnage, McCulloch and JMc'Intosh, 
two of the most etiicient rebel officers, were among the slain. The 
weather was cold and the army lay down to pass a comfortless 
night, being unable to kindle lires without drawing the attention 
of the enemy. During the night the rebels effected a junction of 
their forces, ami as the rising sun lighted up the battle ground, 
they recommenced the contlict, coniident of overwhelming the 
federals by superior numbers. The latter, however, were handled 
with great skill and Sigcl served the artillery with such accuracy 
tluit the rebel line in a- short time was seriously shaken and finally 
forced from the field. The routed army fle(l in the direction of 
Keitsville and was followed a distance of V2, iniles, when further 
pursuit, in conse(]uence of the wooded and broken country, became 
imi>racticable. That portion of the battle field pounded by our 
artillery presented a ghastly scene of dismounted cannons, 
shivered carriiiges and mangled bodies. Price's loss was estimated 
at 3,000 in killed, wounded and missing. A novel feature intro- 
duced at this battle was the employment of some 2,500 Indians 
sedn(5ed from their allegiance by the rebels. They were of little 
service to their allies in fighting the living but vented their brutal 
ferocity in niutulating the bodies of tlie dead. 

The Illinois troops i)articipating in the engagement were the 
.35th, Col. G. A. Smith ; 3Gtb, Col. Greusel ; 37th, Col. ,J, White ; 
57th, jMiijor Post ; 3d cavalry. Col. E. A. Carr ; a battalion of the 
15th cavalry, Capt. Jenks, and Davidson's Peoria battery. All 
acquitted themselves in such a manner as to reflect honor ujion 
the State. D:iy P]lmore, a drummer of the 3Gth, exchanged his 
drum for a- musket and fought with the bravery of a A'eterau dur- 
ing the intire battle. 

After this engagement large mimbers of the Missourians who 
had fought with the rebels, were permitted to return home, and 
on takiug the oath ot allegiance, the State for a short time en- 
joyed comparativeqniet. In June, at the suggestion of Gen. Curtis 
Missouri waserected intoa separatemilitary district, and Gen. J. M. 
Schofield, who had served with distinction as chief of the lamented 
Lyou's staff, was placed in command. Marauding bands again 
began to be troublesome, and Schofidd, on the 22d inst., issued a 
l)roclaiuation holding rebel syiupathizers and their jiropery re- 
s])oiis!l)le for the depredations committed in their res[)ective dis- 
tricts. Encouraged by Price at Helena, numerous rebel emissaries 
next spread themselves over the State, and while oi)enly profess- 



756 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



iiig Union sentiments, tliey secretly organized a force estimated 
at 40,000 men, and agreed upon signals whereby they could sud- 
denly seize all the important points in the country. To prepare 
for the conspiracy Schofleld obtained from the general government 
authority to organize the niilitia, and as the loyal people readily 
submitted to the enrollment, and the disloyal refused, thus dis- 
closing the real character of each man. Some 20,000 men were 
reported for military duty, and to raise funds for their support, 
the wealthy in St. Louis county who refused to serve, were re- 
quired to furnish $500,000. A bloody struggle w^as now going on 
in the north-east portion of the State between bands of guerillas 
and the militia. By the 1st of September as many as a hundred 
small engagements had occurred in which Illinois troops largely 
participated, and some 10,000 rebels were killed, wounded or 
driven from the State. At this date the rebels under Hindman, 
in northern Arkansas, numbering 50,000, were also contemplating 
an invasion of south-western Missouri. As the result, battles of 
considerable magnitude were fought at Fort Wayne, Cane Hill, 
and Fayetteville, in which the rebels sustained such serious losses 
that Hindman abandoned his designs. 



Chapter LVII. 

1861-1862— ILLINOIS ON THE CUMBERLAND, TENNES- 
SEE AND MISSISSIPPI. 

Battle of Forts Henry and Donelson — Capture of Columbus. Neio 
Madrid and Islayid No. 10. 



We must now go back to the coinmencemeut of the operations 
for opening the Mississippi. The course of this magnificent river 
from north to south and the intercourse necessarily existing among 
the inhabitants of its fertile valley will always render it impossi- 
ble to form them into separate nationalities by arbitrary bounda- 
ries. Running entirely across the rebel confederacy and making 
it vulnerable to the assaults of a fleet, the government at an early 
day commenced making i)reparatiou for offensive naval operations. 
Columbus, Kentucky, situated on the east bank, 20 miles below 
Cairo, had been seized as early as Sept. 1861, and so fortified as 
to be termed the rebel Gibralter. Its massive works and heavy 
guns rendering capture by a direct assault almost impossible, it 
Avas determined to cut off its supplies and thus compel its aban- 
donment by an expedition up tlie Tennessee and Cumberland 
rivers. Near where these streams flow across the northern boun- 
dary of Tennessee, the rebels had erected two strong fortifications 
known as Forts Henr}' and Donelson. After mature deliberation, 
Gen. Halleck decided first to attack the former of these strong- 
holds, and then moving across the intervening land, attack the 
latter. For this purpose Commodore A. H. Foote, as gallant an 
officer as ever sailed the deep, with a tleet of 7 gunboats, the St. 
Louis, Cincinnati, Carondelet, Essex, Tyler, Lexington and 
Mound City, and Gen. Grant, with a co-operating land force from 
Cairo and Paducah, were sent up the Tennessee. On the 5th of 
February, 1862, the laiid forces disembarked from their transports 
and prepared to spend the night, during which a thunder storm 
burst on the encampment, portraying in its terrific grandeur, the 
fury of the coming battle. Grant ordered Gen. Mc'Clernand com- 
manding the first division, to take a position in the rear of the 
fort for the two-fold purpose of guarding against reinforcements, 
or preventing the escape of the garrison as the exigencies of the 
engagement might require. His division consisted of 2 brigades 
commanded respectively by Cols. Oglesby and W. H. L. Wallace; 
the first comprising the 8th, 18th, 27th,' the 29th, 30th and 31st 
Illinois infantry. Dresser's and Schwartz's batteries; the 2d, the 
11th, 12th, 45th and 48th Illinois infantry, Taylor's and McAhs- 
ters' batteries and 4th cavalry. 
757 



758 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

The 2d division under Geu. C. F. Smith, was tlirown across the 
river and ordered to proceed up tlie Kentiiclvy sliore and occupy 
the heights adjacent the fort, which tlie enemy had beguu to for- 
tify. Tlie 9th, 12th, 28th aiul 41st Illinois constituted a part of 
the force. 

Owing to the badness of the roads, none of the land forces 
arrived soon enough to share in its capture. About 10 o'clock 
Foote steamed up toward the fort, Avhich standing in a bend of 
the river, had complete command of tlie channel for a long dis- 
tance below. Being a bastioned earth work and mounting 17 
guns of the largest calibre, it was deemed capable of resisting any 
assailing force however formidable. An island lay in the stream 
abont a mile below, under cover of which the fleet advanced 
without becoming exposed to the fire of its long ranged rilled 
gnus. The wooden vessels remained at the island while the iron- 
clads emerging from behind it, and proceeding in the direction of 
the fort were met by the ponderous shot of the fort. The boats 
immediately returned this greeting, and their screaming missiles 
fell with such rapidity in and around the fort as to cause some 
4,000 infantry to flee with precipitation. Coming within closer 
range the breastworks were plowed up and dashed in the face of 
the garrison, gun after gun was dismoauted, and within an hour 
from the commencement of the engagement, the stronghold v/as 
surrendered. Sixty prisoners and a large amount of military stores 
fell into our hands. Unfortunately the infantry which fled at the 
commencement of the engagement, were beyond the reach of pur- 
suit, before Mc'Clernand and his Illinois men could arrive and in- 
tercept them. The principal damage inflicted on the fleet was 
sustained by the Es.-ex. A 24-pound shot pnssing in at a port- 
hole, and plunging into one of her boilers, caused the steam to 
escape and comidetely envelope the crew. Some in their terrible 
agony throwing themselves out of portholes into the river while 
others struggling in vain to escape, sank gasping for breath, 
sctikled in the flery vapor. 

This important victory was the first won on the western waters; 
the telegram announcing the event was read in both houses of 
congress, and a vote of thanks tendered Commodore Foote. The 
fleet under Lieut. Phelps was sent uj) the river to capture two 
rebel boats which were pursued so closely that their crews blew 
them up to prevent their falling into the hands of the pursuers. 
The expedition sailed u[) the river as far as Florence, destroying 
the bridge of the M. & O. railroad coimectiug Bowbng Green, 
Memphis and Columbus, and compelling the rebels to burn five 
of their valuable steamers. All along the route Phelps met with 
maiiy cheering evidences of loyalty among the people of Tennes- 
see and Kentucky, old men and women flocking to the shore, and 
shedding tears at again beholding the old flag. 

Donelson. — The fall of Henry oi)ened the way for an advance 
upon Donelson. This formidable rebel stronghold was situated 
on the west bank of the Cumberland, and served as an outpost 
for the defense of Nashville, 80 miles higher up the river. The 
ground upon which it was situated is about 100 feet above the 
level of the river, which at that point bends toward the west, and 
after running a few hundred yards turns again and i)ursues its 



THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. 759 

general course iiortliward. To command the river northward and 
guard against a naval attack, two batteries of heavy ordnance had 
been i)lanted at the foot of the blutt" near the edge of the water. 
T]ie fort itself was an irregular work enclosing about 100 acres, 
and except on the river side surrounded at tlie distance of a mile 
with rifle pits. On the west side a formidable abatis ran between 
the Ibrt and ritie-pits, wliile from every commanding i>()int along 
the whole line, howitzers and field-pieces, pointed their grim muz- 
zles directly at the face of tlie besieging army. These almost 
impregnable works were occupied by 20,000 impetuous fire eaters 
from the southwest under comuuind of Fk)yd, Pillow, Buckner, 
and Joiinson. Additional trooi)S being necessary to effect its 
reduction. Gen. Grant ordered forward all the available forces in 
his district, Avhile troops from Cincinnati and the right wing of 
Gen. Buel's division from Kentucky-, under Gen. Crittenden, were 
hurried forward and placed at his disposal. The army thus aug- 
mented, consisted of 3 divisions under McClernand, Smith and 
Wallace aiul numbered some 25,000 men, the elite of western 
troops. 

On the morning of the 12th, Gen, Grant, with Smith's and Mc- 
Clernand's divisions started for Fort Donelsou and by noon 
arrix ed within two miles of the enemy's out|)osts. After driving 
in the rebel pickets, and investing the works. Col. Haynie of W. 
H. L. Walace's brigade, McClernand's division, with the 17th, 
4Sth and 49th Illinois, was sent to make an assault on the 
enemy's middle redoubt. "Forming a line of battle they moved 
in fine order across the intervening ravines and mounted witli the 
coolness of veterans the steep height on which the redoubt stood. 
The enemy screened behind their embaiUvments, poured into the 
exi)ose(l ranks a terrible fire of musketry. Still the brave Illi- 
noisaiis, undaunted, steadly advanced. But at this critical junc- 
ture it was found that the line was not long enough to envelope 
the works and the 45th Illinois was ordered to their support. 
While these movements were being carried out the enemy sent 
forward lieavy reinforcements of men and field artillery, which 
soon swept the advancing line with murderous effect. But onward 
l)ressed the undaunted regiments leaving their dead and woumled 
strewing the slope till they came to the foot of the works, where 
an abatis presented a tangled wall of jagged ])oints, through 
which no soldiers under heaven could force their way in the face of 
such a fire. Braver officers never led men to death, but they found 
tht\N' had been seat to accomplish impossible work, and gave the 
reluctant conunand to fall back,*" 

This determined assault rendered it evident that the task before 
the arjjiy was one of no ordinary magnitude, and it was deemed 
best to await the arrival of Wallace's division and the fleet under 
Foote, before attempting any further demonstrations. jMean- 
while the pleasant weather which had previously cheered the army 
suddeidy changed- A continous storm of sleet and snow pre- 
vailed during tlie night of the 13th and the army, destitute of 
blaidcets and tents, was compelled to suffer the unmitigated rigors 
of winter. On the 14th an irregular fire of sharp-shootei-s occa- 
sionally iuterluded with bursts of artillery, was kept up but uu- 

• Headley's Rebellion 



7G0 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

attended by important results. The same day the expected re- 
iuforcemeiits came up and the commander of the tleet put his 
boats iu motion for an assault ou the batteries at the foot of the 
blutf, the wooden vesse-ls in the rear and the iron-clads iu front. 
Coming within range, the contest commenced and continued to 
increase as the distance between the combatants diminished. The 
loud explosions of the guns shook the adjacent shores and rever- 
berating far inland, spread disnuiy among the rebellious inhabi- 
tants. Still farther and farther they advanced, discharging their 
heavy ordnance directly into the batteries, and in turn exposed to 
the storm of shot and shell rained down upon the ri^'er. The fire 
of the batteries at length began to slack, but unfortunately before 
they were entirely silenced, a shot destroyed the steering appara- 
tus of the Louisville and another disabled the St. Louis, and both 
crafts unmanageable, rapidly drifted vv ith the swift current from 
under the enemy's guns. 

Grant now determined to strengthen his line of investment so 
as to render egress impossible, and await the repair and farther 
co-operation of the boats. The rebels, howe^■er, becoming alarmed 
at finding themselves almost literally walled in by the besieging 
forces, resolved to open an exit and escape to the country. Accord- 
ingly early in the morning of the loth, the enemy, some 7,500 
strong, emerged from his works and in separate columns, hurled 
himself against McClernand's di\'ision ou the right of the federal 
line. Ogiesby's l)rigade, the 8th, ISth, 20th, 30th and 31st Illiiiois 
received the first concussion. Next Wallace's, the 11th, 20th, 13d 
and 4(Sth ; Morrison's, the 17th and 49th, and McArthurs', the 9th, 
12th, 29th and list were struck by the angry foe, and the entire 
division for four hours alone contended with his overwhelming 
numbers. It was an irregular battle-field of hill, ravine and foiest; 
ami concert of action among the several regiments engaged at 
different ])oints of attack was difficult. Stubbornly, gallantly, 
enthusiastically, however, the sons of Illinois met the onslaught, 
the advancing and receding roar of musketry and cannon through 
the forest marking the shifting tide of battle. At length from the 
incessant pounding of shot, shell, and cannister, the extreme 
right of the line began to crumble away and the exultant enemy 
concentrating at a single point, and hurling himself in overwhelm- 
ing masses against the division, it was com})elled to fall back, not 
however, till the regiments had exhausted their ammunition, and 
some of them had lost near a tliiid of their men. 

Never fought braver men than ours on that bloody day, some 
of the cxmipanies remaining rooted to their ])osition till the 
enemy's forces rolled about and swallowed them up. Some of the 
regiments were literally cut to pieces, while the loss of officers was 
great beyond i)roi)()rtion. Col. Quinn of the 20th, Major Tost of 
the 8th, Captain liigby of the 31st, J^ieut.-Col. Smith of the 18th, 
Capt. Craig, and Lieuts. Skeats ami Mansker of the ISth, Capt. 
Shaw and Lieuts. Eoyce and Vore of the 11th, Adjutant Kirk- 
patrick of the 13th, Capt. JMendell of the 7th and Capt. Brokaw 
of the 49th, were among the many who laid down their lives on 
the fatal field that liberty, right, and i)rogress might live. In the 
retrograde movement, McAllister's batteiy having exhausted the 
150 rounds of ammunition with Avhich it went into action, was 
captured while waiting a fresh supply. 



THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. 761 

111 the early part of the assault McClerDaiid, fearful lie might 
be overborne by superior uuiubers, sent to Wallace, whose division 
occniiied the center of the line, for reinforcements. The latter 
sent Cruft's brigade to his assistance, but being imperfectly 
guided, it was carried too far to the right to render successful aid. 
The enemy still advancing, he next interposed Thayer's brigade 
between them and the retiring regiments, which had expended 
their ammunition. The force was immediately placed in line by 
pushing forward Wood's Chicago battery to the road along which 
the foe was moving, posting the 58th Illinois and 1st Ne- 
braska on the right of the battery, and 58th Ohio and a portion 
of the 32d Illinois on the left. Behind the line thus formed at 
right angles with the road, the TOtli Ohio and IGth and 57th Illi- 
nois were stationed as reserves. Hardly were these arragements 
complete before the rebels emerged from the woods and dashed 
up in front of the brigade. A blinding sheet of tlame burst forth 
from cannon and musketry, causing the exultant foe to recoil and 
fall back to the ele^'ated ground previously taken from McClernand. 
Battered and buffeted by the blows which had been previously 
dealt him, his further advance was stayed, and this was the last 
ofleusive movement he was able to make. 

At 3 o'clock Gen. Grant made his aiipearauce on the field, having 
been in consultation with Commodore Foote iu reference to 
another attack by the fleet. He immediately ordered the division 
of Gen. Smith, containing tlie 7th, 13d, oOth, 57th and 38th Illinois 
to move against the enemy in their front, and a renewed attack 
on the right. At the request of Gen. McClernand, whose division 
had borne the brunt of the battle, Gen. Wallace took the advance. 
Placing the 8th Missouri and 1th Indiana in the lead, and pushing 
the 17th and 19th Illinois far along the enemy's flank, he gave the 
command, "forward." Knowing well the fearful object his men had 
to accomplish, he gave them the simple instruction to ascend the 
height in columns of regiments and then act as circumstances might 
suggest. The men jflt'^ised \\ith the confidence reposed in their 
judgment, and nerving themselves for the bloody work, moved 
forward and commenced ascending the hill, when plunging volley 
after volley tore through and decimated their ranks. Nothing- 
short of annihilation, however, could stay their advance, and iu 
the face of the murderous fire they bounded to the summit and 
drove the rebels behind their mner works. 

While this imiiortant success was achieved ou the right, Geu.S. 
r. Smith, with the 2d and 7th Iowa and 52d Indiana, performed 
an equally brilliant exploit on the left. After feigning an attack 
in a diflerent direction, he commenced ascending the steep hill ou 
which was posted the rebel force he proposed to attack. The 
enemy j)erceiviiig his design at once opened a destructive fire upon 
the advancing regiments, yet without discharging asingle gun in 
reply, they swept np the slippery heights. IMounting higher and 
higher they at length gained the summit from which volcano-like 
had been hurled the storm of fiery projectiles encountered in the 
ascent. A determined bayonet charge quickly ended the contest, 
and high above and witliin the rebel ramparts their colors were 
flung to the breeze, while a prolonged shout announced the wel- 
come victory to their comrades on other parts of the field. The 



7G2 HISTORY OP ILLINOIS. 

jiositiou was iunuediately fortified, and wLien the suu went dowu 
the enemy was again confined within his works. 

Convinced that they conkl not hold the works, Floyd and Pil- 
low i)assed the command over to Buckner, and dniing the night 
with about 5,000 men embarked.on board steamboats and escaped 
np the river. The following morning, although our troops had 
marched fi'om Fort Henry with only such food as they could carry 
in their haversacks, and for three nights had been exposed to the 
rigors of winter, yet at early dawn they eagerly awaited orders to 
renew the coutlict. The besieged anticipating an immediate 
attack, and satisfied that all further attempts to extricate them- 
selves from the iron grasp with which they were bound would be 
futile, ra]i up a flag as evidence of submission. Correspondence 
was immediately interchanged respecting terms of surrender. Grant 
to the o\xn'tures of the rebel general said: "i\^o terms other than 
unconditional and immediate surrender can he accepted. 1 propost 
to move immediately upon your worl:s.^^ Buckner thought the terms 
ungenerous, but was compelled to submit, and Sunday morning 
February 10th, 1802, Donelson, of almost fabulous strength, fell 
into the hands of the federal conquerers. The spoils obtained con- 
sisted of 40 cannon, 20,000 stand of arms, 3,000 horses and a large 
amount of commissary stores ; while as the result of the victory 
Bowling Green, Nashville and Columbus became untenable. The 
federal loss in men was 440 killed, 1,735 wounded 5 that of the 
enemy 231 killed, 1,007 wounded and 15,000 captured. 

The people of the North expressed their appreciation of this 
great victory by public meetings, illuminations aiid other similar 
demonstrations ; Grant congratulated his soldiers upon the tri- 
umph gained b}- their valor ; while Davis and other rebel author- 
ities were deeply mortified at their disgrace, and Floyd and Pil- 
low were suspended from command. 

Besides the Illinois infantry already enumerated, Schwartz's, 
Dresser's, Taylor's, Wood's, McAlister's and Willard's batteries, 
McClernand's division and Stewart's, 0'Harnett's,Carmichaers, Kel- 
logg's and Dickey's cavalry of the same comnumd also ])articipated 
in the battle. The want of space renders it impossible to mention 
the many instances of Illinois valor noticed in the reports of the 
battle. Says Mr. Stevenson, author of Indiana's Roll of Honor: 
"Upon McClernand's division was first hurled the rebel thunder. 
Under fire from several batteries an immense mass of infjiiitry 
charged upon his line. Sudden as was the attack, the gallant 
sons of Illinois were ready to meet it. Into the enemy's teeth they 
poured a steady, deadly fire. Taylor's battery and McAlister's 
guns n)et them with a storm of graj^e and shell, and a brigade 
charging drove four times their number back into their embank- 
ments. The struggle was hand to hand. The bayonet, the bowie- 
knife and the but end of the nuisket were freely used. Scarce a 
regiment, company or battery from the State failed to distinguish 
itself, and if tliere was failure it was for the want of oppoitunity. 
A New England jjoet reading the telegrams of the battle as they 
Ciinu' in, a,nd admiring the audacity of Illinois' daring, wrote the 
following stanzas: 



THE WAR OF THE REBELLION 763 



•'Oh, gales that dash the Athuitic's swell 

Along our rocky shores, 
Whose thunder diapason swell 

New England's glad hurrahs. 

"Bear to the prairies of the West 

The echoes of our joy, 
The jirayer tluit springs in every breast, 

God blessthee, Illinois. 

"Oh, awful hours when grape and shell 

Tore through the untliuchiug line. 
Stand tirm, remove the men who fell, 

Close up and wait the sign. 

"It came at last, now lads the steel, 

The rushing hosts deploy, 
Charge boys, tiie broken traitors reel. 

Huzza for Illinois. 

"In vain thy ramparts, Douelson, 

The living torrent bars. 
It leaps the wall, the fort is won, 

Up go the stripes aud stars. 

"Thy proudest mother's eyelids fill, 

As dares her gallant boy, 
And Plymoutli Rock and Bunker Hill 

Yearn to thee, Illinois."* 

The news of the surrender reached ISTasliville as the people 
uere assembling at cliiircli. A disi)atch had been received the 
picvious evening from Pillow claiming- the victory, and now they 
"ucre meeting in the sanctuary to offer thanks to the God of battles 
foi- tlie success of their cause. The truth fell like a thunder- 
bolt. Joy and exultation gave i)]ace to alarm, and the whole 
l)oi)n]ation in a short- time was in commotion. Gov. Harris, it is 
said, rushed wildly through streets crying, the enemj' will soon be 
m tlse city, ajid the teirilied inhabitants seizing every available 
means of conveyance Hed as if from certain destruction. Says 
Pollard, "An earthquake could not have shocked the city more." 
The congregations of the churches were broken up in confusion 
and dismay. W^omen and children rushed into the streets wailing 
with terror, trunks were thrown from three-story windows in the 
rush of the fugitives, and thousands hastened to leave their beau- 
tiful city in the nudst of the most distressing scenes of terror and 
confusion and i>]under by the mob. 

()u the 24th of February, the Uniou forces under Buell entered 
and took possession of the city. A general order was issued 
lu'omising ijrotection to all peaceably disposed citizens, and on the 
refusal of the municipal authorities to take the oath of allegiance 
they were ejected from office. Andrew Johnson was appointed 
military governor of the State, and while he was entering on 
the vigorous prosecution of his duties the federal army was slowly 
moving southward in the rear of the fugitive enemy. 

Ocmipation of Columhus. — Columbus, from the formidable char- 
acter of its fortiticatious called the Gibralter of the "West, was 

•Atlantic Monthly. 



764 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

selected as the next place of attack. The force tlesiguated to 
operate against it was the fleet under Commodore Foote, and a 
co-operating- force of infantry under Gen. W. T. Sherman. The 
latter consisted of the 27th and 55th Illinois and 74th Ohio, the 
former of gun and 4 mortar boats in charge of Capt. Phelps, of 
the United States navy. The ponderous mortars, of which there 
was only one on each boat, Meighed 17,000 pounds, and threw 
shells of more than 200 pounds a distance of three miles. Such 
was the deafening effect of the concussion when fired, the gun- 
ners were compelled to talvc refuge behind the timber work which 
enclosed them to escape the shock. 

With everything in readiness the entire force, the infantry on 
transports, slowly and cautiously descended the Mississippi, till 
on the 4th of March the bluffs of Columbus became visible. 
Preparations were commenced to open fire when a strange flag 
was discovered floating above the works, different from the rebel 
colors, and it became questionable who were in possession of the 
place, our own forces or those of the enemy. To solve the mystery 
Capt. Pheli)S and 50 Illinois volunteers made a dashing recon- 
noisance in a tug directly under the water batteries, but failed to 
elicit a single hostile shot. It was now evident that thetownhad 
been evacuated. A rush was made for the shore, and in less than 
five minutes the flag of the 21st Illinois proudly waved ovei- the 
fort which the chivalrous southrons regarded as impregnable. 
Cheer after cheer from soldier and tar rent the air at this happy 
consummation of the expedition. The strange bunting which had 
been discried, proved to be a flag improvised from pieces of calico 
by soldiers of the 2d Illinois cavalry, who the previous day, to the 
nuuiber of 400, had galloped from Paducah and taken possession 
of the town. Gen. Polk with 20,000 men had been intrusted with 
the custody of this almost impregnable fortress, but finding him- 
self completely turned on both sides of the Mississippi, the result 
of Union triumphs in Missouri, and the conquests of Henry and 
Donelson, he was compelled to evacuate it Avithout striking a 
single blow in its defense. Says an officer in the expedition : "I 
could not resist landing to examine the works, which are of im- 
mense strength, consisting of tiers upon tiers of batteries on the 
river front, and a strong parapet and ditch strengthened by a 
thick abatis on the land side. The fortifications api)ear to have 
been evacuated hastily considering the quantities of ordinance 
stores, a number of anchors, the remnant of the chain which was 
once stretched across the river, and a large sujiply of torpedoes 
remaining. Desolation was visible everywhere, huts, tents and 
barricades presenting their blackened remains, though the town 
was spared." 

Capture of Neiv Madrid. — The tide of victory following the cur- 
rent of the Mississippi, Kew IMadrid and Island Ko, 10, were soon 
added to the list of Union triumi)hs. On the 22d of February, 
the anniversary of Washington's birth day. Gen. Pope was ordered 
by Gen. Halleck to dislodge a large rebel force stationed at Ncav 
IMadrid. On the 24tli of March his force arrived at Commerce, 
and on learning that Jeff' Thom|»son with a rebel force, was in the 
neighborhood, it was determined to give him battle. Accordingly 
two companies of the 7th Illinois cavalry, and the' 20th Illinois 



THE WAR OP THE REBELLION. 765 

infantry was sent in pursnit and soon encountered the foe, having 
a mounted force of 2,000 men ami 3 pieces of artillery. A dash 
ing charge was immediately ordered. The rebels after delivering 
a scattering volley, hurriedly fled, with our men in i)ursuit. As 
the chase was continued at short intervals, squads of the enemy 
broke into the woods and tired at our men as they passed, till not 
more than one-fourth of the original number remained in the road. 
These to exi)edite their frantic flight, left their track strewed with 
coats, hats, blankets, guns and other baggage ; 3 pieces of artillery 
were run down and captured, and thus for 20 miles the precipi- 
tate Hight and i)ursuit was kept up till the flying foe sought shel- 
ter under the friendly guns of New Madrid. 

The main column of our forces arrived on the 3d of March, 
when Pope, not knowing the exact position of the enemy, sent 
forward 3 regiments and a battery of artillery to make a recon- 
uoisance. On coming within ranging distance they were met bj^ 
shells from gunboats stationed in the river, when they fell back 
and encamped beyond their reach. The rebel entrenchments might 
have been easily carried, but it would have been impossible to 
hold them in consequence of the destructive fire of the gun-boats. 
It was therefore deemed best to order 4 seige guns from Cairo 
before making the attempt. In the meantime a force under Col. 
Plummer, consisting of the 11th Missouri and the 20th and 47th 
Illinois, was sent with all speed to occupy Point Pleasant, 12 
miles below, for the purpose of blockading the river and cutting 
off reinforcements. This was successfully accomplished though 
not till the rebel force was increased to 9 gunboats and 9,000 in- 
fantry and several batteries of artillery. The rebel fleet was com- 
manded by Commodore Hollins, and the land forces by McCown, 
Stuart and Gant. The siege guns ari'ived at sunset on the 12th, 
and the 10th and IGth Illinois, Cols. Morgan and Smith, were de- 
tached to cover the position chosen for the battery, and assist in 
its erection. Although exposed to constant volleys of musketry, 
rifle pits were excavated, and the guns mounted ready for action, 
within 35 hours after they had been shipped from Cairo. At 
early dawn, on the 13th, the battery opened with telling eflect, 
and in a few hours disabled several of the gun-boats and dis- 
mounted the heavy pieces of artillery in the enemy's nuiin worlcs. 
While this furious cannonade was nuiintained throughout the day 
on the right, Paine's division, containing the 51st and G4th Illinois, 
supported by Palmer's, forced their way up to the rebel works on 
the right, compeUing the rebel pickets to seek shelter within their 
w^orks. At nightfall, during a blinding thunder storm, the hostile 
force hurriedly fled, leaving their dead unburied, their suppers 
untasted on the tables, their candles burning in their tents and 
other evidences of a disgraceful panic. 

The details of the battle show that the Illinois troops who par- 
ticipated in it fought with no ordinary bravery and success, and 
added additional lustre to their previous record. Gen. Pope in his 
official report says : 

"The loth and 16th Illinois, commanded respectively by Cols. Morgan 
and J. R. Smith, were detailed as guards to the proposed trenches, and 
to aid in coustructiug tliem. They marciied from camp at sunset outlie 
12th, and drove in the pickets and guard of the enemy, as tliey were or- 
dered, at shoulder arms, and without returning a shot, covered the front 



7G6 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

of the entrenching parties, and. occupied the trenches and rifle pits dur- 
ing the whole day and night of the 13tli, under a furious and incessant 
cannonading- from 160 pieces of lieavy artillery. At the earnest request 
of theh- colonels, their regimental flags were kept flying over our 
trenches though they ottered a conspicuous mark to the enemy. The 
coolness, courage and cheerfulness of these troops, exposed for two 
nights and a day to the incessant fire of tiie enemy at short range, and 
the severe storm which raged the whole night, are above all praise." 

Caphire of Island No. 10. — Pope now j^lanted Lis batteries on 
tlie banks of the river and shut up the rebel fleet between liiiu- 
self and Island ISTo. 10, the next place of attack. The island, sit- 
uated just above New Madrid and 45 miles below Columbus, Mas 
fortilied with eleven earth works and 70 heavy cannon. The day 
after the capture of ]S^ew JMadrid, Foote, with the fleet, made his 
appearance abo\'e it, effected a reeonnoissance of the adjacent 
shores and })laced his mortar boats in position for attack. On the 
morning- of the 10th of March, 1802, the bombardment com- 
menced, but the rebel batteries were targets too small to be hurt 
by shells thrown at an angles of 45 degrees a distance of three miles. 
Tiie slightest breath of air operating on a projectile thrown so 
great a distance was suiiiieient to frustrate the nicest mathemati- 
cal calcuhitions, ami hence the cannonading continued day after 
day without beneficial results. The gunboats could easily have 
prevailed against the hostile works but for the danger of becom- 
ing disableil and drifting helplessly in the swift current directly 
under the enemy's guns. Pope was expected to co-operate Avith 
the fleet, his plan being to gain the Kentucky shore, where he 
could operate directly agains the foe and cut off his retreat in case 
of an attempted escape. The want of transports being the only 
difficulty attending the execution of this i)lan, the following- expe- 
dient was adopted : 

Near wlieie the Heet lay there was a slough running inland which 
connected with a stream emptying into the river below the island, 
not far from New JMadrid. Pope determined to opeii this for the 
passage of transports round the island, having previously sent 
Ool. Bissell to ascertain the practicability of the undertaking. 
The levee was cut, and the surface inland being lower than the 
bank of the river, when the oitening was effected water passed 
through in a stream of suflicient depth to float ordinary trans- 
ports. The route to be opened was 12 miles in length, one-half 
of it extending through a growth of trees, many of which were 
two feetin diameter. Toadmittliepassage of boatsitwasnecessary 
to saw them off four feet below the surface of the water for the si)ace 
of 50 feet in width. The machinery em ployed for this purpose was 
placed on boats and operated by twenty men who, in some 
instances consumed several hours in the removal of one tree. The 
transports slowly advancing as the channel was opened, at 
length again eidered the turbid Mississippi, the crew chanting 
"On the other side of Jordan" in lieu of "Jordan is a hard road to 
travel," with which they had i)reviously beguiled their labors. 

])nving the" accomplishment of this sjdcndid achievement of 
engineering skill, two other feats were performcdequally biilliant, 
but of a different character. The rebels in possession of Union 
City, becoming very troublesome, Col. Puford, of the 12fli Plinois 
iufautry, with his own regiment, two compaines of the 2d lUiuois 



THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. 767 

cavalry aud 400 otlier troops was ordered to dislodine tliem. Eii- 
teriiiii' the town by forced marcliesho sar[)rised and dispei'sed a 
lar<4e force of the enemy under the command of the notorious ITenry 
Chiy King. Panic-stricken they lied iu every direction, leavingtheir 
horses, arms aud a considerable amouutof otlier proi)erty ass})oils 
for the victors. On thefollowingday Col.lioberts, of the 4lM Illi- 
nois, with twenty of his uu)st daring men, having provided boats 
with muflied oai's, made for the island for the i)urpose of dcistroy- 
ing the upper battery. As the night advanced the surface of the 
river became ruffled with litful gusts of wind ; })resently the cor- 
rugated edge of a cloud rose up from the western hoiizon, and the 
muttering of distant thunder presaged an a})proaching storm. 
Favored by the darkness and the roar of the connng storm they 
reached the shore and started for the battery about L*00 yards dis- 
tant. When arriving at the ditch iu front of the works a vivid 
flash of lightning made their presence known to the sentinel, who 
fired his gun and fled, evidently thinking the whole Lincoln army 
Avas after him. The flash also re\'ealed the situation of the guns, 
an<I hardly had the reverberating thunder died away in the dis- 
tance before that which a fortnight's bombardmeut had failed to 
accomplish was consumnuited. Six heavy guns were si>iked, 
among which wasa superb 9 inch pivot guu, called Lady Davis, in 
honor of the rebel president's wife. The romance of war does 
not furnish a deed of more <hishiug gallantry than the perform- 
ance of these men, who all returned unharmed. 

Before the transi)orts could be made available in moving troops 
to the opposite shore of the river, it was necessary to get some of 
the giinboats below the island to protect them in case of an attack. 
Accordingly on the night of the -3d of Ai)ril, the Caroudelet with 
her Nulnerable })arts protected, was cut loose and started down 
tlie I'iver for the pur^tose of running the rebel batteries. A storm 
of great fury had again burst on the river, and completely shroud- 
ing the boat in darkness, it rapidly moved forward on its perilous 
mission. As it a[>i)roached the island the soot in the chimney 
caught tire and suddenly", with spectral glare, lighted up the river. 
The flue caps were immediately opened and fortunately the flames 
subsided before the enemy discovered their real character in tlie 
blinding darkness of the storm. A secoml time while the crew were 
congratulatiug themselves on their miraculous escape, the flames 
burst forth, casting a brilliant light in the face of the foe, 
rendering farther concealment imi)Ossible. Suddenly signal 
rockets from the island and Kentu(;ky shore streamed up in the 
darkness ; drums beat to quarters and cannon and musketry 
oi)encd upon the boat in deafening roar. The storm was still 
unabated, aiul warring elements i)layed iu wild response to hos- 
tile batteries. Flashing guns alternating with gleams of light- 
ning, peals of thunder answering to booming camion, and 
drem-hing torrents of rain, intermingled with falling nnssiles, 
enveloped the crew in a pageant of terrific grandeur, ('aim, 
however, as if about to enter a peaceful harbor, they put on steam 
and steered directly under the enemy's guns. Owing to the dif- 
ficulty of depressing their guns so as to cover the vessel, she ran 
the fiery gauntlet without sustaining the slightest injury. The 
firing of a signal gun announced to friemls above aud below the 
island, the successful result, aud as the boat ueared the wharf at 



768 HISTOET OF ILLINOIS. 

New Madrid it was greeted with the wiklest euthusiasm. Sokliers 
almost frantic with joy, seized the sailors and carried them up the 
banks of the river to the nearest hotel, where they became objects 
of absorbing- interest. On the uight of the 0th the Pittsburgh 
also successfully performed the same feat, comi)leting the prei)a- 
rations for the reduction of the island. 

Paine's division, in which were the 22d and 51st Illinois was now 
embarked and crossed over the wild floods of theMississippi, pre- 
senting in its passage, one of the most magnificent spectacles ever 
witnessed. Stanly and Hamilton's divisions followed, and by 12 
o'clock the ensuing night, April 7th, all the force required, was 
safe on the Kentucky shore. As soon as the rebels discovered 
that a lodgment had been effected they evacuated the island as 
untenable and concentrated at Tiptonville, situated at the 
lower extremity of the 12 miles of batteries which stretched along 
the Kentucky side of the river. The three divisions, Paine's 
command in advance, immediately started in pursuit. The enemy 
7,000 strong, under McCown, was -encountered and driven back 
into the swamps, where he was forced to unconditionally surren- 
der. Says Pope : "Gen. Paine fortunate in having the advance, 
exhibited unusual vigor and courage, and had the satisfaction to 
receive the surrender of the enemy. Three generals, 5,000 pris- 
oners, 17 steamboats, 74 heavy pieces of artillery, 10,000 lbs. of 
powder fell into the hands of the "sictors." 

Besides the Illinois regiments mentioned, the 7th (cavalry) and 
the 00th also participated in the battle and demeaned them- 
selves with the alacritj', courage and prudence which should ever 
characterize the citizen soldiery of the republic. Their acknowl- 
edged efliciency furnishes ample proof that the soldier is not a 
machine moved and controlled independently of his volition, but 
that intelligence and moral worth are as essential to his success 
as they are in other i:)ursuits of life, however exalted. 

Maj. Gen. John Poj)e, to whom we are indebted for the two pre- 
ceding brilliant victories, was born at Kaskaskia, Illinois, March 
12tl), 1823. His father, i^J^athaniel Pope, w^as a prominent actor 
in the early history of Illinois. His son John graduated at West 
Point in 1812, fought his way through the Mexican war, and for 
his meritorious conduct was made captain by brevet, his commis- 
sion dating from Feb. 23d, 1840. In 1849 he commanded an 
expedition sent out from Minnesota to test the practicability 
of obtaining water by artesian borings in the great plain which 
stretches Avith such terrible aridity between Texas and jSTew 
Mexico. The enterprise proved a failure. The interval from 1854 
to 1859 he spent in exploring the Eocky Mountains and was pro- 
moted to a captaincy in the corps of topographical engineers. 
When the rebellion commenced he was made brigadier-general of 
volunteers and assigned to command the district of North jMis- 
souri, where after dispersing the predatory rebel bauds, he made 
his way to New Madrid and Island No. 10. 



Chapter LYIII 

18G2— ILLINOIS m NORTH EEN MISSISSIPPI AND 

ALABAMA. 

Battle of Pittshurg Landing — Mitchell's Cam/paign — Siege of 

Corinth 



While tliese events were transpiring on the Mississippi a battle of 
mnch grander proportions Avas ra(;inf;on the banks of the Tennessee. 
The rebel line of defense, extending from Colnnibns eastward 
throngh Forts Henry and Donelson to the Alleghanies, havingbeen 
broken by federal forces the enemy fell back and established anew 
one farther southward on the Memphis and Oliarleston railroad. 
This great thoroughfare runs eastward from Memphis through 
Corinth, Florence, Huntsville, Chattanooga and other important 
places, hence the rebels regarded its defense essential to the pre- 
servation of Northern Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia. The 
Union forces, after having secured possession of the Tennessee, kept 
it open by means of gunboats as far as Easti)ort, Mississippi, and 
nmde it the base of operations. The rebel autliorities aware of 
the tremendous issues at stake, commenced concentrating all their 
available forces at Corinth, situated at the intersectiou of the 
Memphis and Charleston and the Ohio and Mobile railroads. 
Johnson after his escape from Donelson, led his forces through 
Nashville to this strategic point, and hither also came Price from 
Western Arkansas, Bragg from Peusacola, and Polk from 
Columbus. 

For the purpose of tapping this great central line of transpor- 
tation reaching from the Mississippi to the sea, on which the 
rebels were rallying, Halleck ordered forward the different diAis- 
ions of the Union army. About the middle of March Grant, with 
the conquerors of Donelson, moved forward to Savannah, when 
the division of Lew. Wallace was thrown across the river at 
Crumps landing, about 2 miles above, and those of Prentiss, 
Smith and McClernand at Pittsburg lauding, 5 miles higher up 
the stream. Buel, who with a separate army from the department 
of the Ohio, had taken possession of Nashville, and on learning in 
the meantime the destination of Johnson also started to co-oiDerate 
with the forces on the Tennessee. 

Pittsburgh Landing, where most of Grant's army was now 
posted, was the point of debarkation for Corinth, Purdy and some 
other towns on the west side of the river. The bank here rises 
to a height of 80 feet and is cloven by ravines, through one of 
which the Corinth road ascends to the general level of the coun- 
49 769 



770 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

try wliere it sends off branches to neighboring towns. From the 
river an irreguhir X)hiteau sweeps inhmd, bounded on tlie noith 
and west by Snake Creek, on the south by Lick creek, both small 
streams, emptying into the Tennessee 5 miles apart, one below and 
the other above the landing. Variegated with ravines and ridges, 
partly wooded and partly cultivated, it lay like a picture in a 
frame, green with the opening verdure of April. Three miles 
from the landing, on the Corinth road, near the centre of the tield, 
was a small church styled Shiloh, from which the subsequent 
battle received its name. On the 4rh of March Grant had been 
superseded by C. F. Smith, one of his commanders, who shortly 
afterwards was attacked by a fatal disease, when his division was 
transferred to W. H. L. Wallace and Grant was re-instated. 

Sunday morning, April 6th, the several divisions of his army 
were situated as follows : Commencing on the right near the ri^•er 
below, and sweeping round in the form of an irregular semi-circle 
to the river above were the divisions of W. H. L. Wallace, 
McClernand, Sherman, Prentiss and Hurlbut, while that of Lew. 
Wallace was still at Crump's Landing. The confederate army 
consisted of 3 corps and the following principal officers: 
A. Sidney Johnson, first in commaiul, P. T. G. Beau- 
regard second, and Polk, Bragg and Hardee, corps com- 
manders. It was well known in the rebel camp that Buell was 
rapidly advancing from Nashville to reinforce Grant, and it was 
determined to attack and defeat the latter before he was strength- 
ened. By the aid of spies Johnson was apprised of the daily 
progress made by Buell, and when on the 3d of April his junction 
with Grant became imminent, he started with all his available 
forces for Pittsburg Landing, Owing to bad roads the whole day 
was consumed m reaching the Union outposts, and after some 
slight skirmishing the army encamped with the expectation of 
making an attack on the morrow. Fortunately a severe storm 
fell the next day and the contemplated attack was postponed till 
the Sabbath morning following. Buell in the meantime pushed 
forward with all possible dispatch over the muddy roads and 
gained a day, which, as the sequel shows, was of vital importance. 
The rebels, although unable to nmke an attack moved up to 
to within a mile of the Union pickets, and though some skirmish- 
ing had occurred, their presence in force was unsuspected. 

As previously arranged, with the early gray of the Sabbath's 
dawn, the confederate army started across the narrow belts of 
woods which separated them from the unsuspecting federals. On 
emerging from the timber such was the imi^etuosity of their onset 
they swooped down in compact masses on our advanced out- 
posts before the small force which had been sent out to reconnoi- 
tre could return and apprise them of their danger. So sudden 
and complete was the surprise of the federals that some of them 
were overtaken preparing for breakfast, some sitting listlessly in 
tbeir tents, while others still wrapt in unconscious slum- 
bers, were bayoneted before they had time to riae from their beds. 
Prentiss and Sherman who were considerably in advance, thus 
rudely awakened by the thunders of battle, immediately dis- 
patched messengers to the other divisions to apprise them of the 
enemy's a])proach and request their co-operation. The latter by 
his stirring appeals and the reckless exposure of his person in the 



THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. 771 

midst of the greatest dangers, succeeded in restoring confidence, 
and his divisions, in wliicli were the 40th and r)r)tli Illinois, half 
dressed, fell into line. The sudden charge of the foe and 
the want of preparatic«i to receive hi in, caused one of his 
brigades to fall back in confusion and McClernand came up with 
the 11th, 30th and 4od Illinois to fill the gap. Convinced from 
the roar of cannon that the engagement was becoming general, he 
apprised Hurlburt of Prentiss' danger and requested his assistance. 
The contest along Sherman's line became desperate and bloody, 
the rebels dashing up to the very muzzles of Waterhouse's guns, 
and in a hand to hand tight, contending for their possession. 
Although further reinforced by the 14th, loth and 4(5th Illinois 
from Hurlburt's division and Schwartz's, Dresser's, Taylor's and 
McAlister's batteries from McClernand's, his battered and bleed- 
ing forces were driven from their position and their camp des- 
})oi]ed by the the shouting enemy. By his protracted stand and 
frightful sacrifice of men the enemy was, however, partially checked 
and the army escaped the calamity of being driven into the Ten- 
nessee. 

In the meantime the division of Prentiss, containing the 01st 
Illinois, had become involved and almost annihilated. At the tii'st 
intimation of danger, he hastily formed his line, but unlbr- 
tuuately it was in an open field. The enemy soon came stream- 
ing thiough the woods, and taking advantage of the shelter tlicy 
afforded, ]>oured volley after volley into the ranks of the exposed 
troops and coxered the field with their slain. While Prentiss 
stubbornly refused to retire before this wasting slaugliter. llar- 
<lee massing his impetuous brigades, forced them through the 
gap between him and Sherman, and flanked him on the light, 
while Jackson with his Mississippi fire-eaters, sweeping round 
in an o})posite direction, turned his left. Hurlburt hastened to 
his assistance but came too late. Batteries were immediately 
opened on both sides of the division, and ploughing a passage 
through it Prentiss and 3,000 men were surrounded and taken 
prisoners. As the captured troops were borne to the rear of the 
victorious foe, the remnant of the division, in a confused jnass, 
was driven in the opposite direction. 

We have seen that when the contiictcommenced the convexity of 
the Union line was turned from the river, now, by the beating back 
of the center, it formed an arc in the direction of the stream. 
Prentiss and McOlenuind, constituting the two wings, still 
retained their positions, and Hurlbut moving to the cmter had 
been forced back. The conflict had been fierce, territic, deter- 
mined and bloody ; great forest trees were riven into fragments 
by the incessant crash of artillery, and the fatal field lay ghastly 
with huge i)iles of victims, (irant, as at Donelson, was absent, 
ami each conunaud was compelled to act upon its own responsi- 
bility. 

The division of McClernand, containing the 8th, 11th, 17th, 
ISth, 20th, 29th, 31st, 42d, 43d, 45th, 4Sth and 49th Illinois, which 
had supported Shennan in the tirst onset of the battle, when the 
hitter fell back, became exposed to a dangerous flank movement on 
the right. Dresser was ordered forward with his rifled guns to 
the vulnerable point, and for a time checked the inflowing tide of 
assailants. Schwartz and McAllister, in other parts of the line, 



HISTORY OF ILLTTsOIS. 



rendered efficient aid, and rebel charge after cliarge was repulsed, 
but only to make room for Iresli regiments to pour in and repeat 
tbem with redoubled fury. When at length it became necessary 
to retire before the overwhelming- pressure, there were not artillery 
horses remaining alive sufficient to remove the batteries, and por- 
tions fell into the hands of the enemy. By 11 o'clock the division 
was driven back to a line with llurlbut. 

The division of the latter, comprising the 14th, loth, 28th, 32d, 
4l8t aiul Kith Illinois, as the others were falling back, took a 
position in the edge of a wood fronting an open held over which 
the enemy must pass to attack him. Thither also Sherman, with 
a faint hope of saving- the army from annihilation, led the bat- 
tered fragments of his conniiand. The rebel officers, determined 
not to be checked in their advance toward the river, into which 
they proposed to hurl the defenders of the Union, threw forward 
their victorious legions with almost resistless momentum. Three 
times they emerged from the timber on the opposite side of the 
open space, and three times were they swept back by the hurri- 
cane of fire which met them, leaving- their gory track covered 
with the dead and dying. Gallantly leading' his columns in these 
tremendous charges, Johnson was pierced with a ball, and stretch- 
ing- out his arms fell on one of his aids and ez^pired. Unde- 
terred by loss of men or leader, fresli regiments dashed into the 
deadly vortex with renewed vigor, and finally exhausted and 
overwhelmed by numbers, the federals weie compelled to retire 
and join their discomfited companions in the rear. 

After Prentiss had been driven from his position, the onset of 
the enemy fell with tremendous force on the 7th, *Jth, 12th, oOtli, 
52(1, oTth and 58th Illinois, a part ef the diA'ision of W. H. L. Wal- 
lace, which had been moved to an advanced position in the Union 
line. Serving his batteries planted on commanding ridges with 
great skill, and his infantry fighting- with the determination of 
battle-scarred veterans, four times he repulsed the enemy with 
terrific slaughter. The other divisions had, however, given way, 
and his also, under the concentrated fire of Folk's and Har- 
dee's united columns, was compelled to yield, its brave 
commander falling mortally wounded in his attempts to resist the 
overwhelming- fiood. 

It was now 5 o'clock. All day the battle had raged, but the 
field cleft by ravines ami obstiucted by timber, had rendered the 
contest irregular and indecisive. When it commenced Grant was 
at Savannah, and until his arrival on the field each division com- 
mander managed his own force to suit the exigencies of the en- 
gagement. There was little unity of action. Hearing- the heavy 
and continuous booming- of artillery, he hurried to the scene of 
conflict and arri\ed about o'clock, but skillful generalship could 
not then avert the evil caused by surprise, nor screen him from 
the angry criticism which he encountered. In the desultory con- 
flict the princi]>al resistance was afibrded by McClernand, W. H. 
L. Wallace and Hurlbut, the divisions of Sherman and Prentiss 
having- become too much demoralized by the morning's suri)rise 
to render the aid which otherwise would have been furnished. 
Lew. Wallace, at Crumi)'s Landing, had been ordered to form on 
the Union riglit, but unfortunately was misled by a change in 
the position of the army. What in the morning had been the 



THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. 773 

federal right was now the enemy's rear. Though apparently he 
might have hurled his fresh troops agaiust the jaded enemy, 
doubled up his left and thus have given a more favorable issue to 
tlie contest, he retraced his steps, and moviug along the river 
did not arrive till nightfall, when the battle was over.* Had the 
enemy known the vulnerable condition of our right and made his 
principal attack in that direction instead of the left, his success 
would doubtless have been more complete. 

The tide of battle which had hitherto drifted adversely, was 
now to change. The exultant threat of treason, that it would 
overwhelm the defenders of the Eepublic in the dark waters of 
the Tennessee, was never to be executed ; but, beaten and hum- 
bled, its minions were to be driven from the held. The army 
in the morning was extended out in a semicircle of 5 miles; 
now it was in a compact body around the lauding, and though 
bleeding and reduced in numbers, it still presented a bold front. 
There was a lull in th,e contlict, caused, perhaj)s, by preparations 
of the enemy for the linal cliarge which was to execute his threat. 
This pause was also improved by our jaded and iu)perilled men. 
Fortunately there had been deposited on the bluff a number of 
siege guns and other heavy ordnance designed for future opera- 
tions against Corinth. These with the fragments of field artillery 
which had escaped capture Col. Webster chief of Grant's staff 
hurriedly jilaced in position. This defeuse was rendered more 
effective by a deep ravine which, on the left separated the Union 
from the Confederate army, the latter now concentrated in that 
direction. Hardly had our guns been mounted when a shower 
of projectiles, some of which exploded on the opposite bank of 
the river, announced his coming, and presently every avenue 
of approach was crowded by his dark masses of infantry. 
Streaming across the ravine they scaled the opposite gun-crowned 
slo[)es. Jjutas soon as they had gained the summit they were 
met by a blinding tire and swei»t back bleeding into the gorge. 
Flushed, howe\'er, with previous success, they were easily rallied, 
and while they were advancing and recoiling in a series of final 
charges, the gun-boats Lexington and Tyler opened upon them 
with their heavy guns. All day they had been anxious spectators 
of the combat, moving restlessly ui> and down the river in vain 
seeking an op[)ortunity toco-operate. Now, however, the foe was 
in range and they sent their ponderous shells screaming dismally 
and deathly into his ranks, opening huge gaps and exerting a 
moral effect upon the hostile army more fatal than the physical 
results of their death dealing explosions. The rebel ofdcers tried in 

* \Vallace's arrival was awaited with all the anxiety which an imperiled condition of 
the army fould inspire. The suspense increasiufr, about 3 o'clock a staff officer rode 
up 1(1 the id battalion of the 4th Illinois cavalrj'and asked for volunteers to go on the 
perilous mission of meetinsr and uifring upon him the importance of hurryins? for- 
ward liTS division. Lieut. Frank Fisk and Sergeant Henry Sturges immediately rode 
to the front ami called for others to join them. A party of sev-jn was soon formed, 
and dashiiifi-by the enemy's left in easy ranjje of his musketrj-, and boundintr over 
Owl Creek they found Wallace near its intersection of the Corinth road, made known 
their errand, and advised a direct attack upon the enemy. He replied that his artil- 
lery had not yet come up and the movenient would leave it exposed and liable to cap- 
tiii-»;. They also pointed out the elevated f^round occupied by the rebels, and the im- 
possibility "of his usin<^ his artillery, and insisted that it wae better to abandon his 
own jruns than lose the advantage of an assault on the exposed rebel Hank. These 
artrnments wore, however, rejected, and the heroic little band safely returned and 
reported the ri'sult. They were then instructed to ride among the soldiers and pro- 
claim that Wallace was at hand with lf!,000 fresh troops. The effect was electric, the 
loud unswering shout of our almost overpowered men rising above the din of battle. 



774 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

vain to get tlioir men to face the new engines of destruction, but 
were compelled to fall back beyond tbeir range. Sliortly after the 
gun-boats came into action the glittering arms of Buel's advanced 
division were seen across the river. It had arrived at Savannah 
30 hours before, and ISTelson, the commander, detecting in the 
deep and continuous roar of artillery theexistence of battle, pushed 
forward to render assistance. A brigade immediately crossing 
the stream and rushing directly to the front, greatly revived the 
spirits of the exhausted army. 

The sun now as if to end the slaughter, withdrew his light from 
the gory field — a field literally covered over with piles of victims, 
some torn into. fragments, others exhibiting but little evidence of 
the means by whicli they had lost their lives; some still writhing 
in the agonies of death, ami others less injured crying for help. 
Interspersed among them were the fragments of guns and their 
carriages, splintered trunks and branches of forest trees, all indi- 
cating the fury of the battle storm which had wrought their de- 
struction. Night came on but the period of repose which it 
brought afforded little rest to either belligerent. As soon as the 
position of the enemy was ascertained, the two gun-boats ngain 
commenced throwing among them immense shells which, explod- 
ing far inland, gave back reports resembli])g those of replying 
guns. This heavy cannonade, with slight intermission, was con- 
tinued the whole night, and the exhausted enemy aroused from 
his imperfect slumbers, was forced back faither and farther from 
the river. 

The landing also became the scene of important operations. 
Crittenden's division of Buel's army having reached Savanah, was 
brought up on steamers and placed in position. The next news re- 
ceived was that McCook's division had also arrived at Savanah, 
but owing to the lateness of the hour, it was not brought np till 
the next morning. The heavy explosions of artillery reverberat- 
ing far up and down the Tennessee had ai)prisedthe commanders 
of these gallant divisions of what was going on, ami regardless of 
almost impassable roads they pushed forward to ]»articipafe in the 
battle. With this augmentation of its forces the LTnion army was 
able to act on the ofiensive and accordingly the several divisions 
were assigned i>laces for an attack the next morning. Connnenc- 
ing on the right and extending to the left weie the commands of 
Nelson, Crittenden, Hurlbut, McClernand, Sherman, and Lew 
Wallace, the latter including the divisions of Prentiss and W. H. L. 
Wallace. Each took the place assigned it, and as is usually the 
case after a heavy cannonade a storm arose and the remainder of 
the night was spent in a drenching rain. When morniiig dawned 
the Confederates beheld with surprise Buell's handsomely deployed 
columns and doubtless with increased anxiety thought of the work 
still before them. Their consternation was farther increased when 
the strains of martial music announced the arrival of McCook's 
division which at once advanced and took a position between 
Crittenden and Hurlbut. 

Nelson's and Critteuden's divisions, eager to measure their 
strength with the foe, first commenced the attack. For a time 
the contest was an artillery duel of gi'and porportions and pro- 
portionately bloody. Notwithstanding the severe tire, one of Nel- 
son's brigades charged across the open space between the two lines 



THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. . 775 

and captured one of the hostile batteries. Before the prize, how- 
ever, could be removed, its captors were driven back with a loss 
of one-third their number. This reverse only partially checked 
the forward movement of the division over the ground which theit 
less fortunate comrades had lost the day before. Crittenden 
next became involved; one of his brigades made a desperate at- 
tack on a battery of the enemy, and this time after capturing re- 
tained it. Exasperated by the loss of his guns he charged with 
redoubled fury to recover them, stubbornly refusingto yield till the 
ground was strewn with the victims of the bloody slruggle. The 
tide of battle sweeping farther on the right at length fell upon 
McCook, whose men fought with the heroism of veterans, driving 
the enemy before them as they moved forward. 

About 10 o'clock the rebels rallied in some heavy timber, and, 
under cover of a furious cannonade, threw themselves with great 
impetuousity mostly against IsTelson and Crittenden and tiirned 
them back. At this juncture the artillery was taken to the front 
and opeued a murderous Are directly in the face of the shouting 
foe, dashing np in pursuit of the retreating Federals. The move- 
ment of both lines was arrested, but the incessant play of artil- 
lery and musketry went on with increased effect, the commanders 
on bothsides holding their men to the grim work as if to determine 
which could stand })ouiiding the longest. In the meantime Buel 
came up, and, seeing that the enemy's line was badl}' shaken by 
the continuous volleys ploughing through it, ordered a charge as 
the most successful method of cndingtlje contest. Cheer after cheer 
rent the air as the war-begrinimed legions of the two divisions 
swept down like a dark (;loud on the recoiling foe till all the ground 
which had been lost in this i>art of the field the day before was 
regained. Still unwilling to lose all the prestige of previous suc- 
cess, the rebels again halted in front of McCook's division in a 
cluni}) of timber near Shiloh Church where for an hour they stub- 
bornly nndntaincd their position. KeinforcenuMits from Shenuan 
and McClernand were, however, sent up, when an irresistible 
charge swept them froiu their place of refuge and the battle on 
this part of the held was over. 

On the right the contest had been equally severe and bloody. 
As Wallace in the morning moved forward he halted on an eleva- 
tion overlooking the held in front, and suddenly a strong rebel 
column emerged from the woods and formeii in line of battle par- 
allel with his own division. Both immediately became engaged, 
and AVallace threw forward shari>-shooters to pick off the" rebel 
artillerymen till he could get his batteries with infantry supports 
on the open lield in front. For an hour the flash aiul roar of guns 
was incessant when Sherman with the remnant of his heroic di- 
vision, came up, and, I'egardless of danger, dashed forward across 
the held; midway between the two lines he met such a destruct- 
ive hre he was compelled to return, having received a wound and 
lost his horse by the fearless exposure of his person. Leaping 
into the saddle of another, and arousing the enthusiasm of his 
men, he gave the order, ''forward," and again they started on the 
I)erilous mission with the brave Col. Marsh, of the 20th 111., as 
their leader. Sweeping across the held and gaining in the woods, 
beyond, a position that flanked the enemy, the latter retreated in 
hot haste to another part of the timber farther from danger. Here 



776 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

Lie made a deteimiiied stand and a second time compelled Slier- 
man to recoil before his murderous tire ; but a second time he 
rallied bis men and rushed into battle though bleeding from 2 
Abounds, and having had 2 horses shot under hinj. Other forces 
in the meantime came up, the position was taken and the discom- 
fitted rebel hosts driven from the iield. Thus the action com- 
menced on the left and, as if the foe was feeling for a vulnerable 
point, swept along each division to the right when he struck his 
last blow and retired. lu the final charge on this part of the 
field, McOlernand's and Hurlbut's divisions participated and 
added new laurels to those which they had previously won. 

On the following morning Gen. Sherman with his cavalry and 
two brigades, were sent in pursuit of the enemy. Proceeding 
along the Corinth road they encountered the cavalry of the 
enemy which temporarily checked tlieir advance. A line of battle 
was, however, soon formed, and Col. I>icky's 4th 111. cavalry, 
leading in a dashing charge on the rebel force, put themtofiight. 
After caring for the wounded and burying the dead, the weary 
troops returned, finding the roa<l strewn with blankets, haversacks 
and muskets, which the rebels had abandoned in their fiight. 

No official statements of the numbers engaged in this battle 
was made by either party. In the first day's fight, however, the 
Confederate army was considerably in excess, wliileon the 2d the 
Federal having been reinforced byBuell,was largest. The loss 
of the former was 1,728 killed; 8,012 wounded, and 959 missing; 
that of the latter 1,735 killed; wounded 7,882; and 3,950 taken 
prisoners. The rebels having fied, the mournful task of burying 
the deiid of both armies fell to the lot of the conquerors. Nearly 
4,000 victims, recently brothers of the same great national family, 
lay pulseless and still in the slee]) of death. They were consigned 
to their graves, and would that the demon of hate and the car- 
nage of war had been buried with them. 

Gov. Yates, who had already earned the appellation of "soldiers' 
friend" by his devotion to tlie interest of those engaged in the 
performance of military duty, immediately i»rticeeded to the battle 
field to look after the wounded. His ai>i)eals for the means of 
aftbrding relief met with a response from the people commensur- 
ate with the extraordinary necessities that existed. Every city 
and village of the State poured forth contributions; physicians 
and nurses volunteeisied their services, and steand)oats laden 
w'ith every appliance for ministering to the distressed, were sent 
on their errands of mercy. Such an extensive slaughter had been 
unknown in the history of the war, and notwithstanding the pro- 
fusion of means which had been furnished, many ot the soldiers 
still suffered from unavoidable neglect. The Governor therefore 
returned home, and, procuring another corps of surgeons and 
additional stores, a second time repaired to the scene of sulfer- 
ing. As fast as transportation could be obtained, the wounded 
were conveyed to northern homes and hospitals where facilities 
for more skillful treatment could be furnished. 

Illinois was more largely represented in the battle than any 
single State. On its death-smitten field her citizen-soldiers traced 
in characters of blood a record of deeds which will be read 
not oidy in the patriotic homes of the broad prairies, but wherever 
free institutions have a votary or the honor of the republic 
awakes an echo in the human heart. 



THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. 777 

It was upon the ti'00[».s of Illinois and those iiniuediately asso- 
ciated with them in the first day's battle, that the enemy dealt 
his heaviest blows and received in turn a stroke Avhich rendered 
his subsequent defeat comparatively easy, both sustaining' a loss 
hitherto without a ijarallel in tlie history of the war. Though our 
divisions were driven back as the result of surprise and superior 
numbers, the advance of the enemy was finally checked, and when 
the gallant cohorts of Buellcame to their rescue, were i)reparing' for 
offensive operations, and largely shared in the magniliceut charges 
which subsequently bore our blood-stained banners triumphant 
over the field. 

The contest was one in which cannon and musketry played the 
most conspicuous part. Yet, in the constant shifting of brigades 
and divisions the cavalry guarded their movements, protected their 
exposed wings or dashed over the field with imi)ortant dispatches. 
The I'd, Ith, Charmichael's, O'Hariiett's and Uollius', were among 
the organizations from Illinois, and distinguished themselves by 
their soldierly conduct. 

Among the bravest of the heroes who died on the bloody field 
of Shiloh, that their country' might live, was Gen. William Henry 
L, Wallace. He was born on the Sth of July, 1821, at Urban a, 
Ohio. His father, in 1833, removed to Illinois, and settled in the 
vicinity of LaSalle. After 4 years residence he removed to Mt. 
Morris, Ogle county, for the purpose of giving his family the ben- 
efit of tuition in I'ock Eiver seminary. Young W^allace completed 
a course of study in the institntit)n and, after some preliminary 
study of the law, repaired to Springfield to enter the office of 
Logan and Lincoln, lawyers of great celebrity and legal ability. 
While in the capital he formed the acquaintance of T. Lyle Dicky, 
also a lawyer of ability, to whom he became attached and shortly 
afterward went to Ottawa and entered the ofiice of his new friend. 
He was admitted to the bar in 1845, but the Mexican war break- 
ing out the following year, Wallace abandoned his profession and 
enlisted in the regiment raised by the brave and eloquent Hardin. 
He was mustered in as orderly sergeant, Co. I, commanded by 
Judge Dicky, whom they elected as captain. After their arrival 
in Mexico, the Judge, in consequence of his ill health, was com- 
pelled to resign, and w^as succeeded by his 1st Lieut., B. M. 
Prentiss, ami Wallace became adjutant. In this capacity he 
bravely encountered the thunders of Euena Yista and was b^the 
side of his gallant colonel when he was stricken down in this 
memorable confiict. When the rebellion commenced he was 
among the first to respond to the call of the government for 
troops, and exerted himself to arouse the people to the magnitude 
of the struggle. In May he Avas chosen colonel of the 11th regi- 
ment, and June 20th, 18G1, was placed in command of Bird's 
Point. In February following he was promoted to the command 
of a brigade in McOlernand's division, participated in the capture 
of Forts Henry and Do)ielson and acquitted himself with gieat 
bravery in tlie heavy charges in the last day's battle. From Don- 
elsou his brigade was ordered to Pittsburg Landing, and upon 
the death of the brave C F. Smith, AVallace was placed in com- 
mand of his division. In the api)alling fury of the first day's 
confiict, his division, in conjunction with Hurlbut's, for a time 
Stood between the army and destruction, but without supi)orts 



778 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

their isolated advance bad to be abandoned. Eeckiessly exposing 
bis person in tbe acconiplisbment of this movement be was sbot 
tbrongb tbe bead and fell insensible from bis liorse. His comrades 
essayed to carry bini from tbe field, but, pressed by tbe pursuing 
enemj", tbey sadly laid bim down on tbe field and abandoned bim 
to bis fate. On tbe following day tbe lost ground was regained 
and Wallace was found still alive. Tbe enemy, perbaps out of 
respect for bis bravery, bad i)laced a pillow under bis bead and 
covered bis body witb a blanket. His wound was, bowever, mor- 
tal and be died, greatly regretted by tbe anny wbose confidence 
and aflection be bad won by bis many noble qualities. 

Beujnmin F. Prentiss, tbe brotber-in-arms of Wallace, was tbe 
first lllinoisan to secure tbe commission of a brigadier general, tbe 
first to comnumd a division, and tbe first to be captured. He was 
born in 1819, at Belleville, Va., wbence bis fatber removed to Mis- 
souri, and tlience in 1841 to Quincy, 111. His first military expe- 
rience was in tbe Mormon war, being 1st Lieut, of tbe Quincy 
rifies, conunanded by Gen. Morgan, wbicb visited Hancock county 
during tbe prevalence of its civil feuds. In tbe call for volunteers 
to serve in tbe Mexican war, be entered tbe same company with 
Wallace, and as we have already seen by tbe resignation of Capt. 
Dicky, be was elected to fill bis place. In tbe battle of Euena 
Vista bis company won merited distinction for its superior drill 
and soldierly efticiency. Returning to Quincy be engaged in mer- 
cantile pursuits until tbe commencement of tbe rebellion. Wben 
intelligence was received of tbe outrage on tbe national flag at 
Suuiter, be reorganized tbe Quincy rifles, and witbin a week af- 
terward was on bis way to Cairo. Here as soon as tbere was a 
sufficiency of men to organize a brigade, be was elected its gen- 
eral. At tbe close of tbe 3 montbs term, for wbicb bis men bad en 
listed, be was made brigadier general by appointment of tbe 
President and sent to Soutbern Missouri. Kext be was or- 
deied to report to Gen. Grant at Pittsburg Landing, Avbitber be 
arrived 3 days before tbe battle, and was selected to take com- 
mand of a division. We bave already spoken of bis capture in 
tbe battle. In bis passage tbrougb tbe Soutbern towns as a pris- 
oner, it is said tbe Soutnrons crowded to see tbe Yankee general, 
and tbat be made tbem a number of rousing Union speeches such 
as bad not for many montbs been beard in tbeir sunny latitude. 
He and bis men were conveyed to Montgomery, Alabama, where 
they were parolled, after which they returned home by way of 
Nashville. 

Major Gen. Stephen A. Hurlbut, tbe commander of tbe 4th 
division in the battle of Shiloh, was born at Charleston, S. C, 
Nov. 29th, 1815. Having studied law in his native city, be moved 
to Belvidere Illinois, and commenced tbe practice of bis profes- 
sion. Two years afterA\'ard he Avas elected a member of tbe con- 
stitutional cojivention, and subsequently served several terms in 
tbe legislature. Lincoln, aware of bis ability and patriotism, ap- 
pointed bim one of tbe first civilian commanders of the war. He 
was first ordered to North ^Missouri, where be rendered efficient 
service in protecting railroads against rebel marauders by bolding 
tbe districts through which tbey ran responsible for their destruc- 
tion. After having taught the " borderers " tbat treason was 



THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. 779 

exi)eiisive as well as dangerous and unlawful, he was transferred 
to Grant's command, participated in the battle of Donelsou, and 
thence moved to Pittsburg Landing. 

Battles may be divided into 3 classes : decisive engagments, 
such as bring them on and those that flow from them. Prom- 
inent ainong the great battles of the first class was the contest of 
Shiloh ; not only because it changed the complexion of the war in 
the West, but oifaccountof the permanent advantages derived from 
it. B()thi)arties claimed it as a victory, but it was some time after 
the immediate reverberations of tlie battle before its true siguiti- 
cam-e was fully appre("iated. Beauregard, the hero of Sumter and. 
Miiiuissas, had been called west by a deputation of citizens to extri- 
cate them from imi)ending danger, determined upon a change of 
l^olicy. Hitherto the Confederates had ridged their broad valleys 
with parallelsof earthworks and scattered their troops fordefensive 
oi)erations, l>ut Beauregard, reversing the order, commenced 
their concentration for aggressive movements. He proposed tirst 
to nu)ve against Buell, but the prompt demonstrations of Grant 
oil the Tennessee made a counteracting force in that direction a 
more pressing necessity. Accordingly he assembled his troops 
at Corinth where they were hurled upon Grant at Shiloh with the 
intention next of overwhelming P)uell, and finally sweei)ing north- 
ward through Tennessee and Kentucky to the Ohio. Shiloh was 
then in a great measure a contest for supremacy in the valley of 
the jNIississippi, and the terrible tierceuess with which it was 
fought, only corresjionded with the momentous interests involv- 
ed. From its terrible shock, the rebel army recoiled, too much 
broken to afterward act on the offensive, while its commander 
bitterly regretted the necessity which compelled him to abandon 
his long cherished schemes of Northern conquest. But for this 
success it would have been impossible to check the rebel army 
till it had recovered all that portion of the great valley from 
which they had recently been driven, and the war would have 
thus been indefinitely jtrolonged. 

Victory not only forced the foe to abandon all further attempts 
to overrun the North, but caused the loss of a large addi- 
tional scope of territory. As the fall of Donelson compelled the 
relinquishment of the first Confederate line of defense, so the re- 
l^ulse of Shiloh resulted in the abandonment of the second. Thus 
the whole of Middle and Eastern Tennessee became exposed to 
the Union army, whose columns could now penetrate to the very 
centre of the Confederacy; but even here the effect did notecase. 
The Confederate authorities becoming alarmed at the dangers 
tlireate]iing their defenses on the ujtper Mississippi, commenced 
the concentration of their naval forces at Memi)his. This transfer 
proportionally weakened the means o£ protection at the mouth of 
the river, and thus greatly facilitated the capture of New Orleans 
which occurred shortly afterward. 

MifchclFs Campaign. — At the same time the 3 divisions of Buell's 
army left for Nashville to co-operate with Grant, 10,(100 men 
start('<l southward under the command of Gen. Mitchell. The 
objective i)oint of the expedition was Huntsville, Ala., where, by 
severing the Memphis & Charleston Eailroad, it was proposed to 
cut off reinforcements and supplies destined for Corinth. After 
arriving in Nashville he remained there till the 4th of April, en- 



780 HISTORY OP ILLINOIS. 

gaged iu organizing liis army, building bridges, and otherwise 
preparing for his campaign. When everything was in readiness 
tbe nuxrcli was resumed on the 7th, and Fayetteville was reached 
and occupied without opposition. Here much anxiety Avas feltiu 
reuardto the issues of the expedition, for sliould our army either 
in Tennessee or Virginia, meet with a reverse, tbe destruction of 
Mifcliell's force would be almost unavoidable. While harrassed by 
tbese forebodings. Col. Turcbin of the 10th Illinois came forward 
and asked permission to move at once upon Huntsville before delay 
sliould add new perils to those which already tbreatened. Gen. 
]V1 itcbell assented and with the 18th and 37tb Ind., 4th O. cavalry and 
tbe 19th and 21:th Illinois, he left Fayetteville on the morning of 
April 10th, 1802. With the Illinois regiments in ach^ance the 
brigade toiled over roads lendered extremely difficult by the pre- 
cipitous hills, swampy glades, and tangled forests of tbe country. 
Frequently it became necessary, iu consequence of its impassable 
condition, to harness two or tbree teams to a single wagon and iu 
some places to drag the guns by band. Tbe indoujitable energy 
of Turcbin, howexer, pervaded his men, aiul they struggled on 
over almost insurmountable obstacles witbout complaint. Wbeu 
nigbtcame on they partook of a hearty re[)ast and threw them- 
selves round their camp tires till the moon went down and the 
march could be resumed witb greater security. The roads now 
became better, and tbe progress being more I'apid, in the grey 
ligbt of morning, the city became visible behind a grove of ce- 
dars. A battery was immediately placed in position and present- 
ly two trains came dashing up on the railroad toward Stevenson. 
Tlie one in advance was chased a distance of ten miles by a squad 
of cavalry, but the engineer crowded on steam and the iron horse 
proved too fleet for those bestrode by tbe cavalrymen. The one 
in the roar, less fortunate, was brought to by a shot from tbe bat- 
tery and all its passengers were made prisoners. 

In tbe meantime Col. Mahilotzy, of the 24th Illinois, dis- 
patcbed a force to tear up tbe track in tbe direction of Decatur, 
to prevent tbe escape of otber trains in the future. The order was 
tben given to advance on tbe town, and an exciting cavalry race 
ensued for the honor of tirstenteiing it. Three troopers becametbe 
A\ iniiers, wbo, dashing far in advance of tbe others, entered and 
captured 170 rebels before they had time to rise from their 
coucbes. The inbabitants of the city were still Avrapt in sleep, 
dreaming, perhaps, of "Southern Independence or troubled with 
Yankee nigbtmares, " when the clatter of cavalry in the streets 
first apprised them of danger. On being awakened they rushed 
lialf naked into tbe streets to ascertain tbe character and object 
of tbe unexpected visitors, and learned, with deep mortification, 
tbat their beautiful city was in tbe bands of the enemy. A reign 
of terror succeeded, all classes being seized with consternation, 
except tbe negroes, wbo, though naturally tbe most timid, on this 
occasion maintained a wonderful equanimity. Tbe mayor, after re- 
gaining to some extent bis composure, determined to expel tbe in- 
truders, but tbe otber forces soon came up and be abandoned bis 
design. As tbe result of capturing tbe city, 17 locomotives. 150 
cais and a large amount of war nniterial fell into the bands of tlie 
victors. Tbe rolling stock was soon put in motion for tbe trans- 
portation of troops, and within three days, not only Huntsville, 



THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. 781 

Init Stc'veiisoii, Decatur, Tuscnmhia and 107 miles of railroad were 
ill the i)OS«e.ssiou of the Unionists. The sijiiial guns of Turcliiii's 
force which had occu[)ied Tiisctiuibia, could now be heard at Cor- 
inth, the centre of the enemy's operations. 

Tiie i,aeat disixMsion of ^Mitchell's division for the purpose of 
Loldinj;' the ca]>tured towns and such a great extent of railroad, 
soon rendered his situation precarious. The enemey began to gather 
in force and threaten . him ; no reinforcements had reached him, 
and a large part of the subsistence which had been sent by 
Halleck was burnt to prevent its falling into the hands of the en- 
emy. Gen.Turchin, tinding his position at Tuscumbia becoming 
untenable, fell back to Decatur, where, after crossing the Tenn- 
essee river, he burnt the bridge just in time to prevent the enemy 
from following- him. This was the only crossing between Bridge- 
port and Florence, hence its destruction was a severe blow on 
rebel oi)erations in that part of the country. On the L'7th of April 
Turchin evacuated Decatur and continued his retrograde move- 
ment to lluntsville. 

Shortly after an episode occurred at Athens, on account of 
Avhich the I'Jtli Illinois was severely, but unjustly, censured. The 
town had ju'eviously been occui»ied by anOhio regiment, to Avliich 
the inhal)itants made loud iirofessions of loyalty. While in ])eace- 
able custody of the place the regiment was unexpectedly lired 
upon by a squad of rebel cavalry, and returned to Hnntsvillo 
under the impression that the attack was made by a large force 
of the enemy. As they left Athens, notwithstanding' the i)re- 
vious professions of the inhabitants, guns were discharged at 
them from dwellings; wome'ii derided them with the vilest epi- 
thets, while a crowd of rebels followed iu the streets ami threw 
upon them the most disgusting garbage. Turchin's brigade was 
next ordered to take possession of the town, but no enemy was 
found. The inhabitants were again loyal, but the 19th Illinois, 
remembering' the indignities which had been offered their com- 
rades, retaliated by the destruction of projierty. This outrage, as 
it was termed. Avas the legitimate fruit of the previous i)r()Voca- 
tion, and would never have occurred had not the i)eople who so 
loudly complained, been the aggressors. 

In the meantime the rebels were concentrating: a force at Bridge- 
port, a small town near Chattanooga, which gets its name from 
the bridge over the Tennessee at that point. Mitchell having 
ascertained the position of the force, on the 29th of A\n\\ ap- 
proached their encampment under cover of a hill, and made his 
presence known by tiring a volley of grape and cannister into 
their midst. Some immediately lied, while others, seizing their 
guns, endeavored to make a stand, but the Federals, with tixed 
bayonets, charged ui)on and quickly put them to tlight. In their 
retreat they attempted to blow up the bridge, but were too closely 
pursued to succeed. Another portion of the enemy stationed on 
the railroad after the tiring commenced debouched into an open 
field and formed a line of battle. By mistake, he moved u}) to- 
ward one of Mitchell's batteries whicli had been planted for their 
reception. When within easy range a terrific fire of cannister was 
poured into their ranks, and botli cavalry and infantry, taken by 
surprise, threw down their arms and fled in confusion. Thus ended 
the battle of Bridgeport, and with it virtually terminated Mitch- 



782 ■ HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

ell's caiupaign. In his report to tlie Secfetary of War lie said : 
"The cauipaigu is ended an<l I now occnpy Hnntsville in perfect 
secnrity, while in all Alabama, north of the Tennessee, there floats 
not a flag but that of the Union. " As the sequence of his opera- 
tions and successes in northern Alabama, anumberof minor expe- 
ditions were sent in various directions after roving bands of rebel 
cavalry, but the numbers engaged and the results accomplished 
were not important. 

Gen. Basil Turchin, whose genius and energy contributed so 
largely to the success of the campaign, was born in the valley of 
the Don, Russia, Jan. IS, 1822, At the age of 14 he entered the 
military school of St. Petersburg, and after his graduation his re- 
markable military talent rapidly gained him promotion. At the 
outbreak of the Crimean war he received an appointment on the 
staff of the Crown Prince, the present Emperor of Russia, phmued 
and superintended the coast defenses of Fiidaiul, among the most 
elaborate and scientific feats of military ingineering in Euro])e. 
I]a\ ing in early life formed a partiality for free institutions, in 
1850 he emigrated to the United States, and was employed as an 
engineer on the Illinois Central railroad. When he saw thaf the 
liberty for which he had abandoned his fatherland was in danger 
of being blotted out by the overshadowing power of slaveiy, he 
at once rushed to its rescue. He was ap[>oiiited Colonel of tlie 
IDtli Illinois, one of the most maligned though efficient regiments 
in the service. Immediately after its organization it became noted 
for the excellence of its drill ; nor was it long in the held, as we 
have seen, before the fighting qualities of botli men and command- 
er made it the synonym of success. 

Siege of Corinth. — While Mitchell was thus engaged in severing 
the rebel communications bet ween the east and the west, two hostile 
armies were gathering at Corinth for another deadly struggle. So 
long as this strategic point remained in the hands of the rebels, 
it endangered Nashville on the ojie hand, and retarded ojterations 
against Memphis on the other. Hither Beauregard had led his 
army from the fatal field of Shiloh, and hither Halleck had come 
to superintend in person the operations of the Union fonies. Hav- 
ing ordered Pope and his army from New Madrid, and reoi'gan- 
zed his other forces, he assumed the leadership of the whole, 
l)la('ed Grant second in command and transferred his army to 
Thomas. Pope's command was i)laced on the right, Buell's in the 
centre, and that of Thomas on the left, the entire army occupy- 
ing a semi-circle of six miles and numbering 108,000 men. Thus 
arranged the army began to advance but moved cautiously, it 
being a part of Halleck's plan to a})proach the rebel works in 
front after the manner of a siege while he cut the railroads in their 
rear and on each flank. 

On the 30th of April, 1862, a reconnoisance was made toward 
Pui-dy, on the Ohio & Mobile railroad, about 20 miles north of 
Corinth. The force detailed for this jturpose was commanded by 
Lew VV^allace, consisting of 2 batteries of artillery, 2 regiments of 
infantry and 3 of cavalry, 2 of the latter being tiie 4th and 11th 
Illinois. At night the infantry and artiller^i encamped midway 
between I'ittsburg Landing and Purdy, while the cavalry com- 
manded by Col. T. Lyle Dickey, pushed on till they arrived at the 



THE WAE, OF THE REBELLION. 783 

town. The prevalence of a .storin and tlie intense darkness of the 
night, however, rendered inexpedient any attenii)t at the reduc- 
tion of the place, and they retnrned to the encani[)nient. The 
next morning' Col. Dickey again advanced on the to\\ n, and, having 
severed its connection with Corinth by destroying a portion of the 
railroad, the principal object of the expedition \\as acconipliished. 

Farmington. — A second reconnoisance was made on the od of 
May in the direction of Farmington, a- commanding i)osition fonr 
miles east of Coriuth, in possession of a rebel force of o,(K)0 men. 
Tlie men engaged in this expedition were almost entirely from 
Illinois, consisting of the 10th, IGtli, 22d, 2Gth,27th, 4L'd,47th and 
50th regimentsof infantry, Yates sharp-shooters and Houghtaling's 
battery of light artillery, the wholeuuder thecommandof I'aineand 
Palmer. The force moved forward hve miles on the Farmington 
road where they met the enemy, and in a skirmishing light drove 
him baclv some distance to an eminence from the sununit of which 
his artillery for a time checked their advance. Honghtaling's 
battery moved immediately to the front and opened such destruc- 
tive lire on his position that he fell back to Farmington. Here 
he again made a stand Avhen the same battery was brought up 
and opened on his left, and an Ohio battery on his right, from the 
combine<l fire of which he retreated with the federal cavalry iu 
hot pursuit. Farmington fell into the hands of the Unionists. 
Tlie enemy returned on the 0th and made a determined effort to 
flank and cut off from themain army the forces which occupied it. 
A fierce battle of live hours duration commenced, in whicli Paine 
and I'abner, who were peremptorily ordered not to bring on a 
general engagement, slowly retreated. This wasi)reminently an Il- 
linois battle, and an exhibition of Illinois prowess, althoitgh theUd 
Iowa (iavalry greatly distinguished itself in charging on the ene- 
my's batteries. 

Finally, on the 28tli of May, after some other fighting by 
detached portions of both armies, Halleck sent forward three 
heavy reconoitering colunuis against Corinth to feel the strength 
of tlie enemy's entire line, and unmask hi.;, batteries*. The rebels 
hotly contesting the ground at the several points of api)roach 
on the right centre and left, but were driven back. On the 
29th Pope and iSherman opened upon the rebel entrenchments 
with their powerful guns and drove the enemy from his adNanced 
battery. But while the movement of the federal army, entrenched 
in su(;cessive parallels, was slowly converging on the hostile 
works with their heavy siege guns, Beauregard, aware that he 
Avas unable to cope with such a formidable force, was secretly 
withdrawing from the town to prevent cai)ture. During the 
entire succeeding night from Halleck's advanced position could 
be heard the rumbling of cars and the shrieking locomotive 
whistles, terminating at daylight with several loud explosions. 
Skirmish parties were immediately thrown out and a general ad- 
vance being ordered, the troo[)s entered Corinth and found it de- 
serted. All the heavy ordnance had been carried away while com- 
misary stores, powder and other valuable property, which, for the 
want of transportation could not be removed, A>'as destroyed. 
The news of the evacuation soon spread from regiment to regi- 
ment and from division to division till the air echoed with jubilant 



784 HISTORY OP ILLINOIS. 

sliouts ill every part of the widely extended field. The mayor came 
forward and surrendered the town, and the national ensign was 
hoisted over the public buildings where the rebel flag had so long 
defiantly floated its treasonable folds. The rebels fled with great 
precipitation notwithstanding their oft-repeated boasts to immo- 
late the Yankees if they ever ventured beyond the Tennessee. The 
pursuit of the fugitive enemy was immediate and the same day a 
cavalry force overtook his rear guard on Tuscumbia creek 8 miles 
south of Corinth. The retreat and pursuit was continued for sev- 
eral days with skirmishing at various points, and finally ended 
in the occupation of Guntown and Baldwin by the federals, and 
Tupello hy the confederates. 

The lengthening list of regiments which Illinois added to the cat- 
alogue of battles in the siege of Corinth attained its greatest dimen- 
sions. The following array of numbers constitute a roll of honor 
which patriots and heroes will ever revere: The 7th, 10th, 11th, Jl'th, 
14th, lath, IGth, 17th, 18th, 22d, 2Gth, 27th, 2Sth, 29th, 30th, olst, 
34th, 35th, 38th, 41st, 42d, 43d, 45th, 4Gth, 47th, 48th, 51st, 52d, 
53d, 55th, 57th, GOth, G4th, and GGth. Most of these were brigaded 
and ofticered as at Shiloh and Island No. 10, and advanced upon 
Corinth in Thomas' corps. Prominent among the many organiza- 
tions which were distinguished in the fighting about the besieged 
city were a portion of the 2d, 4th, 7th and 11th cavalry, and the 
batteries of Waterhouse, Honghtaling, Bouton and Silverspare. 
Lieut. Baker, of Yates' sharp-shooters was the first to enter the 
rebel works, and Col. vStuart, of the 55th, was the first to hoist the 
federal flag over the captured city. Gen. Sherman thus alludes 
to Logan: "I feel under special obligations to this oflicer, who, 
during the two days he served under me, held the entire ground 
on my right extending down to the railroad. All the time he had 
ill his front a large force of the enemy, but so dense Avas the for- 
est he could not reckon their strength save what he could see ou 
the railroad. " 



Chapter LIX. 

^802— ILLINOIS IN KENTUCKY, NORTHEEN MISSISSIPPI 
AND MIDDLE TENNESSEE. 

Battles of Ferrpville, Bolivar, Brittori's Lane, luM, Corinth and 

Stone River. 



Shortly after the reduction of Corinth important changes oc- 
curred in the Army of the West. 

On the 27th of June, 1802, Pope left to take command of the 
Army of the Potomac. On the 23d of July Halleck, by order of 
the President, assumed command of the armies of the United 
States, and Grant occupied Northern Alabama and West Ten- 
nessee. 

Buell, on the 10th of June, started eastward to counteract the 
designs of Bragg, who was collecting a large force for an offensive 
movement northward. One corps of his army was stationed at 
Kiioxville, under the command of E. Kirby Smith, and two at Chat- 
tanooga under Polk and Hardee. The troops under the immediate 
command of Buell numbered 25,000, with an auxiliary force of 
13,000, at different places in Northern Alabanm and Middle Ten- 
nesse, under the command of the gallant Mitchell. Buell's first 
object was to repair the railroads which had jjreviously been de- 
stroyed by raiding parties of rebel cavalry, and thus maintain 
ready access to his depot of supplies at Nashville. The perform ■ 
ance of this important work was entrusted to Mitchell, who soon 
restored the road between Nashville and Murfreesboro ; but un- 
fortunately, Forrest, with 3,000 cavalry, immediately afterwards 
made a descent on the latter place, captured the small garrison, 
again destroyed the railroad and escaped with his prisoners and a 
large amount of booty to Chattanooga. Next the startling intel- 
ligence was received that the force under Smith, had burst through 
a gap of the Cumberland Mountains, for the purpose of invading 
Kentucky. Passing without opposition through the State, he ap- 
approached within seven miles of Cincinnati, but finding the 
city prepared to receive him, he retired without attempting its 
capture. 

When war exists one of the belligerents must be subdued before 
peace can be restored; and however prudently it may be conduc- 
ted, the destruction of life and property is unavoidable. The 
forces employed if divested of the restraint common to regular 
military organizations, frequently forget the object of legit- 
imate warfare, and plunder iiuliscriminately both friend and foe. 
Such was the character of the marauding parties which the rebels 
now employed as a means of obtaining supplies and avenging 
50—785 



786 HTSTOEY OF ILLINOIS. 

tlieir imaginary wrongs. Frequently they dashed into a village 
or district and having seized the property of the inhabitants, if any 
dared to resist they were either shot or dragged into captivity. 
Lying in wait for railroad trains, they were not content with 
destroying the road and robbing tlie mails, but murdered the 
I)assengers. If dispersed at one point they suddenly appeared at 
another, and renewed their depredations, seriously interfering with 
the business of the country without leading to any decisive mili- 
tarj' advantages. 

Almost simultaneously with the passage of the Cumberland 
Mountains by Smith, Bragg with an army of 60,000 men, crossed 
the Tennessee for a similar oifensive movement. Buell had ex- 
tended his line of operations along the Memphis and Charleston 
railroad to Huutsville, where he had established his headquarters. 
Owing to the manifold dangers which now beset him, instead of 
penetrating farther eastward as contemplated, he found it neces- 
sary to return for the purpose of guarding the movements of 
Bragg. The latter proceeding by way of Pikeville, Sparta and 
Carthage, entered Kentucky on the 5th of September. During 
the march, Buell harrassed his rear ; on the 17th drove his forces 
out of Mumfordsville, and deducing from his movements that he 
was aiming at Louisville, he hastened thither in advance. 

The inhabitants were laboring under the most serious appre- 
hensions for the safety of the city, and when his advancing col- 
umns awoke them fromtheirnightly slumbers, the cry ''Buell has 
come," was repeated as when his advent was greeted hj the im- 
periled army at Shiloh. Anticipating an attack by the rebel army, 
a large number of fresh troops had been luiriiedly pushed forward 
from Illinois, Indiana and Ohio for the protection of the city, 
when some misunderstanding arising between Gens. Davis and 
Nelson, as to whose command they belonged, the latter was shot 
and killed by the former. After the adjustment of this difticulty, 
Buell's army was reorganized, he being first and Thomas second in 
command, and its three corps being commanded by Generals A. M. 
McCook, Crittenden and C. C. Gilbert. 

Battle of Ferryville. — Thus oiScered and numbering near 
100,000 men, the army on the 1st of October left Louisville in pur- 
suit of Bragg, who being unable to proceed farther northward, 
commenced returning. Buell following in his wake by way of 
Bardslown, heard there was a large force of the enemy at Perry- 
ville. He determined to move against him and accordingly or- 
dered his three corps to advance without delay by different roads. 
On the 7th of October, ISGli, Gilbert's corps moved along the 
Springfield pike to within 5 miles of Perryville when heavy skir- 
mishing commenced. Mitchell's, the leading division, was formed 
in line of battle across the road and Sheridan's division, contain- 
ing the 36th, 44th, 73d, 8oth, 86th, 8Sth and 125th Illinois, was 
shortly after brought up and stationed beyond Doctor's Creek 
on Mit(!hell's right. This movement brought McCook's brig- 
ade of Sherman's division, within 2i miles of the enemy's position 
and early in the morning of the 8th he deployed the 85th Illinois 
on his right, the 52d Ohio on his left, while the 125th Illinois was 
placed as a reserve, and the 86th Illinois pushed forward as pickets. 
The rebel pickets now commenced the contest by a severe fire on 



THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. 787 

the Sotli, which, without having- previously beeu under fire, charuecl 
up the hill ou which the enemy Avas posted, and drove him from 
his position. Exasperated at their discomfiture the rebels now 
massed their forces on the right and left of the brigade, and for 
an hour poured upon the devoted men a furious fire of shrapnel. 
Stubbornly, heroicalh' they breasted the storm till Barrets' 2d 
Illinois battery was brought into position when the rebels were 
three times driven from their guns, which at length were perma- 
nently silenced. The 125th IlUnois had in the meanwhile been 
ordered up to sujiport the battery and so efficiently was the task 
l^erformed that the rebels retired leaving the federals in posses- 
sion of the field which they had so heroically won. 

In the meantime Jackson's and Eousseau's divisions, A, M. 
McCook's corps, the former containing- the oith, SOth, 89th and 123d 
Illinois and the latter the 19th, 2J:th and 39th 111., were brought up 
and formed on Gilbert's left. Bragg fearing the arrival of Critten- 
den, determined to take advantage of his absence by an immediate 
assault with his entire force. Accordingly about 11 o'clock his 
batteries opened from different positions, and were answered by 
the federal artillery, but no effect being produced on either side, 
the firing- ceased. The lull, however, only presaged the coming- 
storm. Again the rebel gnus opened with redoubled fury and 
presently the dark masses of tlie enemy were seen emerging- from 
the woods. Bragghad concentrated the flower of his army against 
the left center of the Union line, while Buckner massing another 
force, moved against Jockson's division fnrther to the left. The 
latter gave way and Bousseau next becoming involved, for half 
an hour the fighting was terriftic and the carnage fearful. In the 
heat of the conflict the 2J:th Illinois was ordered up for the de- 
fense of a vulnerable point in the line, and although frequently 
assailed by overwhelming numbers, they tenaciously maintained 
their position. While the battle was thus raging on the left 
Gens. Mitchell and Sheridan attacked the enemy on the right and 
driving him from the field, ended the contest. 

During the afternoon Mitchell's division, in which were the 21st, 
25th, 35th, 38th, 42d, 58th, 59th, 74th and 75th Illinois, had been 
moved up to the support of Gen. Sheridan, who was hard pressed 
by the enemy. Col. Carlin of the 38th Illinois, with a brigade, 
pushed forward on the right and upon ascending a hill, dis- 
covered a strong force of the enemy ready to hurl themselves 
against Slieridan's overtasked men. Ordering a charge his men 
met the advancing- rebels with such irresistable momentum as to 
completely pierce their centre and put them to flight. He then pur- 
sued the fugitives a distance of two miles, when finding in the 
ardor of i)nrsuit he had isolated himself from the other forces, he 
returned before the confused enemy could take advantage of his 
situation. While in this advanced position his own regiment, the 
38th Illinois, captured an ammunition train of the enemy, and its 
guard, numbering- 110 men.* As an evidence of the heroism with 
which the 59th and 75th exposed themselves and the deadly 
ordeal through which they passed, the former lost 153 out of 
325, and the latter 221 out of 700. In another part of the field 
the 80th and 123d behaved with great gallantry, the first having 
11 killed, 32 wounded, and 13 missing and the 2d 35 killed, 119 
wounded and 35 missing. 

* Mitchell's Report. " 



788 HISTORY OP ILLINOIS. 

Other regiments, tliougli not specially mentioned in the reports 
of the battle, fought as bravely, loved the cause as devotedly and 
are as much entitled to our respect and gratitude as those" who 
have a more pretentious record. That none could have shunned 
danger is evident from the fatal effects of the battle, which Mc- 
Cook says, for the number engaged, was the bloodiest conllict of 
modern times. According to Buell's report, the entire federal loss 
in killed, Avonnded and missing was 4,000; that of the enemy 
being about the same. Had Crittenden's corps, Avhich did not 
arrive till after the fighting was over, been present, the result 
might have been difierent. 

As Bragg retreated it Avas supposed he would make a stand on 
Dick river, and Buell accordingly sent Gritteuden forward to en- 
gage him in front while McCook and Gilbert were to turn his 
flank and compel him to fight or surrender. The sagacious Gon- 
federate, however, suspecting the design of his adversary, evacu- 
ated his position and resumed his march. Possessing an accurate 
knowledge of the country and skilfully using the advantages 
which it afforded, he managed to elude the Union troops. The 
pursuit was continued as far as London, when its farther prose- 
cution was deemed inexpedient. Bragg thus escaped laden with 
the rich spoils gathered in Kentucky; and Buell falling back to 
Nashville, Avas superseded by Kosecrans. 

The Kichmond authorities evidently supposed that the people 
of Kentucky were ready to espouse the cause of the confederacy if 
they could have some assurance of protection when the decisive 
step Avas taken. One object of the invasion Avas, therefore, to in- 
spire the necessary confidence, and much disappointment was felt 
at the apathy Avith which these overtures Avere received, and, 
therefore, except a large amount of supplies Bragg carried 
with him to Tennessee, he deriA'ed no advantage from the exjie- 
dition. 

Battle of Bolivar. — After the reduction of Corinth Grant's army 
occupied Northern Alabama. His forces haAing been seriously 
weakened by detailing a portion of them for the defense of Lou- 
isville, a strong rebel force of cavalry, under the command of 
Armstrong, undertook the capture of Bolivar, for the jnirpose of 
severing the railroad at that point and thus interrupting the fed- 
eral lines of communication. Gol. Crocker Avith a small Union 
force was in command of the town, and as soon as he learned the 
intentions of Armstrong, he dispatched, on the 30th of August, 
1862, two companies of the 11th and four of the 2d 111. (cavalry, 
Cols. Puterbaugh and Hogg, and the 20th and 78th Ohio infantry, 
to give him battle. About noon Gol. Leggett, Avho had charge of 
the force, met a large body of rebels, Avho immediately eiuleavored 
by a flank movement on the Middleburg road, to get in his rear. 
Here with the two companies of the llth 111. cavalry and some 
mounted infantry he engaged the enemy, and after an liour's fight- 
ing, drove liim back. After the first struggle was over a portion 
of the Ohio inlaiitry arrived, and Leggett, leaving a suflicient 
force for the protection of his left, massed the remainder of his 
troops on the road Avhere it was evident the enemy was making 
preparations for a second attack, for the purpose of gaining his 
rear. Hardly had this disposition of the forces been made, Avhen 



THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. 789 

the enemy charged with great impetuosity down the road, but 
was twice rejiulsed by the deadly tire of the infantry. Finding 
this part of the held impregnable, the foe next turned on the left, 
where had previously been posted the four companies of the 2d 
111, cavalry, under Col. Hogg. Col. Leggett soon discovered that 
a full regiment of rebel cavalry was preparing to swoop down upon 
and gobble up his small force, and sent him word to fall back if 
he had any doubt as to his ability to resist the intended charge, 
" For God's sake don't order me back," were the memorable words 
of the daring cavalryman. "Then meet them," replied Leggett, 
" and may God bless your eflbrt." Immediately giving the com- 
mand '^ Forward" to his men, and putting spurs to his steed, with, 
a daring that heeded not the dangers to which he exposed himself, 
dashed forward in advance of his force. Thus isolated, he became 
a conspicuous mark for rebel sharpshooters, and fell jiierced by 
nine bullets. The next moment the two lines came together with 
a crash, from the effects of which both recoiled. In the meantime 
reinforcements of infantry came, and a. battery opening upon the 
hostile force, drove them from the tield. The victory was com- 
plete, but dearly bought at the sacrifice of the heroic Colonel. 
Chivalrous, generous and daring, in his death Illinois lost one of 
her noblest sons, liberty an adnnring votary and the profession 
of arms a hero of more than ordinary courage. Says Col. Leggett 
in his ofticial report: "The I'd 111. cavalry was on the tield so 
short a time, I can only particularize their commander, the la- 
mented Col. Hogg. A braver, truer man never lifted his sword 
in defense of his country. He was brave to a fault, and fell 
while leading one of the most gallant cavalry charges of the 
war.' 

BatfJe of Brlttoii's Lane. — Armstrong next attacked a force of 
800 men under command of Col. Dennis, while on his way from 
Estinaula, Aug. 30, 1802, to Jackson, Tenn. Having been ordered 
to the latter place with his force, consisting of the 20th and oOtli 
Illinois, two i)ieces of artillery and two companies of cavalry, on 
the 1st of September his A-anguard encountered at Britton's Lane 
a rebel cavalry force of 5,000 men. A battle immediately com- 
menced, in which he lost his trains, yet after fighting heroically 
for four hours he remained master of the tield, and indicted a loss 
on the enemy of 400, while that of his own was only 5. The great 
disparity iu nund)ers engaged in this contest and the results which 
followed fully refutes the rebel idea that one Southron was equal 
to tive iforthern men.* 

Battle of luhi. — After the reduction of Corinth, Grant's line 
of communication with Buell was threatened by the rebels 
under Trice, who, after their destruction, proposed to cross 
the Tennessee and co-operate with Bragg in his invasion of 
Kentucky. With these designs iu view he had already taken pos- 
session of Inka, a small town on the Memphis and Charleston 
railroad, about 20 miles southeast of Corinth. To dislodge him 
from this position Grant directed Gen. Ord, with 18,000 men, to 
move forward by way of Brownville, and to make a <lirect attack, 
wliileGen, Rosecrans witli another force was to proceed by way 

• iioss' Report. 



790 HISTOKY OF ILLINOIS. 



of Jacinto, to operate on the flank of the enemy and cnt off bis 
retreat in case be sbonld make bis escape sonthward. At 10 
o'cb)ck on the morning- of the 19th of September, 1802, Hamilton's 
division of liosecrans' force enconntered the rebel pickets, and 
drove tliem bade a distance of six miles. Tbe pursnit was tlieu 
discontiuned, and Eosecrans waited, according to previous nuder- 
stauding, to hear the sound of Ord's artillery as a signal to move 
forward. About noon a dispatch was received from Grant revers- 
ing the previous order of battle, and Eosecrans now becoming 
the attacking party, pusbed forward till he discovered the enem}' 
jjosted on a commanding ridge about two miles from the village. 
Skirmishers were immediately thrown out, under cover of wbich 
Hamilton's division moved up and commenced an attack. The 
engagement soon became general; the rebels in overwhelming 
numbei'S lighting with great determination till night put an end 
to the contest. The 11th jVIissouri, composed of Illinois soldiers, 
distinguished itself in the battle by the terrible blows which it in- 
flicted on the enemy. At the time the brave men of tliis regiment 
offered their services to the government, the quota of Illinois was 
complete, and they went to Missouri where they sought and ob- 
t-ained admission into the service. 

During the night the troops lay on their arms expecting to re- 
new the fight the next morning, but when tbe time arrived they 
found the enemy bad fled. Eosecrans immediately sent bis cavalry 
and the 47th Illinois after them, but not being sufficiently strong 
to effect any important result, after a pursuit of 25 miles, tbe 
force returned. Owing to some unfortunate mistake, the force 
under Ord did not arrive at luka till the next day, and the enemy 
thus doubtless escaped an overwhelming defeat. 

Battle of Corinth. — Gen. Grant with a portion of the forces re- 
tired to Jackson, Gen. Ord to Bolivar, and on tbe 20tb Eosecrans fell 
back to Corinth, M'liere he soon learned that tbe enemy was col- 
lecting his forces to again offer bim battle. Price, YanHorn and 
Lovell were concentrating their forces, amounting in the aggregate 
to over 40,000 men, for the purpose of crushing the comparatively 
small Union force before it could be reinforced. Eosecrans, in 
in bis preparations for an. attack, so arranged his defenses that if 
he could draw the rebelforcesundertbem, they might be defeated, 
notwitbstanding their superior numbers. For this purpose as 
tbey approached, Davis' division, containing the 7tb, 0th, 12tb, 
SOtli, 52d and o7th Illinois, was thrown out to meet them, and after 
some heavy skirmishing and considerable loss, retired in the desired 
direction, followed by tbe enemy. The next day Price moved his 
forces up, as contemplated by the strategy, directly toward tbe 
I)oint covered by the beav^^ artillery. When witbin range they 
were met by a destructive fire, but despite the frightful rents 
which were opened in their ranks, they steadily moved on till they 
reached the crest of the bill where Davis' division was now posted. 
Under tbe heavy pressure the division gave way and the assailing 
force, seeing tbe advantage gained, rushed forward with redoubled 
speed, Eosecran's headquarters being entirely engulfed by the 
inflowing tide. Hamilton's division, containing the 50th Illinois, 
"was next compelled to retire, andinstantly the rebels made for Fort 
Stevenson, the key of the position. Here their first onset was 



THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. 791 

repulsed, but quickly rallyiug, tliey again came forward with in- 
creased determination and commenced Iea])ing over tlie bulwarlvS 
into the fort. At this juncture the 50th Illinois, which lurd been 
concealed in a ravine, rushed forth as if rising from the earth, 
and, charging into the fort, drove the astonished rebels out as 
rapidly as they had entered. This onshiught was immediately 
seconded by Hamilton's whole division which swept forward with 
such resistless might tluit the rebel host broke wihlly for the 
Avoods throwing awav their arms as auseless encumbrance in their 
flight. 

While Price was thus foiled on the right, VanDorn's men came 
up on the left in front of Stanley's division, and, facing the heavy 
guns of batterries Willaims and Eobinette, Col. Rogers leading 
the charge with a body of Mississippi and Texas trof)i)S with a 
heroism worthy of a better cause, colors in hand, leai)ed to the 
top of the breastwoiks, when he was pierced with bullets and fell 
back lifeless into the ditch. A concealed Ohio r(fgiment next rose 
up and pouring into the ranks of his followers a continuous mus- 
ketry tire at short range, put them to flight. 

A supi)orting brigade, maddened by the terrible fate of liogers, 
with wild shouts dashed upon tin^ 11th Missouri, composed of Il- 
linois men, and some Ohio regiments, and instantly, friend and 
foe were locked in a hand to hand death struggle. When bayo- 
nets, pistols and sabres failed, the flst was i>sed as a substitute, 
while the yells and imprecations which were uttered, sounded as 
if wrung from the throats of demons. Northern brawn proved too 
much for the impetuosityof the Southrons and the latter gave way. 
As they fled the batteries double-shotted, i)layed upon and decima- 
ted their ranks ; arms were thrown away to expedite their flight, 
which soon become a rout, and terminated thebattle. The federal 
loss was estimated at 315 killed, 1,812 wounded ; and that of the 
enemy 1,423 killed, and from 5,000 to 0.000 wounded. Among the 
wounded Union otflcers were Gens. Oglesby and McArthur, both 
of whom exliil)ited undaunted bravery and great skill in the man- 
agement of their comnumds. Yates' sharp-shooters went into the 
fight on the morning of the 4th, and came out with a loss of 73 
men killed, showing that ragardless of consequences they had 
braved the battle's fiercest storm, adding new laurels to the 
military renown which the trooi)s of the State had previously ac- 
quired. The magnificent charge of the 50th has already been 
mentioned. The 7th, 50th and 57th, for a longtime sustained the 
pressure of a greatly superior force of the enemy, drove them 
back and reca[)tured several guns previously taken by the enemy. 

The rebels left closely pursued bya fresh brigade under thecom- 
mand of McPherson, who captured a large nund^er of prisoners 
and valuable materials of war. To ensure the safety of the fugi- 
tive army it was necessary for it to detail a force to occupy the 
Hatchie river bridge over which it must pass to prevent its fall- 
ing into the hands of the federals. This movement was, however, 
too late. Gens. Ilurlbut and Ord, aware of this necessity, had 
sent a force in advance, and when the rebels came up and made a 
stand on the north bank of the river, they were immediately 
charged by the Union troops and driven across the river, losing 2 
batteries and several huiulred prisoners. In this onset the 28th, 
32d, 41st, and 53d Illinois, bore a conspicuous part and Gen. Lau- 



792 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

mail, who coinmaiKled the brigade, in liis official report highly 
complimeuts his subordinate Illinois officers for their great skill 
and bra^'ery iu leading the men in the charge. 

Stone River or Murfreefihoro. — As previously stated Eosecrans 
superceded Buell, and on the 27th of October commenced reorgan- 
izing the army. His command was the remnant of the brave men 
wlio, under Anderson, Mitchell, and Buell had repelled the inva- 
sion of Kentucky and carried the national banners almost to the 
centre of the confederacy through Middle Tennessee. A new mil- 
itary district styled the Department of the Cumberland was crea- 
ted in which it was to operate, comprising Middle and East 
Tennessee and such }>ortions of Northern Alabama and Georgia, 
as might be wrested from the power of the rebels. AVith his army 
augmented and strengthened by new recruits he left Louisville, 
his base of su[)])lies, and proceeding by way of Bowling Green, 
reached Nashville on the 10th of November and took a position 
near the city. From this time till Christmas he improved in dis- 
ciplining the army and furnishing it with clothing and other in- 
dispensible supplies. 

Tlie rebels on the other hand, were not idle, and before the close 
of Novend)er had massed at Murfreesboro' an army of about 
50,000 men under Bragg. The rebel commander, under the im- 
pression that Kosecrans was going into winter quarters, sent a 
large cavalry force into Kentucky under JMoigan and another 
under Forrest, into West Tennessee, for the purpose of destroying 
the railroads and cutting off the communications of the advanced* 
Union forces from their respective bases of su})i)lies. Bnigg's 
army being weakened by these detachments, Kosecraus judged it 
an opportune time to give him battle, and accordingly on Christ- 
nuis eve, 1802, a consultation was held to concert measures for an 
aggressive movement. Arrangements being perfected the next 
morning, in torrents of rain the army started for Murfreesboro', 
Thonuis' corps moving in the centre, McCook's on the right and 
Crittenden's on the left. As the day wore away the tedium of the 
marcii was relieved by the occasional rattle of musketry or the 
explosions of cannon, heralding encounters with advanced 
squads of rebel piclcets. Heavy rains prevailed and the army 
was compelled to feel its way over the muddy roads through a 
foggy atmosphere in o})position to skirmisliing parties of the 
enemy. Sunday December 28th the army rested, Eosecrans being 
averse to active operations on the Sabbath ujiless the exigency of 
his situation urgently demanded it. In the afternoon of Monday, 
Gen. Palmer leading the advance of Crittenden's corps moved up 
in sight of Murfreesboro' and sent a dispatch back that the 
enemy wasretreating,Crittenden, thereupou was ordered to occupy 
the town but advancing and finding the rebels still in possession, 
he fell back having exposed himself to great danger iu conse- 
quence of the nusapprehension. 

A stormy night supervened which so saturated the ground 
that the following day the artillery carriages in passing over the 
fi-Clds sank up to their axels in mud. Eosecrans rose at an early 
hour and carefully pushed his columns forward over the miry 
ground through cedar brakes in front of the enemy. By 
uoon the army was iu position, stretching from Stone Eiver across 



THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. 793 

the country in a soutlierly direction as far as tlie Franklin pike, a 
distance of 3 miles, Crittenden on the left with 3 divisions, Yan- 
cleve, Wood, and Palmer, Thomas in the centre with two divis- 
ions, Negley and Kousseau, and McOook on the right with 3 
divisions, Sheridan, Davis' and Johnson's. Ontstretched between 
the Union army and Murfreesboro' and parallel with the former 
was the rebel line. Breckenridge's division lay across the river 
on the extreme right, under Polk in the centre were 2 divis- 
ions, Wither's and Cheatham's, and under Hardee on the extreme 
left were 2 divisions, Cleburne and IVIcCown. The rebel centre 
was masked in dense cedar forests, while the river was in the 
rear, which being fordable, could in case of necessity readily be 
crossed and imide available as a means of defense. During the 
uight the rebels massed their forces on the right of liosecraus, 
who inferring their intention, met with his corps commanders and 
planned the battle of Murfreesboro. It was decided to hold the 
right stationery, while the left under Wood and Vaucleve cross- 
ing Stone river, were to drive Breckenridge from his position, 
occupy Murfreesboro and finally get in the rear of the enemy. 
Bragg had also decided to act on the offensive, his plan being- 
similar to that of his adversary. Both intended to strike with the 
left of their respective lines, and had accordingly massed their 
forces to suit their plan of operations. 

At early dawn on the last day of the year, while Eosecrans' left 
was crossing the river, McCown's division emerging from the fog 
whi(;h had settled on the battle-field and striking our right under 
Johnson, hurled it back at a single blow and captured two of the 
batteries before a gun could be fired. The next division under Davis 
in which Avere the 35th, 59th, 73d and 75th Illinois, after a deter- 
mined resistance, met with a similar fate. It was only Avhen the 
exultant foe came in contact witli Sheridan's, containing the 3()th, 
44th, 51st and 88th Illinois that its terrific onset was stayed. 
Directly in front of a battery vomiting forth death, and exposed 
to a cross fire from two others, the hostile columns moved till 
within close range when a musketry fire poured into the faces of the 
men sent them staggering back. Ballying again and strengthened 
by the victorious divisions which, had crumbled Johnson's and 
Davis' command to fragments, thej^ again bore down on Sheridan 
with the determination to overwhelm him. Hastily attaching his 
right to the rear of jS"egly's division, and placing his artillery in 
the angle formed by the two lines, lanes were plowed through the 
advancing masses. Repnlsed they three times renewed the 
assault but with such appaling slaughter that Vaughn's brigade 
of Polk's division lost one third of its men and all the horses of 
its brigade and staff' oflicers except one were killed. Sheridan 
was seriously damaged, having all his brigade commanders killed 
and losing 1,(>30 men, AVith his ammunition exhausted he also was 
compelled to retire, loshig 9 guns, owing to the difticulty of getting 
them through the dense cedar thickets which covered his rear. 
!Negly, exposed by the movement, was soon outfiaidced and com- 
pelled to cut his way out of overwhelming numbers. A nmgnifi- 
cent charge by the i9th Illinois, 11th Michigan and 21st Ohio, 
forced the enemy back in confusion and the environed divisions 
passed out, removing their guns in safety. The force of the rebel 



794 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS, 

onset next falling on the division of Palmer, his two rigbt brigades 
were soon pushed back with the others, leaving Hazen alone to 
cope with the hostile surging masses. 

By the sndden and terrific assault of the enemy, Rosecrans' of- 
fensive movement on the left was paralyzed, and he commenced 
massing his artillery on a knoll in the plain whither his shattered 
di^'isions had retreated. He also commenced forming a new line, 
on the completion of which entirely depended the ability of Palmer 
to maintain his i^osition till the broken forces coidd be restored 
to order and placed in i)osition. He saw at a glance the danger 
which threatened the entire army, and with a determination com- 
mensurate with the stupendous interests involved, determined to 
maintain his position or perish in its defense. The rebels on the 
other hand, aware tliat he was the only obstacle between them and 
victory, rushed on him with tenfold fury, only to be swept back by 
the terrific fire which met them. 

Time was thus gained and the new line sufficiently perfected to 
receive the enemy, and presently the gray costumed confederates 
emerged from the cedars, their long lines of burnished weapons like 
a forest of glittering steel flashing in the sunlight, as the}" swept for- 
ward over the plain. With fearful grandeur the pageant moved uj) 
within range, when the federal batteries, which had been previously 
posted on the eminence, opened upon them with merciless volleys, 
gashing and distorting their compact ranks. Eosecrans observing 
the effect of the fire on the enemy, dashed uj) to the line where hos- 
tile shot were falling like a hail-storm, and ordered a charge. The 
men catching the inspiration of their leader, sprang to their feet 
and with a shout swept them back to their cedarcoverts. Four times 
they rallied and returned to the conflict, but the tempest which as- 
sailed them, more fatal than the blasts of the simoon, piled up the 
plain with heaps of their mangled carcasses. Finding at length that 
neither numbers nor desperate daring could prevail against Eose- 
crans' front, they determined to make a final attempt on his left. 
Breckenrid|;e's division of 7,000 fresh troops was brought into the 
contest. Advancing in an imposing manner till they encountered 
the fire of the Union artillery, when they turned and disappeared 
from the field. The day's fighting was over; manj' a dying sol- 
dier looked for the last time on the azure sunset, and soon the 
ghastly field was enshrouded in the pall of night. 

A council of war was held during the night to consider the pro- 
priety of continuing the contest. There was a scarcity of ammu- 
nition, seven generals and 20 colonels had been killed, and 7,000 
men or about one-seventh of the entire army were either killed, 
Avounded or missing. It was found, however, that there was am- 
munition sufficient for another day's battle, and after making- 
slight changes in the disposition of his forces, Eosecrans waited 
till morning for a renewal of the conflict. Morning came, but the 
enemy had been too severely punished to make another aggressive 
movement, and New Year's day was mostly spent by both armies 
in recruiting their exhausted energies for another death struggle 
on the morrow. At 3 o clock Jan. 2d, a double line of skirmishers 
was seen advancing from Breckenridge's position across the river, 
with heavy columns of infantry a short distance in the rear. Soon 
the moving mass burst like a swollen torrent on VanCleve's divis- 
ion, and partially forced it back into the stream. Prior to the 



THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. 795 

assault, Itcsecraiis was iiKikiiig preparations to execute the orig- 
inal plan of swinging- bis left round against Breckinridge, and 
securing the hight on which his division was posted. For this 
purpose he had mounted 58 guns on an eminence enfilading the 
attacking force, and so destructive was the cannonade, that in less 
than half an hour Bragg lost 2,000 men. 

Bleeding and torn, the euemy turned and fled as if from the 
crater of an exploding volcano, closely pressed by the Union 
troops. A violent storm prevented the renewal of hostilities on the 
3d, and the succeeding night Bragg retired to TuUahoma, leaving 
his antagonists in the possession of the field. The Union army was 
again victorious, but another such a victory would have ruined 
it. It had lost one-third of its artillery and one-fourth of its men, 
neariy 2,000 of them being killed. Tlie loss of the Confederates 
was equally severe, being in killed, wounded and missing 14,700. 
Just prior to the battle they had celebrated the festivities of 
Christmas by dancing in halls carpeted with American flags; now 
defeated and humiliated, they were compelled to depart, leaving 
the national emblem which they had insulted proudly floating over 
the city of their giddy revels. 

The battle of Stone River, with its fearful perils, persistent 
fighting and deeds of desperate daring, furnished a rare o})}»ortuni- 
ties for the troops of Illinois to further distinguish themselves. 
Nor Avas it misimproved, as the i^roud record of their skill and 
biaver}' in the midst of the most appalling dangers abundantly 
prove. Many of the Illinois regiments were, however, placed in 
situations where overpowering rebel assaults in greatl}' superior 
nund)ers rendered success frequently impossible. Yet there is as- 
sociated with the stern resistance which was offered a moral sub- 
limity that almost surpasses the glory of victory itself, es})ecially 
when we remwnber the patriotism which prompted and the adverse 
circumstances attending it. 

- No regiment in the battle evinced more intrepid courage or reu 
dered greater service than the old regiment of Gen. Kirk, the 34th 
Illinois. Early on the morning of the first day's conflict, when 
the rebels, in overwhelming numbers assaulted the right of the 
Union line, Kirk's brigade became exposed and the 34th Illinois, 
stationed in front, soon became engaged. Although exposed to a 
terrific fire, they stood as if rooted to the earth, and by their well 
directed volleys kept the rebel host at bay till reinforcements 
could come to their sui)port. A flank movement of the enemy at 
length rendered Kirk's position untenable, and brought the 34th 
into a hand to hand contest. In the bloody strife which ensued five 
color bearers heroically laid down their lives to i)reventthe stand- 
ards of their regiments from falling into the hands of the enemy. 
But neither courage nor skilful generalship could cope with supe- 
rior numbers, and the old flag was at last seized by traitors, a]id 
Kirk compelled to fall back. In directing his troops he had two 
horses shot under him, when, atter receiving a severe wound and 
faint from loss of blood he was carried to the rear. Col. Dodge 
took command, and with a portion of the men fell back to the 
Nashville Pike. The remainder joined the 29th. 30th and 34th 
Indiana, supported by the 79th Illinois, and hurriedly prepared to 
again meet the advancing rebels.. The latter coming up and hurl- 
ing themselves with great violence on the Union flank, the 79th 



796 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

receiving the principal shock, was compelled to fall back, followed 
by the rest of the foree. Another stand was immediately made, 
and again the 79th was exposed to a destructive artillery tire, and 
withdrew to the Xashville Pike, where liosecrans was forming a 
new line. Among the fallen heroes, with which the track was 
strewn was the mortal remains of its Colonel, the brave Sheridan 
P. liead. While gallantly leading his men regardless of menacing 
dangers, he was shot and instantly expired. 

When on the morning of the first day's battle Gen. Kirk's brig- 
ade was broken to pieces by the fierce onset of the enemy, the 
fragments fell back through the 89th Illinois, which brought that 
regiment into action. The men lay down on their faces till all the 
fugitives had passed from their front, when they arose and deliv- 
ered a well directed fire into the ranks of the foe oidy 50 yards 
distant. Before this volley the colors of the rebel advance were 
lowered, but the other regiments were falling back and the S9th 
was ordered to follow. 

From this time till nightfall, at every available point they iu- 
flicted heavy blows on the enemy, and suffered terribly " from the 
iuces;;ant fire of rebel musketry and artillery. As an evidence of 
the fiery ordeal to which they were exposed, they came out of the 
conflict with a loss of 1^9. Though Marring against fate itself 
and success impossible, the regiment seriously dauuiged the enemy 
and won a proud name by its heroic and determined resistance. 

But to no regiment from the prairie State nor to any engaged 
in the battle does the country owe a greater debt of gratitude for 
what it accomplished, than the 19th Illinois. Reference has al- 
ready been made to its magnificant chiirge on the morning of the 
first day's battle. A more daring feat was, however, executed in 
the afternoon of the second day. Vancleve's division having been 
thrown across the river to operate against Breckenridge, the lat- 
ter at the head of his own and two other divisions hurled them with 
irresistible force against his antagonist. Two of theUnion brigades 
were instantly shivered by the concussion, and the other pushed 
back into the river, when ISTegiey, riding to the frout and compre- 
hending the situation shouted, " Who will save the left f " The 
19th Illinois," was the immediate response of Scott, the com- 
mander of the regiment. Then giving the command, "forward," 
his men sprang to their feet and pouring a destructive fire into the 
face of the foe, leaped forx^ard with fixed bayonets. Plunging 
into the river they scaled the opposite banks despite the volleys 
and bristling bayonets of a whole rebel division posted on the 
stream to dispute their advance. On gaining the summit of the 
shore, the rebels, astounded at the audacity of the charge, turned 
and fled for the protection of their batteries. The 19th Illinois, 
11th Michigan and 7Stli Pennsylvania in close pursuit. In vain 
the Confederates endeavored to rally at every available point, or 
sought to secure themselves by intervening timber, but deter- 
mined men were after them, and not even an army of devils could 
have interposed an obstacle to their progress. With accelerated 
velocity charging uj) to the nmzzles of the enemy's guns, and leap- 
ing the parapets, the battery was captured.. The victory was com- 
plete, but more than a third of the inen had fallen or disap[»eared 
along the highway of death which the}' so gallantly trod. 



THE WAR OP THE REBELLION. 797 

Another cliarge spleudidiii execution and important in results, 
was made by the SStli and 3Gth Illinois. A heavy rebel columu 
was advancing across an open held, on the border of which these 
regiments were drawn up to receive them. The S8th lay down 
till the enemy approached within 40 yards, when they arose and 
after tiring two rounds, both regiments bounded forward and 
swept their a(h"ersary from the held. 

Gen. Woodruff, who was on the right of the Union line, highly 
comi>limented the officers and men of the 25th and 3orh Illinois. 
Three of their companies under Major Mcllvain as skirmishers iii 
front of the brigade, behaved with great gallantry, and both regi- 
ments during the entire battle intiicted heavy blows on the enem^-. 
He says : "I desire to call the attention of the commanding offi- 
cer to the gallant conduct of Lt. Col. Chandler, commanding the 
35tli Illinois, whose cool, steady courage, admirable deportment 
and skillful management, evinced the soldier true and tried ; 
and who, at all times, proved himself worthy of the trust beholds. 
Major Mcllvain, of the same regiment, who had the supervision of 
skirmishers, I cannot praise too much. His good judgment and 
skillful handling elicited encomiums of well merited compliments 
at all times. He was cool, determined and persevering. Ca])t. 
W. Tciggart, who succeeded to the command of the 25th Illinois, 
behaved as a soldier should, efficient and ever ready to execute 
orders." 

"'While we remember the noble dead let us pay a tribute of re- 
spect to thegalhint Col. L. ]). AVilliams, of the 25th Illinois, who 
died in the performance of his duty. He fell with his regimental 
colors iu his hands, exclaiming: "We will plant it here, boys, and 
rally the old 25l:h around it, ami here will we die!" The 25th 
lost in killed, wounded and missing 142 men, the 35th, 81 men. 

The 74th Illinois, Col. Marsh, while on its Avay to Murfreesboro, 
intiicted serious damage on a greatly sui)erior force of the enemy, 
and in the subesequent battle it established a reputation for 
bravery and other soldierly' (jualities. The 100th and 110th in con- 
junction with the 41st Ohio, kei)t back the heavy masses of the 
enemy in his efforts to overwhebn the brigade of Gen.Hazen. The 
amunition of the 110th becoming exhausted, the men clubbed their 
muskets and fought with the coolness of veterans, although they 
Lad never before been under tire. The 21st, 22d and 84th, in com- 
mon with other Illinois regiments, i)assed through the battle's 
caninge and can)e out reduced in numbers but with increased 
reinitation. Where the shafts of tlie enemy fell thickest, or valor 
most needed, they were found with strong arms to battle for the 
nation's life. 

The moral prestige atteiuling the battle of Murfreesboro was 
greater than the resulting material beneht. The rebel authorities 
during the early part of the summer had pushed forward their 
aggressive movement with comparative innnunity beyond the 
bounds of the Confederacy. Expectation raised by the brilliant 
spring campaign in the West had become disappointed at the results 
of the army in the East. The public mind was brooding over the 
repulse and frightful slaughter of Fredericksburg. When there- 
fore the tidings of IMurtieesboro were read in the cities andhandets 
of the Xorth, the people became more hopeful, and with increased 
determination, resolved that the nation's honor and integrity 



798 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

sliould be maiiitaiued. If the Uiiiou army bad received a blow it 
was evident it had dealt a counter-stroke which sent its reeling 
and disabled enemy from the field and its sacrifice was not in 
vain. Moreover the skillful generalship and determined fighting- 
which had triumphed when the first onset of the battle had placed 
success almost in the grasp of the foe gave additional lustre to the 
victory. But while its moral effect gave confidence to the fed- 
erals it correspondingly' depressed the confederates. In the shock 
of Stone Eiver the spirit of Bragg's army was broken and subse- 
quent efforts were feeble, compared with the dash and vigor of its 
first campaign. As a remote sequence Eosecrans next planted 
his standards within the rocky bulwarks of Chattanoooga from 
which the enemy was unable afterward to dislodge him. The 
Union army thus entrenched in the heart of the confederacy won 
new triumphs under Grant, and subsequently Sheruum sent its 
veteran columns to Atlanta and thence to the sea. 



Chapter LX 

ILLINOIS IN THE VICKSBUEG CAMPAIGNS. 

1862-1863 — Movements on the Mississi2)pi — Battle of Coffeeville, 
Holly Springs^ ' Farler^s Cross lioads, Chiclmsaic Bayou and 
Arkansas Post. 



Topographically considered North America must ever be the 
home of oue people. The destiny of the Mississippi Valley, the 
repository of the vast resources which past ages have accumulated 
for the beuetit of man, will be the destiny of the continent. The 
immense river system by which it is drained, having its source in 
the regions of the remote north, and its outlet in the distant south 
will, through the agency of commercial intercourse, neutralize the 
diversity of race, caused by climatic difterences and thus i)reveut 
the rise of separate nationalities. Further more the wide area 
thus bound b}^ commercial ties, is not only inseparable but will so 
dominatein population andpowerover the continental borderswhich 
sijrround it as to extend over them the same institutions and a 
common government. Should an attempt be made to close the 
gateways to the Pacific through the Rocky Mountains, there are 
not elements of power in the region beyond to cope with the force 
that would be arrayed against it. The St. Lawrence, the principal 
outlet to the Atlantic, although now subject to foreign jurisdic- 
tion, must ultimately become wholly subservient to the great val- 
ley. Nor is access to the sea through the INIississippi anymore 
likely to be permanently disturbed by a rival power on the south 
than are its resistless floods to be held by artificial barriers. The 
great heart of the continent with its exhaustless resources must 
through the vast river systems with which its surface is furrowed, 
send life sustaining supplies to its most distant extremities. 

At least so thought the hardy race of freemen who dwell on the 
Mississippi audits hundred tributaries, when the rebels attempted 
to obstruct its navigation, and in their might resolved that its 
commerce, in common with its waters, should flow undisturbed to 
the sea. Measures for the accomplishment of this object were 
first i)rojected by Fremont, and commenced by the formation of the 
fleet ami army under Foote and Grant at Cairo. Subsequently it 
gave character to the military operations of the West and ended 
with some of the most brilliant victories of the war. 

In erecting defences for the Mississippi the confederate authori- 
ties had to make them sufficiently formidable to withstand the 
attacks of the Union fleet on the one hand, and the operations of 
the land forces on the other. In the first particular they were far 
more successful than in the second, as the fate of nearly all their 
fortified forts was determined by contests between armies on the 
field. Columbus, the first position taken by the rebels, although 

799 



800 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

invincible in a naval assault, when uncovered by the capture of 
Done! son, its ,ifuns and garrison were transferred to Island JTo. 
10. Foote with the navy, followed to the saiue place, but after a 
bombardment of three weeks, he was unable to prevail against it. 
Pope's victory on the Kentnckj' shore, in the meantime, however, 
rendered it untenable and its munitions were sent to Fort Pillow, 
situated on Chicasaw bluff, 75 miles above Memphis. This strong- 
hold withstood a bombardment of six weeks without sustaining 
serious injury, but at length becoming entangled in the evil for- 
tunes attending the Confederate army at Corinth', it was like the 
other places nmxvoidably abandoned. 

Commodore Foote, suffering severely in tlfe meantime from 
a wound received at Donelson, was relieved of his com- 
mand and Capt. Davis appointed in his place. The latter 
immediately started in pursuit of the rebels who next tied to* 
Memphis, and on the 5th of June anchored his squadron 
above the city and i>repared for an engagement the next day. 
Five boats and two rams constituted his naval force, while the 
rebels had 7 boats, which in addition to their armament of guns 
were so constructed as to act as rams. The following morning, as 
the lofty spires of the city were glittering in the rising sun, the 
federal fleet slowly drifted down the river till that of the enemy 
was discovered near the western shore. Davis then ordered his 
boats to steam up the stream to give the men an opportunity to 
breakfast before going into the light. The rebels regarding this 
as a retreat and elated with the hope of an easy victory, imme- 
diately started in pursuit, firing round after round as they a^l- 
vanced. The contest now commenced with terrible earnestness, 
and in an hour and twenty minutes the entire rebel feet, excej^t 
one boat, was either captured or destroyed. Van Dorn, the rebel 
leader, who sat upon his horse a si)ectator of the fight, exclaimed: 
" It is all over Avith us," and galloped away. The federal tars, 
none of whom had been killed, were now ready for brealvfast. On 
the 4th of June, 18G2, the fleet proceeded southward to the mouth 
of White river, which it ascended for the i>urpose of removing 
rebel obstructions and opening communications with northwest- 
ern Arkansas. 

The first movement for opening the mouth of the Mississippi 
was the occupation of Sliip Island in December, 1801. The fol- 
lowing winter Gen. Butler took charge of the land fbrces, number- 
ing 8,000 men, and prepared to co-operate with the fleet under 
Commodore Farragiit. The latter arrived at the Island on the 
20th of February, 1862, and by great labor got his heavy ships 
over the bars into the river and commenced ascending its turbid 
currents. At 3 o'clock on the 24th of April he came within range 
of Forts Jackson and St. Philip and the rebel navy, when 500 
cannon opened with deafening roar their poiulerous missiles, 
weaving a iiery net work on the face of the sky, and falling with 
a thunderous crash into the midst of the opposing forts and fleets. 
Breasting the furious battle storm thefederalsquadron continued on 
its way toward the city of New Orleans, whitlier it anived on the 
25th to the great astonishment of its rebellious inhabitants. Gen. 
Butler took immediate possession and a portion of the fleet was 
sent up the river under Commodore Lee. It was not known 
what obstructions the enemy had interposed in the long 



THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. 801 



stretch of miles tlirough the confederacy, and the expedition 
moved slowly and cautiously. Taking po.ssessit)n of Baton liouge, 
Natchez and other places, on the 15th of May arrived at Vicks- 
burg and the city at once became famous in the annals of the 
rebellion. 

Only three days before the arrival of Lee, Beaureoard had com- 
menced the erection of batteries on the high bluffs overlooking 
the river. Had he come three days sooner the vast exi)enuiture 
of treasure and blood which the subsequent reduction of the 
place cost the country, might have been saved. The work of for- 
tifying was prosecuted with such energy that when Lee demanded 
the surrender the rebels were ready to defend it and refused to 
com[)ly. Concluding that his force was insufticient for the reduction 
of the works he wated till the 28th, when having received addi- 
tional boats from New Orleans, he commenced the bond^ardment. 
Still the force proved inadequate for the enemy meanwhile had 
proportionally increased the strength of the fortifications. The 
seige, nevertheless, was continued till Farragut with the entire 
fleet of gun and mortar boats, about the middle of June, anchored 
in the river below the city. Four regiments of infantry under 
Gen. Williams, also came up up and commenced cutting a canal 
across the narrow peninsula west of the city that the boats in 
passing might avoid the batteries located on the channel of the 
river. The fleet of Commodore Davis next came down the river, 
and it was determined with the combined force to again attempt 
the reduction. Accordingly the bombardment was renewed at 
close range and broadside after broadside was fired into the bat- 
teries without apparent efl'ect. Although the gunboats were 
unable to silence them, several succeeded in running by them and 
joining the fleet above. 

July the 15th the monotony of naval warfare was broken by the 
appearance of the powerful iron plated ram Arkansas, which 
steamed down the Yazoo, and after disabling two of the federal 
gunboats, sought safety under the fortifications. It was now 
feared the ram might destroy the morter fleet below, and the boats 
whi(;h had passed up the river were ordered to return, and finally 
on the 27th, the entire squadron withdrew from the city. Farra- 
gut fell down the river to New Orleans, while Davis in connection 
with Curtis, made a successful expedition up the Yazoo. The 
canal also proved a failure, and Williams retired with his force to 
Baton Rouge and the 70 days of the Vicksbnrg seige were at an end. 
During its continuance some 25,000 shot and shell were thrown 
into the town by the fleet when it became evident that like the 
other strongholds on the river above, it would require the co-oper- 
ation of the land forces to efl'ect its reduction. Let us now see 
liow this was to be effected. 

We have seen that after the second battle of Corinth, Ken- 
tucky and Middle Tennessee became the principal theatres of 
western military movements, and a large portion of Grant's force 
was sent to augment the army of Buell and that of his su(;cessor, 
Eosecrans, and hence he found it impossible to co-operate with the 
naval operations for the opening of the Mississippi. When, how- 
ever, in the latter part of the year 1802, he could command the 
requisite number of men, a movement against Vicksbnrg, the 
great stronghold of the river, again became the principal n)ilitary 
51 



802 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



enterprise of tlie west. The line held at this time by the Union army 
was the Memphis and Charleston railroad, the ri<;ht wing resting 
on Memphis and the left on Corinth. In front andoccnpying the 
line of the Yazoo and Tallahatchie its principal tribntary, were the 
forces of Van Dorn and Price, which, dnring the mouth of Novem- 
ber, were concentrated under Gen. Pembertou. To eliminate this 
force the real defense of Vicksburg from the numberless bayous 
and swamps peculiar to the country occupied, was now the prob- 
lem which Grant had to solve. 

He accordingly oixlered Sherman, commanding the right wing 
of the army at Memphis, to fall down the river and operate against 
the rebel linenear Vicksburg, a cavalry force from the trans-Missis- 
sippi army to cross the river and menace the railroad connections 
in Pemberton's rear, while he proposed to press him in front. The 
cavalry force under Geus. Hovey and^ Washburne, as arranged, 
crossed the river at Helena and des'troying the railroad, Pem- 
bertou was forced to fall back to Grenada 100 miles further 
south. Grant immediately followed and on the 3d of December, 
established his headquarters at Oxford, making Holly Springs 
through which he passed, his i)rincipal depot of supplies. As the 
result of these movements 3 engagements occurred with the ene- 
my, in rapid succession. 

Battle of CoffeevUle. — After the occupation of Oxford Colonels 
Di(;key and Lee, with the 4th and Ttli Illinois, and three other 
regiments of cavalry, on the 6th day of December, 18G2, advanced 
from Watervalley for the purpose of capturing Coffeeville,. sit- 
uated 11 miles north of Grenada. A short distance from the town 
they encountered the enemy, and after vainly endeavoring to dis- 
lodge him from his position. Col. Leepuslied forward a 10-pounder 
and opened upon them. A full rebel battery immediately replied 
and soon after a large force of infantry rose up from the ground 
where they had been concealed and poured volley after volley into 
the ranks of the federal skirmishers, compelling them to retire 
with severe loss. The Union officers, seeingtheir inability to cope 
with such a large force prepared to fall back, leaving part of the 
4th Illinois to cover their retreat. This snmll protecting force, 
however, was immediately driven by five regiments of rebel in- 
fantry who soon overtook the principal force and a retreating fight 
commenced. For a distance of three miles the contest was stub- 
boridy maintained, the retiring force halting at difterent points, 
sufficiently long to pour a volley into the ranks of their iiursuers 
and then resume their march. Night at length terminated the 
work of death and the federals retired without further molestation 
to their camping ground. The loss of the 4th Illinois in killed, 
wounded and missing was 17 ; that of the 7th, 34, and that of 
the entire force 99. Among the killed was the veteran McCulloch, 
Lieut. Col. commanding the 4th, who fell at the head of his regi- 
ment. 

Battle of Holly Springa. — Among a number of other important 
cavalry expeditions thrown out in difterent directions, that of Col. 
Dickey was sent to destroy a portion of the Mobile and Ohio rail- 
road. He left camp with the 7th and a portion of the 4th Illinois 
cavalry and subsequently joined by some trooj)ers from Iowa, on 



THE WAR OF THE EEBELLilON. 803 



the IGth and 17th they destroyed tlie railroad from Okalona to 
Saltillo, a distance of 34 miles. The force was now ready to re- 
turn but hearing that there was a large body of rebel cavalry at 
Pontotoc, Dickey determined to move in that direction and take 
observations. In the reconnoisance some 22 regiments were dis- 
covered which subse(inently proved to be the cavalry of Van Dorn 
who was on his way to cai)ture Holly Springs. The next day the 
force hastened to return, and without further detention arrived at 
Oxford and reported the movement of the rebel cavalry to Gen. 
Grant. The latter immediately divined VanDorn's object and 
telegrajdied Col. Murphy, the commandant of Holly Springs that 
he would be attacked the next day, and that reinforcements would 
be sent to him. 

As intimated, on the 20th of December the rebel cavalry dashed 
into town and the infantry guarding the government stores, only 
100 in number, were soon overwhelmed and forced to submit. The 
remaining infantry dis[)ersed in (bfferent parts of the town on 
picket duty, unable to act in concert. Mere captured in small de- 
tachments. Theca\alrv, coni})anies of the 2d Illinois, were com- 
pelled to cut their way through thousands to avoid a similar 
fate. The rebels had come prepared with canteens tilled 
Avith tur[)entine and immediately used it in firing the rail- 
road trains, one of whi(;h was laden with cotton. Soon all the 
railroad buildings, some 30 dwellings, 1,800 bales of cotton, and 
the great arsenal which the rebels themselves had built, and in 
which Grant had deposited immense quantities of army sn])plies, 
were wrapped in flames. By degrees the contlagration spreatl to the 
square where large quantities of powder had been stored, and sud- 
denly an explosion occuiTed which shook the earth and tore all the 
adjoining buildings to fragments. Whiskey was found among the 
sj)()ils and the rebel soldiery previously intoxicated by victory 
and now maddened by the effects of spirits, shouted and yelled 
in unison with the raging elements. It was known to Van Dorn 
that a number of cotton buyers were in town and squads of cav- 
alry were detailed to go round ami conduct them to his head- 
quarters. Each was closely questioned as to his business, then 
searched, and his money handed over to a receiver. In this man- 
ner more than .$100,000 were taken from private individuals.* 

As Mnri)hy's force of 1,800 men was sutticiently large to defend 
the pla(!e till the arrival of aid, he was severely and justly censured 
for his cul[)ability. In pleasant contrast with his cowardice was the 
conduct of the Illinois cavalry, which was thus conqjlimented by the 
corres})ondent of the j\fissourl Democrat : '• Six companies of the 
2d Illinois cavalry were completely surrounded in the town by at 
least as many thousands, and were called on to surrender, 
to which demand they made reply by dashing on the 
enemy's forces a-iul nobly cutting their way out. Not a more gal- 
lant deed has been done during the war. Six hundred against 
8,000, and still they hewed their waythrough them and escaped.'' 

* Some of the speculators managed to save ihcir funds by placin<r them in the cus- 
tody of the ladies with whom they were boardiny: One {lentlenuin who had arrived in 
town only the day before, entrusted some S40,000 to his landlady who, althoutrh a strong 
secessionist, faithfully returned It. It Is said a number of ladies wore belts during 
the rebel occupation of the town, containing nortliern funds amounting in some ia- 
stances to $50,000, and in no instance was the trust reposed in them betrayed. 



804: HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

Battle of Parker^s Cross Roads. — Grant's communicatious were 
also tlireateiied by tbe operations of Forrest. Ou the 18th of 
December, Gen. Snllivan in command of Jackson, learning that 
Forrest in charge of a band of rebel cavalry, had crossed the Ten- 
nessee to captnre the town, commenced preparations to prevent 
the consummation of his design. Having been reinforced by two 
brigades under Gens. Fuller and Brayman, the next day he sent 
out the 43d Illinois to oppose the advance of the enemy. The 
regiment having concealed itself, awaited the appearance of 
Forest, when it tired a destructive volley into the midst of his 
men. Not being sufficiently strong to check the rebels it slowly 
retired till Gen. Brayman's brigade was thrown out and drove them 
back. Having heard on the 21st that detachments of Forrest's 
men had destroyed a portion of the Mobile and Ohio Eailroad, 
and cai>tured Humboldt, Trenton and a number of other sta- 
tions, Gen. Haynie was ordered to rei)air the damages. With the 
100th, the 110th Illinois, 1 company of the 18th and 90 men of tbe 
11th Illinois cavalry, and a brigade of Iowa troops, he proceeded 
ou the railroad to the first break and commenced repairing it. 
Having put the road in running order he moved to Humboldt, 
where he was reinforced by the 120th and the 122d Illinois and 
the 7th Tennessee. Thence moving to Trenton he learned the 
situation of Forest and communicated the information by tele- 
graph to Gen. Sullivan, who immediately joined him with all his 
available force. Forrest was advancing toward the Tennesse which 
he desired to cross and Gen. Sullivan at once seized the bridges 
on the most available routes, and the enemy, as the only alterjia- 
tive, moved southwest and got on the Lexington road. The fed- 
eral commander soon became apprised of this movement and sent 
Col. Dunham of the 5th Indiana, with a brigade, to intercept him. 
On the morning of the 31st of December, 1802, the force reached 
Parker's Cross lioads, a short distance south of Clarksburg, and 
Col. Dunham was surprised to find himself confronted by several 
thousand rebels, commanded by the redoubtable Forrest, and the 
road through which he must pass nearly encircled by rebel cav- 
alry. Escape being impossible. Col. Dunham formed his men in 
solid column and soon they were enveloped in a storm of shot and 
shell. 

Although outnumbered two to one they returned the fire with 
such well directed aim and invincible determination, that the en- 
emy Avas kept back till their amunition became exhausted when, 
by a sudden flank movement, they were completely surrounded. 
Bayonets were now substituted for poAvder and bullets, and still 
the}' persisted infighting. Forrest, believing their position hoi)e- 
less and not knowing Avhether it was possible for a Yankee gen- 
geral ever to consider himself whipped, ordered a cessation of 
hostilities and sent a flag of truce to demand a surrender. Dun- 
ham rei)lied, "Give my compliments to the general and tell him I 
never surrender. If he thinks he can take me let him try." Some 
of this pluck and independence was doubtless based on an expec- 
tiition of reinforcements. Nor was this anticipation unfounded. 
"While the rebel general was considering Avhat course to pursue. 
Gens. Sullivan and Haynie came up Avith their forces and pre- 
l);ued for action. Stricken with amazement at their sudden ap- 
pearance the rebels fled, despite the almost frantic exertions of 



THE "WAR OF THE REBELLION. 805 

tlieir officers to hold them in position. The loss of the enemy in 
killed, wounded and prisoners, as reported by Forest himself, 
to a captured federal officer, was fully a thousand. The national 
loss was one hundred, mostly sustained by the V22d Illinois. This 
gallant regiment and a portion of the 18th Illinois, constituted 
part of Ool. Dunham's brigade and were thu« complimented in. 
his report : "The 122d 111. deserves especial notice. It is compara- 
tively a new regiment and part of it was at one time more exposed 
to the enemy's lire than any other ; at any rate it suffered more in 
killed and wounded. Its gallant colonel fell severely wounded, 
yet its courage never flagged and it met every duty and danger 
with unwavering resolution. The detachment of the 18th Illi- 
nois acted for the most part with it and deserves the same com- 
mendation." 

The frequent raids on Grant's communications and the destruc- 
tion of his stores at length compelled him to fall back to Holly 
Springs and abandon his original plan of formiug a junction with 
Sherman on the Yazoo. 

Battle of Chicasaiv Bayou. — The latter in the meantime had em- 
burked his division in transports at Memphis, steamed down the 
Mississipj)!, formed a junction with the fleet of gun-boats under 
Admiral Porter, ascended the Yazoo and at Chicasaw bayou made 
an assault on the enemy. This bayou is the northern portion of 
an old channel of the Yazoo extending from the present river to 
the Mississip[)i near Vicksburg and with the exception of one or 
two i)hices was still tilled with water. Immediately east are the 
Walnut Hills, a high range of land trending northeasterly from 
Vicksburg to Haines' bluff where they impinge against the Yazoo. 
From tiie Mississippi, a distance of 15 miles, the sides and sum- 
mits (if the highhmds frowned with rebel rifle i)its and batteries, 
wbih', at their base, ran the Vicksburg and Yazoo City road 
ahnig which the enemy could [)ush his artilley and infantry if any 
attempt siiould be made to cross tlie bayou. 

It was this exterior line of the Vicksburg defenses that Sher- 
man intended to pierce when, on the 20th of J^ecember 1802, he 
debarked his army of some 4(),(>0(> men. The bayou could only be 
crossed at 3 points, where the torrents from the hills had washed 
sufficient quantity of material to form a natural causeway for the 
passage of tro()[)S. On the morning of the 27th Steele's division 
on the right, passing around the north end of the bayou, endeavor- 
ed to move along the west side to silence a battery commanding 
one of the passages, Morgan's division, containing the 118th Il- 
linois, proceeded around the south end, while INlorgan L. Smith's, 
and A. J. Smith's, the former containing the ooth and lloth Illi- 
nois, and the latter the 77th and 108tlj, further southward ad- 
vanced toward the lagoons connecting the bayou and the Missis- 
si[)pi. Beibro, however, the engagement pro[>er]y commenced, 
Steele found it impossible to reach the hostile battery, and was 
ordered to icturn and reinforce iAlorgan L. Smith, the united force 
moved rapidly forward and soon connnenced skirmishing with 
the encnry wiio, during the entire <lay, stnbbornly resisted but 
were slowly driven back. Blair's brigade of Steele's, andDecour- 
cev's, of Morgan's division, while feeling the enemy, unmasked a 
battery which immediately opened on them. The battery was 



806 HISTOEY OF ILLINOIS. 



soon silenced and tlie 13tli and 16tli Illinois made a gallant charge 
on the rebels, and when nightfall ended the contest they were 
driven a quarter of a mile from their original line. 

During the night the enemy received reinforcements, and at 
dawn on the 2Stli, heavy cannonading was commenced on Blair's 
brigade and Morgan's division. The latter also brought forward 
artillery, and after a sharp exchange of shot and shrapnel, prepa- 
rations were made for a charge. Blair's brigade and Gen. Wyman 
with the loth and lOtii Illinois, were drawn up for the assault. 
The order was given to advauce and Gen. Wyman i>]acing him- 
self at the head of the loth, arrived within 80 yards of the rebel 
batteries and succeeded in unmanning 2 of the guns. Here rais- 
ing his s\vord in the air, as he was about giving tlje conunand to 
charge, he was pierced through the body by a minnie ritle ball. 
Col. Gorgas immediately ran to his assistance, when he raised 
himself up and seeing his regiment in confusion, exclaimed, "For 
God's sake Colonel, leave me and attend to these men." As 
directed Col. Gorgas at once rallied the men, took the battery and 
in conjunction with Gen. Blair drove the enemy from the held. 
Wynuin's wound proved to be mortal ami he died in the arms of 
an attendant on the battle ground immortalized by his valor. He 
had entered the service as Colonel of the loth Illinois, and for 
his bravery on the field, was commissioned brigadier-general by 
the president and was highly esteemed for his many virtues by 
all who knew him. 

On the 29th it was proposed to make a concerted attack with a 
view of crossing the bayou and carrying the heights beyond. 
Morgan's division reinforced by the brigades of Blair and Tliayer 
moved forward as a storming columu under a furious cannonade. 
Blair's men succeeded in crossing the bayou and cai)turiiig two 
lines of rifle pits, and while he returned to get reinforcements, 
fought with desperate energy to reach the summit of the hills. 
The rebel riflemen whom they had driven back, retired into a 
growth of willows higher up the hill. Into this covert the the 13th 
lllimjis fearlessly charged, and in a hand to hand contestqnii;kly 
dislodged them. Thayer's brigade also gained the rifle pits, but 
being unable to get sui)ports, both brigades were compelled to 
retire. An assault by M. L, Smith's division was likewise unsiic- 
sessful. One regiment, the 0th Missouri, crossed the bayou but 
the opposite bank was too abrupt to be ascended and the suceed- 
ing night it Mas ordered back. A. J. Smith's division bridged the 
bayou within two miles of Vicksburg, but the enemy was so strong 
in his front an assault was not deemed advisable. The day thus 
ended with defeat, although the national troo^js fought and ex- 
XJOsed themselves with almost reckless daring. The 13th Illinois 
esxiecially exhibited a bravery which neither overwhelming num- 
bers nor the territic fire to which they were exposed during most 
of the battle could effect. Tiie loss of the federal troops was, 
killed, 11)1; wounded, 982; missing, 750. 

Tlie position of the enemy naturally strong, was rendered almost 
impregnable by every a|)plian(;e of military art. Signals were 
established on the highest peaks and batteries planted on every 
available bluff" and their guns wherever an assault was attempted, 
could be turned with destructive effect. Sherman, therefore con- 
cluding it impossible to force the confederate line of defences 



THE "WAR OF THE REBELLION. 807 

deteriniued to throw a large force in transports up tlie Yazoo to 
pass round tliem. It was proposed to effect a landing at Haines' 
Bluff during tbe night, and Steele's division was embarked for this 
purpose, but a heavy fog settled on the river and the euterjirise 
was abandoned. 

The entire army now got aboard transports and sailed down the 
Yazoo to the ]Mississii)pi where Gen. Mc'Clernand awaited in the 
steamer Tigress to assume comnumd. The conception and organ- 
ization of tlie expedition was in a great measure the result of his 
sagacity and labors aiid he was now regarded as a suitable person 
to conduct its future operations. As early as the 28th of Septem- 
ber, while on a visit to Washington he subndtted an elaborate 
plan for the opening of the jMississippi. It not only contempla- 
ted the reduction of Vicksburg by moving a column of some 
00,()0() men by way of the Mississippi and Yazoo, but proposed to 
follow up the advantages of victory by siezing important (titles, 
railroad centers and other points of military value, east of the 
river. Its author, as the subsequent events of the war in the 
Southwest abundantly prove, had grasped the full significance of 
the enterprise and the best method of conducting it to a success- 
ful completion, lie sums up its imi)ortance in a military view as 
follows: 

1st. Because it would afford the means of cheap and easy communica- 
tion between our troops dispersed at different points on the Mississippi 
river and its navigable tributaries, and because it would facilitate tlieir 
concentration at any one or more of tliose points. 

2d. Because it would cheapen the cost of sui^plying our men and ani- 
mals at or near New Orleans, witli provision and forage. It would do 
that by substituting tiie overflowing granaries of the Northwest for tlie 
remoter sources of such supplies in the East. 

3d. Because in securing to us the command of the Mississippi, it would 
enable us to stop tlie communication between the revolted States and 
their armies east and west of Red river, thus isolating each section as to 
the other, destroying the unity of their plans and combinations and cut- 
ting off the rebel forces east of that river from their wonted source of 
supplies in Texas. 

Tlie president and secretary of war having approved his i)lans 
as early as October, he received the following dispatcii from the 
latter, urging him to hasten forward the expedition. jMr. Lincoln 
in the order which conferred u[)ou him the authority for this pur- 
pose, thus speaks of this enterprise: "I feel a deep interest in 
the su(;cess of the expedition and desire it to be pushed hu'ward 
with all possible despatch, consistent with other parts of the ndli- 
tary service." 

In accordance with these instructions, Gen. McClernand for- 
warded from Illinois, Indiana and Ohio, some 40,000 men for this 
pur[)ose, and on the 18th of December the following des})atch 
was sent from the War Department to Gen. Grant at Oxford, 
Miss. "The troops of your department including those from 
Gen. Curtis' command, which join the down river expedition will 
be divided into 4 corps. It is the wish of the president that Gen. 
McClernand's cori)s shall constitute a ])art of the river expedi- 
tion and that he sluill have the immediate coinnnind under your 
direction." Gen. McClernand left Springfield on the liath of De- 
cember for Mem})his where he received (jommunications from 
Grant in relation to his new command. Thence descending the 
Mississippi to the mouth of the Y^azoo, he assumed command as 
previously stated. 



808 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



He now styledliis forces the Army of the Mississippi, and desiring 
to devote bis undivided attention to the general interests of tlie 
expedition, retained Gen. Slieriuan in coiuinand of tlie loth army 
corps, and assigned the 13th to Gen. Morgan. The former con- 
sisted of two divisions commanded by Steele and Stuart, the tirst 
containing the 13th Illinois infantry, the 3d and acompany of the 
loth lUinois cavalry; and the L'd the 113th and llGth Illinois in- 
fantry, Willard's and Taylor's batteries and two com])anies of 
Thielman's battalion of Illinois cavalry. The latter corps also 
consisted of two divisions, the 1st commanded by A. J. Smith, 
containing the 77th, 97th, 108th, 131st Illinois infantry, and the 
Chicago Mercantile battery ; the 2d commanded by P. J. Oster 
haus, of the llSth Illinois. 

Capture of ArMnsas Post. — The same day he assumed command 
he started with the army for Arkansas Post, or Port Ilindmau, 
situated on a bend of the Arkansas river about titty miles from 
its mouth. It was a strong bastioned fortitication surrounded by 
a deep moat and furnished with ten guns. Two of them were 
Columbiads surrounded by immense casements, one on the river 
side and tiie other in the northeastern bastion. On the bank of 
the river below was a hue of riHe pits and a number of embra- 
sures made in the levee for the use of cannon. This rebel strong- 
hold formed the kej' to Little Rock, 117 miles above and was 
the source whence a number of rebel detachments had proceed- 
ed for the purpose destroying the supplies destined for the forces 
operating on the Mississippi. Only a few days before the lilue 
Wing a governmont transport laden with valuable stores had 
been destroyed by a predatory party of this kind and Gen. McCler- 
uand now in'oposed to end these annoyances by the cai)ture of 
the fort. 

The expedition ascended the Mississippi to the mouth of White 
Eiveraud after a short pause entered its narrow channel which 
wound serpent like through dense forests centuries old and grey 
bearded with Spanish moss, whose dim aisles strangely rever- 
berated with the whistles of the struggling engiju's and sent 
back in weird echoes the voices of men on board the tieet. Af- 
ter threading this mere ribbon of waters the boats turned into 
the Arkansas where the channels of the two rivers unite and con- 
tinued to ascend the latter stream. On arriving within three 
miles of the fort they drew near a great plantation on the 
eastern side of the stream for debarkation. jSTight came on be- 
fore this could be effected and a strong picket force was thrown 
out between the tieet and the rebels who could be heard busily 
engaged in felling trees iu the woods beyond to strengthen their 
defense. 

At early dawn the work of landing commenced, each boat ap- 
proaching the shore and pouring forth its crowds of soldiers, Eeg- 
iments, brigades and di\isions soon collected and commenced 
stretching out in line to the right for the purpose of investing the 
works. After toiling for several hours in this direction, impassa- 
ble bayous and swamps were encountered and the right and cen- 
tre of the line were compelled to return. AVhen night came on. 
they entered a more practicable route near the enemy's works 
ami by a o'clock the next morning reached the opposite side of 



THE WAE, OF THE REBELLION. 809 

the bend and were able to command the river above and be- 
low the fort. When the investing;- Ihie was thus made complete, 
Steele's divison occupied the ri<;ht, and those of Stuart, Snuth, 
aud Osterhaus exteniled toward the left in in the order mentioned. 

Admiral Porter with three iron clads and a tieet of light draft 
gunboats had accompanied the expedition to co-operate with the 
land forces. While the latter was making the necessary detour to 
surround the fort, Porter i)ushed forward the ileet to ascertain 
the range and strength of the enemy's guns. Oi)eiiing within 400 
yards of the works he soon demonstrated the superiority of his 
fire by partially silencing the hostile batteries. During the en- 
gagement the Katler, one of the light draft boats, ran by the fort 
and commenced an enfilading fire, but becoming entangled among 
snags was compelled to return. The attack was made late in the 
afternoon of Saturday, and night soon conung on ended the con- 
test. Sunday morning, the 11 th of January 1SG3, the enemy, 
finding himself greatly outnumbered, had retired to his inner 
defenses, where, owing to their great strength he hoped to make 
a successful resistam:;e. All the federal batteries having been 
placed in position at 1 o'clock, a simiultaneous assault commenced 
by both iKivy and army. The fire was terrific, the rebel batteiies 
sweei)ing the plain in front of the works withcannister while they 
hurled at the gunboats their own shot recently taken from the 
Blue Wing. Twice charges were made by different commands, 
but so destructive was the fire they were (compelled to return 
without reaching the coveted goal. Meanwhile a tremendous con- 
centrated fire from the surrounding federal batteries on land and 
water was rapidly silencing those of the fort. Their huge shells, 
after continual pounding at tlie great casemates at length affected 
an entrance, and, explodijig within, tore the rebel artillerists into 
fragments. As the afternoon wore away the fire was increased 
till the bomb-proofs were battered to jneces and all the heavy 
guns were either broken or dismounted. The infantry had, in the 
meantime, fought its way foward and Just as it was about to 
charge into the fort a white flag was run up and the battle ceased. 
At 4^ o'clock the national troops took possession of the works. 
Seven staml of colors, 17 cannon, 5,000 prisoners, besides large 
numbers of other munitions fell into the hands of the conquerors. 
The loss of the latter was 129 killed, 831 wounded, and 17 missing. 

This signal triumph coming after the reverses of Grant and 
Sherman, greatly encouraged the army and thus prepared for the 
arduous labors yet to be performed in the reduction of Vicksburg, 
the [>rimary object of the campaign. The government became 
more hopeful, and its chief magistrate returned thanks to Gen. 
McClernand and his brave army for the important services which 
they had rendered the country. One fourth of the troops Mho 
fought in the battle and shared in the glory of victory were from 
Illinois. The commanding general, John Alexander McClernand, 
Avas born in Kentucky of Scotch parents, who while he was young, 
removed to Shawneetown, Illinois. Here he studied law and soon 
rose to distinction in the practice of his ]i)rofession. His first mil- 
itary experience was acquired in the Black Hawk war, during which 
in the performance of a number of gallant actions, he evinc-ed 
superior address and daring. In 183(> he was elected a mendier 
of the legislature, in which he was made commissioner and treas- 



810 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



iirer of the Illiuois and Micliigau Caual. lu 1S38 lie was ten- 
dered tbe office of lieuteu ant-governor, wliicli he declined, not 
having attained the constitutional age of 30 years. He served two 
additional terms in the legislature, and while still a member in 
184:3, was elected a representative to the 2Sth cougress. During 
the session, as one of the committee on jiublic lands, he brought 
forward a bill donating land to aid in the completion of the Illi- 
nois and Michigan Canal. He was four times re-elected to con- 
gress. During tlie summer of 1850 he prepared and introduced 
the first draft of the famous compromise measures and the same 
year drafted a bill, granting land to aid in the construction of 
the Illinois Central Eailroad. While still a member of congress, 
in 1801, at the instance of Gov. Yates, he took command of a 
volunteer force at Cairo and assisted in sui)pressing the contra- 
band trade then carried on by means of the Mississippi and Ohio 
rivers. We have already spoken of his operations at Donaldson 
and Shiloh. As a soldier he was vigilant, sagacious and brave. 
As a memorial of Illinois valor, one of the broken guns of the 
fort was sent to Gov. Yates, and is still preserved as a State 
relic.-' 

I* The following- correspondence occurred in connection with its presentation: 
"iJiS Excellency Richard Yates, Govenior of lllhuiiH: 

"I have the honor to send j'ou a broken Parrott piece, captured by the force under my 
command at Arliansas Post. The piece was broken by a shot from one of the guns of 
my batteries. Please accept it on behalf of the noble State you so worthily represent, 
as an humble testimonial of the esteem and admiration of the brave men whose valor 
wrested it as a trophy from the enemy. J. A. McCLERNAND, 

"Major-General Commanding." 

"Maj. Gen. J. A. McClernand, Vicksburo, Sliss. 

"Dear sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the broken Parrot gun 
captured by the army under your command at Arkansas Post, and to express ray ac- 
knowledgement in the name of the i)eople therefor. It also gives me great pride 
and satisfaction to do so, from the fact that I regard the victory at Arkansas Post,' 
gained under able and energetic generalship Qf a distinguished olhcer and citizen of 
Illinois, as second in importance and consequence only to Fojt Dotielson, in which that 
officer also prominently i)articipated. Fort Donelson and Arkansa,-* Post, dear general, 
I regard as the two great and positive victories of the war in the West. May your par- 
ticipation in the third be equally promment and attended by as substantial advanta- 
ges and glorious results. 

"With sentiments of respect and esteem, I am your most obedient servant. 

KICHAKD YATES, Governor." 



Chapter LXI. 

1863— ILLINOIS IN THE VICKSBUEG CAMrAIGNS. 

Baffles of Fort Gibson, Raymond, Jaclison, Chani^non Hills and 
BJacli River, Griersou''s Raid — lSie(je and Capture of VioJcshurg 



Md'Cleriiaud next proposed to strike a blow at Little Eoek, but 
Gen. Grant arriving at the fort a few days after the battle, or- 
dered the army to Yonng's Point opposite the mouth of the Yazoo 
whitlier he arrived on the 29th of January, 1803. His forces, 
greatly strengtliened by the addition of McPherson's corjjs from 
the river above, and the fleet under Commodore Porter, he was 
ready to resume more immediate operations for the reduction of 
Vicksbnrg. For this purpose it was necessary to get his army on 
the east side of the Mississippi and in the rear of the city, a feat 
Avhich lie found extremely difficult to perform. Five different ex- 
pedients were tried, tiiree of which were to get around the bat- 
teries on the Mississii)i)i at Yicksburg, and two round those of the 
Y^azoo at Haines' Bluff. The first was an attempt to complete the 
canal commenced by (jcn. AVilliams, but unfortunately when nearly 
hnished a flood in the Mississii)pi rendered it im}»racticable. Tiie 
second was a- canal from Millikin's I>end tlirongh a number of 
bayous communicating with the Tensas river, and thence to the i\lis- 
sissij)pi at New Carthage. The third was an inland passage by 
wa,v of Lake Providence, the Tensas, Washita, Black and Eed 
rivers. The 4th and most promising plan was to get from tlie 
Mississippi into the Yazoo above the batteries at Haines' l>lufl 
through Moon Lake and the Coldwater and Tallahatchie rivers. 
The 5th was to efl"ect a circuit of the Haines' lUufl" batteries by 
way of Steel's bayou, connecting with the Y^azoo 7 miles above its 
mouth thence by Bhick bayou, Dear Creek and Sunflower 
river to the Yazoo, sonu' (JO miles above its mouth. 

Such is the remarkable hy(lrogra[)hical character of the region 
in which the army was oi)erating, that by cutting the levees ol' the 
Mississippi, and renn)ving obstructions from the chaniu'ls of 
bayous, passages could be opened for the advance of the gun- 
boats and transports along the several routes mentioned, A'ast 
labors were exi)ended and the whole of February and ]\!arch 
consumed in attempts to avoid the hostile batteries by these routes, 
and when in two or three instances success was almost attained, 
some unexpected or unavoidable obstacle intervened and they 
Avere all finally abandoned. A man of less determined libre than 
Grant would have been overwhelmed b}' the icpeated lailures. 
Defeat, however, only nerved him for renewed exertions. AVhen 
one expedient failed another Avas quickly substituted, and at 
length the city Avhich had so long delied the approach of his army 
Avas laid under seige and com])elled to surrender. 811 



812 HISTORY OP ILLINOIS. 



TliG number of probable operations for its reduction was now 
reduced to one, tbat of moving the army on tbe west side of tlie 
river, crossing- below the rebel fortifications and ascending on tbe 
Vicksburg side. The conception of this plan was easy, but its 
execution appalling. As a requisit gunboats and transports must 
descend the Slississippi in opposition to the hostile batteries to 
furjiish facilities for crossing, and the army, when on the eastern 
side of the river, must cut itself oft" from its base of supplies and 
depend upon the contingency of beating the enemy in the field 
before another could be established. The commanding general 
unmoved by these perils, determined to hazard a trial. Accord- 
ingly the 13th army corps, commanded by McClernand, consisting 
of 4 divisions in charge of Gens. Osterhaus, A.J. Smith, Carrand 
Hovey, and containing the 33d, 77th, i)7th, 99th, 108th and 120th 
Illinois infantry, portions of the 2d and 3d Illinois cavalry and the 
Peoria and Chicago Mercantile batteries, on the 29th of March left 
Milliken's Bend above Vicksburg for Kew Carthage below\ 
McPherson with the 17th corps, followed as fast as the imperfect 
roads would pernut. Vast bogs intersected with bayous were 
encountered, and it became necessary to construct causeways over 
the o]ie and bridges over the other. Arriving at Xew Carthage it 
was found to be an island, the rebels having flooded the entire 
region round by cutting the adjacent levees of the Mississippi. 
Under these circumstances the march was continued to Grand 
Gulf farther down the river, where the lowest of the Vicksburg 
works was located. 

In the meantime Porter was making i)reparations to execute the 
fearless enterprise of descending the river with a portion of the 
fleet. It being deemed best not to compel the crews of the boats 
designated for this purpose to accompany them, volunteers to man 
them were called for. Soon more men ofle red their services than 
could be accepted. Logan's division of the 17th corps, alone 
furnishing the number required. Of the G5 men furnished by 
the Illinois troops for this daring feat the 81st furnished 10, the 
Sth 11, the 45th 13, the 31st 9, the 20th 8, the 30th 4, and the 11th 
1. It was arranged that 8 gunboats should proceed in sin- 
gle file down the river and engage the batteries, while 3 a(;com- 
panying transports should pass unnoticed near the western shore. 
A little before midnight the boats with their lights concealed, 
moved like huge phantoms down the stream. Despite the at- 
tempt at concealment they were discovered and suddenly a sheet 
of flame, keeping pace with the advancing boats, flashed along 
the 8 mile of rebel batteries which lined the .bank of the river. 
Simultaneously the fleet rei)lied, and for miles distant the tor- 
tuous windings of the Mississii>pi echoed with the thunders of 
artillery. It was hoped in the general commotion the frail trans- 
ports might escape unobserxed, butsuddeidy a huge bonfire threw 
aglareoverthe w^aters with such brilliancy that the most miiuitc ob- 
jects could be seen, and they soon became targets for the enemy's 
guns. From the effects of shot oneof them was set on fire and soon 
became a mass of flame, while another was rendered unmanagable, 
but fortunately a gunboat towed it beyond the range of the bat- 
teries without further injury. The rest of the fleet, although ex- 
l)Osed for an hour to an incessant fire, i>assed through in safety, 
and with the excex^tiou of one killed and t^^ o Avounded, the crews 



THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. 813 

were fjivored Avith like immunity. Tiiis nnexpeeted success in- 
duced Grant to order G more transports and lU barges to run the 
blocicade, and from the list of eager api)licants who at once volun- 
teered to man them in the dangerous experiment, tlie requisite num- 
ber waschosen by lot.* With the comi>letion of tliepreparations the 
boats started down the river, and witli strange good fortune nu>st 
of them got below without injury. Having now a sutticient num- 
ber of transports and gunboats to attbrd the necessary protection 
it wiis determined to effect a i)assage of the river at Grand Gidf. 
The rebels in the meantime, had erected batteries on the adjacent 
heights and a combined hind ami naval attack was })lanned for 
their reduction. Porter commenced the assault but a bombiird- 
nu^nt of 5 hours failing to make any serious impression, andGraut 
being unwilling to expose his men in an attack by land, ordered a 
continuance of the march to Bruinsburg, farther down the river. 
"When night came on the gunboats again opened on the batteries, 
and undercover of the fire the transi>orts, safely passed below while 
the laiul forces passed unobserved through the forest to the place 
selected for crossing. The next day, without farther disturbance, 
the army was ferried to the opposite shore, and Grant as the re- 
ward of unparalled perseverance, at length had the satisfaction 
of seeing it in a situation Avhere he could effectually operate 
against the enemy. This result was partly due to the vigor with 
which it had been executed, and partly to the success with which 
the attention of the enemy had been drawn in a different direc- 
tion. Sherman, with Blair's division, had steamed up the Yazoo, 
and feigning an attack, successfully diverted the attention of the 
rebel commander from the real object which Grant sought to 
accomplish at Bruinsburg. 

xVfter the passage of the river, McClernand with the 13th corps 
pushed forward in the direction of Port Gibson, and on the 18th 
of i\Iay encountered the enemy tour miles from the town. The 
force proved to be 11,0U0 men under Gen. Bowen whohad marched 
from Grand Gulf, when it became known that Grant had suc- 
ceeded in crossing the river. Carr's division in advance was met 
by a light fire of artillery and musketry which it soon silenced. 
The troops rested on their arms the short remainder of the night, 
where at dawn the enemy was found strongly posted on a narrow 
ridge with impassable ravines on either side. McClernand having 
made a reconnoisance of the situation at an early hour, a i)ortion 
of the 3oth Illinois was moved to the rear of the position sigmil- 
ized by the night attack with orders to hold it till relieved by 
Gen. Osterhaus. In a few minutes their skirmishers were at the 
outposts of the enemy and a sharp fire of artillery* and musketry 
ensued. Osterhaus soon marched to their relief and in a fierce 
struggle of an hour's duration succeeded in driving the enemy 
from this position. While he was thus engaged on the right Gen. 
Carr made an assault on the left which, after several hours' furi- 
ous fighting, terminated in a nmgnificent charge by the division 
of Gen Ilovey. As the result, the enemy Avas driven back several 
miles and lost one stand of colors, two guns and 400 prisoners. 

* One incident will illustrate the spirit which animated the troops. A small boy 
whom the fates had favored with a successful number, was offered SlOO for liis privi- 
lege which he refused to accept and afterwards lived to tell of the part he performed 
in the dangerous feat. 



814 HISTOEY OF ILLINOIS. 



A second position was taken by tlie retreating army in tlie bot- 
tom of a creeli >Yhere it was sheltered by timber and had the advan- 
tage of an open liekl in front. The commands of Carr and Hovey 
followed till they arrived at the slope ON'crlooking the creek when 
the battle again commenced. The rebels massed a large force for 
the purpose of turning the federal right but their exposed tiank was 
X)roniptly supported by Smith's division till Hovey got his artillery 
in })osition and drove them back. A second time they concentrated 
their forces for a similar purpose but Carr's division with detach- 
ments from Hovey's and Smith's, and after an obstinate 
struggle again beat them back, when night ended the 
contest. Tlie confederates hastily retreating nnder cover of dark- 
ness across Bayou Pierre, burnt the bridges in their rear, 
while the Union army the next day occupied Fort Gibson. 

The loss of the latter in killed and wounded was some GOO, but 
the victory was worth the cost. ri\ e guns and 4,000 prisoners 
fell into the hands of the victors. Furthermore, Grant had now 
secured a tirm lodgement on thehigh plateau east of the river u[)on 
which, as exigency might demand, he could move against any 
l^oint of the rebel line. Also with the retreat of the vanquished 
army the garrison withdrew from Grand Gulf and it became the 
base of sup[>lies for the Union army. 

Illinois was largely represented in the battle, and its auspicious 
termination was largely owing to the sturdy blows dealt by her hardy 
sons. As Logan's division of McPherson's corps came up in time 
to participate in the action, the Illinois troops engaged were de- 
tachments of the 2d and 3d cavalry, the Peoria light artillery and 
Chicago Mercantile batterv, ami the 8th, 11th, liOth, 30th, ' 31st, 
33d, 4oth, 77th, 81st, 97th DDth, 108th, and llSth regiments 
of infantry. Of the latter the 33d, 99th andll8th, are men- 
tioned in the ofiticial reports of the battle as having fought with 
great success and daring. 

Boweu, after his defeat at Port Gibson, crossed Big Black 
river and was ordered thence by Pend)erton to the vicinity of 
Vicksburg. As the result of the victory Grand Gulf was evacu- 
ated and Grant changed his base of sui)plies from Bruinsburg to 
that place, and foUowed the retreating rebels as far as Hankin- 
son's ferry, where they crossed the river. Here, while awaiting the 
arrival of Sherman's corps, he made a feint in the direction ofYicks- 
bnrg to conceal his contemplated operations eastward. General 
Johnson, who at this time had supreme command of the confed- 
erate forces of the West, was with Bragg in Tennessee, but in con- 
stant communication with Pemberton. Grant was therefore afraid 
to move directly on Vicksburg lest Johnson with a force from the 
East should assail him in the rear. To avoid a contingency of 
this kind he directed McClernand and Sherman to move along the 
eastern side of Black river so as to strike the Vicksburg railroad 
at Edward's station, while McPherson was to make a detour far- 
ther eastward and destroy the rebel stores and lines of commuid- 
eation. 

Battle of Raymond. — On the morning of May 12th Mcl^herson's 
advanced cavalry met near Baymond a. strong body of rebel in fan try. 
A severe engagement ensued in which the 2d Illinois cavalry be- 
haved with great gallantry and lost several men. Owing to the 



THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. 815 



situation of the foe iu the woods, it was found impossible for 
mounted men to dislodge him, and Logan's division was ordered 
forward to 7nake an attack. The column advanced toward the 
wood and fought with great determination although exposed to 
the murderous fire of an almost concealed enemy. Shortly after 
the fighting commenced a battery was pushed forward to assist 
in dislodging hini and made such havoc that after an attem[)t to 
charge and take it, he was compelled to fall back to a new posi- 
tion. Here he was again assailed by the same troops strength- 
ened by additional forces. In resisting an attempt to turn our 
left flank the 20th Illinois fought with Spartan courage. Having 
lost their colonel, Stevenson's brigade containing the 8th Illinois, 
with fixed bayonets bounded forward to the rescue and the rebels 
were driven in wild disorder from the field. 

Battle of Jaclison. — Retreating to Jackson they were followed 
by the 3d corps of the Union army. Sherman and McClernand 
had been ordered to Edward's station but Grant iu the mean- 
time learning that fresh accessions of rebel troops were daily ar- 
riving at Jackson, and fearing that McPherson's force might not 
be adecpiate to cope with them, countermanded the order. On the 
morning of the 14th, McPherson's advanced divisons, closely fol- 
lowed 1)y Sherman's, came uj) with the nuiin force of the enemy 
about three miles from the city. Artillery was opened on both 
sides and after firing for sometime without any decisive results, the 
infantry were led into action. With measured tread and colors 
flying the Union columns slowly ascended the hill on which the 
rebel force was posted, suffering terribly from the tremendous 
volleys hurled at them from the sunmiit. When within oOO paces 
they delivered their first fire and with a shout that rose above 
the report of artillery rushed upon the astonished confederates 
who broke and fled in the wildest terror, throwing away their 
knapsacks, blankets and muskets, to accelerate their flight. 

This was one of the most si)irited charges of thecamx)aign and 
no regiment engaged in it fought with more bravery and success 
than "the oGth Illinois. The 3()th, 33d, 4Sth, 114th and 118th also 
participated in and largely contributed to the successful issue of 
the battle. Among the generals of this ami the two preceding 
engagements. Gen. Logan was conspicuous for the indomitable 
energy and skill with which he handled his men. 

The rebels retreated northward on the Canton road and the re- 
bellious capital of Mississippi became the prize of the conquerors. 
The governor and others holding ofiicial relations with the local 
and confederate governments left the day before with the funds 
and archives of the State. 

Battle of Chaminon Hills. — Grant leaving Sherman to destroy 
the railroads, bridges, arsenals and other public property, turned 
the remainder of tlie army westward to pay his respects to Pem- 
berton. The latter illy conceiving the military necessities of his 
situation, now rapidly became entangled in toils from which at 
length extrication was impossible. Johnson in the meantime had 
arrived and beheld with regret the confederate army separated in 
detachments with that of Grant between them. He saw that with 
his interior communications now cut off by the destruction of the 



816 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



railroad to Jackson, that Vicksbnrg- might become the grave of 
an army bnt could be of no possible use to the confederacy. He 
therefore ordered Pemberton to make a detour northward round 
the federal army and form a junction with the forces wliich had 
been expelled from Jackson. Pemberton, however, had a plan 
of his own which was to inove in the opposite direction and 
cut oft' Grant's supplies. AVith this intent he set his columns in 
motion in the afternoon of the 15th, moving from Edward's sta- 
tion in the direction of Eaymond. But Grant, now had no base 
of supplies, having cut himself loose from Grand Gulf as early 
as the 11th, and was now pushing forward with the intention of 
overpowering all opposition and opening a new base on the Mis- 
sissippi by way of the Yazoo. Little recked he of communicat- 
ing with Grand Gulf, and theluckless Pemberton was sallying forth 
on a bootless errand. Nor had he gone far before the advancing 
Union pickets convinced him that his movements instead of harm- 
ing his adversary, was only compromising his ov;n safety. He 
therefore resolved to return to the station and then move north- 
ward in the direction of Brownsville in conformity with the pre- 
vious advice of his superior officer. This was a good resolution but it 
came too late, for while he was dallying, the Union army had moved 
up to the same place and was ready with its heavy guns to dis- 
pute his advance. As the only alternative the confederate force 
was hastily drawn up for action, the left division under Steven- 
son occupying a thickly wooded height of Champion Hills, while 
the centre and right divisions under Bowen and Loring extended 
across Baker's creek to a number of abrupt elevations and yawning 
ravines. Logan's and Crocker's divisions of McPherson's corps, 
were thrown round the above mentioned height so as to tlank the 
confederate left. Hovey's division of McClernand's corps ad- 
vanced agaijist Stevenson leaving the other division of the corps 
to engage Bowen and Loring. 

A courier was sent to Jackson with orders for Sherman to has- 
ten forward with his connnand, and in less than an hour he was 
on the road to the scene of conflict. Hovey's division which 
first engaged the enemy was in deadly grapple with him before 
the others, owing- to the unfavorable nature of the ground, could 
come in striking distance. The situation in which he oi)erated 
compelled him to contract his lines aud expose his men to the 
fierce fire of the rebels who, under cover of heavy timber, suffer- 
ed little. After facing, with heroic tenacity for an hour, the re- 
lentless fire of au enemy greatly exceeding him innumbers, and hav- 
ing every advantage of position, he was compelled to give way. 
He, however, retired only a short distance when two brigades of 
Crocker's division were sent to his aid and he reformed and 
again went into action. Logan in the meantime had turned the 
enemy's left and commenced operating in his rear which partially 
relieved thei)ressure in front. Seeingtheadvautagesoftheposition 
he had gained he rode up to Grant and informed him if Hovey could 
make another dash at the enemy, it would enable him to come u]) and 
capture the greater part of the confederate forces. Prei)arations 
for this purpose were made, but before it was executed Pember- 
ton, seeing his position was compromised, commenced drawing 
off. Simultaneously the national troops pressed forward and the 
rebel host breaking, fled in a panic and rout from the field. Al- 



THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. 817 

though the brunt of the battle fell on Logan and Hovej', there 
was severe tightingon the enemy's right by Carr and Osterhaus. 
The impassable character of the ground on which they fought 
prevented them from getting into action as soon as the others, 
but when at length tliis difliculty was overcome they greatly as- 
sisted in turning the tide of battle in our favor. 

A great many instances of heroism are mentioned in the reports 
of the battle. Logan's division, composed largely of Illinois 
troops, engaged the enemy on his left and succeeded in capturing 
more than 1,000 j^risoners and 12 i)ieces of artillery. An officer 
was sent to inquire how the contest was going on in his front. 
"Tell Gen. Grant," he replied, "my division can't be whipped by 
all the rebels this side of hell. We are going ahead and won't 
stop till we get orders."* Gen. Leggett commanding his second 
brigade, containing the 30tli Illinois, was ordered up to protect the 
right of Hovey's division, seriously threatened by the enemy. 
The rebels suddenly emerged from the woods and prepared for an 
attack, when the 30th Illinois charged upon them and drove them 
back in confusion. In the afternoon, on the extreme right, the 
8th Illinois and 32d Ohio charged upon and repulsed one of the 
enemy's most effective batteries. A section of Co. D, Illinois 
artillery is also favorably mentioned in the rei)orts. 

Besides the regiments mentioned, the 17th, 31st, 55th, 5Sth, 72d, 
75th, 77th, 79th, 81st, 03d, 97th, 108th, 113th, 118th and 124th 
were a part of the troops engaged in the battle, and with the aid 
of their comrades from other States added another victory to the 
list of Union triumphs. 

Pemberton's force was estimated at 30,000, somewhat exceeding 
the Union troops engaged, as all of Grant's divisions did not 
arrive in time to participate in the battle. The victory cost us in 
killed, wounded and missing, 2,500 men, but gave in exchange 200 
l)ieces of artillery and 1,500 prisoners, besides inflicting a serious 
loss of killed, wounded and missing on the enemy. 

Battle of Black River Bridge. — So quickly was the retreating 
army followed that Loring's division became completely detached 
and was compelled to make a circuit in a southwesterly direction 
round the federal army and report to Johnson. The main force 
retreated to Black Eiver, and with the exception of two brigades, 
crossed the stream. The latter to dispute the advance of the pur- 
suing army took a position within a bayou which leaves the rixer 
above and sweeping round in the form of a semi-circle, unites with 
it below. In addition to the natural defences offered by the miry 
channel of the bayou, breastworks were thrown up, and cannon 
placed within the enclosure swept the plain beyond and com- 
manded the bridge across the river. On the morning of the 17th 
of jNIay, McClernand's and McPherson's corps moved directly 
against the i^osition of the enemy, while that of Sherman ad- 
vanced in the direction of Bridgeport, higher up the river for tlie 
purpose of crossing at that point. The rebel pickets were soon 
encountered and McClernand, who was in advance, hastily* deploy- 
ing his division, on each side of the road brought on a hot engage- 
ment in the forest which skirts the banks of the river. Artillery 
was placed in position and served with such effectiveness, that 

* Ciacinnati Commercial 



818 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

the enemy soon fled behind liis works to escape its I'nry. McCler- 
nand now resolved to carry the works by storm and Gen. Lawler's 
brigade of Carr's division immediately signified their readiness for 
the charge. By moving' ronnd on the right under cover of the 
river bank, he had gained a position from which the rebel defences 
might be easily assaulted. The order forward was given, and the 
eager men plunging across the bayou and scaling the breastworks, 
regardless of the fatal fire that covered their tra(;k witli fallen 
comrades, with fixed bayonets, drove the rebels from their guns. 
The victory was complete. To Oarr, one of Illinois bravest officers, 
and his gallant division more than any other, its honors are due. 
Constituting the advance of McClernaud's corps, they not only 
commenced the engagement, but ended it in the splendid charge 
which placed them in possession of the skillfully constructed 
w^orks. Prominent among the regiments which distinguished them- 
selves were the 33d, 48th and 77th Illinois. The fruits of the vic- 
tory were 1,500 prisoners and 18 pieces of artillery. 

The army on the opposite side of the river, witnessing the de- 
feat, set tire to the bridge and hastily retreated in the direction 
of Vicksburg. The afternoon of the same day the inhabitants of 
the city were startled by the influx of the fugitives, who, exhaust- 
ed by privations and hardships, tumbled almost helplessly 
into the surrounding entrenchments. The night after the battle 
bridges were thrown across • Black river, ami Sherman, still 
holding- the right, took possession of Haines' Bluft", as the demor- 
alized confederates departed, while Mc(31ernand and McPherson, 
moving- farther southward, closed in on the doomed city. 

In the daring- and successful passage of the Vicksburg and 
Grand Gulf batteries, in the audacity Avhich abandoned one base 
of sui)plies, with the necessity of crushing an enemy of unknoAvu 
strength before another could be established, and in the deter- 
mined courage and endurance which wrung- success from the 
most untoward circumstances in five consecutive victories, the 
campaign may be regarded as one of the most brilliant furnished 
by the annals of the war. The celerity of movement and 
strategy by which the enemy was separated and beaten in detail, 
rank it with Napoleon's celebrated Itahan campaign. Port Gib- 
son, Raymond, Jackson, Champion Hills, and Black river, will 
always occui)y a proud place in the history of the nation, endure 
as a monument of Illinois valor, and perpetuate the names and 
generalship of Grant, McClernand, Carr, McArthur, and other 
brave men of Illinois who so gallantly maintained the reputation 
of the State. 

It was now evident, if the siege was successfully' maintained that 
famine would ultimately bring' the garrison to terms. Johnson, 
however, was making great eltbrts to collect a relieving' force, and 
Grant, therefore, to avoid all possible contingencies, determined 
to make an attempt to carry the place by storm. The demoralized 
condition of the force within favored immediate action, and 
accordingly an assault was made in the afternoon of the 17th. 
l!fo jiermaneiit advantage was gained, although the 127th Illinois 
and S3d Indiana, succeeded in planting their colors on the exte- 
rior sloi)e of the enemy's entrenchments. Notwithstanding the 
Avant of success, it was beleved under more favorable circum- 
stances, a second attempt might be attended with better results, 



THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. 819 

and the two succeeding' days were spent in making' the necessary 
preparations. At 10 o'clock on tlie morning of tlie 2-Jd tlie od 
cori)s, Sherman's on tlie right, McPherson's in the centre, and 
McOlernand's on tliQ left, moved forward, but such was the nature 
of the ground that only narrow fronts could be brought into ac- 
tion. The garrison reserved its tire till the storming ibree were in 
close range, when they ojiened Avith the most deadly effect. ]Many 
turned bade as if from instant destruction, but others, disdaining 
to retire, pushed on,, and ])ortions of each cor})s succeeded in reach- 
ing the breastworks. Cons[)icuous in McPherson's corps, was 
the brigade of Gen. liansom, containing the 1 1th, 72d, l»5th and 
110th Illinois. The brigade sprang forward with a shout when 
the order was given to advance. At the distance of a few paces 
a storm of grape and caunister tore through the different regiments 
disabling Col. Humi)hrey of the 9oth, killing Col. jSTevins of the 
11th, and for a short time checking the advance. At this juncture 
Gen. Eansom ruslied forward to the head of the brigade and, 
seizing the cok)rs of the 95th, and waving them overhead, shout- 
ed, "Forward men, we must and will get into the fort. Who will fol- 
low?" The column again moved forward directly in the face of the 
wasting volleys, and, on reaching the works, fought for half an hour 
to eft'e(;t an entrance. Finding at length this A\as im})ossible, the 
regiments were reformed and marched back without the slightest 
confusion or the appearance of a single struggle. Within 15 min- 
utes after the charge was ordered, Gens. Lawler's and Landrum's 
brigades, the latter containing the 97th,108t]i and 131st Illinois, 
were at the works. Twelve men entered a bastion, 11 of whom 
were killed, wliile the survivor, aided by sharp-shooters on the 
parapet, ca|)tured and brouglit out 12 rebels. It being instant 
death to the force within to expose themselves above the works, 
they ht the fuse of shells and threw them among the federals who 
coolly picked them up and threw them back in time to explode. 
Tne Mercantile battery of Chicago, approached within a few feet 
and fired into an embrasure, and as a reward for their bravery 
Gen. McClernand presented them with two ISTapoleon guns caj)- 
tured at Black river. I^t) permanent entrance could be effected 
and at night the forces were recalled. 

Gnmt, now concluding tluit the position of the enemy was too 
strong, botli by nature and art", to be carried by storm, sat down 
before it in regular siege. 

Griersoii's Raid. — Leaving the beleagured stronghold to the 
care of the investing army, we will now relate one of the most 
brilliant episodes of the war, the raid of Gen. B. 11. Grierson. 
W'hiie Grant was closing round Vicksburg with his gallant troo])- 
ers, he was dashing through Mississii>pi to destroy the railroads 
and i)re\'ent the enemy from sending forward supplies and rein- 
forcements. 

On the 17th of April with 3 regiments of cavalry, the 6th and 
7Th Illim)is, and the 2d Iowa, he left Lagrange Tennessee. Arriv- 
ing at Houston on the 2()tli. Col. Hatch witli the 2nd Iowa was 
sent to Columbus to destroy a- j)ortion oCtlie Mol>ile & Ohio Bail- 
road, and it able to capture the town. (>n the way he was attaciced 
by 800 rebel cavalry, which he repulsed, and at night reached 
the railroad at Okaloua. Having burnt the depot, barracks 



820 HISTORY or ILLINOIS. 



aud hospital, lie started ou his homeward inarch. Bel'ore going" 
far, a force of cavalry made a dash at his rear, aud again he over- 
threw them, intiicting" ou them a loss of 26 men while his own sus- 
tained little injury. The remainder of the march was without 
opposition aud the regiments arrived in Lagrange with 20 priso- 
ners, 50 negroes and 500 horses and mules. 

Col. Grierson was now left with only the Illinois regiments to 
cope with the numerous forces of rebel cavalry which were scour- 
ing the country in every direction to intercept him. Their oppo- 
sition ami the attending dangers, however, instead of disconrag- 
inghim and his brave followers, only gave zest to the enterprise 
wliicli they now proposed to finish by a headlong dash to Baton 
Rouge, througii the heart of Mississippi. To divert attention 
from their principal movemeuts and damage the enemy, Ca];)t. 
Forbes, with 35 men, were sent on a detour eastward to destroy 
the telegraph and another portion of the M. and O. 11. 11. at 
Macon. They left their comrades with stout hearts but little 
hope of seeing them again, as they would have to pass througii a 
country swarming with enemies and march at least 50 miles 
farther than the main force. Capt. Graham, Avith a battalion was 
also sent to burn a shoe factory in the neighborhood, and suc- 
ceeded in destroying a large amount of leather and several 
thousand boots, shoes, hats and caps, besides capturing a quar- 
termaster, who had come to get suiiplies for the rebel army at 
Port Hudson. 

With these preliminary arrangements, Col. Grierson pushed 
forward for Pearl river bridge, the reaciiingof which was now an 
object of vital importance. Hostile bands of cavalry were on the 
alert, and should their scouts who preceeded him destroy it, the 
result would be fatal. With an earnestness, therefore, commen- 
surate with the risk involved, they urged their way forward. 
Grierson with his kindling eye and thoughtful face, leading the 
van. Nearing the bridge and hearing the sound of persons en- 
gaged in its destruction, they drove si)urs into their foaming 
chargers to increase their speed, and swooping down on the de- 
stroyers as an eagle in pursuit of his prey, quickly dispersed 
them. The entire party reachhig the opposite shore in safety, 
again dashed forward, and on the 24:th reached jSTewton Station 
on M. & O. li. JK. Here they captured 75 rebels, tore up the 
railroad track, burnt 4 car loads of ammunition and 2 ware- 
houses filled with commissary stores, and destroyed the bridges 
on the west side of the station. Tarryhig only long enough to 
complete the work of destruction, they were again on the wing, 
and after an exhausting ride by way of Garlandville, Ealeigh and 
AVestville, were ready to recross the river at ^Georgetown ferry. 
Gaining the ferry, as in case of the bridge, was a matter of life or 
death; for although they moved with great rapidity, the news of 
their exploits usualy preceded them, and it was believed that the 
citizens were now arming to stop their i)iogTess. Arriving at the 
river the proprietor of the ferry made his appearance, and in a 
careless way, asked if they wanted to cross, supposing them to be 
a force of Alabama cavalry which Avas expected in the neigh- 
borhood. Col. Prince of the 7th, imitating his provincial vermicu- 
lar, replied in the affirmative, and added that "it took more time 
to wake up his negro ferryman than to catch the d — d conscripts." 



THE WAK OF THE REBELLION. 821 

Tliorouglily deceived bj' his Yankee iuterlocutor, and apologizing 
for tlieir detention, he awoke his negroes, who ferried tlieui over, 
and then with true southern hospitality, invited them to breakfast, 
believing he was entertaining the 1st regiment of Alabama cavalry. 
As soon as the repast was over the party resumed their march 
and shortly afterward captured a courier, flying with the startling 
intelligence that the Yankees were coming and that the ferry must 
be destroyed. At Hazlehurst on the New Orleans and Jackson 
railroad, the next place visited, a large number of cars were 
destroyed, containing powder, shell and other supplies for the con- 
federate army. 

At this point Capt. Forbes sent to destroy the railroad at Ma- 
con rejoined them. In bis return he unwittingly became the hero of 
a daring adventure. Entering Newton station where he expected 
to meet with the men under Griersou he was astonished to find 
himself in the midst of 3000 rebels in the act of debarking from 
the cars. With renmrkable presence of mind he hoisted a flag of 
truce, and, boldly riding up, demanded the surrender of the force, 
in the name of CoL Griersou. The rebel ofdcer in conunand, sup- 
posing- Grierson's whole force which rumor had magnifted to a 
migbrliy host, was close at hand, asked an hour to consider the 
demand. Forbes granted the. request with feigned reluctance, 
and started for the pretended troops in reserve to whom the con- 
federate was to send his reply at the expiration of the time. The 
raiders, amused at the sell, dashed away, giving the enemy a long- 
time to consult in reganl to terms of the capitulation, and a 
longdistance to travel before tliey could nmke tliein known. The 
entire command left Hazlehurst on the 27th and, pushing alongthe 
N. O. & J. R. II., through the stations of Bahala, Brookhaven and 
Summit, tore up the railroad destroyed its rolling stock, and 
immense quantities of commissary's stores and munitions on 
tlie way to Vicksburg, Port Hudson and Grand Gulf. On leaving 
the railroad they reached Baton llouge on the 2d of May, the ob- 
jective point of the expedition. Within the last '30 hours with- 
out eating or sleeping, they had ridden SO miles, destroyed a num- 
ber of bridges and large quantities of military stores, swam one 
river, had three skirmishes with tiie enemy, and took 42 prisoners. 
So exhausted were the men that they slept on tlieir horses till the 
report of carbines roused them to action, and when the fray was 
over again relapse into slumber. 

A resume of their operations shows that in the brief interval 
of 16 days they had ridden from the northern to the southern 
part of Mississippi, and, although operating between two great 
rebel lines of communication, theMobile& Ohio andNew Orleans 
aiidJacksou railroads, by skillful nsanueuvers, usually succeeded in 
eluding the enemy. In their march of SOO miles liiey took 500 
prisoners, destroyed from 50 to <K) miles of railroad, 2 locomotives, 
200 cars and military stores, and other property valued at$40,000 ; 
while they crossed into the Union lines with 1,200 horses and mules 
and 500 negroes. 

The most determined efforts were made to capture them. 
A tliousand cavalrymen from south of Port Hudson, 1,300 from 
Mobile, and 2,000 from the vicinity of Columbia, were sent for 
(his i)urpose, but Grierson's strategy rendered their efforts abor- 
ti\ e. Their safe arrival in Baton Kouge, whither the story of 



822 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



tlieir adventure had ])receded tliein, created the greatest enthusi- 
asm and rejoicing. Many refused to believe what they had heard 
till they savf the men and listened to a recital of their feats. So ini- 
inent were the dangers and so complete the success, it seems more 
like a feat of romance than an occurrence of actual life. The reb- 
els were taught, notwithstanding the efiicieucy of their cavalry, 
they could be "outrode, outwitted and out fought," and hence the 
moral results achieved were no less iu]portant than the physical. 

Biege and Surrender of VicJcshurf/. — From the investment of the 
city till the surrender, little occurred to diversify the routine of 
duty performed by the investing army. On the 22d of Jane, the 
rebels in a sortie drove the 14th Illinois from their trendies which, 
as a working party, they were engaged in excavating round the 
city. The succeeding night the -list Illinois and some otlier forces, 
were ordered to the same trenches and the rebels again sallied 
forth and deujanded their surrender. The colonel of tlie ilst in- 
stantly ordered the artillery to open and in a severe fight the reb- 
els were driven back to their works. 

Oji the 25th the miners of McPherson's corps blew up 
the rebel Fort Hill. Having deposited a ton of powder in an ex- 
cavation under the fort, and selected the 4oth Illinois to occui)y 
the breach, the mine was sprung. Almost noiselessly the ground 
was lifted up as if some subterranean monster had suddeidy risen 
from his lair and tossed aside his covering of earth. Ayawning cra- 
ter some 20 feet in width was opened, and hardly had tiie cloud 
of white smoke which issued from it cleared away, before thi; bat- 
tle-scarred veterans of the 45th were at their i)ost. The rebels 
crowded up to the breach with great rapidity, and the fight on both 
sides was one of desperation. For want of room the federal regi- 
ments subsequently engaged, went in one at a time, and as each 
exhausted its aiuunition another took its place. In this manner 
the 2od, 25th, 31)th, 31st, 4Gth, 5Gth and 124th, Illinois, success- 
ively entered the vortex of fire and struggled like demi-gods to 
quench its flames. 

The object of these mining operations was to possess important 
l^oints in the enemy's line of defenses and thereby press him back 
toward the river. When, however, it became evident that the 
garrison was short of provisions, the excavations of parrallels 
and mines was discontinued. The sni>i)]y of food, tlu)ugh it 
had been carefully husbanded, and the flesh of mules extensively 
used, was now nearly exhausted. A failure of amunition also en- 
sued, the ardor of the garrison was dampened by protracted pri- 
vations, and the citizens living in caves to avoid danger, found 
their suffering too great to longer continue the siege. 

Induced by these stringent necessities, Femberton, ou the 2d of 
July, displayed a white flag on the ramparts in view of the invest- 
ing army, and an officer being sent to ascertain its meaning 
learned that he wished to confer in regard to terms of capitula- 
tion. Correspondence was interchanged, resulting in a personal 
interview between the two chiefs of the contending forces, and 
finally in the unconditional surrender of the city and confederate 
army. So great was the inimber of prisoners to avoid the expense of 
their maintai nance and transportation tonorthernprisons, they were 
paroUed. It was also believed that the demoralization consequent 



THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. 823 



upon tlieir return home after defeat, ^A'onl(l more than counter- 
bahiuce the efforts of those who might be again induced to take 
up arms. The stars and stripes were lioisted over the conquered 
stronghold, thus symbolizing the nation's majesty in the presence 
of her erring and rebellious children. 

Only three days after the fall of Vicksburg, as the immediate 
result of the victory. Port Hudson surren<lered to the besieging 
force under Banks. The campaigns fov the opening of the Mis- 
sissippi were now at an end. To Illinois far nu)re than to any 
other State, the nation is indebted for this successful termination. 
Her representatives in the long list of bloody battles and brilliant 
victories were the 8th,llth, i3th, 14th, 17th,2Uth,23d,25th,L»Sth,l!9th, 
30th, 31st, 32d. 33d, 35th. 38th, ilst, 45th, 40th, 47th, 48tli. 51st, 
53d, 55th, 57th,'63d, 72d, 75th, 76th, 77th, 81st, 03d,'J5th, 97th^ l)9th, 
108th, 113th, 114th, 110th, 118th, 120th, 124th, 120th, 127th and 
131st regiments of infantry, Willard's Peoria and the Chicago and 
Mercantile battery, the 0th, 7th and portions of the 23d. 15tli and 
Thiel man's ca\alry. 

Step l)y step they had hewed their way toward the gulf, strong- 
hold after stronghold had fallen beneath their stalwart blows, and 
now the last fetter which treason liad forged to bind the Father of 
Waters, was riven asunder. No victor^' of the war was so decisive 
in its results as the capture of Vicksburg. It has been truthfull}- 
said that the ])ossession of the ^Mississippi valley is the possession 
of Anjerica. Had the Pichmond government been able to maintain 
the i)0wer it setui)in the lowerpart of the great valley, the upper 
portion would have gravitated into the (confederacy as naturally as 
its waters fall into the gulf. Furthermore the river not only served 
as a means of defense but was the dividing line between two great 
sections of the revolted territory. That lying on the west, although 
less im[)ortant than the Atlantic region, was nevertheless the 
vast storehouse whence supplies had been drawn for the su})[)ort 
of the armies in Virginia and Tennessee. Now isolated Texas 
could no longer contribute her vast herds of cattle, Arkansas 
her serials and Louisiana her sugar. AMth a tleet of federal gun- 
boats patrolling the river, concert in the military operations of tlie 
severed States was impossible, and in those of the west the war 
was virtually at an end. 

To the material effects of the blow the moral must be added to 
fnlly ai)i)reciate the extent of the damage sustained by the con- 
federacy. The surprise and consternation consequent upon the 
Mississi[)i)i disaster fell like a- thunderbolt from a clear sky on the 
IJeople of the south. The spirit of their high vaulting chi\ahy 
Avas broken, and gloomy doubts brooded in the minds of numy as 
to the iK)ssibiIity of ever realizing the success of their cause. The 
coji federate authorities were early convinced of the importance of 
the Mississii)pi. At the time Grant commenced his descent against 
Vicksburg, Jefferson Davis harangued the people of Jackson on 
the necessity of preserving the Mississippi, as the great artery of 
the country and the only means of securing the perpetuity of the 
new government. Pollard in referring to its loss, says: "It com- 
pelled as its necessary consequence, the surrender of other posts 
on the Mississippi and cut the confederacy in twain. Its defense 
had worked exposure and weakness in other quarters. It had 
about stripped Charleston of troops j it had taken many thousand 



824 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

of men from Bragg's army, and it had made such requisition on 
his force for the newly organized lines in Mississippi tliat he was 
compelled or induced, wisely or unwisely, to fall back from Talla- 
hassee, Tullahoma to give up the country" on the Memphis and 
Charleston railroad and probably to abandon the defences of Mid- 
dle Tennessee." 

Brigadier-General John A. Logan, whose deeds and fame 
are so inseparable blended with the opening of the Mississii)pi, 
was born at Murfreesboro, Jackson county, February Uth, 
1826. In common with others, at that early day in Illinois, 
his educational privileges were limited. Natural ability, however, 
triumphed over all obstacles, and he early become noted for the 
proliciency of his attainments. At the outbreak of the Mexican 
war he entered as a lieutenant in the 1st regiment of Illinois vol- 
unteers, and valiently fought with his comrades till they returned 
home. Resuming the duties of civil life, he commenced the study 
of law in the ofdce of his uncle A. M. Jenkins, formerly lieuten 
ant-governor of the State. On the completion of his studies he 
rapidly rose in his profession and obtained a wide-s})read popularity. 
In 1S52 he was elected prosecuting attoi^ney of the 3d judicial dis- 
trict. In the fall of the same year he was chosen to represent the 
counties of Franklin and Jackson in the legislature, and was re- 
elected in 1850. After the exi>iration of his last term in the legis- 
lature he was twice elected to congress, and while still a niend)er 
in 18G1, he returned home, and upon the organization of the olst 
Illinois, was chosen its colonel. Of his subsequent operations in 
the war we have already spoken. From the iron hbre of his com- 
position and his deeds of tiery valor, he has been styled the Murat 
of Illinois bravery 



Chaptee, LXII. 

1863— ILLINOIS m THE CHATTANOOGA CAMPAIGN. 

Battles of Cliicamauga — Wauhavkie — Loolcout Mountain and Mis- 
sion Ridge — Relief of Knoxville. 



After the battle of Miirfreesboro several months were spent by 
Eosecraus in recruiting his army, procuring supplies and opening 
up lines of communication to again advance on Bragg. Rigid 
discipline was enjoined and no effort spared to create in the 
minds of his men a i^roper appreciation of the work before 
them. 

AA'hile these preparations were going on a number of minor en- 
gagements occurred in Middle Tennessee, in which Illinois troops 
were prominent actors. On the 3d of February, 18()3, Forrest 
made a determined attack to recai)tnre Fort Bonelson, garriso]ied 
by tlieSod Illinois, but was repulsed. March L'Oth the 8th, 80th 
and 123d Illinois and some other troops under Col. Hall had a se- 
vere encounter with Morgan's cavalry near Milton, and the latter 
Avere forced to retreat. Again on the 20th of April the 24th, SOth, 
98th and 123d Illinois, assisted by a force of cavalry, overtook a 
body of rebels at Woodbury and drove them from the town. 

At length, the Washington authorities, believing that Bragg's 
army had been weakened to strengthen that of Lee's, insisted on 
a forward movement. The rebel comnmnder, after his defeat, re- 
tired to TuUahoma and Shelbyville, making Duck Eiver his line 
of defense. His position in the towns was strongly fortitied, while 
the occupation of the roads leading south, as well as the natural 
features of the country gave him additional security in case of 
an attack. liosecrans determined to neutralize these advantages 
by a Hank movement on the left and compel him either to retreat 
or tight outside of his fortifications. Accordingly on the 24:th of 
June the Union army set out from Murfreesboro, Thomas' corps 
in the centre, McCook's on the right and Crittenden's on the left. 
By a feint on Shelbyville with a portion of his army, he deceived 
the enemy, causing him to uncover Liberty, Hoover's and other 
principal gaps in the Cumberland Mountains through which the 
main advance was to be made. After hard fighting these Avere 
possessed by the national troops, the enemy's position at Shelb}- 
ville fianke<l and Bragg con)pelled to evacuate his works and es- 
cape to Tullalionui. Dispositions were immediately made to get 
in liis rear and destroy his communications at the latter place, but 
he immediately abandoned it and retired in the direction of Chat- 
tanooga, i)ressed as far as practicable by the Union troops. Thus in 
a campaign of nine days, during which the roads were rendered 

825 



826 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

nearly impassable by one of tlie most extraordinary raiu storms 
ever known in the country, the enemy was driven from his en- 
trenched position and Middle Tennessee relieved from rebel domi- 
nation. Also in the various rencouutres which occurred, there 
were captured 1,034 prisoners, six pieces of artillery and a large 
amount of stores. 

The next step in followhig up the enemy was Chattanooga, the 
approaches to which were strong by nature and rendered more so 
by art. Eosecrans haviug put the railroad in operation to Ste- 
venson for the transportation of supplies, commenced crossing the 
Cumberland Mountains, whose towering masses of rock lay be- 
tween him and the stronghold he wished to subdue. Availing 
himself of the mountain passes previously captured, he reached 
the Tennessee and, descending it, ])repared to cross in the vicinity 
of Chattanooga. The city being impregnable to a direct attack, 
Eosecrans decided to flank it on the west and south, and either 
force Bragg to evacuate it or suffer isolation from his base of sup- 
X)]ies. With the exception of Hazen's division the enemy crossed 
the river below the city and commenced moving into Lookout val- 
ley. This, with the parallel valleys of ChattanoogaandChicamauga, 
extends southward from the Tennessee, which, at this point, runs 
in a westerly direction. Creeks bearing the names and coursing 
through each valley fall into the river, the two most western be- 
low the city and the one farthest east above it. Separating 
the waters of the creeks are Lookout Mountain and Mission Eidge, 
the former abutting on the river opposite Chattanooga and the 
latter a short distance above.^ 

Hazen was instructed to watch the fords and make Bragg be- 
lieve that the main body of the national troops was still on the 
north bank of the river. His force, although numbering only 7,000 
men, was accordingly so dispersed ; the heads of columns and 
cam})-xires could be seen simultaneously at the fords along the 
river a distance of 70 miles. So adroitly was the ruse managed 
that McCook's corps had advanced up the valley 45 miles, and 
Thomas' 13, while Crittenden was on the river only 8 miles from 
Chattanooga before it was discovered by Bragg. He was now in 
a (piaudary. He could easily maintain himself against any as- 
sault of his adversary within his fortitications, but how lo7ig could 
he defy starvation when the investing army had cut off his sup- 
plies. If he attempted to defend both Chattanooga and his coni- 
ninnications his army would be divided and easily beaten in 
detail, and, if he abandoned the city, it would provoke a clamor, 
ainong the people of the South eagerly watching his movements. The 
last expedient was, however, chosen as the least of three evils, and 
abandoning the city and its well constructed fortitications, he 
moved his army up Chicamauga valley in the direction of Lafa- 
yette. 

Crittenden having taken possession of the town without opjio- 
sition, was ordered to leave a brigade as a garrison, and Avith the 
remainder of his corps pursue the retiring army up the valley. 
Eosecrans, believing that Bragg was in full retreat, and that his 
chief object should be to intercept him, McCook and Thonms were 
ordered through the passes of Lookout and Mission mountains to 
get in advance of him on the south. In making this disposition 
of his forces, like nmny other good generals before him, he ^^'as 



THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. 827 

deceived. Bragg was uot retreating, but eonceiitratiiig, iu the vi- 
cinity of Lafayette, the most mmierous army tliat had ever fought 
under rebel standards west of the Alleghanies. Buckner had 
be<'n summoned from Knoxville, Johnson had been drawn upon 
for one of his strongest divisions, and Lee, satistied that Bich- 
mond was not in (Umger, dispatched Longstreet's heavy corps of 
veterans from the Bapidan. Ere this was known Crittenden, 
deilecting easterly, had collided with a portion of his force in tlie 
vicinity of Binggold. Thonnxs had developed it near Lafayette, 
and IVlcCook had conii>letely turiuMl his position on the south. 

In this detached condition of the Union corps a rare opi)ortu- 
uity was offered Bragg to crush them in detail. All it reijuired 
was to fall on Thomas with such a. force as to overwhelm him, 
then turn down Chicamaugii valley, and throwing himself between 
the ii\ty and Crittenden crush him, and tinally, turning up Lookout 
valley, iutercei)t and capture McCook. Failing to immediately 
avail himself of his advantages our generals discovered their mis- 
take and rapidly commenced concentrating to avoid its conse- 
quences. Thouias at once pushed down tiie valley to within sup- 
porting distance of Crittenden, while ]McCook, whose isolation 
was greater, marched back into Lookout Valley and descen<ling 
it, recrossed the mountains at Stephen's Gap. By this zig-zag 
course he effected a junction wiih the other corps and eluded 
Bragg, who had posted a heavy force to intercepr, him in the 
dirci't route, down the Chicamanga. In the meantime affairs on 
the Chicainauga had assumed an alarnung aspect. Bragg had re- 
ceived reinforcements, and, endeavoring to get between his antago- 
nists, and Chatanooga, a race commenced between their res})ective 
arinieson opposite sides of thecreek in tliedirection of the city. This 
movement evinced a deternunation on the part of Bragg to turn our 
left, and Thomas was ordered to that end of the line, leaving 
Crittenden's an<l McCook's on the right. Its 7 divisions. Wood's 
Van Cleves', Palmer's, Iteynold's, Johnson's, Baird's and Braii- 
nan's, now concentrated, extended down the west bank of the 
Chicamauga in the order mentioned, some V2 miles southward of 
Cliattanooga. Xegley's, Davis' and Sheridan's" were yet several 
miles south of the uniin force, and Granger's at liossville, but 
after the commencement of the battle, they came up and partici- 
pated, swelling the entire force to some 5;"), 000. 

Early on the nu)rning of the 10th of Se[)tend)er, 18G3, clouds of 
dust were seen hanging over the road beyoml the creek, caused by 
the heav}' columns of the enemy moving in the direction of Chatta- 
nooga. At 10 o'chxdv the loud ex^dosion of artillery on the ex- 
treme left sigiuilled the commencement of battle, and Thomas, 
riding forward to ascertain the nature of the attack, fouiul Jiran- 
uan's division hard pressed. To liis surprise, also, the enemy had 
crossed the creek, and all the advantages which it afforded as a 
means of defense was lost. The imi»etnosity of the assault came 
near sweeping his entire corps from the field before it C(mld be 
rallied and reinforced. When at length this was effected, its 
stnrdy regulars, stung by the disaster they had sustained, and 
catcliing the resolution of their commander, threw themselves 
with irresistable force against their assailants. Even Longstreet's 
veterans strove in vain to check the advance, and were swept back 
the distance of a mile, and all the lost ground recovered — the 



828 IIISTOUY OF ILLINOIS. 



charge which struck the left, extended toward the right, causing 
that end of the line to sway backward and forward according to 
the varyhig success of the combatants. At the centre such was 
the violence of the assault that Davis, who had come into the 
fight, was thrown to the right and Van Cleve to the left, 
and the rebels pouring into the gap the battle seemed to be 
lost. At this juncture Hazen massed some 20 pieces of 
artillery at the threatened point and discharging a cross- 
fire of grape and canister into the charging columns, 
for(;ed them back. On the extreme right no very serious demon- 
strations Avere made till the afternoon, when several rebel brig- 
ades charged on one of our batteries and captured 3 of its guns. 
These were afterward retaken and the assault at this end of the 
line in the end proved a failure. At different times during the 
day victory was almost within the grasp of the enemy, but when 
night ended the conflict, the two armies stood face to face on 
ground that offered little advantage to either. 

During the night, Longstreet with additional veterans from the 
army of Virginia, reinforced Bragg, sw^elling his army to 70.000, 
ami giving him an excess over liosecrans, of 15,000. The latter 
made some slight changes in the disposition of his divisions to 
strenghten the left, against which it was expected the rebels would 
next hurl their greatly preponderating forces. With these prepa- 
rations the troops rested in the bleak September air of the moun- 
tain region on the ground where they had so persistently fought. 

At daybreak the armies were drawn np for battle, but a dense 
fog filling the valley and rendering objects invisible, it did iiot 
commence till near 8 o'clock. The time was im})roved by further 
strengtening Thomas, whose force now constituted about half of 
the entire army. Eude breastworks were also thrown up on his 
front, which afforded great i)rotection in the subsequent battle. 
As soon as the fog disappeared the rebel squadrons moved up in 
an orerwhelming charge. Thomas received the brunt of the on- 
slaught. Bragg was again endeavoring to interpose his army 
between that of Eosecrans and Chattanooga, which the preceding 
day he had failed to effect. For a time the battle raged with 
frightful carnage and varying success. The rebels, however, when 
repulsed, continued to swarm up with fresh troops and augmented 
numbers, and at length threw themselves with such momentum on 
Thomas as to force him back. A new position was, however, 
taken and all further attempts to turn his fiank and get into Chatta- 
nooga proved abortive. 

The right, in the meantime, had suifered irreparable disaster. 
Negley's and Van Oleves' divisions, having been ordered to the 
sup[)()rt of Thomas, opened a gap wliich the division comnmnders 
on the right "were ordered to close, but owing to a misunderstand- 
ing in regard to the movement and the consequent delay. Long- 
street threw Hood's command into the breach. The result was 
fatal. Davis' division moving up forthesame purpose, was struck 
and severed by the blow which smote it. Palmer and Van Cleve 
on the opposite side, shared a similar fate, and soon the whole 
right wing crumbled into fragments, was sent in impotent dis- 
ordci- ill the direction of Chattanooga. Eosecrans,with other i)romi- 
neiit ollicers was swept along by the tide, and t)n an'iving in Tiic cit^' 
he commenced preparations todefeud the place and sa\'e the irag- 



THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. 829 

nients of the army, for it seemed to be utterly routed and at the 
mercy of the enemy. The result, though sultieieutly bad, did uot 
prove in the end so disastrous as was su})])osed. 

Thomas, subsequently styled the rock of (Jhicaniauga, g-athering 
his bleeding forces and massing his guns in a semicircle on the 
side of Mission Hidge, stood like a wall of adamant between the 
routed divisions and the enemy. S(|uadron after squadron at- 
tempted to breast the terrilic iire of his artillery but were melted 
away like frost work in the blaze of the morning sun. Four of 
the !J divisions of the army had been swept entirely away, ami 
with the remnants of the remaiiuler he ke|)t the entire rebel army 
at bay. About 4 o'clock a new peril threatened him. The enemy 
pressing him in front and on both tlanks, discovered a goige on 
the right crossing' the ridge on which he was posted, and com- 
Qienced streaming through it to get in his rear. The danger was 
seen, but he could not spare a single man to avert it. In a few 
minutes he would be surrounded by a shouting foe and com- 
pelled either to surrender or be cut to pieces. Fortunately, at the 
very moment on \vhi(;h hung the fate of his army, Granger came 
Lip and ottered the necessary assistance. 

Posted at Rossville, and hearing- the continuous thunder of bat- 
tle in the direction of Thomas, he waited impatiently — anxiously for 
orders to join the coutiict. As the tumult swelled and deepened, 
though contrary to orders, he was unable to resist its loud a})peal 
for lielp, and started where his intuitions told him assistance was 
needed. On arriving he reported hinjseLf to Thomas, and was at 
once ordered to the point of danger. His troo})s, in which was the 
llorh Illinois, although new recruits, comprehending' themomentoua 
issues at stake, were soon breast to breast with the veterans of 
Hindnmn, now i)ouring' through the gap ami triumphantly 
shouting. In 20 minutes the gorge was carrie<l and Thomas was 
saved, but l.OUO of our biave men had been killed and wounded 
in the charge. Longstreet, the rebel Achilles of the battle, deter- 
mined to retake it, and repeatedly charged up to the very muzzles 
of our guns, double-shotted with grape and canister. Finding 
at length this point impregnable, Bragg determined to inq»rove 
the remainder of the day in a linal assault on the front and left. 
The national troops, having exhausted their ammunition, waited 
in the gathering gloom of twilight with tixed bayonets, to receive 
them. When within striking dista^ice, they precipitated them- 
selves on the enemy with such vigor as uot only to rout him but 
ca}>ture some 200 prisoners. 

Eosecrans, having informed Thomas to use his own judgement 
as to the propriety of longer holding his position, he concluded to 
fall back to Kossville — the want of ammunition, food, and water 
being the princii)al inducenu'uts for the change. After reaching 
this place a new line was formed and the advance of the enemy 
aAvaited. Although hovering near, he had been too severely pun- 
ished to renew the attack, and on the night of the 21st Tliomas 
fell back to Chattanooga. Eosecrans estimated his losses in 
the bloody coutiict at 36 ])ieces of artillery and 1(!,000 men and 
claimed the capture of 2,000 prisoners. Bragg admitted a loss^of 
18,000 men and claimed the capture of 51 guns and 8,000 prison- 
ers. He also vauntingly announced a great victory, yet he evi- 
dently either lacked the ability or the courage to improve it. 



830 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



Thomas offered bim battle tlie next day, and altboiigli outmiui- 
beriiig the federals two to 0]ie, he declined it. Furthermore, if 
Bragg had gahied a victory its fruits were confined to the battle- 
field, while liosecrans had secured Chattanooga, the strategic 
object of the campaign. The key to the mountain system 
extending to the heart of the confederacy, it also served as an 
impregnable bastion to command the rebel lines of communica- 
tion which traversed its rugged passes. 

Says Pollard: •' Rosecrans still held the prize of Chattauooga 
and with it the possession of East Tennessee. Two-thirds of onr 
nitre beds were in that regiou and a large proportion of the coal 
which supplied our founderies. It abounded in the necessaries of 
life. It was one of the strongest countries in the world, so full ol:" 
lofty mountains that it has been called, not inaptly, the Switzer- 
land of America. As the possession of Switzerland opened the 
door for the invasion of Italy, Germany and France, so the pos- 
session of East Tennessee gave easy access to Virginia, North 
Carolina, Georgia and Alabama." 

The representatives of Illinois in the bloody conflict were the 
10th, Kith, 19th, 21st, 22d. 21th, 25th, 27th, 3ith, 35th, oGth, 38th, 
42(1, 41th, 51st, 73d, 74th, '75th. 78th, 71»th, SOth, 84th, S5th, 80th, 
88th, 89th, 92d, 98th, 100th, 101th, 110th, 115th, 123d, 125th iuid 
127th. Cols. Chandler and Mihalotzy and a long list of others, 
were among the slain. The 21st lost 238, 22d 235, 35th 152, 38th 
18, 51st 90,\ind 79th 121. 

Tlie battle of Chicamauga was made the subject of remark both 
among rebels and Unionists. Bragg, by failing to take advan- 
tage of tlie victory which he so pom[)oasly claimed, com})leted the 
overthrow of his reputation, which had been tottering since the 
battle of Stone River. liosecrans, suffering greatly in fame, was 
finally relieved of -his command, and Thomas, whose superior 
fighting qualities had saved the army from destruction, wns 
placed in his stead. 

To secure greater unity of design and co-operation, and thereby 
greater efficiency, the separate armies operating in the regiou of 
Cbattanooga were placed under the comnnind of Grant. He ijn- 
mediately telegraphed Thonuis to hold Chattnnooga at all haz- 
ards, and received in reply assurances that starvation was the 
only contingencj' that could lead to its abandonment. Had he 
been forced to relinquish it, all its possession had cost would have 
been thrown away, and the struggle for ascendancy in the valley 
of the Mississippi again to re-enact. To prevent such a disaster 
Grant immediately commenced preparations to forward supplies 
and reinforcements. .On the 22d day of September, Sherman, 
then on Big Black river, was notified by a dispatch to send over 
one of his divisions, and the next day Osterhaus was steaming up 
the Mississippi on the way to Chattanooga. Four days after, in 
accordance with further instructions, Sherman and his entire corps 
embaiked in steamboats and started for the same place. At Mem- 
l)liis he commenced the repair of the Memphis and Cliarleston R. 
R., with the design of using it for the conveyance of his sn[)plies 
as he advanced. While vigorously engaged in pushing forward 
this* enterprise directly in the face of tlie enemy, he was ordered 
to abandon it and proceed directly forward to effect a junction 
with the other forces at Chattanooga. 



THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. 831 

The partial reverse at Oliicamanga also induced Halleck to de- 
tach two divisions from tlie army of the Potomac and send them 
under Hooker to operate in the same Held. Grant himself arrived 
on the 23d of October, and seeing the [)recarious condition of 
supplies, instituted measures to place them beyond the i'ea(;h of 
future contingencies. Both troops and animals were already 
suffering for the want of provisions which had been bronght iu 
wagons over the numerous mountain ridges separating Chatta- 
nooga from Middle Tennessee. Bragg, aware that he coukl neither 
flank nor carry by storm the stronghold which he had so recently 
lost, was endeavoring to getpossession of the river and the raih-oads 
leading to it with the intention of starving our army out of it. 

For the two-fold purpose of obtaining relief and facilitating the 
operations of Hooker, who was a])proaching the city by way of 
Lookout valley, Grant determined to seize the heights on the 
west side where it connects with the Tennessee. Atter a recon- 
noisance, 1,500 pi(;ked troops under Ila/en were sent in pontoons 
down the river to Brown's ferry adjacent the heights, while a co- 
operating force of 2,500 secretely followed on the north bank of 
the river. The i)ontoons carrying tbe advance party noiselessly 
floated down the stream to the i^oint chosen for debarka„tion. 
Here a picket alarm aroused t!u^, neighboring camps of the enemy 
and Hazen's men jumped quickly ashore and formed to repel an 
attack. The former, wholly taken by surprise, after a feeble re- 
sistance retreated up the valley, and the spurs on the east side of 
it were seized and fortiiied. The pontoons were next employed 
to pass over the force on the opposite side, and at daylight the 
heights, which gave Grant the key to Bragg's position, were made 
im})regnable. During the day Hooker came down the valley, 
and having dispersed the rebel forces on the river below, it was 
opened to navigation and all fears of starvation removed. A 
bridge was thrown across the river opposite, and should JJragg 
mass his forces either against Hooker or Chattanooga, we now 
had the shorter line of concentration. 

Battle of Wai(hatchic. — The rebels, alarmed at the demonstra- 
tions in Lookout valley, determined, on the night of the 28th of 
October, to interpose a counteracting movement. Bragg, unable 
to cope with Hooker's entire corps, made an assault on Geary's 
division encamped at Wauhatchie, the point where he had effect- 
ed an entrance into Lookout valley. About midnight they rushed 
forward with loud yells and great impetuosity, but found their 
antagonists wide awake and ready to receive them with a fire 
fierce and deadlier than their own. Hooker, hearing the report 
of guns, and anxious for the safety of Geary, immediately sent 
forward Sctuu-z's division of Howard's corps to his aid. As the 
force rapidly marched forward in the mooidight they Avere sud- 
denly and unexpectedly fired upon by 2,000 rebels posted on an 
adjoining hill. One of brigades moved on to the assistance of 
Geary while the other halted to charge the heights. The latter, 
immediately scaling the steei) acclivity with fixed bayonets. clear- 
ed the rirte pits on its summit. In the meantime the wild hills 
whicli girt Geary about were ablaze with flashes of nuisketry and 
exploding shells. Although several times nearly overwhelmed, 



832 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

lie clmig to liis position and at length forced his assailants back 
and compelled them to seek refuge in their works on Lookout 
Mountain. 

Tbe lOlst Illinois was amouglhe heroes of the battle, and ma- 
terially aided in the enemy's overthrow. 

Battle of Lookout Mountain. — Bragy, weakened by detaching 
Lougstreet's corps to operate against Burnside atKnoxville, now 
concluded to remain in his trenches and act on the defensiAa^ His 
position stretched across the valley of Chattanooga, and bigli on 
the western and northern slopes of Lookout and Mission liidge 
was one of great natural strength. Tlie valley here is narrow and 
was so entiladed by batteries jdanted on the sides of the ad- 
jacent mountains as to render it wholly impregnable to a direct 
asscault. Hooker, holding the valley of Lookout, confronted the 
enemy on the adjacent mountain. Thomas occupied a central po- 
sition in the valley of Chattanooga in the front of the city, and 
Sherman was ordered to seize the northern extremity of Mission 
Eidge. With the 15th army corps he moved from Bridgeport and 
on entering Lookout valley, dispatched Ewing's division u]) it to 
tlireaten Bragg's extreme left and thus divert attention from 
his right, wherehe was ordered to operate. With the remainder of 
his force hecrossed the bridge at Brawn's ferry, and, proceeding 
unobserved along the north bank of the river, he recrossed it 
near the mouth of the Chicauiauga and seized thejiosition assign- 
ed him before the rebels had time to interpose any serious oppo- 
sition. Ewing's division was now ordered back to rejoin Sher- 
man, but the bridge having given away, he returned and fought 
under Hooker. 

The latter in the meantime climbing the precipitous steejis of 
Lookout, had planted his veteran standards high on its cloud- 
capped summit. To favor Sherman's movement he had been di- 
rected to threaten the enemy. AVith this object in view, on the 
morning of the 24th his forces were in motion, but the rain of the 
previous days had swollen Lookout creek and swept away the 
pontoons prepared for crossing it. W'hile rebuilding the bridge 
Geary was ordered to move up the valley and cross at a more 
available point. Favored by a heavy mist the force unobserved 
crossed the creek and secured a lodgment on its western bank. 
By 11 o'clock the bridge was comi)leted, and the force augmented 
to some 9,000 men, swept down between the creek and the moun- 
tain, carried the rifle-pits at its base and captured a large number 
of prisoners. iSText commenced the fearful ascent of the moun- 
tain, our men enthusiastically climbing over splintered crests and 
yawning chasms, directly' under the muzzles of the enemy's bat- 
teries. Soon the flashes and thunderi>eals resembling the c^^ash 
of heaven's artillery, announced the storm of war raging in the 
clouds above. When the dense masses of fog that had become 
banked againstthe side of themountain rolled away, and the splen- 
did pageantry of battle burst on the vision of the thousands w ho had 
been shrouded in the mist-clouded valleys below, charging 
squadrons, shouting multitudes and clashing arms appeared high 
above them, as if the gods, having espoused thecause of the con- 
teudhig armies were warring to decide their fate. Our columns, 
flushed by success, in the faceof a plnnging^re of lieavj^ ordnance, 



THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. 833 



rusbed on the foe capturing inaiiv prisoners and linrling' tlie re- 
mainder of his forces down tlie i)ri('ipitons eastern declivity of 
the iiioLiutaiii. The entire army witli almost painful excitement 
having witnessed the sublime scene, responded with loud acclaim 
to the shout which rose from the conquering columns, till tlie wild 
mountain gorges became vocal with the echoes and seemed to par- 
take of the rejoicing. 

The Illinois regiments in and otherwise connected with the bat- 
tle were the 12th, 34th, 3oth, 59th, GOth, 73d, 75th, 101st and 115th. 

Battle of Mission EMge. — Sherman, after having gained a foot- 
hold on Mission Ridge, improved the succeeding night in fortify- 
ing liis position, ami was ready on the morning of the25tli to move 
against the enemy. The ridge he occupied was not continuous 
but a succession of eminences. A deep gap lay between him and 
the elevation on which the enemy was posted, and should he get 
possession of this, there was still a second higher and farther 
back whose guns commanded it. At early dawn Gen. M. L. Smith 
"was directe<l to move along the east base of the ridge. Col. Loomis 
the west base and Gen. Corse with the 40tli Illinois, supported by 
the 20th and 40th Ohio, along the crest. The latter advanced to 
within 80 yards of the enemy's works where he gained a second- 
ary crest and commenced an assault, but was unable to 
carry the works of the rebels, and they unable to drive him 
from his })osition. Smith and Loomis were however gaining 
on each tlank, and Bragg massing his forces to protect the 
most vulnerable points of his position, the battle raged with con- 
stantly increasing fury. From every salient point and projecting 
spur, batteries tlamed and thundered, wrappingthecombatantsin a 
cloud of smoke. As the day wore away this fearful pounding was 
(;outinued without intermission and without either belligerant gain- 
ing any decided advantage. Grant meanwhile had been listening to 
the stern work in which his favorite lieutenant was engaged, and 
anxiously waiting for the time to come when he could relieve him 
by a move on the centre. At length, when Bragg had weakened 
this part of his line to support his right, and Hooker had come 
down from the heights of Lookout without a co-operating force, 
Thomas was ordered to advance. 

That portion of Bragg's position which he w%as now to assail lay 
on a bald rugged height of Mission Kidge, 800 feet above Chatta- 
nooga. A line of ritle pits protected its base, while on its summit 
were batteries which had achieved fame in previous battles support- 
ed by veteran regiments. As soon as the command was gi^en 
Wood's, Baird's ami Johnson's divisions under Granger, immedi- 
diately started rapidly forward. So openly and deliberateh* was 
the movement that the enemy regarded it as a review, and those 
in the ritle pits, surprised, tied precipitately up the mountain as 
the assaulting columns approached. The rebels gi-eatly astonished 
at the attack nnide at the l)aseof the mountain were more so when 
theybeheldthe national troops climbingits precipitous sides to assail 
them on its summit. Nearly 30 pieces of artillery commenced hurling 
at them grai^e and canister to dispute the ascent yet the works were 
carried sinudtaneonsly at six different points. A shout made known 
the result, ami soldiers clinging to steeps and spurs and deei) in 
the vallev below, answered with a loud response. Bragg, seeing 
53 



834 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

111! was lost, commenced withdrawing-, closely followed till niglit- 
fall, \vhi(;li put an end to fuitlier movements. The next day the 
pnrsnit was continued and the enemy overtaken in a- gap of the 
mountains near liinggokl. Here he made a stubborn resistance 
but was tinally forced from his strong position, tiie 13th Illinois 
bearing an honorable part in the fight. 

The Illinois regiments in the uuiginficent charges of Mis.sion 
Ridge and the co-operative struggles, were the llith, the IDtii, lj2d, 
2Cth, 27th, 35th, 4lid, 44th, 48th, olst, 59th, 63(1, 73d. 79th, 8()tli, 
S4th, 86th, 88th, 89th, 93d, 104th and 115th. Tlie 26th lost 101 
men, the 42d, 45 and the 51st, 30. They were first in Sherman's 
and first in Thomas' advance, and first to surmount the battery 
crowned crests of the ridge. 

Considering Bragg's abnost impregnable })osilion on the sum- 
mits of the mountains and the daring and skillful generalship used 
in wresting it from his grasp, the battles in the vicinity of Chatta- 
nooga must be regarded among the most remaricable on record. 
Though outnumbered toward the close of the canipaign, the lofty 
eyry in which he had perclied his forces gave him decidedly the 
advantage. Failing to hold it the passes which it overlooke<l and 
comnuxnded now became salient points for the farther a-<l\aiice 
of the national armies, and Chattanooga became henceforth as ser- 
viceable in the cause of the Union as it had hitherto been defiant 
to loyalty. The Union loss in the series of engagements, termi- 
nating in this auspicious result, was reported 5,600; that of the 
enemy in killed and wounded at 2,500 5 prisoners 6,000 ; artillery 
40 guns. 

Siege and Relief of KnoxviUe. — The sequence of the campaign 
was the relief of Burnside at Knoxville. While in command of 
the department of the Ohio before it had been merged into that of 
the Mississipi)i and Grant assumed connnaiui, Burnside under- 
took an expedition into East Tennessee to relieve tlie loyal inhabi- 
tants. The peo])le of this region had been devotedly attached to the 
Union and as aconsequenceliad suffered terribly from conscri[)tion 
persecution ami spoliation. The dungeon, bullet and halter, used to 
crush out their loyalty,had only served to intensify it, and Burnside 
was welcomed among them Avith every exi)ression of de- 
light. He immediately took possession of Knoxville, and shortly 
after the battle of Chicamauga Longstreet was sent with an army 
of 20,000 to crush him before he could be reinforced. 

After severe fighting the city was closely environed and prei)a- 
rations made to carry it by storm. The garrison, consisting in 
part of the 65th and 112th Illinois, entertained no doubt of their 
ability to defend themselves, but their supplies were nearly ex- 
hausted and the danger of starvation com}>elling a surrtMulcr was 
iminent. Messengers had informed Grant of their destitution 
and as soon as the fate of Chattanooga was decided Granger was 
ordered to Knoxville with a relieving force. Grant, however, 
on finding his command inadequate, substituted Sherman's, 
containing the 27th, 44th, 48th, 60th and 80th Illinois, although it 
Nvas imposing a severe task on his brave but exhausted men. 
Leaving their surplus clothing behind to augment their speed, 
they had nuirched b^' land from Memphis, fought their way 
through the battles of Chattanooga, and now, without a moment's 



THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. 835 

respite, and without suitable api)aral for tlie altered tem- 
perature of the advanced season — without a word of complaint 
they cheerfully set out the night after the order was issued, and by 
morning they had made 15 miles, and at night of the succeeding day 
20 more, though the rebels had dehiyed their advance by burning 
bridges and otherwise interposing obstacles. 

Longstrect had entertained hopes that star^'ation would iiuluce 
Burnside to surrender, but after hearing of Bra-gg's defeat and 
that a relieving force was coming, determined, on tlie 29th of No- 
vember, to carry the place by storm. A storming column accord- 
ingly nuide its a])pearaiice, and for hours a deadly struggle ensued. 
More than 1,000 in killed and wounded was tiie cost of the assault, 
but the fort was not taken. Sherman, fearing the garrison might 
despair of success, when his army was within 40 miles of the be- 
leagnred phice, sent forward a brigade of his tieetest ca^'alry to 
ainu)unce his coming. The clatter of their hoofs were heard on 
the night of the 3d of December, and the beseiged army with in- 
expressible delight received the welcome intelligence. The march 
was continued till the night of the 5th, when news was received 
that Long-street had raised the seige and retreated into Virginia. 
Sherman immediately halted the army, and after personally visit- 
ing Knoxville and having an interview with Burnside, returned 
with it to Chattanooga. 



Chapter LXIII. 

18G4— ILLI^^OIS IN THE ATLANTA AND NASHVILLE 

CAMPAIGNS. 

Battles of Eoclcy Face Mountain^ Besaca, Neic Hope Church, Feach 
Tree Greek, Atlanta, Jonesboro\ Alatoona, Sjjring Hill, Franklin 
and Kashville. 



Grant, the former colonel of the 21st Illinois, had now fully 
won the confidence of the people, and congress reviving the grade 
of lieutenant-general on the 2d of March, 1864, he was commis- 
sioned as the generalissimo of the nation's armies. For a long 
time there hadexisted a feeling of dissatisfaction in regard to the 
want of concert in the movements of the armies in the east and 
west. It was too frequently the case when a success occurred in 
one part of the field the enemy was permitted to send a relieving 
force from another, and thus neutralize tlie effect of victory. 
Whether this was the fault of Ilalleck or not, public opinion re- 
quired a new head for the army, and Grant whose fitness was 
wisely estinmted by his past successes, was raised to the high po- 
sition which only Wasbington before him had filled. 

If the task before him was not more diiticult than that of his 
predecessor, the field of his operations was far more extensive. 
"Never before bad one commander surveyed such a vast field of 
operations and looked over such a mighty array subject to his sin- 
gle control. From the Potomac to the Eio Grande, for 5,000 miles 
arose the smoke of camp fires, and the shouts of embattled hosts, 
evoking liis leadership. To aid him in the gigantic task before him 
GOO vessels lined tbe rivers and darkened coasts for 2,500 miles, 
while 4,000 guns lay ready to send their stern summons into rebel 
defenses.* 

As a consequence of Grant's promotion, Sbennan was 
placed in command of the dei)artment of the Mississii)pi, com- 
prising tlie armies of the Cumberland, Tennessee and Oliio. Tbe 
army "of the Cumberland, consisting of the 4tb, 14th and 20tb 
corps, was comnmnded by Thonuis; tbe 4th corps by Howard; and 
its divisions by Stanley, Newton arid Wood, the 14th by Pahner, 
audits divisions by Davis, Johnson and Baired; the 20tb cor])s 
by Hooker, and its divisions by Williams and Buttertield. 
The army of the Tennessee, consisting of the 15th corps and por- 
tions of the 10th and ITtb, was under McPlierson ; the 15th cor[)S 
was under Logan audits divisions under M. L, Smith, J. E. Smitb, 

* Heudle . 

836 



THE WAR OP THE REBELLION. 837 

Osterhaiis and Harrow; the IGtli corps under Dodge and its divis- 
ions under Eansoui, Corse and (Sweeney; the 17th corps under 
Blair, and its divisions under C. 11. Woods and Legget. The army 
of the Ohio was under the leadership of Schotiehl. 

The cavah-y consisted of Kil[)atrick's and Garrards' divisions of 
tlie army of the Cumberland, E. McCook's brigade of the army of 
the Tennessee and McCook's division of the army of the Ohio. 

Sherman, the central figure of the drama now about to be 
enacted in Georgia, had by great energy and skillful generalship 
ac(piired a prestige of great value and assistance in playing- the 
ditlicult role that fell to his lot. He had won high scholastic hon- 
ors in the military curriculum of West Point. As the commander 
of a brigade at Bull Bun he exhibited noticeal)]e soldierly skill; 
at Sliiloh, as the head of a raw di\ision, both Grant and llalleck 
declared that they were indebted to him for the success of the 
battle; and finally, in the well earned plaudits as the commander 
of a corps in the recent battle of Chattanooga, other laurels 
were won and his present promotion secured. His principal sub- 
ordinate officers were men of repute, generals whom the stern 
ordeal of war had tried and proved to possess a high order of mil- 
itary talent. 

Grant, befoi'e repairing to his new field of labor, had a long in- 
terview with Shernum, in whi<;h the plans of the cnin[)aigns it was 
pro[H)sed to institute ag'ainst BJchmond and Atlanta were fidly 
discussed. It was decfded to simultaneously move from the Bapi- 
dan and Tennessee, with two great armies southward, and so vig- 
orously press tite confederate forces both east and west that re- 
lieving parties could not be sent from one department to another. 
It was also settled that the campaigns should coinmen(;e about 
the first of May, and Sherman accordingly set out from his winter 
quarters around Chattanooga, with an army of near 100,000 men 
and -54 guns. 

Johnson, who assumed command after Bragg's ill-starred cam- 
paign, confronted him with an army of some 00,000 men, consist- 
ing of' 3 corps under Polk, Hardee, and Hood. To compensate 
for his want of numbers he had selected and foitified his position, 
an<l the national army, as it followed him into Georgia, was forced 
to keep open a long- line of comnumications, whicli greatly re- 
duced the number of men available for the field. His army lay 
at Didton, so strongly fortified that an attack in front was impos- 
sible. Barring- his approaches in this direction was Bocky Face 
Mountain, here cknen by Mill Creek, on the banks of which the 
railroad fouiul a passage to the town. This narrow defile, the only 
gateway tothe rebel positiou, was artificially flooded and swept by 
artillery placed on its ro(!ky apaulments, while inaccessible spurs, 
frow ning with batteries protected his flanks. 

Battle of Rocl-y Face ^fountain. — Sherman now commenced that 
series of movements which won for him the appellation of the "Great 
flanker,''' and by which he i^roposed to turn Johnson's craggy cita- 
del and compel him to figlut outside of its impregnable fastnesses. 
Besaca is situated 18 miles farther southward on the railroad, and 
f(u- this purpose jNlclMierson was sent on a westward detour 
through Sliip and Snake Gaps to cut ofi' the confederate commu- 
nications at that point. To cover this movement Thomas entered 



838 HISTORY OP ILLINOIS. 

tLe Mill Creek Gap, aiid on tlie 8tb and 9rli of May, 18G1, made a 
bold push for the summit of the uiouutaiu, the 42d, 4irh, 51st, 
51)th, 79th, 8Sth, 89th and 107th Illinois, tl^litino- with great deter- 
miuatioii, but without dislodging- the enemy. His attention was, 
however, diverted from McPliersou, who unmolested arrived wiihiu 
a few miles of liesaca. 

Battle of Resaca. — A reconnoisance, however, showed that the 
town was too strong to be carried, Johnson having provided for 
such contingency by sendiiig thither troojjs at the first intimation 
of danger. It was designed not only to make the enemy retreat 
southward by gettiug on his base of supplies, but to have ]\[c- 
Phersou strike him ou the tlank and the rest of the army in the 
rear after he had been dislodged from his position. McPhersou 
being unable to accomplish his part of the programme, all the le- 
maining forces, with the exception of Howard's cor])s, wlii('h was 
left to watch Halton, were sent to his aid, and Johnson, seeing his 
positiou was no longer tenable, su(hlenly evacuated it and fell 
back to Resaca. Sherman finding him strongly fortified, deter- 
mined to institute another Hank movement, and turn him out of it. 
Eor this purpose ou the 14th he pontooned the Ostenaula, which 
crosses the railroad south of Eesaca, and on the 15th Sweeney's 
division and a force of cavalry were sent to break the raih'oad be- 
hind Calhoun and Kingston. Simultaneously, M(*Pherson's, 
Thomas' and Schofield's forces assaulted the right and centre of 
the rebel line. The former driving Polk from his i)osition, planted 
his artillery on commanding heights, and swept the coidederate 
bridge over the river, while Sweeney, unmolested, crossed farther 
down the stream. The crossing of the stream, as is usually the 
case in exposed situations, was attended with a number of bril- 
liant incidents. As Hodge's corps moved up to Lay's ferj y a 
heavy fire was opened upon them from the opposite baidv to pre- 
vent its crossing. Six companies of the GOth Illinois and 81st 
Ohio were sent across in pontoons to dislodge them, dni-ing which 
a storm of bullets was encountered, topi)ling many of them over 
into the water, and ruefully singing their requiems as they disap- 
peared beneath the waves. Undaunted by the loss of their com- 
rades, they gained the shore, and charging up the bank, soon 
drove the enemy from his position. The next day and succeeding 
night the fight was renewed. Hooker, driving the enemy trom 
several points, captured 4 of his guns and a large number of i)ris- 
oners. A short time after midnight the enemy gave way and re- 
treated across the Ostenaula, leaving Eesaca the prize of the in- 
Aading army. In the several engagements our loss amounted to 
some 5, GOO, that of the confederates being much less, as they 
fought behind breastworks. 

The Illinois regiments present were the 27tii, 42d, 44th, 48th, 
51st, 52d, 59th, GOth, G4th, 75th, 80th, 84tli, 8Gth, S8th, 89th, 92d, 
98th, 101st, 102d, 104th, 105th, 107th, 111th, 112th, 115th and 
127th. Outnumbering tlie troops of any other single State, the 
victory was largely an Illinois triumi)h. On one occasion our men 
had been ordered back, which evoked exultant shouts from the 
enemy, who supposed we were repulsed. The color-bearer of the 
127th Illinois, becoming exasix'rated, and, regardless of danger, 
returned to an embrasure and defiantly Haunted his standard in 



THE WAR OP THE REBELLION. 839 

the face of tlie astoiiislied eiiemj. ITis life wastiie foreit of liis te- 
merity, for lie and otliers after liim who atteiiiiited to take up the 
color.s were f^liot. 

Battle of Neip Hope Church. — The main body of the army now 
moved after the retreating- enemy, wliile Davis' division, following; 
the Ostena.ula to Konie, captunnl 8 heavy i)ieces of artillery and 
destroyed rollin;^- mills and foundries of great value to the enemy. 
At Adairs\ille and Kingston, Johnson held strong' itositionin, but, 
after a shar[) brush with the pursuing- army, in Mhich the 4LM, 
44tli, 50th, 8(>tli, 84:tli and S8tli Illinois became engaged, he aban- 
doned them and ()ccui)ied Altoona, a place strong- by nature and 
mnro so l)y art. By Johnson's last movement, the valley of the 
Etowah was abandoned to Sherman, who now began to think it 
was the intention of his adversai-y to draw the Uiuon army far 
into the interior before risking- a general engagement. He never- 
theless accepted the issue, and determined to make another at- 
tempt to draw liim out of his entrenchments foi- the })urp()se of 
lighting him on ()])en ground. Accordingly, with su}»plics tbrl'O 
days, on the L'Oth of ^lay, he set out with the army on a. westward 
detour to Dallas, intending', after arriving- thither, to seize and de- 
stroy the railroad west of the town. Johusou quickly divined 
the object of the movement, and Hooker, in our van, encountered 
a stubboin resistance at New Hope church, in the vicinity of Dal- 
las. Altooi)a had been evacuated and the rebel army ^Yas stretch- 
ed from Dallas to iMarietta on the railroad, tlie rugg'ed character 
of the ground occupied giving- it every IVunlity for opposition and de- 
fensive oi)erations. Sherman, pushing up Ins forces toward the 
enemy's entrenchments, brought on heavy skirmishing, which, on 
theL'JIth, culminated in a tierce assault on Johnson's position, the 
assailants suft'ering heavv loss and gaining no permanent ad\'au- 
tage. 

'rhe next day the rel>els made an assault on Mcrherson, occu- 
l)ying- the Union right. Our men were sheltered by earthworks, 
uj) to which the rebels advanced in one of those overwhelming- 
charges for which they weie distinguished, and, with a shout 
Avliich rose above their crashing volleys. The federals reserved 
their tire till the surging masses came within deadly i-ange, when 
tiiey op(Mied with such destructive effect that the storming ])arty 
was comi)elled to retire. Again and again they rallied and march- 
ed ui> almost to the muzzles of our guns, refusing to desjst till the 
ground on which they fought was covered with heaps of dead 
and dying. In the terrible onslaught the former colonel of the 
52(1 Illinois, now styled Bull Dog Sweeney, on account of his stub- 
born lighting qualities, with his division twice received the rebels 
and sent them in disorderly masses from the field. The Illinois 
regiments engaged at Xew Hope church ami its vicinitv. were the 
4L'd, Uth, 4St!i, 51st, 5lM. 5l)th, 60th, (J4th, TOth, 80th, 84th, 
8(>th, 88th, 101st, 104th, 105th and 111th. 

Battle of KeiViU'saiv Monntahi. — Alter this death gra]>})le, sev- 
eral days were s})ent in skirmishing, when Sherman again deter- 
mined to turn the position of the eneniy. He therefore gradually 
mo\ed his forces in the direction of the railroad and Johnson, 
closely watching him, led his troops to Mariettaj whence he fell 



840 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

back to Keune.fiiw inouiitain. This towering" lieiglit, and its al- 
most equally tbiiiiidable neighbors, Pine and Lost mountains, now 
loomed up before the i)ursuing' army, dark witii panoplied hosts 
and their inaccessible spurs frowning with batteries. Sherman, 
after reconuoitering the new situation of tiie enejiiy, commenced 
forcing' a passage between Pine and Keunesaw, which caused him 
to concentrate on the latter so as to cover Marietta and the rail- 
road, lu eft'ecting these changes, the fighting' was desultory, but 
severe, the rebels from their high i)osition being able to minute- 
ly scrutinize the movements of our men and i)uurdown upon their 
heads a pelting' rain of iron.* 

Johnson, seeing the Uinon army gradually api)roaching' his posi- 
tion, on the'1^2d of June, ordered Hood to make an assault on 
Hooker's corps, which had moved to an advanced position. The 
onset was fierce and determined but repulsed witli hea\y loss to 
the enemy in killed, wounded and prisoners. Sherman now de- 
termined to deal a counter blo'w, and, on the 27th, after a lieavy 
cannonade, Thomas and McPherson, at different points, moved 
sinudtaiieously up to the rebel works. Soon the mountain, volca- 
no-like, became wrap]»ed in fire and shook from base to summit 
under the incessant peals of heavy guns. Our nuMi fought with 
unparalleled devotion, and i»ortions of ISewton's and Wood's divi- 
sions succeeded in capturing the first line of rebel works, but 
the side of the mountain above them was abrupt ami inaccessi- 
ble, and they were compelled to return. 

The entire loss of the army in the fatal charge was 3,(H)0. A 
large part of this fell on the Illinois trooi:)s, as might be ex{)ected 
from the long list of regiments. The 12th, 27th, 31st, 32d, 3.3tl!, 
38th. 42d, 44th, 48th,5'lst, 52d, 55th, 59th, OOth, G4th, Gotli, 7*)th, 
80th^ 84th5 8(>th, S8th, 89th, lUlst, l()4th, 107th and 111th, were 
in the hottest part of the engagement and correspondingly suf- 
fered. 

This was Sherman's first defeat and perhaps the greatt'st ]nis- 
take of the campaign. He had so frequently outfianked the ene- 
my that an idea prevailed, both among his own and the rebel 
oflicers, that he would not make an assault, and Ije says he or- 
dered the attack partly for the moral effect. The best method of 
procedure in every case is to secure victory with the least ex[)e]i- 
diture of life, and, therefore, his pretext hardly seems satisfactory. 
Besides, in this instance, the chances of success were in faN'or of 
the enemy, and the assault proving unsuccessful, the moral effect 
was in his favor also. 

After the bloody repulse he buried his dead and again resorted 
to flanking, which, as the result shows, should ha\e been tried in 
the first place. McPherson was sent on the right toward the 
Ohattahoochi(% and Johnson, as soon as he became aware of the 
movement, dei)arted from his fortified heights, and also hurried to 
the ri\-er. Sherman pushed after him with the hope of striking a 

*While thus making- observations, Gen. Polk, the Episcopal bishop of Louisiana, was 
struck by a 3-)nch ball from our ijuns, and instantly killed. In company with John- 
sou and" Hardee, the group was discovered on its lofty lookout, and, at the in- 
stance of Sherman, a frun was turned upon it and fired. The missile passed diie^tly 
over the party, which caused them to dismount and retire to a place of safety. Polk, 
however, refusing- to remain under cover, returned, and a second shot directed with 
unerring aim, struck and tore his body into fragments. Ou- uien having discovered 
the meaning- of the sitiiials emplc>.\ed by the enemy by reading the dispatches sent 
along hi§ lioes, lgai-n(;d soon lUterwurds that be had been killed. 



THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. 841 

filial blow wlieu he attenii)te(l to cross, but tlie wary coiilederate 
liad provided for this contingency by seizing and fortifying a po- 
sition on its banks. This ^vas held till the passage of the men was 
effected when he retired into his works around Atlanta, where he 
was destined to meet his hnal overthrow. 

Battle of Feach Tree Creel: — The Chatahoochie here is a large 
stream running in a southwesterly direction and near where the 
railroad crosses it, receives the waters of Peach Tree creek, a deep 
tributary falling into it from the west. Within the angle formed 
by the streams and 8 miles distant from each, Athinta, the prin- 
cipal objective point, is situated. The rebels, taking advantage 
of the peculiar conformation of the streams, had arranged their 
Hues of defense with a view of disputing the passage of these nat- 
ural barriers which lay between them and the national army. To 
surmount this difticulty was the problem which Sherman had to 
solve. AVith his army on the west side of the river below^ the 
mouth of Peach Tree creek, he could easily approach the city on 
the south and west where it was comparatively defenseless, but 
to cross it in the face of a powerful foe, and risk a battle with 
it in his immediate rear, was adangerous undertaking. Another 
l)laii was to cross the river above the mouth of Peach Tree creek, 
where little o]>position would be encountered, an<l then turning 
soutlnvard, risk the contingencies of crossing the snniller stream. 
Tiie latter alternative was adopted as the least difticult, but, du- 
ring its execution, Johnson was relieved of his command. 

This was only one of the many acts of stui>endous folly which 
characterized the Kiclimond authorities during the latter days of 
the confederacy and materially hastened its downfall. Ua had 
skillfully used the advantages of defense offered by the rugged 
mountain passes through which he had been driven ; yet, because 
he had failed to annihilate his adversary, who exceeded him in 
luimbers, the rebel president was displeased and superseded him. 
Says Pollard : " He lost 10,000 men in killed and wounded, and 
4,700 more from other causes, a fact which proves his men never 
failed to meet the inva(iing army whenever an opportunity offered 
to strike a damaging blow." The iiery and impetuous Hood was 
placed in his stead, and, commencing a furious offensive warfare, 
and remorselessly slaughtered his men when there was little pros- 
l)ect of success. Hood, in takingconnnandof the rebel army, found 
it, in consequence of reinforcements, some o,000 stronger than at 
the commencement of the cami)aign, while that of his adversary 
had also been kept up to the original standard, and, flushed with 
triumph, was better prepared than at first to grapple Avith the 
foe. 

As the army was developing a line along Peach Tree creek, 
Thomas on the right, Schofield in the centre, and McPherson on 
the left. Hood, on the 20th. massed his forces and emleavored to 
penetrate a gap between Thomas and Schofield which Shennan 
was trying to fill. The assault, although as sudden as a thunder 
clap, was received by l*almer's. Hooker's and Howard's coips, 
Avith such determined resistance that defeat was impossible. Mus- 
ketry and artillery mowed them down by hundreds, yet, with a de- 
votion worthy of a better cause, they continued to c.owd up in the 
wasting fire which no amount of blood was able to quench. The 



843 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

great sacrifice did not avail, for, after a five-liours' battle and the 
loss of 5,000 men, they were driven back to their entreuchinents. 

Battles of Atlanta. — The main army now closed in on the fated 
city, iu the form of a semi-circle of two miles radius, and Hood de- 
termined to strike another offensive blow to extricate himself 
from its toils. Moving; u}) on the extreme left, the most vnliiera- 
ble i)art of our line, he massed his forces for an assault. McPher- 
son, in command of this wing, had made a wide circuit by way of 
])ecatur, and it was Hood's intention to fall on aiul crush him be- 
fore he could properly get in position. Accordingly, on the 22d 
the latter was impetuously assaulted, the charging squadrons 
sweeping along the whole line, for a time it seemed almost irresist- 
able. The first blow fell on Blair's corps, but soon that of Dodge, 
which, moving around him in the rear to form on his left, became 
imolved. Dodge, finding his right about to be turned, ordered a 
charge on the enemy's flank by the 12th Illinois and 81st Ohio, 
which, swee])ing up to the foe, captured two stand of colors and 
left the grouiul covered with his dead. Plardee had entered a 
gap between the two corps, when Sweeney's division met him, and 
by stubborji fighting, in which the 9rh Illinois bore a distinguish- 
ed part, kept him at bay till otiier forces could arrive and assist 
him. AVhile Dodge roughly handled the rebels and took many of 
them ]>risoners, their assaults on Blair were more successful. 
AVith their customary daring they rushed up and both armies 
fought on opposite sides of the same breastworks on which Avere 
planted their respective standards. The orders of officers were 
unheard, and each c^batant rallyijig round his colors struck 
such blows as seemedlRel}' to do the greatest execution. 

In the meantime a heavy force of the enemy got in our rear and 
captured 12 guns. Sherman sent word to Logan, whose corps was 
on Blair's right, that he must charge and retake them. Two bat- 
teries placed on comnuinding hills, were now ordered to open upon 
the enemy, and under cover of their converging fire, he massed 
and pushed irresistibly forward his charging columns. All the 
guns were retaken except two, which had been carried from the 
field, and when night put an end to the contest, Hood found him- 
self again foiled, and his forces exhausted. 

The Illinois regiments in the two preceding battles were the 
IGth, 2Gth, 27th, 30th, 31st, 35th, 38th, 42d, 44th, 48th, 51st, 52d, 
53d, 55th, 59th, GOtli, 64th, 73d, 74th, 75tli, 80th, 84th, 80th, 88th, 
89th, 92d, 101st, 102d, 104th, 105th, 107th, 111th, 112th, 115th and 
129th. In the heavy charging and countercharging of the opposing 
forces in the battle they frequently became intermingled in hand 
to hand contests. On one occasion, Ool. Flynn, of the 
129th Illinois, met a rebel colonel, iu\d Mhile their regiments were 
engaged in a death graj)ple they had a combat from behind trees, 
with guns, each dodging round his covert so as to give and avoid 
shots. One of our batteries planted on the Atlanta road did such 
terrible execution upon the enemy, a heavy column was sent up to 
capture it. The 74th Illinois, stationed on the right of the road, 
and the 88th on tlie left, poured into the assaulting force such a 
destru(;tive fire, it was comi)elled to forego the ])rize, and ])ay 
dearly for the attempt to get it. One staiul of colors was cap- 
tured by the 12yth, two by the 105th. The 104th distinguished 



THE WATl OF THE REBELLION. 843 

itself by the determined stand it made iu an advanced position, 
where the enemy first came thun(hning' down on onr lines. In 
this stubbondy coiitested battle, the rebel loss was 18 stand of 
colors and 8.000 men, of whom 3,000 uere killed and 1,000 taken 
l)ris()ners. Onr own loss amoniited to 3,000, of whom 1,000 were 
made prisoners. 

Among' the dead was Gen. McPhei'Son, who, at the time he lost 
his life, was riding un})rotected in the rear. While proceeding in 
faiiicied secnrity he came unexpectedly n[)on a detachment of 
rebels who shot him, and his steed escaping wonnded and rider- 
less ont of the forest, gave the tirst intimation of his fate. lie 
was a young man of fine personal ap})earance, of rare ability as 
an ofticer, and i)ossessed a heart abounding in kindness and win- 
ning for him the esteem and affection of all who came lu^ar him. 
It is said Sherman burst into tears when he heard of his death, 
and the whole army ex])ressed the most intense sorrow. ]>y order 
of the president, Gen. Howard assumed command of the Army of 
the Tennessee. Gens. Plooker and Palmer resigned, iind their 
resi)ective i)laces were filled by Gens. Stanley and Davis. 

With this assault the direct operations on the north and east 
terminated. Sheriinin deternnned to try a flaidc movement 
on tlie- south and west. To assist in this movement Stone- 
man, witli .J. 000 cavalry, was ordered to move round the city on 
the left, and McCook, with 1, 000 on the rigid, to destroy Hood's 
coiumunications. The latter moved along the west baidc of the 
Ohattahooclne, and crossing the West Point railroad, tore u]) a 
portion of the track, and proceeding thence to F;iy(4teville, cap- 
tured L'.jO }trisoners, 500 wagons and 800 mules. Next Lovejoy, on 
th(^ ]\Ia('.on railr(Kid, was visited, to form a junction with Stoneman. 
wiio iiad aiTanged to meet him at that i)lace. The latter failing to 
coiin'. lie destroyed part of the road, after which, being contVonted 
by a force of Mississip[)i infantry on their Vi'ay to join Hood, he 
was ioiced to return with a h)ss of 500 men. Stoneman had 
stiuted with the magnificent project of sweeping down the Macon 
road, capturing the city, and then turning on Andersonville and 
releasing our suffering soldiers <;ontiued in its prison. Sherman 
gave ills assent to it, with tlie understanding that he should meet 
IMcOook at Lovejoy, and with the united forces i)roceed to Ander- 
sonville. Stonenuin, however, failed to comply with liis part of 
the engagement, and as the result he made his appearance before 
^lacon with an inadequate force, and in attempting to retire he and 
1,000 of his men were captured by tiie cavalry of the enemy. 

The army of the Tennessee now moved round the city on the 
]-ig!it, and Hood, detecting the movement, prei)ared to risk anotlier 
otb'usive battle. On tlie 28th his infantry i)onred in dense masses 
from the west side of the city, and moved in magnitic(Mit style up 
to Logan's corps on the l>ell Ferry road. Our ti'ooi)s having 
learned from experience Hood's method of warfare, hurriedly 
made breastworks, and with C()mi)arative immunity, as the rebels 
came within range, slaughtered them by hundreds, forcing theia 
to retire. Six ditierent times, however, they were i^eformed and 
l)ushed np to our works by their infuriated officei's, and it was 
only when their loss reached some 5,000 men, and the survivors 
could no longer be driven to the slaugliter, that the battle ceased. 



844: HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

Sherman now continued the movement of h\s force on theri^lit, 
with the view of disabling the railroad on which the city dei)eii(U'd 
for supplies. Hood also determines to make a siiuilar attempt 
ayaiust the communications of the Union army. Wheeler, in com- 
mand of his cavalry, was therefore sent northward and succeeded 
in breaking' the Chattanooga railroad and capturing 900 beeves, a 
part of our su])plies. Sherman, however, foreseeing emergencies, 
of this kind had builtand garrisoned blockhouses for the protection 
of his bridges. In these he had stored vast quantities of provisions, 
whereby he could subsist his army till any ordinary breakage in 
his line of communication could be restored. The witlidrawal of 
Wheeler, therefore, while it would not be of any serious conse- 
quence to Shernum's supplies, was on the whole an advantage. 
AVithout any effective opposition, he now sent his own cavalry to 
operate on the roads m Hood's rear, while he followed with the 
rest of the army to complete the work of destruction, compel his 
ad\ ersary to abandon the city. 

Battle of Joneshoro. — Sending the sick, wounded and surplus 
stores ,to his entrenched position on the Chatahoochie, and leaving 
Slocum with the 20th corps to guard them, the advance of the re- 
nniinder of the army was continued in a southwesterly direction, 
lielore Hood was ai)prised of the movement, the West Point road 
Avas destroyed and the army approached Jonesboro to tear np the 
Macon road. For the want of cavalry Hood had sent one-half of 
his army under Hardee to the same place to guard his communi- 
cations, and on the morning of August 31st, each arm^' learning 
the position of the other, prei)ared foi' battle. Howard was on the 
right, Schotield in the centre ami Thomas on the left, or iiearest 
Atlanta. Hood attacked the former with great vigor hoping to 
o\{u\vhelni hini before the others ct)uld come to his assistance. 
Our men, expecting an assault, had hurriedly thrown up breast- 
\\()rks, and, with conijiartively slight losses, frightfully slaughter- 
ed the chaiging columns. After two hours of carnage the assail- 
ants retired, having lost in the attack 2,500 men, of whom 400 
Avere killed. Sherman, hearing the din of battle on his right, 
pushed forward Thomas and Schotield in the direction of the con- 
flict. At 4 o'clock Davis' corps came up and at once charging on 
the enemy's position, captured 8 guns and inflicted on him a loss 
of ."3,000 men. Almost one entire brigade was captured. 

The Illinois regiments in the battle were the o8th, 42d, 44th, 
48th, 51st, 52d, 55th, 60th, G5th, 79th, 80th, 84th, 8Gth, 88th, 89th, 
92(1. 104th and 111th. Side by side with their equally brave com- 
rades of other States Mi ey fought for the Union which, instead of 
being disrupted by treason, is destined to ex^iand by the acces- 
sion of new States till one language, the same institutions ami a 
common government extend over the whole continent. 

The succeeding Jiight ominous sounds were heard in the direc- 
tion of Atlanta, 20 miles distant, which yyioved to be the lebel 
magazines which Hood was blowing up j)reparator3' to leaving the 
city. After destroying a large amount of other property by the 
light of 1,000 bales of cotton to which he had applied the torch, he 
led tlie bleeding remnant of his army from the scenes of his bloody 
and bootless assaults. He was ])ursued the next day a distance 
of 35 miles, when our army, greatly fatigued, returned and occu- 
pied the stronghold which they had so valoiously won. 



THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. 845 

The effect produced on the despondent public niiml by the cam- 
paign now closed, was almost magical. When the two great Union 
armies started southward in the early spring, it was believed by 
many the succeeding summer would witness the end of the rebel- 
lion. 

But how often are the fondest anticipations dispelled by the 
stern logic of events. Midsummer came aiul Virginia, the great 
charnel lw)use of the nation's defendt-rs, was again dug over to 
niaice graves for the army which had crossed her l)orders. Before 
summer was ended more Union tro()i>s had perished than in all the 
pi-evious caini)aigns of the war on the same ill-fated held. 

As the months wore away ho}>e was succeeded by sober retlec- 
tion and iinally by despair, when it beame known that Lee had 
destroyed a force equal to his own army, and was still detiant. 
In the midst of this gloom and national l)unnliation, Sherman's 
series of victories was crowned by the fall of Atlanta, and the 
shout which rose from the sturdy sons of the West was taken up 
and prolonged by pealing bells, booming cannon and the loud le- 
sponses of millions throughout the North. A joy as hopeful as the 
preceding despair had been gloomy, succeeded, ami never, after 
the autumn of ISOi, was a reasoiuible doubt entertained that the 
re[)ul)lic would not only live, but nuiintain intact the integrity of 
her wide domain. 

But the material advantages must not beoverlooked. Atlanta 
was one of the principal manufacturing cities of the South, from 
whose rolling mills, foundries ami other labratories, had proceed- 
ed large supplies of munitions for the rebel armies. It was the 
centre of the great railway system, commencing in the eastern 
and western portions of the confederacy, and the heart of the 
rich grain-growing region of Georgia which had contributed large 
quantities of serials for the sustenance of Lee's army. All these 
sources of supply, after the capture of the city, became tributar3' 
to Slierman's army. A rebel newspaper, in expatiating upon the 
consequences, declared that the fall of Richmond in anuiterial 
point of view could not have been half so disastrous. 

Nashville Campaign. — As the result of Sherman's inroad into 
Georgia and the downfall of Atlanta, the southwest suddenly be- 
came the principle focus of confederate ahirm. As soon as its 
signiticance become fully known, the Richmond president hur- 
riedly made his appearance at the scene of danger ami found the 
defiles of the Alleghanies, which he had claimed would furnisli 
citadels for a century's warfare, pierced in a single campaign, and 
the stalwart invader ready, by another advance, to bisect the re- 
mainder of his domain. By frantic api)eals to the desponding Geor- 
gians he succeeded in reinforcing Hood, but still being unable to 
cope with the federal army in oi)en tiehl, he proposed to draw it 
out of Georgia by operating on its long line of communications. 
With this intent he left his camp at Palmetto, and re-crossing the 
Chatahoochie on the 5th of October, 1804, made an assault on 
AUiitoona for the i)uri)Ose of breaking the railroad and capturing 
Sherman's supplies. The latter, sending Thomas to guard against 
demonstrations north of the Tennessee, and leaving Slocuin in 
possession of Atlanta, started after Hood, and came up in time 
to save his supplies. 



846 HISTOKY OF ILLINOIS. 

A fierce battle had been raging, in wliich the little garrison lost 
700 men or near a third of its entire number. From the Spartan 
valor with which the 39th Iowa and the 7th and 03d Illinois met 
the enemy, Gen. Corse, their commander, was styled the Leonidas 
and Allatoona pass the ThermopyhB of the cami)aign. 

Hood next appeared before Kesaca, but remembering his bloody- 
reception at Allatoona, he was content after disabling the railroad 
to leave without molesting the town. Sherman, endeavoring to 
bring on a general engagement, followed him as far as Gaylesville 
on tlie Coosa, when it became evident that the object of the re- 
treat was to transfer the war from Georgia to Tennessee, and the 
pursuit was abandoned. 

The national commander, accei)tiiig the issue, ordered the 4ili 
and 23d corps, niuler Stanley and Schotield, and all the cavalry, 
excej)t one division, under Kili)atri(*k, to report to Thouuis at 
Nashxille, who was now entrusted with the department of the Ten- 
nessee, with disoi'ctionary power's as to the use of all its available 
military resources. iSTot, however, intending by this disposition 
of his forces to be deprived of the fruits of his victories in the 
pre\ious campaigns, he lead the remainder of his command back 
to Atlanta preparatory to making his grand march to the sea. 

Hood approached the Tennessee at Decatur and nnule an 
attack on it as a feint to cover his crossing at Florence, farther 
westward. Schoheld and Stanley were ordered to keep the held 
and check his advance as much as possible till Thomas could con- 
centrate bis forces, scattered at widely separated i)oints of his de- 
partment. November 24th they encountered Hood at Columbia, 
and while Schofield renuiined to prevent his crossing Duck river, 
Stanley followed our heavy trains to Spring Hill, whitljer he arriveil 
just in time to save them from capture by the rebel ca\'alry. The 
enemy, in the meantime, effected a, i»assage of the ri^•er 6 miles 
above the town, ami when night fell, Schotield started after Stan- 
ley and found the rebels encamped in force at Spring Hill, oiily 
half mile from his line of retreat. More anxious to place IIar[>eth 
river between them and our long trains than to interfere with their 
nocturnal rejiose, he pushed on with all possible dispatch. 

Battle of FranJdln. — Marching and fighting the next day and 
night, November 30, he halted on the south side of I'^ranklin for 
his trains to cross the Harpeth, and get faiily on their way to 
Nashville. The river on the north and east sides of the village 
forms a right angle, and slight breastworks thrown up on the south 
and westsides, formed a rude s<pKire, which inclosed aiidprote<-ted 
the most of the Union army. Works were also tlirown up on Car- 
ter's 41111, a few hundred yards in advance of the position where 
it is crossed by the Fraidclin and Columbia pike. Hood in close 
l)ursuit, came up the same day at 4 o'clock, and with his accus- 
tomed imi»etuosity, commenced an attack. Expecting to crush our 
little army by sheer weight of numbers, he shouted to his men : 
"ibeak these, and there is nothing to withstand you on this side 
of the (!)hi() river." So overwhelming was the onset that AVagon- 
er's di\ision, occupying Carter's Hill, was swei)t back through our 
general line, aiid 8 of his guns captured without materially check 
ing its progress. The exultant victors rai)idly formed on the in- 
side of the Union works to follow up the advantages of their tri- 



THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. 847 

iimph, when Opdyke's brigade, of Wood's division, suddenly moved 
against tlieni, tlieir bayonets tlashing back tlie rays oftlie setting 
sun as tliey were brouglit down for a cliarge. A struggle, fierce 
aiMl bloody, followed, terminating in tlie expulsion of the enemy 
from their entrenchments, the recovery of all our guns, tlie cap- 
ture of 10 battle-dags and 300 prisoners. Hocxl, more exaspera- 
ted than disconcerted li)y his revei-se, moved round to the right of 
our line, and made a number of bloody assaults to again break it, 
luir without success. At 10 o'c^lock the battle ceased. Hood 
having sustained a loss of 701' jtrisoners, 3,800 wounded, anu)ng 
whom were 7 generals, and l.ToO privates, and G geneials killed. 
The T^niou loss was officially reported at bSU killed and 1,014 
wounded, the latter including Gen. Stanley, who was temporai-illy 
superseded by T. J. Wood. 

The severe blow iiiflicted on the enemy at Franklin, assured his 
defeat at ]S"ashville. To none, more than the troo}>s of Illinois, are 
we indebted for this desiral)le result. The 44th, 73d, 74th and 
SSth constituted a part of 0[)dyke's brigade, which was accorded 
the honor of saving the battle. Gen. Wood, to whose division it 
belonged, accom[)auied by Gen. Thomas, sought out the colonel of 
the8Sthand thus addressed him : "Col. Smith I desire to report to 
yon, in the presence of Gen. Thonnis, that which Gen. Stanley said 
to me respecting you and the troo])s you command: that with the 
ex(;eption of Gol. Opdyke, commanding the bi'igade with whom 
you share the honor, to your special gallantry and exertions, more 
than any other num, is owing the repulse of tiie rebel columns and 
the safety of the army." The olst lost 149 men, and the 72d 9 
ofl&cers and 152 men. The 72d, having lost its colors, subsequently 
retook them and captured 2 tlags belonging to the rebels. The 
other Illinois regiments in the engagement were tlie 38th, 42d, 
49th, 59th, 65th, 84th, 89th and 112th. 

Battle of Kaski'iUe. — Schofield, having saved his valuable 
trains and dealt the enemy a fatal blow, drew out of his defenses 
about midnight, ami by noon tlni next day was safe in the shel- 
tering fortitications of j^ashville. Hitherto Hood, with a force 
of some 40,000 infantry and 12,000 cavalry, had oidy to con- 
tend with 20,000 Unionists, but when he arrived at Nashville the 
res[)ective strength of the two arnues was reversed. The original 
garrison of the city had been reinforced by a portion of the IGth 
corps under A. J. Smith, Steedman's division from Chattanooga, 
ami now by the accession of Schotield's army, so that when he ef- 
fected to lay the place under siege, it was evident that Thomas 
considerably outnumbered him iu the way of infantry. The latter 
was, however, greatly infeiior in cavalry, and, on this account, 
deferred an engagement till additional forces could be procured 
and he should be able to follow up his advantages when he put his 
adversary to flight. The Secretary of War was immediately ap- 
])rise(l of the fact, and Gen. Wilson, chief of cavalry, was ordered 
toimpiess all the serviceable horses he could find in Tennessee 
and Kentucky, to su]>ply the defticiency. Grant, becoming ner- 
vous over the delay and the displays of rebel audacity in the heart 
of Tennessee, left his cami) near Richmond and started westward 
to superintend in ])erson the movements of the national troops. 
On reaching Washington and hearing the Nashville reports, he 



848 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

was satisfied that his Tennessee lieutenant was fully equal to the 
einerueiicy of his situation, and, like Sherman of Georgia, did not 
require any supervision. 

The eiupk)yes of the commissary, quartermaster and railroad de- 
})artinents were immediately set to work on the fortiticiitions, 
and soon two lines of defense, furnished with forts, redoubts and 
rifle i)its, encircled the southern side of the city. On the nortii 
side the Cumberland was patrolled by a fleet of gun-boats, m liich 
served as a defense to the city, and to prevent Hood from throw- 
ing cavalry across the river to operate on the national line of com- 
munication. Hood occupied a range of hills some four or five 
miles from the city, and evidently wished to completely invest it, 
but the fieet prevented the consumuuition of his design. By the 
14th of Decend>er, the day preceding the battle, Thomas' for(;es 
were collected and placed in [)osition, Steedman holding the ex- 
treme left. Wood, in comnuind of Stanley's corps, the left centre, 
Smith, with the 16th corps, the right centre, and Wilson's cavalry 
the right, while Schofleld, with the 23d corps, was held as a re- 
serve. 

The plan of battle ordered for the next day, December loth, 
was to make a feint on the enemy's right, and then, falling with 
an overwhelming force on the left, force it back on the centre. 
The ]i!oruing broke auspiciously, and Steedman pushed forward a 
heavy force of skirmishers, who drove ba(;k the enemy's pickets till 
the movement was checked by a deep railroad excavation defended 
by batteries. Hood at an early hour was aroused by firing on his 
right but before he could ascertain the cause, Wood and Smith struck 
his left, which now became the focus of solicitude. Crumbling to 
pieces under the heavy concussion it was soon hurled back in con- 
fusion on the centre. Wilson's cavalry, meanwhile hanging like a 
thunder cloud on their flank and rear, captured two batteries and. 
dismounting, turned them on their late owners. The centre and 
principal salient of the rebel army rested on Montgomery Hill, to 
which his hurrying squadrons of infantry and artillery Avere now 
sweeping to reverse the unproi)itious tide of battle. At 10 o'clock 
Wood moved against this strong position and carried it, Col. 
Post, of the 59th Illinois, leading the ^charge. Efforts in other 
parts of the field were attended with similar success, and 
Hood was compelled to abandon his entire line of defense and 
seek a new position at the foot of Harpeth Hills, two miles in the 
rear of the first. 

The national troops fought with great alacrity and success, and 
their day's labor was rewarded with the capture of several battle 
flags, a large luimber of small arms, 10 pieces of artillery, and 
1,2(10 prisoners. The disposition of the Union troops for the next 
day's battle remained the same as on the first, with the excep- 
tion ot Schotield's army, which, during the day, had moved into 
position between Wood's corps and Wilson's cavalry. Hood, con- 
tracting his line from six to three lines in length, took a strong 
liositiou on Overton's Hill, where he awaited tlie coming battle. 

At an early hour the next day Wilson was ordered on a recon- 
noisance round the enemy's position, and if practicable, to cut oft' 
his line of retreat in the direction of Franklin. Hood was supe- 
rior to Thomas in the strength of his cavalry, but he had nmde 
the mistake of sending a portion of his force down the Cumber- 



THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. 849 



land after our transports, and siiflered a portion to dash itself to 
pieces against tlie impregnable defenses of Murfreesboro, which 
left Wilson almost without opposition. While the cavalry was 
executing this movement, the entire front of the Union army ad- 
vanced to within GOO yards of the enemy's line, and Wood and 
Steedinan made an assault on Overton's Hill, Post, as on the day 
before leading the charge. The enemy, anticipating an attack, 
had covered the slopes of the hill with abattis, and, opening with 
grape, canister and musketry, repulsed the assailants with heavy 
loss. 

Meanwhile Smith and Schofield, farther to the right, with level- 
ed beyonets had marched straight over the works in their front, 
and in one fell swoop completely turned the enemy's flank. Hear- 
ing the victorious shouts. Wood and Steedman immediately re- 
formed their broken line and a second time moved against the 
key of the rebel position. Scaling the hill and charging over the 
abattis directly in the face of aterrible fire, they captured the foi't 
and its 9 pieces of artillery, which had so fearfully slaughtered 
their comrades in the first assault. The charge was final ; the 
discomfitted rebels hurriedly fled through Brentwood Pass lead- 
ing to Harpeth river, and the day being spent the Union army 
rested on the field it had so nobly won. 

Wilson's cavalry started in pursuit earlj- the next day, and four 
miles north of Franklin captured 413 of the rear guard. Again 
attacking them at the village, they were forced to decamp, leaving 
1,800 of their wounded in the hands of the pursuers. The fugi- 
tive army was followed till it crossed the Tennessee, but, as it 
burned the bridges after it, and heavy rains rendered the roads 
almost impassable, it was not again overtaken. 

Among the batteries which achieved distinction at the battle of 
Nashville, none thundered louder or sent its bolts with more 
deadly effect, than that of Lyman Bridges. During the engage- 
ment it was commanded by Lieut. White, Oapt. Bridges having 
become chief of artillery. The 72d Illinois had a number of severe 
encounters with the enemy, and in a high degree exhibited the 
soldierly qualities for which it had been pre viouslv distinguish- 
ed. Tlie 47th, 48th, 114th and 122d were in A. J. Smith's com- 
mand, which on the morning of the 15th, made the magnificent 
charge on the enemy's left, crumbling it to pieces and hurling it 
back on the centre. The o9th Illinois lead the storming columns 
against the rebel works on Montgomery Hill, and was the first to 
plant its colors within the entrenchments. The next day it was 
in the famous assault on Overton's Hill, in which it lost one-third 
of its number. The 80th captured 3 guns and 100 prisoners ; the 
122d 4 pieces of artillery and one battle flag. The other Illinois 
regiments in the battle were the 38th, 42d, 44th, 49th, 51st, 65th, 
73d, 79th, 84th, 88th, 89th, 107th, 112th, 114th, 115th, 117th and 
119th. 

To the confederacy the results of the Nashville campaign were 
overwhelming. Thomas, in auditing his accounts after its bril- 
liant actions, found he had captured 1,000 officers, over 12,000 
men, while more than 2,000 threw down their arms and took the 
oath of allegiance. Among the spoils were 3,000 small arms, 72 
heavy pieces of artillery and immense quantities of militarv stores. 
' 54 



850 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

But the crowning stroke was the destruction of the confederate 
army of the West. With the elimiuation of the invaders from 
Tennessee, it only remained for the Union army to resolve itself into 
separate columns and proceed to other fields. Sherman, with his 
veterans of a hundred battle fields, was now enabled to reach the 
Atlantic almost without opposition. Schofield, with a heavy body 
of infantry, proceeded to the coast of North Carolina to co-oper- 
ate with him and converge on Richmond ; and Canby, witli an- 
other large force, advanced by way of the Mississippi to IMobile 
for the reduction of the adjacent forts, while Wilson, without a 
foe to confront in the West, dashed in a raid through Alabama 
and Georgia. The days of the rebellion were numbered and the 
silver tracery of the dawn of peace began to light uj) the cloud of 
war. 



Chapter LXIV. 

18<U— 18(35— ILLINOIS m THE MERIDIAN CAMPAIGN— 
RED RIVER EXPEDTTIOX— REDUCTION OF MOBILE 
—SHERMAN'S MARCH TO THE SEA— REDUCTION 
OF WILMINGTON— MARCH THROUGH THE CAROLI- 
NAS— CLOSE OF THE WAR. 



Consequent uj^on the reduction of Vieksburgand the opening 
of the Mississippi some militar}- movements occurred in the South- 
west, in whicli our troops wexe honorably engaged. 

Meridian Campaign. — After Sherman marched to the rebef of 
Knoxville, he returned to Vicksburg and organized a force to op- 
erate against Bishop Gen. Folk, in command of an army at Meri- 
dian, also to destroy the Southern Mississippi and the Ohio and 
^lobile railroads. For this pnri)ose Gen. W. S. Smith, with a 
large cavalry force was ordered to proceed from Memi)his on the 
1st of h'ebruary, bS61, while Sherman, with 2 divisions of the lOth 
army corps under Ilnrlbut, and 2 of the 17th under McPherson, 
left Vicksburg on the 4th. Meeting Avith little oi)position they 
entered i\[orton on the 0th, where McPherson was halted to tear 
up the surrounding railroads. Hurlbut moved on to Meridian, 
but Polk, a])prise(lof his approach, decamped, covering his retreat 
with a cavalry force uiider Lee. 

Smith failing to arrive with his cavalry, pursuit was deemed 
useless. Having no enemy to figlit, a warfare was commenced on. 
tlie railroads entering the town — Hurlbut on the north and east 
destroying (!0 miles of track, one locomotive and eight bridges, 
and ]\IcPherson on the south and west, o.j miles, 53 bridges, 10 lo- 
comotives and 28 cars. The Tond)igbeebeingnow between the army 
and Polk, and no other foe in striking distance, Shernnm headed 
his columns toward the Mississippi, whither he arrived without 
further noticeable incidents. 

His losses in the campaign were 21 killed, OS w<mnded ami 81 
missing. The Illinois organizations in the exjiedition were the 
Sth, L5th, aoth, 31st, 40th,\58th, 70th, 112th, 117th, 110th, 124th 
the 5tli cavalry aiid Powell's battery. Its leader, as we have seen, 
next repaired to Chattanooga preparatory to entering upon his 
Georgia campaign. 

Ked River Expedition. — During the spring of 1804 an expedition 
was i)rq)ected to drive Price from Arkansas, Taylor from Louis- 
iana, and Magruder from Texas. This was to be effected by tlie 
joint efforts of three columns, one moving under Steele, from Lit- 

851 



852 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

tie Rock, ai)otlier under Banks from Brownsville, and a third un- 
der A. J. Smitli, from Yicksburg:, concentrating' at Slireveport. 
On the 12th of March, 1864, Admiral Porter, with the fleet, and 
A. J. Snnth with the 1st and 3d divisions of the 16th army corps, 
and the 1st and 4th of the ITtli, in transports, started up Red 
Ri\er, ou which the objective point is situated. At Semmesport 
Smith debarked liis forces and started to o])erate against FortDe 
Rnssy, a strong quadrangular work furnished with bastions and 
covered with railroad iron. The assailants moving upon the 14th, 
Dick Taylor, in command of the fort, marched out to meet them, 
when Smith, by a skillful movement, threw himself between the 
rebels and the fort, which, after a sharp fight, he forced to 
surrender, the 47th, 49th, oSth, 81st, 95th, 117tii and 119th Illi- 
nois demeaning themselves with great gallantry in the engage- 
ment, the 5Sth being the first to plant its colors on the works. 
As the expedition again moved toward Shreveport, the force 
under Banks, en route for the same point, encountered a rebel 
force atPleasant Hill, and Smith, advised of the situation, marched 
to his assistance. Gen. Robinson, commanding the advance Union 
cavalry, had engaged that of the enemy under General 
Green, after which the latter fell back to Saline Cross Roads where 
the main force under Taylor lay masked in the forest. Thither he 
was followed on the 8th of April by the Union cavalry, now rein- 
forced by two divisions of the loth army corps under Gen. Ransom. 
The latter suspecting danger, proposed to await the arrival of the 
force under Smith, before renewing the attack. Banks, however, 
overruling his advice, ordered an assault. Taylor's men concealed 
in the woods Avere posted in the form of the letter V, into the 
open base of whicli our men unwittingly advanced. The 2 wings 
of the enemy were immediately thrust forward and like huge ten- 
tacula closed in on them and before they could escape lost 2,000 
men and 16 guns, 6 of which belonged to Taylor's Illinois battery. 

Battle of Pleasant Hill. — The remainder of the forces returned 
to Pleasant Hill, whither had arrived Gen. Franklin with the 19th 
corps and the force under Smith. The troops of the latter were 
placed in position behind a low ridge on the right the 19th corps 
on the left. Ransom'smen intherearasareserve,and4guus of Tay- 
lor's battery ou au eminence commanding the approaches of the 
enemy. On the 9th he advanced and made an assault on Emery's 
division thrown in advance of Smith, which, according to pre- 
vious arrangement, fell back. This brought the assailants directly 
u]> to the crest of the ridge behind which were concealed the 
Vicksburg veterans of Smith, who, to the number of 7,000, imme- 
diately rose u]), and, pouring an incessant blaze of musketry fire 
into their faces, caused tliem to stagger back, when a bayonet 
charge was ordered which swept them from the field. 

The 49th, 58th, 77th, 117tli and 119th Illinois bore themselves 
honorably in the contest and largely contributed to the result. 

Tlie Union losses in the two battles aggregated the enormous 
number of 3,000 men, 21 pieces of artillery, 130 wagons, and 
1,200 horses and mules. Steele, in playing his part of tlie pro- 
gramme, was equally unfortunate, and Avith hesiA-y losses aiul 
great difficulty, fought his Avay back to Little Rock, whence he 



THE WAR OP THE REBELLION. 853 



bad started. Thus eudes in irretrievable disaster, the ill-starred 
expedition, which, in its return, came near being entirely cutoff in 
consequence of a low stage of water in the river. 

Brigadier-Geueral T. E. (Jr. Ransom, who at Sabins' Cross Roads 
warned his superior oflftcer of danger, and made such heroic efforts 
to reitair the disasters caused by his mistake, was born at Norwich, 
Vermont, November 20, 1834. Having completed his education in 
the university of his native town, in 1851 he removed to Peru, Illi- 
nois, and engaged in the practice of engineering. At the organi- 
zation of the 11th Illinois, in April, 18G1, he was elected a major. 
For his bravery and skill in the battle of Donelson, he was pro- 
moted to the colonelcy of his regiment; again, as the reward of 
distinguished service at Shiloh and Corinth, he was raised to the 
rank of nmjor-general. After the battle of Pleasant Hill, in which 
lie commanded a division and received a wound from which he 
never recovered, he temporarily took charge of the 17th army 
corps in Georgia. While gathering new laurels in the Atlanta 
cajupaign, he died of a disease contracted by i^revious exposure. 
He was retiring, modest, and unusually brave. Devotedly at- 
tached to his men, while an invalid he was frecpxently advised by 
his physician to quit the field, but replied, " I will stay tvith my 
command till I am carried aioay in my coffin.'''' 

Reduction of Mohile. — After the disastrous Red River expedi- 
tion, the department of the Arkansas and Gulf, including Texas, 
and Louisiana, M'ere united in one, styled the West Mississippi, 
and Major-Gen. Canby placed in command. In the spring of 1801, 
all the rebel posts had either been successfully blockaded, or caiJ- 
tured, except Wilmington and Mobile. To Canby was now as- 
signed the task of reducing the latter, while the former, as we 
shall see further on, fell beneath the sturdy blows of the con- 
querors of Nashville. 

The entrance to Mobile bay is by two inlets, one on each side of 
Dauphin Island. They were guarded by Forts Gaines on the 
island, and ^lorgan and Powell on the mainland opposite. Hither 
Farragut led his ileet of some 18 vessels, and as a co-o])erating 
land force, Canby in July, ordered 5,000 men under Granger, 
from New Orleans. The latter were debarked on Dauphin Island, 
on the Ith of August, to operate against the adjacent fort, and the 
following morning the fleet moved up the principal channel, its 
gallant commander lashed in i\\e maintop of the Hartford to over- 
look the field of action. Seeing his vessels arrested by torpedoes, 
he <lashed ahead under the tremendous volleys of the enemy's 
gnns, and in an hour and a quarter was above the forts. The 
others, animated by his fearless heroism, followed, emptying 
broadsides after broadsides into the hostile works, and partially 
checking their fire. Next commenced the capture of the great 
iron-clad ram Tennessee, which Farragut declares was one of the 
" fiercest naval engagements on record." During the month the 
3 forts surrendered, ainl the door wasopened for a farther advance 
toward Mobile. 

This Avas not effected till the following spring. In the mean- 
time the 13th corps, under Granger, was reinforced hj A. J. 
Smith with the 16th, arriving mostly by way of New Orleans, and 
a force iu command of Steel from PensacolU. The army marched 



854 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

up on the east side of the bay in the direction of Forts Spanish 
and Blakely, which it was necessary to reduce before the fleet 
could reach the city. The first being- more accessible, an invest- 
ing force containing- the 8th, 11th, 28th, UOth, o3d, 17th, 72d, TTtli, 
81st, Dlst, 95th, 99tli, 108th, 117th, 119th and 124th Illinois, was 
pushed up, the artillery, a part of which was Coggswell's bat- 
tery, placed in position, and on the 4th of Ajml a tremendous 
bond^ardment opened ou the fort. On the 8th the assault was 
renewed, and after a furious cannonade, at 3 o'clock, 2 brigades of 
Carr's division, containing- the 72d, 81st and 124th llHnois, mo\'ed 
forward in an impetuous charge, and mounting the ramparts, car- 
ried 300 yards of the works. The advance position Avas held till 
the next day, when the garrison tinding that further opposition 
was useless, capitulated. 

The same day Gen. Steel made a successful assault on Fort 
Blakely. Amidst a furious battle storm, shells exploding o\ er- 
head, and torpedoes underfoot, Garrard's division nuide its way \^\) 
in front, and Einnaker's and Gilbert's brigades on the right, and 
simultaneously leaping the parapets, the stronghold was won. 
The 8th Illinois was the first to enter and hoist its colors over the 
works; the 58th and 117th are also honorably mentioned in con- 
nection with the charge. The other Illinois organizations in the 
engagement were the 11th, 29th, 33d, 72d, 70th, 77th, 81st, 91st, 99th, 
119th, 122d infantry, and Coggswell's battery. Our loss in the 
assault was 1,000 men, while the fruits of the victory were more 
than 3,000 prisoners, 4,000 stand of arms, and 32 pieces of artil- 
lery. 

Mobile was now uncovered and the national columns put in 
motion to effect its cai)ture. On the 12th, however, news 
was received of its evacuation, and the army entered with- 
out opposition. Its approaches had been carried with un- 
paralleled gallantry, caused l)y the exciting- intelligence of the fall 
of Kichmond and other great events, marking the close of the 
Avar. The beginning of the end was at hand. 

Brigadier-Ge7ieral Eugene A. Carr, who so brilliantly closed his 
rebellion record in the assault on Fort Blakely, was born in Erie 
county, New York, March 30th, 1830. In 1848 he renujved with 
his father to Galesburg, Illinois, which, up to the time of the rebel- 
lion, was his recognized home. At the age of 10 he entered the 
Military Academy of West Pomt. After his graduation he was 
commissioned 2d lieutenant of mounted riflemen, and for several 
years was engaged in snppressing Indian hostilities on the west- 
ern i)lains. Subsequently he was assigned as aid to Gov. Walker 
in the border ruftian war of Kansas. As a cai)tain in the regular 
army, he took an active part in the battles of Si)ringfleld and Wil- 
son's Creek, Missouri. Next we find him at the head of the 3d 
Illinois cavalry and a division commander under Curtis. In the 
latter position he served with such distinguished success that on 
March 7th, 1802, he received the commissiou of brigadier general 
of volunteers. 

March to the Sea. — Sherman, after sending a portion of his forces 
to co-operate with Thomas in Tennessee, still retained under his 
immediate command some (30,000 infantry and artillery, and 5,000 
cavalry. These forces were organized in two great wings, the right 



THE WAR OP TELE REBELLION. 855 

ancler Howard, comprising tlie 15th corps, Gen. Osterliaus, and 
the 17th, Gen. Bhxir ; and the k^ft under Slocnin, comprising- the 
14th corps, Gen. Davis, and the 20th, Gen. Williams. The cav- 
alry was led by Gen. Kilpatrick, a daring trooper, who liad already 
won distinction by his tearless encounters with the enemy. For 
the results of the campaign, so valuable to the cause of the Union 
and so fatal to that of the rebellion, the nation is largely indebted 
to Illinois organizations: the 7th, 0th, 10th, 12tli, 11th, i5th, 10th, 
20th, 20th, 30th, ;Jlst,32d, 31th, 10th, list, 15th, 48th, 50th, 52d, 
53d, 55tli, 50th, 57th, 00th, 03d, 01th, OGth, 78th, 82d, 85th, 80th, 
90th, 1)2(1, 93d, 101st, 102d, 103d, 101th, 105th, 110th, 111th, 110th, 
125th, 127th, 12Uth regiments of infantry, companies C and H 1st, 
and company I, 2d artillery and 11th cavalry. As his troops 
woidd have to subsist on tiie country through which they marched, 
Siierman issued stringent regulations to prevent, as far as possible, 
the excesses nicident to this method of obtaining supplies. Brig- 
ade commanders were ordered to organize foraging parties, under 
one or more discreet ofticers, to collect i:)rovisions, aiming always 
to keep on hand 10 days supply for the men and 3 days for the 
horses. Soldiers were not to enter the houses of the inhabitants, 
and were to leave with each family a reasonable amount of food 
for its maintenance. The cavalry and artillery were authorized 
to press horses and wagons when needed, discriminating between 
the rich and the poor. Corps commanders were empo^^'ered to ac- 
ce[)t the services of able-bodied negroes, and to burn mills, bridges, 
cotton gins, &c., whenever local hostilities were manifested; but 
no such devastations were to be suffered if the inhabitants re- 
mained quiet. 

Could these humane regulations have been properly enforced, 
nniny unpleasant occurrences connected with the exi)edition would 
have been avoided. Says an otiicer who commanded in it: "In 
all cases where the foraging parties were under the direction of 
discreet ofhcers, no im})roprieties were committed, and oidy neces- 
sary supplies were taken." Following, and preceding them, how- 
ever, were swarms of strangers and vagabonds, such as alwj-ys hover 
about large arnnes, to indulge their propensities for violence and 
plunder. These, with impunity, frequently entered the houses of 
the plauters and relieved them of their silks, jewelry and other 
articles of value, and to climax their de])redations, burnt the 
houses of their victims and committed acts of violence upon their 
persons. 

Before Sherman put his columns in motion, Rome was set on fire 
and its foundries, machine shops, hotels and stores were burnt, and 
everything that could be of value to the army was taken. A few 
days afterwards the torch was also applied to Atlanta and all its 
public buildings, theatres and costly mansions were consumed in 
a conunon conflagration. The few remaining inhabitants alarmed 
at the devouring flames, rushed through the streets and tied from 
the i)erishing city. The railroads in the rear were destroyed, and 
about the middle of iSTovember the famous march was commenced. 

Howard with the right wing moved along the Georgia Central 
liaiiroad, and Slocum with the left along the parallel road leading 
to Augusta. The latter tore up the track as he advanced, reached 
Madison without opposition, and while the soldiers were engaged 
in destroying its depot, a band of stragglers becoming drunk on 



856 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

tbe contents of wiue cellers, sacked the stores aud slio])S of the 
citizens. Tbe ravages werecontiuued till the main body of tlie 
army came up, when it was quickly brought to a close and guards 
stationed to protect what remaiued of the town. From ]\Iadison 
Slocum moved directly on Milledgeville, and the legislature then in 
session, hurriedly fled, carrying with them tlie funds, archives and 
other valuables belonging to the State. The rebels at tirst sup- 
posed that Sherman was only on a raiding expedition, but iu)vv 
they were compelled to admit that a powerfnl invading army was 
moving directly through the heart of Georgia, and unless it could 
be met the most disastrous circumstances must follow. 

Howard, in the meanwhile, had advanced and destroyed the rail- 
road after liim till within a few miles of Macon, where there was 
a large force protected by breastworks well mounted with cannon. 
The rebels supposed of course the city would be laid under siege, 
but Sherman not attaching as muck importance to it as its de- 
fendants, concluded to pass it by with but slight i^ecognition. 
Wishing, however, to cross without opi)osition the Ocmulgee, 
wiiich runs by the place, Kilpatrick was sent to make demonstra- 
tions against it and thus conceal the real movement intended. 
The latter charged up to the breastworks of the town, and wliile 
the alarmed garrison was preparing for defense, Howard quietly 
slipped across the stream at Griswoldville below the city. Leav- 
ing here a portion of the ] 5th corps to cover his rear, he ))nshed 
on in the direction of Milledgeville, whither he arrived the day 
after its occupation by Slocum. 

The Macon rebels, exasperated at finding themselves out- 
witted, made a furious assault on the force left at Griswoldville, 
but were repulsed with the loss of 1,000 men. 

The army having now consumed a week, aud marched a dis- 
tance of 95 miles, was again united in the capital of Georgia. At 
Milieu, located on the Central railroad, some 80 miles soutli, was a 
great i)rison pen where thousands of our captured soldiers had suf- 
fered unspeakableprivations, aud Shernum's next object was to lib- 
eratethem. With this design in view Kilpatrick was directed to move 
in the direction of Augusta, to create the impression that that 
place, rather than Savannah, was the objective point of the expe- 
dition. Wheeler, with the rebel cavalry, was encountered on the 
way, and, after some severe skirmishing with him, Kili)atrick 
learned that the enemy had removetl the prisoners from Millen, 
and, deeming it useless to persist iu the hazardous march after 
the motive which prompted it had ceased, commenced falling 
back. Closely pursued he retreated and fortified a strong posi- 
tion, and when Wheeler came up, although lie fought witli the 
greatest determination, he was repulsed at all points without dif- 
ficulty. 

After the attack Kilpatrick joined the left wing and mo^•ed on 
its flank. Though the prisoneis had not been liberated, the cav- 
alry demonstrations served to keep the enem^' in doubt as to 
the real destination of the expedition, and consequently unable 
to concentrate his forces at any salient point. Sherman meanwhile 
with the other wing, leaving Macon far in his rear was advancing 
on Millen, whither lie arrived on the I'd of December. 

The railroad aud other public property behind him Avas com- 
pletely destroyed, while the country traversed abounding iu the 



THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. 857 

ueces.saries of life, wus des[)()ile(l of larg'e quantities of provisions. 
His men had fared suniptnously on chickens and turkeys and a 
profusion of other hixuries, besides collecting' hirjie quantities for 
future consumption. This was a necessary precaution, for the army 
was now about to enter a long- strip of country covered with pine 
forests comparatively destitute of food. Milieu being the seat of 
the above mentioned bastiles where large numbers of Union pris- 
oners had sickened, starved and died, it required great eii'orts to 
keep our indignant men from laying it in ashes. The prison was 
a stockade inclosing 15 acres, and hard by was the burying ground 
containing 650 graves as the result of one month's mortality. 

From Milieu Sherman next swept down on each side of the 
Ogeechee in the direction of Savannah, Kil])atrick careering in 
front and nmking the green arches of the pine forests echo with 
the tramp of his squadrons and the shrill notes of his bugles. On 
the 9th of ISToveinber, Howard struck the canal connecting the 
Ogeechee and Savannah, 10 miles in the rear and west of the city. 
The thunder of signal guns could now be heard booming over the 
swamps from the fleet, awaiting Sherman's advent upon the coast. 
Col. Duncan was sent down the Ogeechee, and three days after- 
ward, stepping on board of one of Dahlgren's vessels, once more 
put the anny in communication with the outer world. The next 
day Sherman advanced to within 5 miles of Savannah, and laid the 
city umler siege, the 26th, 30th, 32d, 4Sth, 53d, 61th, 93d, and 
IOlM Illinois constituting a part of the investing force. Having, 
however, only brought held pieces in the long nuvrches througli 
Greorgia, it was necessary to get siege guns from the fleet before 
he could nuike a successful assault. These could only be brought 
up tlie Ogeechee, hence Fort McAlister, commanding the mouth, 
must fust be reduced. 

The enemy, in guardingagainst the fleet, which had previously as- 
sailed it, failed to strengthen its landward defenses, and Sherman 
ordered a bold attack on this point, hoping its vulnerable charac- 
ter might facilitate its capture. Hazen with his well tried division 
and a detachment of the 17th corps, consisting in part of the 26th, 
48tli, 90th, 111th and 116th Illinois, was selected for this purpose, 
but having to throw a long bridge over the Ogeechee in the place 
of one previously burnt by the rebels, it was not- till the afternoon 
of the 13th of December that the fort was reached, and i)repara- 
tions completed for the assault. The fortress stood on the right 
bank of the river and could oidy be reached over a level plain 
three-fourths of a mile wide swe|)t by heavy cannon. These opened 
upon the charging columns as soon as they commenced uu)ving 
up, but produced little danmge as the advance was made in a 
single line. The plain, however, Avas sown with torpedoes, which, 
exploding, threw up ])iles of dust on the men and sent many of 
tliem mangled and lifeless into the air. Pushing on regardless of 
danger they tore open an abatis, forced a passage over a ditch 
thickly studded with pikes, and, with a bound, made for the par- 
apets. Rushing in, on every side for an instant was heard the clash 
of steel and the whistling of bullets, mingled with the shouts of 
the combatants, and victory was complete. 

Sherman, who had witnessed the cliarge from the top of a rice 
mill across the Ogeechee, when he saw the national colors run up, 
called for a boat, and being rowed over, warmly congratulated 



858 HISTORY OP ILLINOIS. 

Hazeu and bis brave troops for having captured the key to Savau- 
nali. Communication was opened with the fleet, and Sherman 
visited Admiral Dahlgren and made arrangements with him to 
send some heavy siege pieces from Hilton Head for the reduction 
of Savannah. The guns arrived on the 17th and Slocum 
was ordered to place them in position. At the same time 
Sherman started to secure the co-operation of General Fos- 
ter, commanding the department of the South, in intercepting the 
rebels, should they attempt to make an exit in the direction of 
Charleston. Encountering high adverse Avinds he did not proceed 
far before he was overtaken by a steam vessel and informed that 
Hardee, in command of the garrison, had already accomplished that 
wliich he was endeavoring to prevent. The movement at the time 
was unsuspected, and when discovered the fugitives were beyond 
the reach of pursuit. Before leaving they destroyed the navy 
yard, two iron clads and a large number of smaller vessels, be- 
sides great quantities of military stores and provisions. Gen. 
Geary pushed up to the city next day and received its surrender 
from the mayor, and Sherman, returning, sent the following dis- 
patch to the president : "I beg to present you as a Christmas 
gift the city of Savannah with 150 heavy guns and plenty of am- 
munition, and also about 25,000 bales of cotton." 

Thus auspiciously ended the campaign which the European 
press had predicted would meet with toal failure, and which many 
of our own journals spoke of as one of doubtful issue. Much of 
its success was due to the skill with which Sherman had deceived 
the rebels respecting his objective point whereby the large forces 
stationed at Macon, Augusta and Savannah, which might have 
been concentrated to oppose his advance, were rendered ineffect- 
ive. 

Its results may be summed up as follows : The army in the 
brief space of 24 days had destroyed 320 miles of railroad sub- 
stantially made, a conquest of Georgia and again divided the 
confederacy. With an inconsiderable loss of men, 1328 of the 
enemy had been madeprisoners, there had been captured 1G7 guns, 
25,000 bales of cotton, and foraged from the country 1,300 beeves, 
16,000 bushels of corn and 5,000 tons of fodder. This abundance 
had been gathered in the region where the Union prisoners of An- 
derson ville had been starved to death, or idiocy, under the pre- 
text that their captors were unable to furnish them with tlie 
necessaries of life. Some 4,000 mules and 5,000 horses had been im- 
pressed into the service, while 10,000 negroes, abjuring the servi- 
tude of their masters, followed the national flag, and thousands 
more would have been added to the number had not some of the 
ofiflcers driven them back. Sherman partially atoned for this cru- 
elty by assigning lands on the sea islands, deserted by the rebel 
owners, to those who were so fortunate as to reach the coast. 

Sherman remained in Savannah over a month, resting his army 
and ])reparing fbr more arduous labors. Correspondence had been 
interchanged between him and Grant, respecting his future move- 
ments, and the South looked with alarm at his anticipated depar- 
ture from the city. Some thought he would strike at Charle.stoii, 
others Augusta, but a greater object was to be accomplisluid than 
either. As arranged by Grant, he was to lead his gallant army 
through the heart of the Carolinas, and after destroying the rail- 



THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. 859 

roads and seizing their capitals, he was to co-operate with the 
forces operating' against Eichmond. One rebel army watched him 
at Augusta, and another at Charleston, thus attbrding him an op- 
l>ortunity to pursue his favorite strategy of threatening both 
l)htces and preventing the concentrating ota force against Ids real 
line of march. Howard, on the right, was ordered to i*ocataligo, 
a station on the railroad leading to Charleston, to menace the city, 
smd iSU)Cum on the left and Kil[)atrick with the cavalry to threaten 
Augusta. The former started on the 15th of January, 1S(>5. the 
ITtli corps going by water, and the 15th by land. At Pocataligo, 
a depot of su2)plies was established and demonstrations made in 
the direction of Charleston, causing the rebels to keep all their 
avail;i!)Ie forces ready for the didense of the city. 

Incessant rains prevailed, and Southern South Carolina- being a 
region of swamps, became saturated with water and the roads 
abnost imi)assable. The streams, which lay in front of 
Sherman, unable to carry off the surplus water, the country for 
miles on each side of them was submerged. These difficulties 
proved far more formidable than those offered by the rebel army, 
altliough Gov. McUrath had imjjressed every white nnde citizen 
of the State, between the ages of 16 and 60, to augment its num- 
bers. 

Tlie next point aimed at by Howard, was midway on the South 
Carolina Kailroad. Before this could be rciiched it was necessar}^ 
to cross the Salkahatchie, behind which, at River Bridge, was 
posted a rebel force and artillery, to dispute its passage. I^Iower's 
and G-. A. Snutlrs divisions, however, affected a lodgment on the 
opposite side below the bridge, by wading for 3 nules through 
cliilly waters, from 2 to 5 feet in depth. The rebels fled precijji- 
tantly beyond the Edisto, while the Union corps pushed rai>idly 
for the railway at Midway, which it reached on the 7th and com- 
menced tearing up the track. 

Tlte extraordinary freshet in the Savannah had detained Slocum 
in the city till the 2d of February, when the flood i)artially sub- 
siding, he succeeded in crossing the stream. The demonstrations 
of Iviipatrick kept the force at Augusta shut u}) in its tbrtilica- 
tions, iippreliending an attack, while Slocum, encountering little 
opposition, nu)ved rapidly forward, and also struck the South 
Carolina raih-oad farther westward, and assisted in its destruction. 
Slicniian's nrmy now lay between Augusta and Charleston, and 
the f()rces stationed at the two places hoju'lessly divided and una- 
ble to act in concert. Leaving the left wing still engaged iu 
breaking up the railroad, the right started northward for the 
Edisto. where they found the bridge partially destroyed, and a 
force on the opposite side to prevent their crossing. Forces' 
division dropping down the river, landed a nundjer of pontoons, 
and passing over, pounced ui)on the astonished rebels and i)ut 
them to flight. The bridge was soon repaired, and the national 
trooi)s on the south side of the river rapidly moved on Orange- 
burg, again waking up the enemy. After a slight brush \\ ith him, 
in which the 30th, 31st and 32d Illinois became engaged, they tore 
u}) the railroad. 

Sweeping on through the heart of the rebellious State, Howard 
on the 16th drew up on the banks of the Saluda, in front of its 
capital. Abnost simultaneously Slocum apiieared ou the same 



860 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

stream, having- met with no opposition, except from Wilson's 
cavahy, which Kilpatriclv ahwe was sufficient to keep at a prudent 
distance. The 15th, 30th, 31st, 32d, 4Sth and 63d Illinois, with 
other advanced forces, drove back the rebel cavalry and the I'iver 
was crossed Avithout opposition. The mayor, finding- the city at 
the mercy of the Union guns, surrendered it, Shernnm, before 
entering-, issued au order for burning- the public property, its 
schools, colleges, asylums and other buildings, which could not be 
made available in war, being exempted. The main body of the 
army passed west of the city, and the 15th corps marching- through 
it, encamped on the Camden road beyond. 

Col. Wade Hampton, commanding the rear guard of rebel 
cavalry, ordered all cotton belonging to the inhabitants to be col- 
lected "and burned. Piles of the intiammable material were ignited 
in the heart of the city, and, swept by the wind, soon communica- 
ted tire to the adjacent buildings. At dark the flames got beyond 
the control of the brigade on duty in the city, and W^ood's entire 
division was brought in to assist in subduing- them. Still the 
devouring^ element raged unconti'olable, lighting uji the midnight 
sky with the brightness of noonday, and tilling- it with myriads of 
brands, which drifting in eddying circles ou the buildings, ex- 
tended wider and wider the conflagration. At 4 o'clock in the 
morning the wind ceased and the tire was checked, but the princely 
abodes of many who had been prime movers in the rebellion, 
together with the old state-house, which 4 years before had rung 
witii acclamations at the passage of the first secession ordinance, 
were now shapeless masses of glowin,g embers. Says Sheinian : 
"I disclaim, on the part of my army, any agoicy in the fire, but ou 
the contrary, claim that we saved what of Columbia remains un- 
con sullied. And without hesitation, I charge Gen. Wade nami)toii 
with having- burned his own citv of Columbia, not with malicious 
intent, or as the manifestation of a silly Roman stoicism, but from 
folly and the want of sense, in filling- it with cotton and tinder. 
Our officers and men on duty worked well to extinguish the flames, 
but others, not on duty, including the officers long imprisoned 
there, rescued by us, may have assisted in spreading- the fire after 
it had once begun, and may have indulged in unconcealed joy to 
see the ruin of the capital of South Carolina." 

The fall of Columbia involved that of Charleston. Hardee, de- 
clining- isolation and capture, evacuated the city. This he efi^ected 
on the 18th of February, by the westerly line of the coast railroad, 
the only avenue of escape which the federal blockaders and in- 
A^asioii had left intact. Before his departure he fired the arsenal, 
commissary stores and cotton warehouse, the latter containing 
4,000 bales, which perished in the flames From the burning cot- 
ton, fire was communicated to a large quantity of powder stored 
in the northwestern depot, causing- an explosion which sent the 
building- a whirling- mass of ruins through the air, destroyed 200 
lives, and shook the city to its foundations. Spreading thence, 
the fla-mes were soon leaping- and cracikling among the adjoining 
buildings, and 4 squares were consumed before they could be ex- 
tinguisiied. The city was formally surrendered to Gen. Gilmore 
and the national flag again hoisted over the ruins of its public 
buildings, where, for the first time in the history of the rei)ublic, it 
had been ruthlessly assailed by those who owed it allegiance. 



THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. SGI 

Forts Sumter and Ripley and Castle Pinkney snbinitted gracefidly 
to !i: similar embellishment, and the formidable^ armaments un- 
harmed passed into our possession. Gen. Gilmore reported 450 
pieces found in all the defences, many of them 8 and 10-inch 
columbiads, and 7-inch ritled cannon of foreign construction. 

History funiislies few such reverses as that wliich in the brief 
space of 4 years had befallen the city. Here rebellion had been 
spawned for the purpose of renderiiiii peipetual tlie servile condi- 
tion of tlie black nnin, and now a reginu^nt of the emanci))ated 
race, wearing" the national uniform, was the first to march as con- 
querors through its scarred and blackened streets. Everywhere 
ruin had been wrought by the long and continuous bombardment 
of the fleet. Many of the once palatial buildings were now the 
blackened wrecks of conflagration, some yawning and tottering" 
with seams caused by exploding" shells, or pounded to a mass of 
rubbish and strewn in the adjacent streets. As if to make the 
desolation more complete, a large part of the city which had 
escaped the guns of the besiegers had been set on fire by its 
defenders and thus met a common doom. 

There was a feeling prevalent in the army that South C-ar- 
oliiia, the cradle of secession and rebellion, should be made to feel 
some of the evils which she had been so active in bringing on her 
sister States. Hence not oidy her cities, but her rural dwellings, 
rice mills, and pine forests and other property, were fired and 
served as a bon-fire to signalize the advance of the invading 
army. In Georgia little private ]»roperty was destroy e<l ; here 
little escaped. The devastation was forbidden, but could not be 
prevented where so many of the army, if not directly connected 
with it, evidently regarded it as justifiable retaliation. 

Let no one imagine that he can see in the deplorable fate of 
South Carolina the special displeasure of an angered God. Let 
liim rather regard her calamities as the inevitable penalty wliich 
always attends the infraction of moral and i^hysical law; whether 
the wrong" doer be an imlividual, State, or nation. Our forefathers 
wantonly disregarded the rights of the neg'ro when they kidnapi)ed 
him on the coast of Africa and introduced him a slave into the 
American colonies. Again they were guilty y)f a moral breach 
when they sought to make his degradation ]>erpetual by tolerating 
slavery in the national constitution. From this abnormal element 
in our political and social fabric sprang sectional discord, treason, 
and civil war with its rapine, burnings and slaughters. The blood 
shed by the sword in the war was tlie penalty for that which had 
been drawn by the lash from the backs of the bondsmen ; the deso- 
lation caused by the destruction of cities, was the price paid for 
the wealth which had been piled up by long years of unre- 
quited toil ; and the wail which went up from homes all over the 
land had its precurser in the cry wrung from the families of the 
oppressed when ruthlessly torn asunder by the dealers in human 
souls. Crime and punishment are cause and effect and cannot be 
separated. Ko one can trample on the jnst and inevitable laws of 
God without suffering, an<l if the transgression is continued he 
must of necessity perish, not by a special bolt from heaven, but 
as the unavoidable consequence of his own crime. 

Sherman, leaving" at Columbia provisions to sustain for some 
time its destitute and houseless population, resumed his march, 



862 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

moving- ill the direction of Charlotte. Hitlier liad preceded liiin 
iiiuler Beauregard tlie garrison of the devastated capital, and 
liitlier Clieatliain had lead the dilapidated divisions of Hood's old 
army which had survived the blowsintiictedon it in Tennessee. jSTot- 
withstanding theheavy storms and almost impassable roads, he con- 
tinued in his course till the 23d, when suddenly, heading his col- 
umns for Fayetteville, X. C, Charlotte, like other points which 
had been threatened, was left far in the rear. His line of inai(;h 
now lay across the Catwba and Great Pedee. which. lUO years 
before, liad enabled Green to elude the pursuit of Lord Cornwal- 
lis. Kili)atrick. while nnnuruvering' with the enemy, toenable our 
army to cross the river without opposition, was surprised by a 
force of rebel cavalry and driven back into a swamp, losing all 
his guns and most of his staff. He, however, rallied his men, 
and. charging upon the rebels while they were i)lundering liis 
camp, put them to flight and retook his captured guns. 

The army having rapidly c]-ossed Pedee, bringing the 30th and 
31st Illinois into action and capturing 25 guns, the opposing 
force, the ill-starred garrisons of Mobile and Charleston, under 
the luckless Hardee, hurriedly retreated to Fayetteville. Hitlier 
they were closely followed, and, after a sharj) fray, on the 
lltii of March, with the loth, 30th and 31st Illinois, retreated up 
Cape Fear river. 

While the army lay in Fayetteville. the steam tug- Davidson, 
and gun-boat F^olus steamed up from Wilmington, bringing news 
of the capture of that city and other important events, which had 
transpired during' the six weeks that our army had been forcing- 
its way through the interminable swamjis and over the swollen 
streams of the Caroliuas. 

Reduction of Wilmington. — The capture of Wilmington, in 
which the 65th, 107th and 112th Illinois participated, was inti- 
mately connected with, and had an important bearing- on the oj)- 
erations of Sherman. As tending to facilitate his movements 
Grant, on the 14th of January, ordered Schofield from Tennessee 
to the seaboard of Xorth Carolina. His instructions were to de- 
bark at Wilmington if the place should be captured, but if not, to 
land at ^^ewberii. lu accordance with this arrangement he trans- 
ported his corps to the latter place, but detached Cox's division to 
co-operate with Porter in the reduction of Wilmington, still in pos- 
session of the enemy. The only obstacle which now remained to 
j)revent the advance of our fleet to the city, was Fort Anderson, 
a place of immense strength inclosing- about 4 square miles. To 
efl'ect its overthrow, a movement was commenced up the river on 
the 11th of February, and. on reaching the fort. Cox's division, by 
wading through adiflicult swamp, took a position in the rear. On 
the 18th the gun-boats opened on the works, while Schofield made 
arrangements to intercept the garrison in case of retreat. Hoke, 
in command, finding himself likely to be surrounded by a formid- 
able force, and Sherman's army in a }>osition to isolate him as it 
had done Hardee at Charleston, the succeeding- night evacuated 
the place and pushed iiortliward to form a junction with Johnson. 
The works were oc(uipied. and 700 prisoners and 50 pieces of artil- 
lery passed into the hands of the victors. 



THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. 863 

Sbermaii now directed Scliofield to meet him in Goldsboro, juid, 
after destroying the arsenals of Fayetteville, and costly raacliinery 
which bad been brought from the armory of Harper's Ferry, re- 
sumed his march. Hardee having tied on the approach of our 
army, moved further up the river and fortified a position on the 
left bank near Areysboro. Here he encountered the COth, 80th, 
101st, 102d and l()5th Illinois, under Slocum, who was moving in 
the same direction to make a feint on Raleigh and thus conceal Hiier- 
nian's movement on Goldsboro. The enemy's position was almost 
inaccessible on account of swamps, yet it was necessary to dis- 
lodge him, and Wood's division of the 20th corps wasthr<»wn for- 
ward to develoi) his lines. Immediately charging u])()n tiie outer 
works the division captured three guns and a considtnable num- 
ber of prisoners. Kil})atrick, farther to the right, was, however, 
vigorously attacked and driven l)ack, gallantly fighting. Slocum 
in the meantime had ordered up three additional divisions, which, 
falling ui)on the enemy, forced him to retire within his entrench- 
ments, where he waf5 held during the remainder of the day. The 
succeeding night being stormy, under cover of the darkness Har- 
dee abandoned his position and retreated over the road to Smith- 
field. 

Hitherto Sherman had succeeded in interposing his army be 
tween the scattered detachments of the rebel forces, but now they 
were rapidly concentrating, and it became necessary to move with 
more caution. There were gathering about him Cheatham, with 
Hood's forces from Tennessee; Hoke, with the recent garrison of 
Fort Anderson; Hardee, with that of Charleston, and Wheeler's 
cavalry reinforced by Wade Hampton. These forces, numbering 
40,000 veterans, were under the comuiand of Johnson, Sherman's 
old antagonist, rendering it necessary for the latter to keep his 
columns within supporting distance. Slocum, after making the 
feint on Ealeigh, wheeled to the right and took the road to Golds- 
boro, whither Howard, on his right, with his forces was also march- 
ing. 

Hopes were entertained by Sherman that the army might reach 
its destination without further opposition. Suddenly, however, 
as Slocum on the 18th neared Bentonville, he found himself con- 
fronted by the whole of Johnson's army. Beforedispositionscould 
be made to receive the unexpected enemy, two brigades were 
driven back on the main force with a loss of three guns. Slocum, 
as soon as possible, deployed four divisions behind barricades and 
stood on the defensive. Kilpatrick hearing the roar of artillery, 
also dashed up and moved his forces on the left. Hardly had 
these preparations been made when Hoke, Hardee and Cheatham 
SM'ept up their massive columns, hoping by sheer weight of num- 
bers to overwhelm and break the Union line. The whole fury of 
the assault spent itself within an hour, yet, in this time the rebels 
made six successive charges, all of which were successfully re- 
pulsed. The rapid volleys of our batteries did immense execution 
upon the foe, wlio, divesting himself of artillery, had hurried up 
expecting to crush Slocum before he could be supi)orted. How- 
ard, however, in obedience to orders from Sherman, came up the 
next day, and the rebel general finding himself opposed by an 
army of 60,000 strong, decamped the succeeding night, and re- 



864 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



treated in the directiou of Ealeigii. The following day, the 23d 
of March, the army, without farther opposition, entered Golds- 
boro, whither Schotield two days before had preceded it. 

The battle of Bentouville, honored by the presence of the 30th, 
53d, 5(>th, 60th, 63d, 04th, 80th, 92d, 101st, 104th and 105th 
Illinois, was the last engagement of the campaign. It is needless 
to say they, in common with the rest of tlieir comrades, fought 
well. The results speak for themselves. A track of country from 
Savannah to Goldsboro, 40 miles wide and nearly 500 long, had 
been successfully overridden. The immediate fruits of the march 
were Mobile, Charleston and Wilmington, which, hitherto, had 
defied some of the most destructive naval enginery the world has 
ever seen, while it largely contributed to the downfall of the con- 
federate capital. Walled in on one side by the army of Grant, 
with Sherman rapidly approaching on the other, its evacuation 
was a military necessity. 

Close of the War. — Sherman temporarily turned over his array 
to Schofield and hastened to City Point, where he had an inter- 
view with Gen. Grant and President Lincoln. The object of the 
meeting was to concert measures for striking the death blow of 
the rebellion. An important part in the closing drama was as- 
signed to the army of the West, but the end was at hand. Before 
any important movement could be effecte<l, Lee surrendered, and 
the civil war, whose throes had convulsed the continent and dis- 
turbed the commerce of the world, existed only in history. 

The slave power, corrupt, defiant and rebellions, had now meas- 
ured its strength Avith the republic, and the latter had triuin})hed. 
Not a stripe was erased from her banners; every star still revolves 
in the frame work of the constitution; her domain is unbroken. 
May she still continue toi)rosper till her expanding dominion is oniy 
limited by the billows which at every point of the compass, breali 
upon the ocean's shore ; till her i)roud destiny becomes a realiza- 
tion of the prophecies written in her coal-fields, beds of iron and 
seams of gold ; till all nations, taught by lier example, are released 
from political oppression, and man attains the full measure of 
ha])piness forshadowed in the divinity of his nature. 

How much the nation is indebted to Illinois for the auspicious ter- 
mination of the war, may be inferred from the fact that in the two 
great movements which severed the insurgent States, and so greatly 
paralyzed their eftbrts, her soldiers were more largely represented 
than those of any other member of the Union. Furthermore, we 
must place on the credit side of her balance sheet a large amount 
of legal talent, superior generalship and executive ability ; for 
Trumbull was our lawyer, Grant our soldier, and Liucolu our 
president. 

From the scene of its dangers and triumphs, Sherman's army 
proceeded to the national capital to share in the great reAiew, 
which came off on the 23d and 24th of May, as a fitting close of 
the struggle in which it had been so long engaged. At the ap- 
pointed time, in presence of the president, the members of his cabi- 
net, foreign ministers, and other eminent personages, the united 
armies of the East and West moved along Pennsylvania avenue. 
Never had more gallant legions been entrusted with the destinies 
of empire than those which received the congratulations of the 



THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. 865 

dense masses which packed the spacious streets. Tlie pageaut 
was grand, yet grander far was the scene when the miglity host 
which covikl have overrun a hemisphere, peacefully, joyfully 
melted away into regiments and returned to their distant homes. 

Again the cities and villages of Illinois were aglow with enthu- 
siasm when the lengtiiened trains and crowded steamboats poured 
forth the thousands who had gone forth to battle. Everywhere 
they were met with expressions of welcome. Ovations were pre- 
pared for their reception, and long absent friends who had fol- 
lowed them with their sympathies through weary marches and 
perilous battles, gave them a happy greeting. The greatest re- 
ward, however, was the proud consciousness of having served and 
saved their countr3'. Laying aside their military costume, they 
again assumed the habiliments and duties of civil life, and to-day 
the State is bounding forward in the career of greatness and 
power as the result of their thrift and enterprise. 

Many who had been instrmnental in saving the nation, never 
lived to see the consummation of their labors. On the Father of 
Waters; where the Tennessee wanders; by the southern sea; along 
the track of the great contending armies, may still be seen their 
last resting places. As long as vernal suns shall cause the earth 
to bloom, may the sons and daughters of freedom strew with flow- 
ers their graves and from the remembrance of their deeds , 
gather new inspiration to direct them in discharging their duties to 
the country they died to save. 



65 



Chapter LXV. 

POLITICAL AND PARTY AFFAIRS DURING THE RE- 
BELLION. 

Sentiments of the Illinois Democracy in the Winter of 1860-1861 — 
Fatriotic Feeling on the breaking out of Hostilities, irrespective 
of party, as inspired hy Douglas — Revival of Fartisan Feeling- 
Constitutional Convention of 1862— Its high pretensions— Confiict 
With the Governor— Some Features of the Instrument framed; it 
becomes a party measure— The vote upon it — Farty Convention of 
l^&l—The last Democratic Legislature— Frauds in passing hills— 
Beaction among the People against the Peace Movement — Mili- 
tary Arrests— Suppressing the Chicago Times — Secret Folitico- 
Military Societies— Democratic Mass Convention of June 17th, 
1S63 — Repuhlican Mass Convention, September, 1863 — Feace 2lcet- 
ings of 1861 — JVofe, Chicago Conspiracy. 



During tlie winter preceedingMr. Lincoln's first iuaugnration as 
president, wlieu State after State was sliooting niadl}^ from the 
orbit of tne Union by passing secession ordinances, conservative 
men generally, to avoid the horrors of impending civil war, were 
anxious to conciliate the existing misunderstanding and restore 
harmony between the diiferent sections of our country. Several 
propositions were offered in congress as plans for compromise ; 
one by Mr. Douglas ; one by Mr. Crittenden, and one known as 
the "Border State Proposition." With the feeling of compromise 
the democracy of Illinois were fully imbued, and for the sake of 
peace, they would have conceded much. 

On the i6th of January, 1861, a Democratic State convention, 
met in Springfield to give expression to their sentiments upon the 
state of tlie Union. Ninety-three counties were represented by 
over 500 delegates. The venerable Zadock Casey presided. More 
than 28 years before he had presided over the Illinois senate, when 
the legislature declared the position of the State upon the nidlifi- 
cation of South Carolina, sustaining President Jackson in his 
proclamation, and instructing our senators and representatives in 
Congress "to unite in the most speedy and vigorous measures on 
the ]»art of the government for the preservation of the peace, in- 
tegrity and honor of the Union; and we do most solemnly pledge 
the faith of our State in support of the administration of the laws 
and constitution of our beloved country;" resolving further "That 



YATES AD3IINISTR,ATION. 807 



disimioii by armed force is treason, and should be treated as such 
by the constituted authorities of the nation." But this convention 
of 1861 adopted a preamble and set of resolutions, counselling 
concession and compromise, and the acceptance of any of the 
propositions })ending in congress to restore harmony between the 
sections; declared that an eftbrt to coerce the seceding- States, 
Avould plunge the country in civil Mar, and denied the military 
power of the government to enforce its laws in any State, except 
in strict subordination to the civil anthorities; believed "that the 
perilous condition of the country had been i)r()duced by the agita- 
tion of the slavery question, creating discord and enmity between 
the diflerent sections, which had been aggravated by the election 
of a sectional president;" condemned the party leaders, madly 
bent on fraternal strife; did not recognize any conflict in the 
diversity of the domestic institutions and industries of the coun- 
try, but rather discovered groumls for a more lasting aiul perfect 
union in its variety of soil and climate, and modes of thought of 
the people; denied the right of secession ; commended the i)roposed 
Louisville convention, and proposed a natiomil convention to 
amend the constitution so as to produce harmony and fraternity 
throughout the whole Union.* 

In the proceedings of this conventi(m nmy be found the names 
of men, Mho, in antagonism to the high national ground occupied 
by Mr. Douglas, ever sougiit to ])lace the democracy of Illinois in 
a false light before the country during the rebellion. These reso- 
lutions foreshadowed the views which two years later, in a modi- 
fied form, re-ap[)eared in the Armistice resolutions of the 23d gen- 
eral assembly, and again in tlie eiumciations of the so-called D(;mo- 
cratic mass convention of the 1 7th of June, 18(i3. But the full force 
of the rebellion was not yet, iiirJanuary, 1801, realized. The bluster 
of extremists M'as so great in those days that much of it was dis- 
regarded. When the war was actually upon us, numy other names 
seen there as participants, by their i)atriotic and gallant comluct, 
gave the lie to these enunciations. And prior to this, in IJecem- 
ber, 1800, the Hon. John A. JMcClernand, a leading representative 
democi'at in congress from this State, in the discussions incident 
to the state of the Union, had exclaimed that 

" The sacred obligations of patriotism would prompt everj^ loyal citi- 
zen, whether in the North or iu the tSouth, to defend and maintain the 
integrity of the Union and the authority of its common government 
against the inroads of violence. "•'■ * Is it coercion of a tState for 
us to do wliat we are sworn to do— to support tlie constitution and the 
laws and treaties as the supreme law of the laud ? Is it coercion for us 
to maintain peaceably if we can, forcibly if we must, possession of the 
treasure and other property of tlie United States? Is it coercion for us 
to stay the violent and lawless hand that would tear down the noblo 
structure of our government? iSir, it is a perversion of all language ; a 
mockery of all ideas, to say so." 

jMr. Douglas, devotedly attached to the Union, and anxiously 
laboring for conciliation and compromise, exclaimed to the South : 
'• What are you afraid of? Von have now. and will have m hen Mr. 
Lincoln becomes president, two-thirds of the goverinnent, the 
su])reme court, and both branches of congress." L'nable to assign 
a sufficient reason, it was answered that they could not endure 

• Illinois state Register, Jan. 17, 18G1. 



8G8 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



tlie disgrace of a man in the Wbite House, elected president by 
the Kepublicans. "Well," replied Douglas, "If the South se- 
cedes and takes up arms against the government, there ^Yill then 
be au end of compromise. You and your institutions will perish 
together." 

The legislature of Virginia had adopted resolutious, exteudiug 
invitations to the other States of the Union, to appoint commis- 
sioners to meet at Washington, February 4:th, ISGl, with similar 
commissioners from that State, to consider and suggest plans for 
the adjustment of the unhappy differences between the Xorth and 
South. The basis of adjustment suggested by Virginia was the 
" Crittenden Compromise;" or to so amend the federal constitu- 
tion that "property in African slaves should be effectually x>i'0- 
tected in all the territory of the United States, now held, or here- 
after to be acquired south of the parallel of 36 deg. 30 min., dur- 
ing the continuance of territorial governments therein." The 
legislature of Illinois (Eepublican) authorized the governor to ap- 
point 5 connnissioners, as above, to be at all times, liowever, sub- 
ject to the control of the general assembly, but disclaimed any 
admission, by their response to the invitation of Virginia, that any 
amendment of the federal constitution was requisite to secure the 
people of the slaveholding States adequate guarantees for their 
rights, or that it was an ai)proval of the basis of settlement pro- 
posed by Virginia; and declared it simply an expression of their 
willinguess to unite in an earnest effort to adjust the present un- 
happy controversies. The resolutions in that form did not meet 
the approval of the democrats. In the senate every democrat, but 
one, voted against them. The governor appointed the following 
gentlemen as commissioners: Ex-Governor John Wood, Ex-Gov- 
ernor Koerner, (who declined, and the Hon. John M. Palmer was 
named instead). Judge Stephen T. Logan, Hon. B. C. Cook 
and Hon. Thomas J. Turner, all republicans. The conference of 
these commissioners, known as the "Peace Congress," was duly 
held at Washington, but their labors were nnsatisfactory from the 
start, incurring the severest criticism from every direction and 
their recommendations resulted in nothing. 

The first determined expression from leading republican sources, 
and supposed to reflect the views of the new administration as to 
the course to be pursued with the rebels, came, also, froia 
an Illinoisan. On the 28th of March, 18G1, Mr. Trumbull, 
in the senate of the United States, offered a resolution that " in 
the opinion of the senate the true way to preserve the Union [was] 
to enforce the laws of the Union ; that resistance to their enforce- 
ment, whether under the name of anti-coercion or any other name, 
was disunion; and that it was the duty of the president to use all 
the means in his power to hold and protect tlie public property of 
the United States, ami to enforce the laws thereof, as well in the 
States of South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, 
Louisiana and Texas, as within the other States of the Union." 
It was not acted on; no fixed policy was settled upon or seemed 
to exist at the time. 

When the news of the rebels opening their batteries upon Fort 
Sumter was received at Washington, Douglas, the great champion 
of poi)ularrights,who truly represented more than nine-tenths of the 
mass of the Illinois democracy, freed immediately of all partizan feel- 



YATES' ADMINISTRATION. 809 

ing, rose at once to the duty of the hour. He called upon President 
Lincoln and tendered him his sympathy and support in his efforts 
to preserve the Union and maintain the government. It was a 
touching scene to see these old political antagonists thus meet to 
bury the political hatchet and address themselves only to the pa- 
triotic work before them. The presidejit was deeply gratified by 
the interview. To the west Douglas telegraphed, " I am for my 
country and against all its assailants." The fire of his x)atriotism 
sinead to the masses of the north, and democrat and republican 
rallied to the supi)ort of the flag. In Illinois the democratic and 
republican presses vied with each other in the utterance of patri- 
otic sentiments. From the former we quote a few sentences: 

"The fratricidal blow has been struck! Civil war is upon us. The rebels have opened 
batteries on Sumter, and the prospect of a long- and bloody strite is before us. * * 
The government has been resisted in the performance of its legal functions. Rebels 
to the national authorities have lired upon the Hag of the country and assaulted one 
of its garrisons when effort was being made to reinforce and provision the noble An- 
derson and his gallant little band. * ' Whatever maybe men's opinions as to 
the causes which have brought war upon us, there is but one feeling, and that is in 
behalf of the natunial gorernment and the flag of the Union. This is as it should be 
with the true patriot. Whatever may be his opinions of the causes of the war with his 
country's enemies, he is for his country and his country's flag, and tiis hearty support, 
morally and physically, if necessary, should be rendered to the country's cause. * * 
Civil war is our present condition, and the patriot can only sympathize with his govern- 
ment and with the flag, beneath the folds of which we have achieved our national 
eminence, with which are associated so many glorious memories, and with which are 
blended all our h(5pes of future greatness, happiness and prosperity of civil and relig- 
lousliberty, and the cause of democratic republican government." ''Whatever may be 
our party leanings, our party principles, our likes or dislikes, when the contest opens 
between the country— between the Union and its foes, and blows are struck, the pa- 
triot's duty is plain— take sides with the stars and stripes. As Illinoisans, let us rally 
to one standard. There is but one standard for good men and true. Let us be there; 
through good and tlirough evil report, let us be there; first, last and all the time."* 

Large and numerously attended mass meetings met, as it were with 
one accord, irrespective of parties, and the people of all shades of 
political opinions buried their party hatchets. Glowing and elo- 
qnent orators exhorted the people to i<;;nore political differences in. 
the present crisis, join in the common cause, and rally to the flag 
Oi the Union and the constitution. It was a noble truce. From 
the many resolutions of that great outpouring of patriotic senti- 
ment which ignored all previous party ties, we subjoin the follow- 
ing : 

'•Resolved, That it is the duty of all patriotic citizens of Illinois, without distinction of 
partj' or sect, to sustain the government through the peril which now threatens the 
existence of the Union; and of our legislature to grant such aid of men and money as 
the exigency of the hour and the patriotism of our people shall demand." 

Governor Yates promptly issued his proclamation, dated the- 
loth of April, convening the legislature for the 2'M inst. in extra- 
ordinary session. 

That body remained in session ten days. Their labors were 
chiefly addressed toward placing the State in proper position for 
defense, and to enable it to respond to the requisitions of the 
general government. In addition to the (5 regiments under thecall of 
the president, they authorized the organization, by the State, of ten 
regiments of infantry, one of cavalry, and one l)atallion of light 
aitillery, to repel invasion, suppress insurrection, »S:c. The entire 
militia of the State, inclnding all able-bodied men between the 
ages of 18 and 45, was to be organized; 8.'i,;jU0,0((0 were api)r()pri- 
a ted for war jiurposes : |1,()()(),()()0 for the e<iuipment of the tea 
regiments of infantry ; $500, 000 for the purchase of arms and the 
establishment of an arsenal, and $2,000,000 for general war pur- 
poses. 
* Illinois State Eegister. 



870 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

The opinion of the Supreme Court, tlien sitting at Ottawa, was 
first taken as to the power of the legislature to transcend the con- 
stitutional limitation of 150,000. The extraordinary emergency 
was dec'ided to be sufficient. 

The Executive department was also provided with a fund of 
$50,000 for extraordinary expenses. An act was also passed re- 
quiring war claims to be audited by three commissioners. Messrs. 
J. H. Woodworth, of Chicago, Wm. Thonias, of Jacksonville and 
C. H. Lap])hier, Springtield, (the latter a democrat,) were by the 
governor appointed. 

Politi(;al or party questions were not obtruded to mar the har- 
mony of the special session, other than a resolution by Aaron 
Shaw — "That, while we are ever ready to stand by, aiul defend 
with our fortunes, and our lives, the constitution, the honor and 
flag of our country, we will frown u})()n and condemn any eifort, 
on the part of the federal government, which looks to the subju- 
gation of ihe Southern States." Mr. Burr, democrat of Scott, from 
the committee on federal relations, rep(jrred a substitute, which was 
adopted by 07 to 0, disclaiunnga purpose to subjugate the peo])le 
of an}" State to any other duties than those imposed by the con- 
stitution ajul laws made in pursuance thereof. 

On the evening of the 25th of April, Mr. Douglas, who had ar- 
rived at the capital the day before, addressed the general assem- 
bly and a densely packed audience, in the hall of representatives, 
in that masterly effort, which must live and be enshrined in the 
hearts of his countrymen so long as our government shall endure. 
Douglas had ever delighted in the mental conflicts of party strife ; 
but now, when his country was assailed by the red hand of trea- 
son, he was instantly divested of his ]>arty armor and stood forth 
l)anoplied only in the pure garb of a true patriot. He taught his 
auditory — he taught his country, for his speeches were telegraph- 
ed all over it — the duty of patriotism at that i)erilous hour of the 
nation's life. He implored both democrats ami republicans to lay 
aside their party creeds and })latforms; to dispense with party or- 
ganizations and party appeals; to forget that they were ever di- 
vided until they had tirst rescued the government from its assail- 
ants. His arguments were clear, convincing and unanswerable; 
his appeals for the salvation of his countr}', irresistible. It was 
the last speech, but one, he ever made. 

Thus everything moved in accord, as it should at such a time. 
The demon of party seemed swallowed u}) in the awakened patri- 
otism. Everything was harmony, concord and unity, actuated by 
but one jRirpose, to uphold the flag and nuiintain the integrity of 
the Union. 

The first ripple across this smooth sea, in which apparently was 
engulplied all party animosity, arose from the appointment of a 
successor to the lamented JJouglas, who died on the 3d of June, 
ISni. Some of the leading republican newspapers of the State, 
acituated b,y sentiments that rose above party, demanded of Gov. 
Yates the aj^poiutment of a Democrat to fill the vacancy. Lut 
the lesser though more numerous republican lights, who, so long 
as there was nothing to lose or gaiii, had been loud in praise of 
burying the party hatchet during the war for the Union, now, 
however, oi)i)()sed this magnanimous concession, so well cahaila- 
ted to promote harmony, and severely denounced this step and the 



YATES' ADMINISTRATION. 871 

indecent liaste of their party associates to guide the i^olitical sen- 
timents of the State. They did not want to tlius bu}- the h)yalty 
of the democracy, thej' said. Tlie democracy was not to be 
trusted in the emergency which threatened the perpetuity ot the 
Union — citing the anti-coercion resohitions of the January State 
denu>cratic convention, that the government had no constitution- 
al power to put down insurrection by miUtary force. From this 
domestic warfare the (h-mocracy stood aloof ; they did not expect 
the senatorship, a political offiee, as a gift, at the hands of the re- 
publicans. But it may well be inuigined that the taunts and 
flings of the latter were not promotive of the amity and unity of 
feeling so auspiciously begun. While the advocates of such ap- 
l)ointment gave thus an earnest to sink the paitizau out of view 
during the war, they ought to have foreseen the imibility of his ex- 
cellency to throw off party shackles and rise to the grandeur and 
independence of such an act. Their good intentions resulted only 
in harm. The governor appointed a lepublican, the Hon. O. H. 
Browning, (»f Qiiincy, a gentlennin who, by his legal attainments, 
occupied a front rank at the bar of Illinois, and who, by educa- 
tion, large acquaintance with public affairs, natural ability and 
gifts of oratory, was in every way qualified to adorn the senatorial 
office. 

In the meantime the national adjuinistration proceeded with 
tlie work of oflicial decapitation fully as much as in times of pro- 
found peace, with no common danger threatening and no other 
public feeling than party animosity, and a scramble fortheloaves 
and fishes. While the dominant party press cried "Union" and 
"no party" during the war, they approbated at the same time the 
course of the administration, and said: "The democrats belong to 
that political tribe which, for years, have been giving aid and com- 
fort to Southern traitors, and are now only for the Union by the 
force of circumstances and not incliinition ; that the republican 
party, after driving the disunioin'sts out of oflice at Wasliington, 
should not allow their syjnpathizers to hold office anywliere else 
in file country ; that the people expected the political axe to be 
applied."* 

Democrats and re})ublicans had alike rallied with alacrity to the 
defense of the nation. Tlic foiiner ^'oted unlimited sup])]ies of 
nu)ney, men and credit, to an administration which, in its civil ap- 
pointments, drew the line of strict party separation — a poor re- 
quital, indeed, for the generous surrender of party feeling in the 
moment of great peril to a common government; and while the re- 
publicans were thus revelling in the full enjoyment of the spoils 
of party victory, it could hardly be expected that partizan feeling 
should be entirely sunk out of view by the democracy thus irrita- 
ted. 

The Constitutional Convention of 1802. — In November, 1801, 
quite an imitortant ele(-tion was to take place for delegates to re- 
vise the constitution. This convention had finally been autlun^- 
izedby a vote of the people, after sevei-al previous attem])ts and 
failures. The legislature at its winter session of 1801, with some 
reluctance, owing to the changed condition of the nation, had 

*See Republican press of the period. 



872 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

passed the act for the election aud uieetiugof this important body. 
When the convention was called times were good and the State 
in a prosperous condition; now they were hard, banks daily 
breaking, money worthless, and i^roduce extremely low. 

It was to consist of 75 members, corresponding to the number 
of representatives in the lower house of the general assembly, to 
be elected from the same districts. The legislature elected iu 
1860 Avas republican — the house by five majority and the senate 
by oue. Yet the election of delegates to the constitutional con- 
vention, but oue year later, resulted in 45 democrats, 21 republi- 
cans, 7 fusiouists, and 2 doubtful; the latter 9 acting in the con- 
vention mostly with the democrats. From this result, which was 
entirel}^ unexpected by the republicans, it may well be inferred 
that the democrats, like their opponents, had also not, when the 
scramble for ofiHee was at stake, sunk all party issues out of view 
while the war should last. Indeed, for party organization and 
alertness, democratic leaders huxe ever out-maneuvered their op- 
ponents, probably because the rank and tile of tlieir party have 
ever been tractable. It seems that the democracy in some repub- 
lican districts readily agreed to a fusion u])on an equitable or satis- 
factory division of candidates, but in districts where they had clear 
majorities, this cognate rule was ignored, a straight party ticket 
brought out, and elected. 

Among the delegates were many well-known politicians of the 
State. Iu the listof names may be recognized ex-governors, ex- 
congressmen, ex-State ofticials, ex legislators, learned jurists who 
held ou to their seats upou the bench while they were remodeling 
the organic law, distinguished lawyers, experienced editors, and 
able civilians. 

The convention assembled January 7th, 1862, and at once took 
the high position that, after due organization, the law calling it 
was no longer binding, and that it had supreme power; that it 
represented a virtual assemblage of the whole people of the State, 
and was sovereign in the exercise of all power nec^essary to efiect 
a peaceable revolution of the State government, and to the restab- 
lishment of one for the "happiness, prosperity and freedom of 
the citizen,"limitedonly bythe federal constitution. Notwithstand- 
ing the law calling the convention required that, before entering 
upon their duties, the members should each take an oath to sup- 
port the constitution of the United States, and of this State, they 
utterly refused to include the latter, denying the right of the leg- 
islature to prescribe their oath of oflice, and holding it inconsistent 
for them to swear to maintain what it was their duty to tear to 
pieces.* 

Tliey claimed their authority from tlie vote of the people at the 
election of 1860, and not from the subsequent act of the legisla- 
ture, which had exhausted its power by authorizing their election 
and could attach uo condition to their duties; that if the legisla- 
ture could bind them in their oath, it could in the articles to be 
amended, and thus in advance render null the voice of the peo- 
ple and the labors of the convention. 

"See remarks of Mr. Anthony, of Cook, a republican, who first called attention to 
this view. 



YATES' ADMINISTRATION. 873 

They went farther, and asserted their supremacy, not only with 
reference to the framing' of a constitution, but assumed the right 
to control the executive departments of the State govern- 
ment — the governor and subordinate State officials — the courts 
and all cognate matters ; that they were sovereign with regard 
to both existing laws and the constitution, as it was their pleasure 
to will. This was high and extraordinary ground to take, though 
not entirely new. ]!^or did the couventiun stop with the mere 
claim of these extraordinary powers — it essayed to exercise them. 
This led directly to an onslought from the republican press of the 
State, which grew in sharpness as its sitting progressed. The con- 
vention was [denounced as an illegally organized body — a mere 
mob, exercising usurped powers, &c. 

The legislature, at its special session of April, 18G1, had, it will 
be remembered, with a liberal hand, appropriated $3, .500, 000 for 
war purposes. When the convention met it speedily ascertained 
that the governor had not stopped with the expenditure of the 
appropriation, but, without authority of law, had greatlj' exceeded 
its limits — the aggregate claims audited by the military auditing 
board amounting to §4,885,880. This was in express violation of 
the law. But these liabilities had been contracted in a crisis of 
extraordinary peril to our country, to feed, clothe, equi]) and or- 
ganize the troo])S of Illinois at a time when the government itself 
was inexperienced in ever}' step it took, and should certainly not 
have caused the arraignment of the governor as being false to his 
official trust and obligations. He had a right to and doubtless 
did rely upon the people for his acquittance, so long as it was 
shown that these expenditures were necessary, and the money 
was rightfully applied, to promote the comfort and efficiency of 
our trooi^s. Besides, the general government was under obliga- 
tions — which it has fully discharged — to reimburse the States for 
necessary expenditures in theequipment of their volunteers. 

But in the fall of ISOl, the U. S. quartermaster's dejiartment 
sent its agent to Springtield to take charge of all expenditures in- 
cident to the sui)plies and equipment of Illinois troops.* 

This did not accord with the wishes of his excellency. To tho 
agent's request to relieve the State, the governor replied that he 
availed himself of the right conferred by act of Congress upon 
each State to furnish sup[)lies for its troops. Contracts for sup- 
plies were still given out, one for clothing alone amounting to 
over 1800,000.* 

The State was for a time threatened with a loss of $130- 
000, on account of inferior clothing purchased by the gov- 
ernor's agent, in Philadelphia. Finally, but not till in January, 
18Gl*, upon a sharp dennind from the Secretary of War, the ex- 
l)enditures and rich drippings of the quartermaster's department 
were tnrned over to the general government. In this instance, 
however, the conduct of the governor, by thus fixing a liability npon 
the State beyond the war fund provided, in thefaceof the demand 
of the war department to relieve the State, cannot certainly be ex- 
tenuated upon the grounds of necessity. 

*See Q. M. Gea. Meigs* letter to the Governor Sept, 28, 1861. 
*See correspondence of Q. M. Gen. Meigs. 



874 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



TliecoiiveiUion inade many of these matters the subject of in- 
quiry. They demanded of the governor, by resohition, to know 
"wbether the general government had notified liim of its readiness 
to relieve the State of the further expenditures in the organiza- 
tion, equipment ami maintenance of troops enlisted in this State 
for the service of the U. S.; whether the general government had 
not sent its agent here for that purpose, and if so why the arrange- 
ment had not been made; also all correspondence with the gen- 
eral government in relation thereto. They called uj^on him (by 
resolution of Mr. Wentworth, republican) to furnish the conven- 
tion the names and pay of all persons appointed to office by him 
since the beginning of the war, and out of what appropriations 
they were paid ; what civil officers or agents he was empowered to 
appoint under the constitution ; and whether the militia of the State 
calledinto service had been permitted to elect their own officers, and 
if not, by what authority he had exercised those functions, &c. The 
Illinois Central It. li. Company, which, in its grant of land from 
Congress, was bound, in exi)ress terms, to render to the general 
government transportation for troops and numitions of war, free 
of charge, had brought against this State a claim for military 
trans[>ortation of -SllG,?!!), which had been audited and approved 
by a majority (Messrs. Thomas and Woodward) of the State mili- 
tary auditing board. The company Avanted to set off this claim 
against the semi-annual dividend of 7 per centum of its gross 
earnings. The convention instructed the new board of army au- 
ditors (the auditor, treasurer and governor,) to suspend all action 
iu relation to this claim until further notice from them. His excel- 
lency, in several lengthy communications, complied with the de- 
maiuls of the convention, setting forth in detail all his transactions 
inquired about; but finally, in a short letter, dated February 5th, 
1S02, after stating that he had, from the beginning, maintained 
that the claims of the Central railroad could not be brought 
against the State of Illinois, but were pro})erty chargeable against 
the general government, he shari)ly delined his independence by 
saying, "he did ]K)t acknowledge the right of the convention to 
instruct him in the perforinance of his duty." 

The convention went still further. Instead of revising the con- 
stitution simply, it also assumed legislative powers and put its 
finger into ahnost every conceivable State affair. It attempted 
to crush the free banks by instructing the auditor not to issue to 
any more bank notes to circulate as money, unless the bank first 
showed, by the affidavits of two credible witnesses that it had 
on hands, always previous thereto, a cash capital of not less than 
$50,000 ; that it had never refused to redeem its circulation in 
specie; and that at the time of application for further issues, it 
had actually, and in good faith, a paid in capital of $50,000. The 
requirements of these impossibilities from the banks was, per- 
ha})s, well enough, to save the people from further losses by 
" stump-tail " currency. 

It also passed, by a vote of 39 to 23, an ordinance ratifying the 
anicndnu'nt to the constitution of the U. S., proposed by joint res- 
olution of Congress, March 2, 1801: Article XIII — "Ko amend- 
ment shall be made to the constitution which will give to Con- 
gress the power to abolish orinterfere within any State with the do- 
mestic relations thereof, including that of persons held to labor 



YATES' ADMINISTRATION. 875 

or service by tlie laws of said State." The convention had not 
been called for tlie purpose of ratifying- this aniendinent, and Con- 
gress, which has the selection of theniode of ratitication, had des- 
ignated the legislatures. Some leading democratic meud)ers 
protested against this step, not that they did not a])])rove 
the aiuendment, but because the convention had not legislative 
power to act in thei>remises. 

A resolution was inti-oduced to in(piire into the feasibility of 
electing a U. S. senator in place of the appointee of the governor. 
And this step was encouraged by the democratic press, as it en- 
couraged all the proceedings. In these ways the bitter hostility of 
the entire republican press of the State was provoked, and it did 
not halt or hesitate, but came to the charge with a will. The cry 
of usurpation was raised. It was charged that the convention 
went ont of its legitimate sphere to provoke a collision with the 
State authorities ; it was denounced as a mob of political dema- 
gogues who sought by every means to discredit tlie Avar for the 
Union, destroy the government and build np secession democracy 
on its ruins. The strictures of the press were unparalleled in gross- 
ness and severity.* 

And now, February IS, 1802, the convention, by a vote of ~A) to 
16, passed an ordinance a])])roi)riating ^HOIMIOO for the exclusive 
purpose of relieving tlie wants and sutferiugs of Illinois side and 
wounded soldiers battling for the Union and the constitution. 
To raise the necessary funds, 10 per cent, bonds were to be iinme- 
diatel}' issued, redeemable at the pleasure of the State. The 
governor, treasurer, and tinance committee of the convention 
were constituted a commission to [iroperly exjiend this fund. But 
this most generous action was characterized by Kepublicans as a 
Deuiocratit; effort to make political cai)italout of the war. The con- 
vention was ridiculed as having gone off' on a buncomb ordinance, 
and its members sneeringly denounced as eleventh-hour patriots. 
The bonds bearing the enormous rate of 10 per cent, interest, it 
was argued, would astoiush the tinancial cejitres of the conn tiy; 
that the whole scheme was meant to aim a blow at the credit of 
the State, to give aid and comfort to the rebellion. So difticult is 
it for one party to please another, with the most liberal acts even, 
in favor of a cause espoused by l)()th. Notwithstanding a resolu- 
tion directing the ])repai'ati()n of the bonds and their sale, the 
State officials, all Iie{)ublicaus, wholly ignored the behests of the 
convention, and the ordinance l)ecame a dead letter. The sick and 
wounded Illinois soldiers received no State aid, said the Demo- 
crats, because it was not the act of the domiiuint party. As the 
convention possessed [)rol)ab]y no legislative power, the ordinance 
was doubtless a nullity, and the bonds would have been worthless 
in market. 

Some Features of the Instrument framed: 

Sec. 30, Article 11, provided that " The peoi)le of this State have the 
exclusive right of governing tliemselves as a free, sovereign and hule- 
j)eudeut State, and do and forever shall enjoy and exercise every power 



*A correspondent of the Chieas-o Tribune boldly ebarofed that 31 members of the 
convention lielonged to the Kniiihts of the Golden Circle -commonly reputed to be a 
treasonable political organization in sympathy with the rebellion. This foolish and 
unsupported charge was dignilied by the convention with the consideration of a 
resolution to inquire and ferret out whether any member did belong to any such or- 
der, or was in treasonable correspondence With the Confederacy; the resolution 
went to its grave by reference.] 



876 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



pertaining thereto, which is not and may not tliereafter be by tliem ex- 
pressly delegated to the people of the United States of America, or pro- 
hibited to the State by tlie constitution of tlie United States." 

In this Rcpublicaus discovered lurlcing the abominable heresy 
of State sovereignty and tlie right of secession, which set a State 
above the nation, and had proven the bane of the Union 5 which 
fostered sectionalism and made of one's own countrymen aliens. 
Long before the labors of the convention were concluded, blind 
partisanism, lashed into fury, was arrayed against whatever might 
be produced by it, good or bad. When the work was finally com- 
pleted and i)ublished, it was at once ruthlessly attacked by the 
liepublicans, notwithstanding its many excellencies and great im- 
provement upon the old constitution. Its provisions were such 
that where responsibility could be attached it was done; every- 
thing was fixed, determined and rigidl}' enforced upon the respec- 
tive departments of government, with nothing left to chance or 
mischievous interpretation. It guarded the interests of the people, 
lessened taxation, and sought to compel an honest administration 
of public affairs generally. It relieved from the useless 2 mill tax 
of the old constitution, saving to the people $1,000,000 annually. 
It abolished the grand jury system in all cases except felony. 
This inquisitorial institution, though venerable with age, is a cum- 
brous and expensive machinery in the administration of justice 
•illy adapted to the llexibility of our day. TLe statistics of 1861 
showed that out of 1,682 indictments found in this State, but 330 
convictions were had, leaving upon the residue an indelible stain 
for the finger of scorn to point at, perhaps to the second genera- 
tion. The constitution placed a curb upon railroad corporations, 
both existing and prospective, and effectually limited all monopo- 
lies. The 7 percent, fund, arising from the gross earnings of the 
Central Eailroad, was definitely fixed so that no future legislature 
might be tampered with for its removal. Special legislation was 
prohibited, cutting up, by the roots, the occupation of the lobby 
cormorants. All of which provoked the ardent hostility of the 
many large and influential interests affected, which thus reinforced 
the partisan opposition to it with a powerful auxiliary. 

But upon the other hand, it should also be said that in contradis- 
tinction of the ancient theory, that the State is the fountain of jus- 
tice which can do no Avrong, it contained a provision for briiiging 
suits against the State prostrating its sovereignty at the feet of every 
one, and opening a Pandora's box to let loose all manner of frauds 
upon the common treasury. Apportionments, whether fair or 
otherwise, always give i^artisan offense, and it was so with the 
V7ork of the convention. A revision of the census of 1860, entitled 
Illinois to 11 instead 13 congressmen, the State having been 
apportioned for 13 by the legislature in 1861. The convention 
plan gave to each political party 7 members; but as the Ile2)ubli- 
cans felt that they had a popular majority in the State, they pre- 
ferred a congressman at large. The o])iK)nents further charged 
that while by the census of 1860, the ltei)ublican counties con- 
tained a po[)ulation of 912,005, and the J )enioc;ratic 769,718, yet 
by the apportionment for members of the legislature, the latter 
would ha\'e 19 of the 33 senators, and 57 of the 102 reju'csenta- 
tives, an<l that it was so contrived that if tlie former should carry 
the State by a popular majority the general assembly would still 



YATES' ADMINISTRATION. 877 

be (lenioeratic. In making State oflBcers elective biennially instead 
of qiunlreiniially, the convention committed its gravest blnnder by 
dismissing from office tlie incumbents, whose terms would be bnt 
half expired, and ordering a new election in ISTovembei', 1802; 
Avhile the circnit nnd county clerks, mostly democratic, were re- 
tained till the expiration of their full terms. Tliis Avas an nvijust 
partisan discrimination, whicli the people would not brook, and 
they defeated the instrument in ,lune following. Six <lilfereut 
])ropositions were separately submitted to a vote of the i)eoi)le. 
TIjc constitution jtropcr, the article prohibiting banks, and the 
congressional apportionment, were all defeated, the former by a 
majority of 10,or)l. ]>ut the article prohibiting negroes and mu- 
latroes from settling in tlie State, was carried by 1()0,.">I)0 maj(n-ity ; 
that prohibiting their voting, by 176,271, with only 35,019 votes 
against it; and the requiring these provisions to be carried into 
effect by appropriate legislation, by 151,521 majority. Such was 
then still the overwhelmingly dominant sentiment of the people 
of this State with regard to tlie i)olitical status of the black man. 
Three months after tins overwhelming expression of the pe()i)]e of 
Illinois, jMr. Lincoln issued his preliminary proclamation of freedom, 
to the African bondsmen of America; and in November following,the 
State, which in June cast over 10,000 votes majority against the 
constitution as a party numsure, went largely against the liepnb- 
licans, the Democrats electing 9 out of the 11 congressmen, in- 
cluding the congressnnin from the State at large by 10,355; the 
State Treasurer and Superintendent of Public Instruction, ami 
carried both houses of the general assembly. The summer of 
1802 had witnessed tli(^ great ui)rising of the people in the ready 
volunteering of 000,000 men, and more, until the government re- 
fused them. After the proclamation, contrary to the jiredictions 
of Greeley, Andrew and Yates, such patriotic scenes were not 
again witnessed. The couscrii)t law, threatened drafts and local 
bounties afterward supplied the demand. Had the constitution 
been adopted in June, the State, by the election of a governor and 
State officers in November, would have wholly passed into the 
bauds of the democrats — whether for good or evil, is left to the 
conjecture of the reader. 

Bcmocratic and Bepuhliean Conventions of 1803. — On the 10th 
of Sei»tend)er, 1802, the State Democratic Convention was held at 
Springtield in Cook's Hall. The attendance was uot full, the ci\\l 
being for 529 and the attendance 381. The contest for congress- 
man at large lay between Col. T. Lyle Dickey, of LaSalle, a war 
democrat, himself and sons having eidisted in the service for the 
Union, and James C. xVllen, of Crawford. The latter was iu)nn- 
iiated on the first ballot, by 17 majority, whicli was regarded as 
an anti-war triumph. Alexander Starne, of Pike, was chosen as 
the candidate for treasurer, and John P. Brooks, of Rock Island, 
for superintendent of public instruction. At this stage of the pro- 
ceedings no little commotion Avas produced by W. B. Scales, of 
Gen. McClernand's staff, offering a series of resolutions, faAoring 
a vigorous i^rosecution of the war, " whether slavery survived or 
l>erished," adopting the language of Mr. Lhicoln; and using the 
language of Mr. Douglas — " There are only two sides to the ques- 
tion — every man must be for the United States or against it. 



878 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

There can be HO ueutrals in tbis war; only patriots and traitors. 
Tlie more stnpendons onr preparations, the less blood shed and 
tAie shorter the struggle;" that it was the <lnty of American citi- 
zens to rally around tlie Hag of their country : api)roving, also, of 
the president's call for G0(),000 vohinteers. The resolntions were 
immediately tabled by a large m:\joiity. 

Of the resolutions reported by tlie comnnttee on platform, 
tlirough the Hon. W. A. liichardson, and unanimonsly adopted, 
Ave give the first and second in full, with a synopsis of the re- 
mainder: 

"Zfcsoh'crf, That the constitution, and laws made in pursuance thereof, are. and must 
remain the supreme law of the land; and as such, must be preserved and maintained 
in their proper and rightful supremacy; that the rebellion now in arms ag-ainstthem 
must be suppressed; and it is the duty of all good citizens to aid the general f>^ovoru- 
ment in all legal and constitutional measures necessary and proper to the accomplish- 
ment of this end. 

^•Resolved, That the doctrines of Southern and Northern extremists are alike incon- 
sistent with the federal constitution, and Irreconcilable with the union and har'pony 
of the country. The first have ah-eady involved us in civil war, and 1 he latter, if per- 
mitted to retain ascendency, will leave the nation but little hope of the restoration of 
the Union in peace." 

They further protested against congress pledging the nation to 
pay for all slaves that sliould be emancipated ; condemned as 
tyrannical, the recent arbitrary arrests of our citizens by the gen- 
eral government, and their transportation beyond the State, de- 
manding their immediate restoration for trial at home; denounced 
the military interference Avith the freedom of speech and the 
press; viewed Avitli alarm the reckless extravagance pervading 
every department of government; considered the ncAv excise hvw 
as unjust and o[)pressive to the agricultural States; commended 
strict economy in State affairs, and the i)ayment of taxes in United 
States treasury notes ; sustained the i)resident in his recent deelar- 
ation to "save the Union the sliortest way under the constitution ;" 
asked from the authorities of Illinois the enforcement of the negro- 
exclusion clause, recently added to the constitution ; and ten- 
dered their thanks to the A'olunteei's of Illinois, for their gallant 
services at Belmont, Donelson, Shiloh, Lexington and Frederick- 
town. The convention was held about a week prior to the issu- 
ance of the i)roclamation of freedom.* 

The Republican, or Union State Convention, as it called itself, 
met September 24, 1862, two days after that proclanuition. Out 
of 340 delegates entitled to, 328 attended. For congressman at 
large there were a dozen candidates, but the Hon. Eben C Inger- 
soll, of Peoria, a strong Avar democrat, who, immediately alter the 
adjournment of the Democratic CouAentioii, had taken occasion, in 
a published letter, to denounce its secession proclivities, and made 
a strong call for a State convention, conqjosed of true, loyal 
democrats, who would draw a line between union and disunion, 
Avitliout an "if" or a " but," was now taken up by the Republi- 
cans, and nominated on the 4th ballot, his strongest opponents 
being such original republicans as H. P. H. IJromwell and Jack- 
son (Irimshaw. William Butler, of Sangamon, Avas nominated for 
treasurer, and Xewton Bateman for superintendent of public in- 
struction. 

The committee on platform, through LaAvrence Weldon, made 
their report, which was adopted, and Avhich we condense. It de- 
nounced the rebellion as the most causeless known to historj' ; 

. See Illinois State Kegister, Sept. 17, 1862. 



YATES' ADMINISTRATION. 879 

acknowledged but two divisious of the people — tlie loyal, ready to 
make any saciitice for the integrity of the Union and the pre.ser- 
vation of liberty, and those ^vhu openly or covertly endeavored to 
sever the former and yield the latter; called upon all patriotic 
citizens to rally for an undivided country and one flag", and the 
prosecution of the war to any extent or sacrihce; cordially ap- 
proved the proclamation of freedom as a great and imperative war 
measure essential to the salvation of the Union, i)ledging all 
truly loyal citizens to the snp])ort of the ])resident in its enforce- 
ment; commended the i)atriotic and eflicient aid of loyal demo- 
crats, but deprecated the course of those })olitical leaders, who, 
while studiously avoiding all harshness toward the cons})iratorsof 
the south, found fault with the administration fur its manner of 
X)rosecuting the war ; favored a system of direct taxation to sup- 
I>ress the rebellion, but demanded an e<iuitable mo<li(1cation of the 
existing excise law; commended, as a work of great national im- 
portance, the construction of a shij) canal, connecting Lake ^lichi- 
gan with the Mississipjii river; expressed gratitude to the gover- 
nor for his labors to bring- into the field the Illinois troops, and 
his efforts to care for them in sickness; and that the Illiiu>is \'ol- 
uuteers were entitled to our lasting' gratitude for nobly periling 
their lives in battle, from Kansas to the Potomac* We have 
akeady stated that the election in November, 1802, resulted in a 
coiuplete victory for the democrats. The State ticket was carried 
by an average of over 10,000 majority, showing a change of oL',000 
votes since June, when the Eepublicans defeated the new consti- 
tution by 10,000 majority. Democrats attributed this remarkable 
change in the sentiments of the people to the proclamation of free- 
dom of September 22, 1802. 

The Last Democratic Lc()isJaiure of IlJInois. — The political status 
of the 23d General Assembly, elected Kovember, 1802, was as 
follows: Senate, democrats lo, republicans 12; House, democrats 
54, re[»ublicans 32. With tlie meeting of this body on the 5th of 
January, 18(>o, Hushed with the(lenu)cratic triumph at the i)olls, 
Bot only in Illinois, but other Xorthern States, a large outside 
force of well-known politicians, like vultures to their feast, also 
collected at the capital. These, joined by some of the members, 
arranged a public meeting at the Hall of Eepresentatives for the 
evening of the first day of the session, in which every part of the 
State was rej)resented. V. Hickox, of the State Democratic Com- 
mittee, presided, and Capt. Thos. W. McFall, of Quincy, was made 
secretary. A committee of 10 on resolutions, one from each con- 
gressional district, and three from the State at lai'ge, was ap- 
j)ointed, embracing the following i)rominent names : I. i^. jMorris, 
L. W. Ross, John T. Lindsav, E. D. 'Lavlor, S. A. Buckmaster, 
John T. Stuart, John Schotield, O. B. Ficklin-, W. A. Hacker, H. 
M. Vandeveer, A. C. Harrington, M. Y. Johnson, C. H. Lanphier 
and ]}. L. Caultield. JMessrs. W. A. liichardson, S. S. Marshall, 
liichard L. Merri(dc and W. C. Goudy addressed the vast audi- 
ence, denouncing the i)resi(lent as a usuri)er, criticising the c(m- 
duct of the war in unmeasured terms and characterizing it as bar- 
barous and disgraceful. 

* See Illinois State Journal, Sept. 25, 1863 



880 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



The comiuittee reported tlie following resolution, which was 
vociferously applauded and unanimously adopted : 

Rcsiilrcd, That the emancipation proclamation of the President of the U.S. is as 
unwarrantable in military as in civil law; a fri^antic usurpation, at once converting 
the war, professedly commenced by the administration for the vindication of the au- 
thority of the constitution, into the crusade for the sudden, unconditional and violent 
lilberation of 3,000,000 of negro slaves; a result which would not only be a total sub- 
version of the federal Union, but a i-evolution in tlie social organization of the Soutli- 
ern States, the immediate and vcmote, the present and the tar-reaching- conseouences 
of which to both races cannot be contemplated without the most disrrial foreliodings 
of horror and dismay. The proclamation invites servile insurrection as an element in 
this emancipation crusade -a means of warfare, the inhumanity and diabolism of 
Avhich are vvithout example in civilized warfare, and which we denounce, and which 
the civilized world will denounce, as an ineffaceable disgrace to the American name." 

The committee were instructed to report further on the evening- 
of January 8th, to which time the meeting adjourned— a day sa- 
cred from its patriotic associations — when tliis scene was again 
rehearsed. 

At that time the Hon. I. N. Morns, of the committee, reported 
a set of 11 resolutions, condemning the administration for susjieii- 
ding the writ of habeas corpus in the arrest of private citizens, and 
their incarceration in political bastiles ; the dismemberment of 
Virginia; and "That while we condemn and denounce the flagrant 
and monstrous usurpations of the administration, and the en- 
croachments of abolitionism, we remain equally hostile to the 
Southern rebellion." Tliey further commended a cessation of hos- 
tilities with the rebellious foe, to allow, as they said, the people 
of the North and the South to express their wishes for peace, 
and a maintenance of " the Union as it was and the constitution 
as it is," through a national convention to meet at Louisville, 
Kentucky, to which the legislature was invited to send a suita- 
ble number of discreet commissioners in behalf of Illinois. In 
these resolutions we find foreshadowed and prescribed the subse- 
quently notorious armistice or peace resolutions of the legislature, 
which were attended with so much partizan strife and loss of 
time. ■ 

The speeches made in support of the resolutions were of the 
most inflammable anti-war character. The speakers on this oc- 
casion were Judge O'Melveny, Hon. O. B. Ficklin, E. L. Merrick, 
B. Caulfield and T. Lyle Dickey, the latter the onlj^ one who coun- 
selled moderation, saying that to stir up a counter-revolution to 
oppose revolution could only result in the destruction of our whole 
political fabric. Detraction of the president for issuing tlie pro- 
clamation of freedom, denunciation of the policy of his adminis- 
tration, criticism of the conduct of the war, and opposition to it, 
were indulged as on the i>recediug occasion, with added force and 
bitterness of expression. They charged that the war had been 
perverted, for political reasons, from a war for the restoration of 
the Union, to a costly struggle of blood and treasure, purposely 
protracted for the accomplisliment of partizan ends. It was de- 
manded that not another dollar or a single man should be contri- 
buted to carry on such a monstrous contest. The people of the 
Kew England States were charged with causing all the trouble 
leading to the deplorable war ; and a reconstruction of the Union 
by joining with the South, leaving them out, was advocated. Not 
a word was uttered in denunciation of the rebels. The inconsist- 
ency of the republican party was shown by quoting the Chicago 
platform of 1800: "That the maintenance inviolate of the 



YATES' ADMINISTRATION. 881 

lijilits of the states, aud especially the rights of each State to 
Older and control its own domestic institutions, according to its 
own judgment exclusiv^ely, was essential to that balance of power 
on wiiich the perfection and endurance of our political faith de- 
peM<ls." The violation of the president's promise to the country 
was shown by quoting from the iiniugural address : " I Inive no 
purpose, directly or indirectly, to interfere with the institution of 
slavery in the States where it exists; I believe I have no lawful 
right to do so, and have no inclination to do so. " And the repub- 
lican congress, after the Bull Kun disaster, had pledged the na- 
tion " that this war was not waged, on their part, in any spirit of 
oppression, or for any purpose of conquest or subjugation, or pur- 
pose of overthrowing or interfering with the rights or established 
institutions of the States, but to defend and maintain the suprem- 
acy of the constitution, and to preserve the Union, with all the 
dignity, equality and the rights of the several States uuiin- 
X)aired."* 

But the numerous military arrests for treasonable utterances 
which the general government had, for some time, caused to be 
made — some of the sufferers being present — afforded the orators the 
rarest held for the display of their declamatory powers, and li. T. 
Merrick, gifted with a singular i)ower of eloquent denunciation, 
shone with unwonted brilliancy. Forcible resistence to these un- 
lawful aggressions upon the rights of the citizen Avas freely coun- 
seled. This was doubtless a political blunder on the part of the 
general government by which little good was accomi)lished. In 
manj' instances insignificant, if uot contemptible treason-spouters 
were arrested and imprisoned, men never heard of before beyond 
their immediate neighborhoods, who, upon their return found 
themselves notorious, sympathized with, and, often by many 
sanctified into martyrs and heroes. 

Thus duly impressed, aud their course mapi)ed out for them by 
the democratic leaders, the dominant partizans of the 23d Gen- 
eral Assembly were not slow to follow it. They refused, for a 
long time, to print the usual number of copies of the governor's 
long and able message. In the House, M. W. Fuller, of Cook, 
on the 8th of January, introduced a resolution adroitly quoting 
the language of Gen. Jackon's farewell address : "The constitu- 
tion cannot be maintained, nor the Union preserved in opposition 
to public feeling, by the mere exertion of the coercive powers of 
the government." Mr. Wenger, of Tazewell, one to the effect that 
after an unsuccessful war of two years' duration to crush the re- 
bellion, hostilities ought to be immediately suspended and a na- 
tional convention appointed to settle the difficulty. In the Senate, 
Mr. Vandeveer, of Christian, on the 21st of January, offered a pre- 
amble and set of resolutions, to the effect that the people of the 
loyal States had acquiesced in, rather than approved of the coer- 
cive policy of the federal administration ; that the government 
was impoverished, the people weighed down with an onerous 
debt and the land filled with cripples, widows and orphans, with- 
out restoring the Union ; and that as the Union was brought about 
by concession and compromise, they should memorialize congress 
to obtain an armistice aud cessation of hostilities for a national 

*Crittenden resolution, 1861, 

56 



882 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



couveutioii to assemble at Louisville to adjust tlie diffieulties. Mr. 
Uudeiwood, of St. Clair, also, with a like view, offered a preaujble 
autl resolution solieitiug- eougress to obtaiu the eouseut of the 
States to call a natioual couveutiou to aineud the constitution of 
the U. S. 

And now the legislature took a i)leasure trip to Joliet and 
Chicago. At the latter place a large democratic mass meeting 
for the occasion gave expression to the popular opposition to the 
Lincoln misrule, as it was called. Members participated in the 
proceedings, and, by resolution, the Springtield meetings of the 
5th and 8th of January were approved. 

On the 4th of February, Mr. Wike, of Pike, from the commit- 
tee on federal relations, reported to the House the notorious ar- 
mistice resolutions : 

The preamble asserted the supremacy of the constitution in time ol' war as well as 
peace, and its suspension, whether by the North or South, to be alike disunion ; that It 
could not be maintained bj' coercion, bui by appeal to the people peacefully assem- 
bled through their representatives ; that to it the allegiance of the citizen was alone 
due— not to any man, officer or administration; that the act of the federal administra- 
tion in suspending the writ of Itabcas corpus, the arrest of citizens not subject to mili- 
tary law, without warrant or authority, transporting them to distant Btates, incarcer- 
ating them in political prisons, without charge or accusation, denying them the right 
of trial by jury, witnesses in their favor, or counsel for their defense; withholding 
from them all knowledge of their accusers, and the cause of their arrest; answering 
their petitions for redress by repeated injury and insult; prescribing, in many cases, as 
a condition of their release, test oaths, arbitrary and illegal; in the abridgement of 
freedom of speech, and of the press, by imprisoning the citizen for expressing his sen- 
timents, by supnressing newspapers by military force, and establishing a censorship 
over others, wholly incompatible with freedom of thought and expression of opinion, 
and the establishment of a system of espionage, by a secret police, to invade the sacred 
privacy of unsuspecting citizens; in declaring martial law over States not in rebel- 
lion, and when the courts are open and unobstructed for the punishmerit of crime: in 
declaring the slaves of loyal, as well as well as disloyal citizens, in certain Suites and 
parts ot States, free; the attempted enforcement of compensated emancipation; the 
proposed taxation of the laboring white man to purchase the freedom and secure the 
elevation of the negro; the transportation of negroes into the State ol Illinois, in defi- 
ance of the repeatedly expressed will of the people; the arrest and impiisonmenl of 
the representatives of a free and a sovereign State; the dismemberment of the State 
of Virginia, erecting within her boundaries a new Slate, without the consent of her leg- 
islature are,eachand all, arbitrary and unconstitutional— a usurpation of the legislative 
functions, and a suspension of the judicial departments of the State and federal gov- 
ernment— subverting the constitution— State and federal — invading the reserved 
rights of the people, and the sovereignty of the States, and, if sanctioned, destructive 
of the Union^establishing, upon the common ruins of the liberties of the peo- 
ple, and the sovereignty of the States, a consolidated military despotism. And Ave 
hereby solemnly declare that no American citizen can, without the crime of infidelity 
to his country's constitutions, and the allegiance whicii he bearsto each, sanction such 
usurpation. Believing that our silence will be criminal, and may be construed into 
consent, in deep reverence for our constitution which has been ruthlessly violated, wo 
do hereby enter our most solemn protest against these usurpations f power, a d place 
the same before the world, intending thorby to warn our public servants against fur- 
ther usurpations. Therefore, 

Resolved Jnj tlie Houseof ReprcscnUttives, the Senate conciirri )uj here in , That the army was 
organized, confiding in tli« declaration of the president, in his inaugural address, to 
Avit: that he had no purpose, directly or indirect! j', to interfere with the institution of 
slavery in the States where it existed, and that he believed he had no lawful right to do 
so ; and upon the declaration of the federal cong ress, to wit: that this war is not Avaged 
in any spirit of oppression or subjugation, or any purpose of overthroAviug any of the 
institutions of any of the States; and that inasmuch as the Avhole policy of the adminis- 
tration, since tho organization of the armj% has been at Avar Avith the declaration afore- 
said, culminating in the emancipation proclamation, leaving the facts patent that tho 
war has been diverted from its first uvoAved object, to that of subjugation and the abo- 
lllton of slavery, a fraud, both legal and moral, has been perpetrated upon the brave sons 
of Illinois, who have so nobly gone forth to battle for the constitution and the laAvs. 
And Avhile aa'c protestagainst the continuance of this gross fraud upon our citizen sol- 
dier.v, Ave thank them for that heroic conduct on the battle field that sheds imperisha- 
ble glory on the State of Illinois. 

lletiolved. That we believe the further prosecution of the present war cannot result 
in the restoration of the Union and the preservation of the constitution as our fathers 
made it, unless the president's emancipation proclamation is AviihdraAvn 

Remlved. That while we condemn and denounce the flagrant and monstrous usurpa- 
tions of the administration, and encroachments of abolitionism, Ave equally condemn 
and denounce the ruinous heresy of secession, as unAvarrantable by the constitution, 
and destructive alike of the security and perpetuity of our government, and the peace 
and liberty of the people ; and fearing, as we do, that it is the intention of the present 
congress and administration, at no distant day, to acknoAviedge the independence of 
the Southern Confederacy, and thereby sever the Union, Ave herebj' solemnly declare 
that we are unalterably opposed to any such severance of the Union, and that Ave never 
can consent that the great Northwest shali be separat(;d from the Southern States com- 
prising the Mississippi valley. That river shall never water the soil of two nations, 
but, from Its source to its confluence with the Gulf, shall belong to one great and 
United people. 



TATES' ADMINISTRATION. 883 

The fourth resolution recoininended the assembling of a na- 
tional convention at Louisville, Ky., to adjust our dilliculties, re- 
store peace, fraternity and political fellowship among the States. 

Resolved further, therefore. That to attain the object of the foregoing resolution, we 
hereby memorialize the congress ot the U. S., the administration at Washington, and 
the executives and legislatures of the several States to take such immediate action as 
shall secure an armistice, in which the rights and safety of the government shall be 
fully protected for such length of time as may be necessary for the people to meet in 
convention as aforesaid. And we therefore earnestly recommend to our fellow-citizens 
everywhere, to observe and keep all theirlawful arid constitutional obligation.'?, to ab- 
stain from violence, and to meet together and reason each with the other, upon the 
best mode to attain the great blessings of peace, unity and liberty. 

And he it further rexolred. That to secure the co operation of the States and the gen- 
eral government, Stepht-n 'J\ Logan, Samuel S. Mnrsball, H. K. S. O'Melveny, William 
C. Goudy, Anthony Thornton and John D. Caton,are hereby appointed commissioners 
to confer immediately with the congress and the president of the IT. S., and urge the 
necessity of prompt action, to secure said armistice, and the election of delegates to, 
and early assembling of said convention, and to arrange and agree with the general 
government and the several States upon the time and place of holding said conven- 
tion, and that thes' report their action in the premises to the General Assemblj- of this 
State." 

The resolutions elicited a lono- and acrimonious debate in both 
houses, to the delay of nearly all other business. Every parlia- 
mentary expedient to retard leiiislation, centering' chielly upon 
the appro}»riation bills as usual, was resorted to. Tlie [)ubUci)ress 
took sides, tlie r<'[>ublicaiis auainst, of course, and the democrats 
for. But ainonj;' the latter there were many notable, ex(;eptions 
who deprecated the extreiitity to which the resolutions looked ; 
who ai)pealed to tln^ ma<;nanimity of the democratic majority to 
cease the bitter strife, unlock the wheels of legislation and allow 
tho important labors of tlie session to go on. This went unheeded; 
and finally, two days before the recess, the resolutions were 
adopted in the House by a vote of 52 yeas to 28 nays. 

1'lius did the House of l\ei)resentatives of the State of Illinois, 
a body fresh from a loyal people whose patriotism never flinched, 
after being- first systematically debauched in their sentiments by 
the political meetings at the opening- of the session, commit them- 
selves upon the record, and attempt to thrust the State also into 
the erroneous position before the world, that the Avarfor the Union 
was a failure, that secession was a right under the constitution 
whicli could not be met or defeated by the sword, and that a ces- 
sation of hostilities with an armed and defiant rebellion was ne- 
ces.^ary. ISTay, if we construe tlie last clause of the od resolution 
with the rei)eated utterances of their si)eakers and leaders, as well 
as the entire resolution, wherein a man of straw is set up regard- 
ing their fears of recognition of the Southern Confederacy, we see 
a (pnisi declaration for a union of the Northwest with tlie South 
as more desii^able than the connection with the hateful abolition- 
ists of the East. 

These legislators were not elected for the purpose which mainly 
engrossed their attention; they assumed unauthorized power and 
pioved themselves recreant to their trust. No i)eace could have 
l)een made with the defiant rebels at that time, nor for a long time 
afterwards. It was folly to talk of peace at that stage of the war. 
Tlie Indiana legislature at the time passed similar resolutions.* 

*■ It was a curious conjuncture that on the 2(ith of January, 186;?. a preamble and set 
of 8 resolutions were introdu -erl into the Confederate Congress at Richmond by Henry 
S. Foote, of Tennessee, the lift h of which reads as follows: 

"The government of the Confederate States, in consideration of the change in the 
public sentiment, which has occurred in se\er;il Northern States, wherein political 
elections have been recently held— sympathizing most kindly with those by whose 
manlv exertions that change has been brought about— would bo willing to conclude a 



884 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

Part of tlie programme in couuectiou with the i)assage of the 
l^eace resolutions was the joint resohition of Senator Underwood, 
providing- for a legislative recess from the 14th of February till 
the 2d of June, by which time the peace commissioners might re- 
port progress of their negotiation for an armistice. This resolu- 
tion was violently fought in the senate, and when a vote could be 
staved crif no longer, the republican members bolted the chamber, 
leaving tbe senate without a quorum; but enough were finally 
brought in and the resolution passed. When it was brought up 
in the house a similar attempt was there made, which failed like- 
wise, and the resolution was adopted. 

But the armistice resolutions shared a different fate in the senate. 
They had been tlie subject of acrimonious debate in that body, 
the same as in the house, for a longtime, having been deferred 
from time to time, and now, early in the week (the recess having 
been fixed for the following Saturday,) to avoid a vote, the repub- 
lican members absented themselves, breaking the quorum for 
business. The further consideration of the distasteful resolutions 
Avas deferred till Friday night. The republicans came in and 
business progressed. In the meantime the democrats lost a mem- 
ber by sudden death, in the person of Senator Kogers, of Clinton. 
This left the senate a tie, with the presiding ofiicer, Lieut.-Gov. 
Hoffman, who had the casting A'ote in such contingenc}', against 
the democrats. And thus the armistice resolutions failed of adop- 
tion in the senate and went over to the June session 5 whereat a 
portion of the democratic press sent up its wailings and lamenta- 
tions about the great disappointment which the people would feel 
at this result; and the democratic members of the senate, who had 
consented to the staving off' of a vote upon the resolutions to the 
evening before the close of the session, were handled without 
gloves. 

As a fitting commentary ujion this wasted session, and also to 
indicate the violence of party feehng, we will reproduce the nota- 
ble speech of Jacob Funk, a senator from McLean, made a day or 
two before the close of the session, the occasion being the intro- 
duction of some trifling resolutions to stave off" a vote upon the 
general appiopriation bill. It also deserves to be preserved for its 
uniqueness, and as offering a fair but now curious oratorical type 
of the earl^- settler of the West, and his manner of settling dis- 
putes; true, brave, and patriotic, though devoid of the breadth of 
diction imparted by education. It created a great sensation at 
the time, aiul was republished all over the Northern States. It 
was delivered in a stentorian tone, gathering in the people from 
around the capital square, till the hall was densely j)acked. The 
speaker's great fervor and pathos, born of conviction, wrought 
the audience to the highest pitch of excitement, and upon its con- 
clusion, both members and spectators thronged about him with 
con gratulation s : 

just and honorable peace with any one or more of said States, who (renouncing- all 
political connection with New Enfrland) may be found willing- to stipulate for desisting- 
at once from the further prosecution of the war agrainst the South, and in such case, 
the fiovernraent of the Confederate States would be willing to enter into a league, 
offensiveanddefensive, with the States thus desisting, of a permanent and enduring 
ciiaracter." But in the4th resolution, the confederates declared their unalterable op- 

gosition, in the event of ]5eace, to form any commercial treaty with the New England 
tates, -'with whose people, and in whose ignoble loveof gold and brutifying fanati- 
cism, this disgraceful war has mainly originated." 



YATES' ADMINISTRATION. 885 

"Mr. Speaker — I can set in my seat no longer and see so much by- 
playing going on. These men are trifling with the best interests of the 
country. They should have asses' ears to set off their heads, or they are 
traitors and secessionists at heart. I say there are traitors and secession- 
ists at heart in this senate. Their actions prove it. Their speeches prove 
it. Their gibes and laughter aud cheers here nightly, when their speak- 
ers get up to denounce the war and the administration, j)rove it. I can 
set here no longer and not tell these traitors what I think of them ; and 
while so telling them, I am responsible, myself, for what I say. I stand 
upon my own bottom. I am ready to meet any man on this floor in any 
manner, from a pin's point to the mouth of a cannon, upon this charge 
against these traitors. [Great applause from the galleries.] I am an old 
man of sixty-ftve. I came to Illinois a poor boy; I have made a little some- 
thing for myself aud family. I pay $3,000 a year in taxes. I am willing 
to pay $6,000; aye $12,000! [striking his desk with a tremendous blow, 
sending the ink whirling in the air.] Aye, I am willing to i)ay my whole 
fortune, and then give my life to save my country from these tx'aitoi's 
that are seeking to destroy it. [Tremendous cheering.] 

Mr. Speaker, you must excuse me ; I could not sit longer in my seat 
and calmly listen to these traitors. My heart, that feels for my poor 
country, would not let me. My heart, that cries out for the lives of our 
brave volunteers in the field ; that these traitors at home are destroying by 
thousands— would not let me. My heart tliat bleeds for the widows and 
orphans at home, would not let me. Yes, these traitors and villains in 
the senate [striking the desk with his clenched fist, that made the 
chamber resound] are killing my neighbors' boys, now fighting in tlie 
field. I dare to say tliis to tliese traitors right here, and I atn rer^ponsi- 
ble for what I say to any one or all of them. [Cheers.] Let them come 
on now right here. I am sixty-five years old, and I liave made up my 
mind to risk my life right here, on this floor, for my country. [This 
announcement was received with great cheering. Here tlie crowd gath- 
ered around him — his seat being near the railing — to protect liim from 
violence, while many sympathetic eyes flashed defiance.] These men 
sneered at Col. Mack, a few days since. He is a small man, but I am a 
large man. I am ready to meet any of them in place of Col. Maclv. I 
am large enough for any of them, and I hold myself ready for them now 
and at any time, [Cheering from the galleries.'] 

]Mr. Speaker, these traitors on this floor should be provided with 
hempen collars. Tliey deserve them. They deserve hanging, I say [raising 
his voice and striking the desk w^ith great violence.] Tlie country would 
be the better of swinging them up. I go for hanging them, and I dare 
to tell them so, right liere to their traitorous faces. Traitors should be 
hung. It would be the salvation of the country to hang them. For 
that reason I must rejoice at it. [Cheers.] 

Mr. Speaker, I must beg the pardon of the gentlemen in tliis senate 
wlio are not traitors, but true, loyal men, for what I have said. I only 
intend it and mean it for secessionists at heart. They are here in this 
senate. I see tliem gibe aud smirk and grin at a true Union man. Must 
I defy them? I stand here ready for them and dare tiiem to come on. 
[Cheering.] What man, Avith the heart of a patriot, could stand this 
treason auj^ longer? I have stood it long enough. I will stand it no 
longer. [Cheers.] I denounce these men and tlieir aiders and abettors, 
as rank traitors and secessionists. Hell itself could not spew out a more 
traitorous crew than some of the men that disgrace this legislature, this 
State aud this country For myself I protest against and denouuce their 
ti'easonable acts. I have voted against their measures; I will do so to 
the end. I will denounce them as long as God gives me breath ; and I 
am ready to meet tlie traitors them.selves here or anywhere, and fight 
them to the death. [Prolonged cheers.] I said I paid .'ro.ooo a year taxes. 
I do not say it to brag of it. It is my duty, yes, Mr. Speaker, my privi- 
lege to do it. But some of these traitors here, who are working night 
and day to put some of their mi.serable little bills ami ciainis through the 
legislature, to take money out of the pockets of the jieople, are talking 
about high taxes. They are hypocrites, as well as traitors. I heard 
some of them talking about high taxes in this way, who did not pay $5 
to the support of the government. I denounce them as hypocrites as 
well as traitors. [Cheers.] 



886 HISTORY OP ILLINOIS. 

The reason they pretend to be afraid of high taxes is that they do not 
want to vote money for the relief of the soldiers They want to embar- 
rass the government and stop the war. They want to aid the seeession- 
ists to conquer our boys in the field. They care about high taxes ! They 
are picayune men anyhow, and pay no taxes at all, and never did, and 
never hope or expect to . This is the excuse of traitors. [Cheers,] 

Mr Speaker, excuse me. I feel for my country, in this her hour of 
danger, from the tips of my toes to the ends of my hair. That is the 
reason I speak as I do. I cannot help it. I am bouud to tell these men 
to their teeth what they are, and what the people, the true, loyal people, 
think of them. [Cheering, which the speaker attempted to stop by 
rapping on his desk but really aided, not unwillingly.] 

Mr. Speaker, I have said my say. I am no speaker. This is the only 
sjieech I ever made, and I don't know that it deserves to be called a 
speech. But I could not sit still any longer and see these scoundrels and 
traitors work out their hellish schemes to destroy the Union. They have 
my sentiments ; let them one and all make the most of them. I am 
ready to back up all I say, and I repeat it, to meet these traitors in any 
manner they may choose, from a pin's point to the mouth of a cannon." 

With a parting whack on liis desk, the loyal old gentleuiau re- 
sumed his seat, amidst the diu of cheeriug aud the clapping of 
hands. 

Legislative Feauds. — The very last hour of this session was 
disgraced by the perpetration of one of those parliamentary 
swindles which in modern times are not infrequent in de- 
liberative bodies. The partisan strife which obtained between 
the constitutional convention and the governor, was, if anything, 
intensified between this legislature and that functionary. At the 
special session of 18G1 the. executive department had been pro- 
vided in the most liberal spirit with a fund of $50,000 for extra- 
ordinary and contingent expenses, whicli was largely looked to as 
aid for the sick and wounded Illinois soldiers in the field. But 
owing to the great number of agents employed to visit different 
camps aud accompany the regiinents, to look after the sanitary 
wants of the volunteers*, extra surgeons sent down the rivers in 
anticipation of battles ; steamboats chartered, also in expectation 
of battles, to go and bring home the wounded and disabled sol- 
diers, all of whicli, and much more, was in constant operation 
during the winter of lSGl-2, prompted doubtless, by the most 
charitable of motives, but exhibiting in some instances a prodigal 
disregard of economy and a lavish display of means, amounting 
almost to recklessness, and resulting in the wounded aiul disa- 
bled soldiers, for whom ostensibly much of this parade was made, 
receiving only $1,119 out of the $50,000 appropriated."- 

Much fault had been found by the Democracy at home with his 
excellency in the distribution of this fund. Both he and his jininy 
agents were charged with havitig been more zealous during their 
perigrinatious among the Illinois volunteers in distributing docu- 
ments to defeat the new constitution than in alleviating their suf. 



' The state Treasurer. June lo, i»d3, gave tne loiiowing- irems or c.\peii(iiLiires, as 
mid out of that appropriation : Steamboat trips by the jiovernor and party: 55f*.S87: for 
lie quartermaster's department, $9,874: receipts of .John Wood, !t53,264: for Adjutant 
Jeneral's office. $7,748; Commissary General's Office, $3,043; trips to Wasliuijiton by 



The State Treasurer. June 16, 1863, gave the following- items of expenditures, as 

paid ' , . n.„ „„- 

tilt 

Ge --, ... 

Messrs. Yates, Trumbull. Kellog}?and others, $4,449; messenger and clerk hire in jrov- 
ernor's office, $8,463; J. K. Forest to Cairo and back, $l:iO; sick and wounded Illinois 
soldiers, who fouK^ht at Belmont, Forts Henry aud Donelson, and at Shilob, $1,119. 
The war d(^monstratcd sanitary efforts to be most efficient in the hands of private en- 
terprise. Untold blessings were meted out by the sanitary bureaus in charge of noble 
and devoted men and women, who, unlike politicians in the employ of the State, did 
not seek personal glorification among the volunteers, but truly to mitigate the suffer- 
ings of the sick and wounded. 



YATES' ADMINISTRATION. 887 

ferings. Indeed, Gov, Yatos iu all the exubenuice of his patriot- 
ism, was ever charged by the Democracy as being actuated by 
partisan motives, and guided by considerations of personal ambi- 
tion ; that in all his transactions with the raising of tlie vast num- 
ber of Illinois volunteers and in his appointments, he looked for- 
ward to political aggrandizement ; and that in his ardent desire 
to earn the honorable soubriipu't of the " soldiers' frien<l," he dis- 
covered nntold i)referment to liimself. And botli the convention, 
iind now the legislature, doubtless mainly fronj ]»artisan moti\'es, 
refused further to solely entrust him witli tlie distribution of more 
sanitary funds. Early in the session (January 7tli) an ap])ro])ria- 
tion of $10,000 in gold had been made for the Illinois sick and 
wounded soldiers in view of the battle of Murfreesboro, and the 
probable advance upon Yicksburg. Three commissioners, (Lewis 
I). Erwin, W. W. Anderson, and Ezekial Boyden), were api)ointed 
to distribute this fund, who sold the gold for paper, realizing a 
large premium, and the whole, it seems, was carefully expended 
with great relief and benefit to the needy soldiers, who leceived 
over 80 per cent, of it. But the Governor was anxious for another 
$50,000. He sent in a special message upon the subject, couched 
in terms of rare beauty and felicity of expression, evincing a noble 
sympathy for our struggling soldiery in upholding the Hag of our 
country. It was a plea su(;h as few men are capable of making, 
and should have gone to the most caloused heart. 

The senate had passed two appropriation bills of precisely simi- 
lar titles. These bills were numbered respectively 1502 ami 203; 
they were in the same handwriting, and when folded looked alike, 
except as to their numbers. Ko. 203 provided for the i)ayment of 
the salaries of executi^'e officers, the ordinary expenses of the ex- 
ecutive dej)artnient, the adjutant general's office, and the various 
otbicr usual items of appropriation. This was acceptable to the 
Democrats. No. 202 provided besides all these items, u contin- 
gent fund of $10,000, and $2,500 for the hire of a gardener, both 
to be expended at the option of the governor; and an appropria- 
tion of §50,000 to the " aid of the sick and wounded Illinois sol- 
diers; to defray the contingent exi)enses of the executive depart- 
ment; for the pay of clerks in the governor's office; ofnu^ssen- 
gers on public service; of assistants in the adjutant general's 
office, quartermaster general's oftice and the commissary general's 
office, lithography, postage and other incidental exx)euses," all to 
bo ex[)ended by order of the governor. 

From this array of participants in the $50,000 fund, the sick 
and wouiuled soldier, although first mentioned, it may be A\ell 
imagined, would very likely be the last to receive a sleiuler share. 
The Democrats opi)Ose(l No. 202, as providing his excellency with 
a '^ corruption fund," but were willing to i)ass No. 203. When 
the latter came up for action in the house, a short time before the 
adjournment, it was ni)on demand twice read at large to be cer- 
tain that the $50,000 item was not in it. The third time tlie bill 
was read by its title oidy and passed, 50 to 2. The chief clerk who 
had been out, came in as the roll was being called upon the pas- 
sage of the bill, and being informed that it was necessary to use 
haste in reporting the bill back to the senate, as the hour of ad- 
journment was at hand, he sat down to write the message to that 
effect, but at this juncture, by some adroit prestidigitationj the 



888 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

obnoxious bill, No. 202, was substituted and received the eudorse- 
ment of having- passed, due to No. 203. It was immediately re- 
ported back to the senate, as hastily sent to the governor, 
approN'cd, and returned to the senate where it orgiuated. 

The house had not proceeded far with other business, when the 
Doise and apparent exultation among Eei)ublican members at the 
north end of the hall, and the adjacent lobby, re\ealed the fact 
that Democrats, notwithstanding their vigilance, had been tricked 
in the passage of this obnoxious measure. A scene of the wildest 
confusion ensued. Information was menacingly denuxnded of the 
speaker ; a resolution was introduced, recalling the bill from the 
hands of the governor, but, as nnuiy members had in the meantime 
left for home, it failed for want of the requisite three-fourths vote. 
A protest, detailing the circumstances of the fraud, was signed 
by 41 Democratic members and spread upon the journal. The 
treasurer was requested not to honor any drafts ui^on the fund 
thus fraudulently appropriated. Accordingly, when the governor 
shortly after drew upon the fund, he foun<l that guardian of the 
people's strong box, (a Democrat), recalcitrant. A writ of man- 
damus was sued out of the Supreme Conrt, then sitting at Ottawa, 
a dav before its adjournment, against the treasurer, requiring hira 
to show cause why he did not pay the warrants drawn ui>on that 
fund ; but before answer could be made tlie court adjourned. It 
is probable that it was designed in advance by the suitors that the 
case should not go to trial, rendering public all tlie facts connected 
with the passage of the bill, in which rumor at the time involved 
a certaiiV noted Democrat, a member and high official of the house. 
And thus the perpetrators of this legislative swindle have escaped 
deserved exposnie and merited public disgrace.* 

The winter session of the 23d general assembly proved a most 
unprofitable one to the people. The dominant party, engrossed 
with the peace resolutions, passed but one measure of public ad- 
vantage, that of abolishing the State quartermaster and commis- 

• Another most audacious legislative swindle, well illustrating the careless 
manner of enacting laws under the old constitution, and the tricks by which cor- 
rupt men, lioth as lobbrists and members, gained advantages, was the "Chicago Grid- 
iron bill," as it was nicknamed, passed l)y this general assembly at the June session. 
The 'itle of the bill, "An act to iueorporate the Wabash Railway Company," was calcu- 
lated to convey the deceptive Idea ot a railroad in the Wabash region of the State, 
instead of which it gave to a few sharpers in Chicago most extraordinary franchises 
over tlie streets of that city. It provided for the exclusive construction of horse- 
railways through 18 of the principal streets of Chicago, across 4 of its most impor- 
tant bridges, and on any common highways in either or all of the towns of South 
Chicago, Hj'de Park, Lake, Worth. West Chicago, Lyons, Jefferson, Cicero. and Proviso, 
adjacent to the city, and from to time to change, enlarge and extend the location 
thereof. It allowed the corporators to impose and collect such tolls as it should fix, 
without restraint from the city council. This was an immense monopoly, affecting the 
material interests of the whole city. It was a suiyect prtjporly tor the city council 
of Chic;igo, but neither that body nor the people. whulitlic\- represented, knew aught 
of this monstrous movement which sought to fllph from thciiithe control of their own 
streets and highways, though the recess had intervened between its passage in the 
senate and in the house. 

It was introduced into the senate by a member from the southeastern part of the 
State, which added to the deception, and in a loose way permitted to pass that body in 
January, without being read other than by its title, the Senate relying upon the state- 
ment of the member introducing it, that it was simply a bill for an ordinary railroad 
charter, containing the usual privileges. Its provisions were not generally known to 
senators who passed it. or to the public until a few days before it was maneuvered 
through the house on the 8th of June, under the pressure of interested members and 
a powerful lobby intluence. And now, the swindle having transpired, the aiigrj pro- 
tests against it from the people of Chicago came loud and deep, the newspaper press 
of the State joining its voice to the indignant refrain. The govurnor vetoed it. and in 
his message of June inth, 1863, exposed its horrid enormity very fully. This message was 
addressed to the general assembly which he had dissolved nine days before— the "rump"' 
being still iu session. 



YATES ADMINISTRATION. 889 

sary departments, which, since their supercedure by the general 
government, not withont rehictance from Gov. Yates, as we have 
seen, had become useless and expensive encnmbrances. Every 
other of its party measures met Avith disaster. The habeas corpus 
and illegal arrest bills; the prohibition of negro immigration ; the 
congressional apportionment, and the armistice resolutions — suc- 
ceeding alone with the recess resolution; while the Kepublicaus, 
by their vigilance, tidelity and courage, succeeded in the del'eat of 
all these, they were also balked, as we have described, in the full 
fruition of their only affirmative measure, the $50,000 approi)ria- 
tion for the sick and wounded Illinois soldiers. 

Reaction among the People against the Peace Movement of the Leg- 
islature. — Both during the session after the armistice resolutions 
had been brought forward and throughout the recess, the people, 
being awakened by these schemes of the politicians who thus 
sought to place Illinois on record as an anti-war State, held public 
meetings all over the State, giving expression to their loyal senti- 
ments, and evincing the strongest devotion to the Avar for the 
Union. From Egypt the Douglas democrats sent out their re- 
solves "that, as citizens of Illinois and as democrats, Ave are in faA-or 
of the continued and vigorous prosecution of the Avar until the su- 
premacy of the constitution is acknowledged in CAery State of the 
Union ; that the errors of the adnanistration, Avhile they should 
not be adopted by the peoi)le, form no excuse for any loyal citizen 
to withhold his sui)port from the goA^ernment ;" that they were in- 
flexibly opposed to the secession heresy of a JSTorth western Con- 
federacy, &c., recommending to the "true democracy to organ- 
ize and be i>repared to resist all schemes of disloyal men looking 
to a further disruption of the Union." 

It was a gloomy period of the Avar. The turning point in the 
great civil conflict had not been reached. Vicksburg — strong and 
defiant — had not only not surrendered, but repulsed the national 
trooi)S under Sherman in January i)receding. Nor had Gettys- 
burg been fought. The great captains of the Avar had not been 
revealed on our side. In the West, the battles of Shiloh, Perry- 
Aille and Murfreesboro had proven little better than defeats ; 
Avhile in the East, Fiedericksburg, speedily followed by Chaucel- 
lorville, had spread a general gloom. Said the New York Ti'ibune: 
" If 3 months more of earnest fighting shall not serve to make a se- 
rious impression on the rebels — if some malignant fate has de- 
creed that the blood and treasure of the nation shall ever be 
stiuandered in fruitless efforts, let us bow to our destiny, and make 
the best attainable peace." It Avas at the tinu^ no doulit honestly 
believed by many that the States could not be re-united by mili- 
tary coercion — that the war Avas a failure. 

Gold, the most sensitive index of the fortunes of the war, Avas 
steadily on the rise. Rebel bonds bore a premium in the London 
market. The picture Avas a dark and dreary one and, in the West, 
relieved only by the brilliant military exploit of Gen. McGlernand 
in the capture of Arkansas Post. 

But amidst all these di'cary scenes — the demand of the democ- 
racy for peace, the low ebb of the tide in the fortunes of the war. 
and the discouragement of the many staunch friends of the 
Union — the heart of the soldier remained undismayed. HartUy 



890 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



an Illinois regiment, learning the situation at home, and the false 
and dishonorable attitude in Avhich the legislature sought to place 
the State before the country, but what held meetings and ex- 
pressed their abhorrenceof the " tire in the rear, " as it was termed 
— repledged their loyalty to the Union and devotion to the flag — 
breathing the noblest of patriotic sentiments commingled with 
purposes of the most determined valor. These resolutions poured 
in in great jirofusion, the columns of the republican press being 
fairly laden with them. The democracy charged the voluminous 
loyal expressions to be merely the dictates of those " whose 
shoulders were adorned with the stars, eagles and bars. " If such 
was the case it but showed discipline in the right direction. Few 
of the masses, even under our form of government, exercise either 
original or independent political opinions. 

It was the unworthy action of this legislature that precipitated 
the defection of such men as John A. Logan, Ishani IST. Hainie, 
John A. McClernand, and a host of others from the democratic 
ranks. 

In his address to the soldiers of the 17th army corps, dated 
Memphis, Feb. 12th, 18G3, Gen. Logan, in allusion to the ''falsify- 
ing of public T^entimeut at home," said: "Intriguing jiolitical 
tricksters, demagogues and time-servers, whose corrupt deeds are 
but a faint reflex of their corrupt hearts, seem determined to drive 
our people on to anarchy and destruction. The day is not far dis- 
tant when traitors and cowards, North and South, will cower before 
the indignation of an outraged peox)le. March bravely onward ! " 
Gen. Hainie, in a private letter, gave his unqualified endorsement 
to every paragraph, line and word of Gen. Logan's address. Gen. 
McClernard, in his letter to John Van Buren, dated Feb. 22d, 
1863, denounced these democratic factionists as "Northern peace 
mongers, who 'will be carried away,' if not by the torrent of pub- 
lic opinion, eventually by force of arms." For the expression of 
such sentiments, these gentlemen were now read out of the party 
by the peace organs of the democracy. 

There were also a number of anti-war meetings held in differ- 
ent parts of the State under the management of the democratic 
leaders, declaring hostility' to the policy of the war as then prose- 
cuted by the national administration, which culminated in the large 
mass meeting of the 17th of June, at Springfield, of w^hich more 
further along. 

The party nomenclature of the period as applied to democrats 
also evinced deep i)artisan feeling and was of the most insulting 
character: "Copperheads," "Snakes," "Butternuts," "Secesh, " 
&G. The origin of these opprobrious epithets, we will not stoj) to 
give. 

Military Arrests. — Of the many arrests of our citizens by 
military authority we can only relate one or two of the most 
notable. A Capt. Linsley, by order of Col. Carrington of Indian- 
apolis, was stationed at Teire Haute to arrest deserters in Vigo 
and surrounding (counties of Indiana, nothing being said about 
Illinois. In March, 1803, he sent two sergeants into Clark county 
of this State who arrested four deserters. The mother of one of 
them, at the instance of the Hon. John Schofield, acting as her 
attorney, to procure her son's release swore out a warrant charg- 



YATES' ADMINISTRATION. 891 

ing" tLe officers with kidnapping. The sergeants were arrested and 
taken before the Hon. Ohas. H. Constable, circnit judge, the court 
being then in session at Marshall, In their examination the judge 
doubted the sufficiency of the papers exhibited as authority for 
the sergeants to make the arrests in Illinois. Their attorney, li. 
L. Dulaney, then attempted to prove that the men alleged to be 
kidnai)[>ed were in fact deserters from the federal army, whom 
any one might arrest as in the case of any crijuinal. This was 
not allowed to be shown by the judge. Pie bound them over 
in a bond of $500 and discharged the deserters. At the request 
of the sergeants. Judge C. gave them a written statement: 

'"That Messrs. McFarland and Thomas Long, have been arrested and brought before 
me for examination on a ehartre of kidnaijping-, and that I have deemed it my duty to 
hold tbeuiover In a bond of $500 to af)pear next Thursday morninjr, to answer farther 
to said chargre, and I have ordered the discharge from custody of James Gammon, 
Hujih Scott, M. Belcher and Jno. Tanner, four men whom they liad arrested upon the 
ground that they were deserters from Co. K, oOth 111. Vol." 

The sergeants procured bail without difficulty, though they were 
strangers. Subse(]|uently, on the day of their trial, and while it 
was in progress, Col. Carrington,with a force of UoO infantry, sur- 
rounded the court house at Marshall, and with 50 dismounted cav- 
alrymen iu citizens' dress entered the court room without exciting 
surprise, and at the very moment the adjournment of court for 
dinner was annouii(;ed, stepped forward and arrested Judge Con- 
stable before he had quitted the bench. The infantry were sta- 
tioned outside to quell any attempt at rescue by the citizens. 
There was no molestation, however. Judge Constable, who was 
taken by suri)rise, was considerably unmanned at this summary 
exliibitiou of military power.* 

The prisoners were released, ami the judge trying tliem was 
torn from his judicial seat in the midst of his labors, his court 
adjourned by military power, and he conveyed a prisoner to a 
foreign State. Could audacity, apparently, in a free go\'ern- 
nieiit, outside of the theatre of actual war, go further? Yet of all 
the military arrests made in this State, this was the most justilia- 
ble. Tlie offense consisted in no mere disloyal gasconade, but in 
substantial acts which, by the discharge of four deserters and the 
imprisonment of two officers, was an actual interference with and 
injury to the military effort of the government to su])press the 
relx^Uion. 

About the 1st of April Judge Constable was brought from In- 
diaiia]»olis to Si)ringtieldand delivered over to the civil authorities. 
An affidavit was tiled before the U. S. Commissioner, charging 
him with encouraging desertion by oixlering the release of the four 
deserters from the custody of the officers. By agreement the ex- 
amination was had before Judge Treat, of the U. S. district court, 
the di.strict attorney, Lawrence Weldon, appearing for the gov- 
ernment, and Stuart & Edwards for the prisoner. After hearing 
all the evidence, the defendant was discharged. 

Later in the spring of 1803, W. H. Green, a State Senator from 
Massac, and G. AY. Wall, of Terry, were arrested by order of the 
provost marshal. The cluirges do not appear. In the Senate Mr. 
Green had signalized himself as an ardent supporter of the armis- 
tice resolutions, laboring earnestly to bring that body to a \ote 
ui)(>ii them. The republican press brought forward many of his 

*See Terre Haute Express. 



892 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



anti-war utterances, suck as '' we (he and liis constituents) stand 
upon the border as peace makers, and we intend tliat unless it be 
over onr dead bodies, there shall be no fraternal blood shed," &c. 
Mr. G. took occasion to deny some of these charges, in a published 
letter. He was also found fault with for wearing a " butternut" 
suit, &c. General Buford required each of these gentlemen to 
take the oath of allegiance to the U. S.; to write letters to the com- 
mander of the post confessing the acts for which they had been 
arrested, with expressions of regret and promises of future con 
duct comporting with that of loyal citizens ; and to declare they 
had not aided deserters to escape nor discouraged enlistments, 
whereupon they were released from arrest,* 

Many others of our citizens too numerous to mention were ar- 
rested, some taken to Washington bastiles and others incarcera- 
ted in Fort Lafayette, in New York li arbor. It was about this 
time that the noted arrest of Mr. Vallandigham of Ohio was 
made. 

Suppression of the Chicago Times. — But the general government 
did not stop with military arrests and imprisonment of the citi- 
zen for his exercise of the right of free speech ; it also laid its 
hand of power upon the freedom of the i)ublic press. The 
suppression of the Chicago Times — a newspai)er which ex- 
ercised an unusual license in its criticism of the policy of 
the administration and the conduct of the war — fonued the 
most notable event of that sort in Illinois. This was done by or- 
der of Major Gen. Burnside, in comnmnd of the department of 
the Ohio, dated Cincinnati, June 1st, 1803. Brig. Gen. Jacob 
Ammen, in command of the district of Illinois, stationed at Camp 
Butler, was charged with its execution. The cause assigned in 
the order was "the repeated expression of disloyal and incendiary 
sentiments" by that newspaper. The same order (No. 81), in par- 
agraph 1, included the N. Y. World. Gen. Ammen was directed 
to allow no more issues of the paper to appear, and if neccessary 
to "take military possession of the Times office." The editor was 
also notified of the order by telegraph ftom Gen. Burnside, June 
2d. Late in the night of that day jNIessrs. Storey and Worden, 
the proprietors, made application to Judge Drnmmond, of the U. 
S. court for the Northern district of Illinois, for an injunction to 
restrain Gens. A. E. Burnside, Jacob Ammen, and Capt. Jas. 
S. Putnam, of Camp Douglas, detailed to act, from carrying 
into effect the order of suppression. About midnight the court 
granted a temporary restraining order upon the defendants, until 
the application could be heard and determined in open court. Learn- 
ing which, Capt. Putnam hastily departed to hispostatCamp Doug- 
las, gathered a sufficient military force, returned, and about 4 o'clock 
in the morning of the 3d, executed Gen. Burnside's order by 
taking possession of the Times office, in defiance and contem[)tof 
the order of the civil tribunal. In the meantime the Times issues 
of the 3d of June, in great part, had been struck off and found 
circulation. 

Here was presented the giave question of a collision between 
the civil and military authority of the U. S. A stay of proceed- 
ings in court was granted on the same day to give time for service 

*See Illinois State Register, May 6 1863 



YATES ADMINISTRATION. 89^ 



ou Geu. Ammeii. Judge David Davis, presiding in the U. S. 
Circuit Court at Spriugfield, was telegraplied to come to Chi- 
cago aud joiu in hearing the ai)pIicatiou for tlie injunction, with 
which he complied. 

Meantime the excitement created in Chicago was intense. Ou 
tlie evening of the same day a huge concourse of citizens met nnd 
ex])ressed their deep indignation against this military des])otism. 
Ou tlie following day the intensity of the popular feeling having 
steadily increased, fears were entertained that an outbreak of 
mob violence would attaclc the Tribune establishment (rei)ublican). 
A secret meeting of prominent republicans, and a few democrats, 
was now held in the circuit court room, to devise wa.ysto preserve 
the peace of the city. It was participated in by Seimtor Trum- 
bull, Hon. I. K Arnold, Wm. ii. Ogde:i, Judge Van Higgius, (a 
heavy stockholder iu the Tribune,) H. W. Fuller, Jas. ¥. Joy, 
C. Beckwith, A. C. Coventry, Judge Dickey, S. S. Hayes, 
A. W. Harrington aud others. A petition to the president 
was prepared representing that the peace of the city, if 
not the Avelfare of the country, would be promoted bj' rescinding 
the order supi)ressing the Times; that this was asked upou the 
ground of expediency alone, without regard to party ; aiul his fa- 
vorable consideration was respectfully asked. The petition was 
telegraphed to the president. Messrs. Trund)ull and Arnold sent 
an additioiml dispatch especially inviting his prompt ami serious 
consideration of the very grave state of affairs. By half-past six 
p. m. of the same day, he replied by telegraph unconditionally re- 
voking the order of suppression. But one number of the Tinien' 
issues, that of Thursday, June 4th, failed to appear. Pecuniarily 
it may well be guessed tlie paper was not long injured, as by this 
it gained largely in its sales. 

After thus saving it from the fury of the gathering mob, the 
Tribune said : " The order of revocation was, and is uidversally 
felt, to be a most unfortunate blunder. * As the matter stands it is 
is a triumph of treason. The minions of Jeff. Davis have won a victory 
by which they will not fail to profit. * Oh ! for a Geu. Ja(;ksou 
while this war lasts, and it would not last long." The republican 
press was generally chagrined at the wavering conduct of the 
president, and in a tone of irony exclaimed : '' It is not true that 
any republican has telegraphed to Washington to seek the ])resi- 
deutial revocation of Geu. Grant's order to sui)i)ress Pemberton's 
issues of shot and shell at Vicksburg." The Belleville Zeitung 
(Germau re})ublican), somewhat profanely said : " May the devil 
take the 'honesty' of Lincoln and his cabinet. We are for the en- 
ergy and power of action of Fremont. Let Fremont be our next 
l^resident." 

In the meantime Judges Davis aiul Drummond had been hear- 
ing the able argumenrs of counsel on the application for an in- 
junction, but the president's revocation stayed all further proceed- 
ings in court, and, what is to be regretted, no opiinou was ren- 
dered upon this very interesting question. From Judge Dium- 
mond's remarks upon the motion to defer the api)lication till after 
service, we gather the following: 

"As the officer of the grovcrnment, I wiU seek to maintain that grovernment, but 
I believe that the constitutiou and the laws furnish ample means to suppress 
the rebellion. * When there are military operations g'oing on— when thero are 
armies in the field in hostile array, in battle, in movement, then the civil law ceases 



894 HISTORY OP ILLINOIS. 

and then comes in the martial law. But the armies of the U. S., the major prenerals of 
the U S., act u!)dcr theautliority of law, and the military law is just as inucli under 
the constitution and under the law as is the civil law, precisely. * It is desiral)le 
that we should know whether we live under a government of law or under a "ovein- 
mcnt of force. * 1 believe that we live under afiovernment of law. and I trust that 
ev^ery citizen of the community also rests under the same belief, and that all, each for 
himself, will remember that we live under a government of law." 

Secret Folitico- Military Societies.— The year 1863 was also pro- 
lific in the organization of secret ])olitical orders with seiui-iiiili- 
tary attributes. Tliey were variously known as "Kni<;hts of the 
Goideii Circle," ''Union Leagues," the "S. B's," (whatever that 
stood for) &c. The former of these was of democratic and the two 
latter of republican origin. Various circumstances contributed to 
the wide extension of these orders. The open clamor for peace on 
the part of many leading democrats; the t)piniou that the war 
was a failure — indirectly conceded by some of the stauiichest re- 
publican newspapers; the unpoi>ularity of the conscrii)t law with 
the $300 exemi)tiou clause and its frequent denunciation, these, 
joined with the political excitement by the peace resolutions of 
the legislature, and the many expressions from public meetings in 
opposition thereto, produced a serious impression among the peo- 
jtle not uumingled with feelings of personal insecurity. During 
this year, too, nuiny deserters were at large, })rowling about the 
neighborhoods of their homes, often leading their friends or rela- 
tives into difficulties with the secret agents of the government in 
pmrsintof them, who, when they became known, of course swaggered 
and boasted notalittle of their i)rowess and the terrible retribution 
to be visited upon certain localities sujtposed to harbor them. 
There were also at home rather an unusual number of soldiers on 
furlough — roistering blades, pompous in their neat, blue uniforms 
— into whose ears were poured by partizan Iriends tales of liorror, 
how the venomous -'Copperhead democrats" purposed resisting 
the draft, subvert the State government, and form an alliance 
with the rebel confederacy. The soldiers, thus incited by narrow 
and prejudiced republicans, often swaggered about insulting good 
citizens and nuiking threats of dire vengeance, which they felt it 
their duty and privilege to wreak, and sometimes they went so 
far as to actually perpetrate indignities and outrages upon really 
unoffending democratic civilians. The general government, too, 
as we have seen, was making numerous military arrests for the 
mere utterance — often but an idle or thougiitless boast — of dis- 
loyal sentiments. 

There was con.^equently little open discussion of the war in- 
dulged on either side in many portions of the State. A <leep feel- 
ing of mistrust regarding the thoughts and piiri>oses of one's own 
neighbor was all-pervading. The air was rife with wliis[)ers of 
direst portent as to the treatment to be visited u[)on this or that 
(jitizen, wdio should have uttered this or done that disloyal thing. 
The State was under martial law ; and it was generally felt that 
outrages growing out of the political condition of the times, or 
l)er[)etrated atsuch a period, would either meet with ready excuse 
and escai)e of punishment, upon the one side, or a summary visita- 
tion of revenge from the other. Each was thus steeled against the 
liist overt act. Under these circumstances men of prior partizan 
afliniteis, even if not then in full accord npon the great question 
of the war, instinctively sought to bind themselves together by 



YATES' ADMINISTRATION. 895 



ties of tlie strongest oaths for mutual protection, uliicli doul)tless 
did not always stop with provisions against personal indignities 
and local outrages alone, but may have included purposed resist- 
enceto the lawful demands of the government in the enforccnuMit 
of the conscript law to carry on a war odious to their political 
sentiments. 

For greater efticiency, here ami there these (;ond)inations, on 
both sides, partook of' the character of military organizations; 
but it is questionable if any were furnished with arms other 
than home aliairs, shot guns, etc. The dialling was often done with 
cornstalks. The associations of one side caused the other to do 
the same ; while the utmost quiet ])revailed as to the usnal 
wrangles and discussions incident to all })nblic questions of gi'eat 
interest in this country. Both si<les feared ami gnarded against 
precii>itating a general collision. JsTo one knew what a personal 
affray might instantly de\'elop as to the number of sworn assist- 
ants on either side, nor what wea])ons were concealed, ready to leap 
forth ui)on the first enu^rgency. To such considerations an active 
imagination was of course ready to add its legions of numbeis and 
dire results. In some respects this mutual Ibrbearance, born of 
caution, may have been well. But these secret associations by 
skillful and industrious agencies w^ere extending their power and 
influence all over the country. 

All secret political societies are dangerous to the State and to 
the liberty of the peoi)le. The very fact of their secrecy stamps 
them as wrongful and hazardous. Secrecy eviscerates true de- 
mocracy or republicanism of its essential i)rinciples. To deny an 
open comparison of views and a free discussion of questions af- 
fecting the public weal, or the rights of the citizen, is to remove 
the uiuierlying safegmirds of an intelligent liberty. It is but jnst 
to say that the democratic press counselled the people against 
them. 

Tlie republican press, with untiring industry, circulated reports 
that the democrats were preparing and intended to resist the 
draft under the conscript law. A regiment was organized and 
armed by the State, by order of Adjutant General Fuller, '-for 
the i>urpose of guard and i^rotection of the State of Illinois" — • 
meaning that it was to aid in enforcing the draft. Col. li. IT. 
Hough was assigned to its connnand. This ill-advised step, one 
would suppose, was rather calculated to i)r()voke the armed col- 
lision so much dreaded. Many indeed feared, tliat, by these" va- 
rious means, a struggle might be brought about in the State. 
Judge O'iMelveny, a fierce anti-war democrat, wrote: "I still 
thiidv we are nearing convulsion in the Xorth. It must be with 
us the last alternatix'e, but free speech ought to be made the issue 
— lu) ])ointnu)re available; to sui-irnder it, is toi)erish; and if fate 
and destiny so will it, let the democracy go down with the consti- 
tution and with liberty in one common struggle forlife and power." 
So nuudi was said of secret traitorous political organizations, and 
their threatened violent resistance to the draft underthe c()nsci-ii)t 
law, that Judge Davis, of the U. S. circuit court, during the June 
term at Si)ringtield, charged the grand jury that there were 
secret organizations with '-grips, signs and pass-words, having for 
their object, resistance to law, and the overthrow of the govern- 
meut. * K anywhere in this State bad men have combined 



896 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

togetlier for such wicked purpose, bring them to light and let 
them receive the puuishmeut due tlieir crimes" — charging them 
further with reference to any kind of resistance or obstruction to 
the enforcement of the draft, and the aiding or abetting of de- 
serters by advice, assistance or harboring them. 

While the many rumors of lawless conduct on the part of these 
organizations, with which the press teemed, were exaggerated, all 
was not smoke. A number of atrocious murders were committed, 
and armed resistance offered to the arrest of deserters 
in many portions of the State, which we have neither the 
space nor disposition to give in detail. Of the counties 
in which these disreputable proceedings occurred, we nuiy 
mention (commencing south and proceeding north) Union, Wil- 
liamson, Richland, Clark, Coles, Fayette, Montgomery, Greene, 
Scott, Tazewell and Fulton. The most pertinacious resistance 
was offered in Scott and Greene, whither a detachment of over 100 
mounted soldiers was sent to ferret out the camps of lawless men 
hid among the glades and swamps bonlering the Illinois river. 
The nujst fatal collision occurred in Coles, at Charleston, on the 
22d of March, 1864, between (;itizens in attendance upon circuit 
court, under the lead of Sheriff O'llara, and the re-enlisted veter- 
ans of the o4th Illinois regiment. Four soldiers were killed and 
8 wounded, one mortally; of the citizens, 3 were killed at the time; 
one accidentally. Some time after, two of the O'Haras were way- 
laid and assassinated in the woods.* Assaults upon various men 
were made in Edgar and some other counties. A raid, projected 
from Cass, was made upon Jacksonville to intimidate the federal 
authorities in the discharge of their duties. In Hancock, Adams, 
Pike, Calhoun and other counties bordering the Mississippi, incur- 
sions w'ere made by rebel " bushwhackers" from Missouri, avIio 
were said to be but too freely countenanced and harbored. It is 
also doubtless true that these sceiies of lawlessness uniformly 
occurred in regions where unconditional unionism Avas in minority 
and the loyal sentiment of the people overborne. I^ut aside from 
these comparatively petty outbreaks of a few misguided, perhaps 
lawless men in scattered localities, no serious jjurpose to any con- 
siderable extent really ever existed to resist the draft in Illinois, 
or to obstruct the operations of the laws of the general govern- 
ment. The great mass of the people. Democrat as well as Re- 
publican, were ever willing and ready to obey the law, both State 
and national, dutifully, quietly and cheerfull}'. 

Prorogation of the Last Bemocratic Leglslatiire. — The 23d gen- 
eral assembly, upon the expiration of its recess, met again, June 
2d, 18(53. Besides a number of bills of a private or local character, 
patriotic resolutions, resolutions of thanks to the Illinois volun- 
teers for their valor in the field, and resolutions of a political char- 

* Much disaffection obtained between citizens (who often gave vent to treasonable 
utterances by shouting for Jeff. Davis, &c .,) and soldiers, and many personal indigni- 
ties were inflicted by the latter upon the former. In Colts, it is said that soldiers, per- 
haps when intoxicated, out of mere wantoness, would seize farmers, (many of them 
doubtless, bolong-insr to the order of the Golden Circle), from their wagons and compel 
their, to take an oath of allegiance manufactured for the occasion: "You solemnly 
swear to support the administration, j^bi-aham Lincoln, all proclamations now issued, 
and all that may hereafter be issued, so help you God." At Vandalia a Mr. Smith was 
made to take the oath, and afterwards, in an altercation, killed. One of the soldiers 
escaped, and his associates, on examination were discharged. Citizens, doubtless Amer- 
ican Knights, to the number of 50 or 60, sought to revenge the murder, but failing ia 
this, burnt a railroad bridge and committed other depredations. 



YATES' ADMESriSTRATION. 897 

acter, covering the military order suppressing the Chicago Times, 
the military arrests of Illinois citizens, particularly the case of 
Judge Constable, v:evQ numerously introduced. The con- 
sideration of the latter character of resolutions elicited warm de- 
bate and consumed nuich valuable time. At this time the army 
in the West, containing nearly all the Illinois troops, had been 
active iu its apiiroaches ujion Vicksburg, and all the se- 
vere fighting in the investment of that rebel fortress was 
over. The casualties to Illinois volunteers were great, and the 
demands for sanitary aid pressing. On the first day of the ses- 
sion, therefore, in the senate, Mr. Green, who had but recently 
been the subject of military arrest, as we have seen, introduced a 
bill, appropriating $50,000 for the sick and wounded Illinois sol- 
diers. In the house a similar bill was introduced by Mr, Fuller, 
appropriating $100,000 to be disbursed by a commission, consist- 
ing of Messrs. John T. Stuart, C. H. Lanjihier, and W. A. Turney, 
all oi)posed to the administration policy of the war. A bill for 
taking the Illinois soldiers' vote was also introduced. 

On the 3d day of the session, in the senate, a proposition to 
adjourn sine die was extensively discussed and made the special 
order for the following day. On Monday, June Sth, three Demo- 
crats being absent, tlu^. senate, on motion of Mr. Yandeveer, a 
Democrat, jiassed a resolution by a vote of 14 to 7, to adjourn sine 
die on that instant, at C p. m. This the house amended by insert- 
ing the 23d of June at 10 A. m. instead. The senate refused to 
concur by yeas 11 to nays 12. . By the constitution, in case of dis- 
agreement between the two houses with respect to the time of 
adjournment, the governor was empowered to adjourn the assem- 
bly to such a day as he deemed projier. Such conjuncture now 
obtained. On the 9th the senate transacted but little business. 
There Avas also disagreement upon the house soldiers' relief bill, 
the senate having added the names of the governor aiid the treas- 
urer to the commission, to which the house refused to acceed. 
On the morning of June 10th, in the house, shortly after a motion 
by Mr. Lawrence to take up the general appropriation bill had, 
at the instance of Mr. Fuller, been laid on the table, and while 
not a Democrat was dreaming of such a move, the governor's pri- 
vate secretary entered the hall, and being announced by the door- 
keeper, but without recognition from the chair, (Mr. Burr), read 
hurriedly, but in a loud tone, his message adjourning the gerieral 
assembly to the Saturday next preceding the 1st Monday iu Jan- 
uary, 1805. 

This unexpected stroke fell upon the dominant party like a clap 
of thunder from a clear sky. Their chagrin and anger knew no 
bounds. They were beaten by the hated governor in parliamen- 
tary tactics. Amidst the unexampled din and confusion, all sorts 
of motions were made. The Republican members at once with- 
drew, breaking the quorum. The speaker vacated the chair, and 
the house took an informal recess. In the senate, upon the read- 
ing of the i)rorogation message, a similar scene of excitement took 
place. Lieutenant-CTOvernor Hofiraan said: " In obediance to this 
order, I do now adjourn this senate until the Saturday preceding 
the 1st Monday in January, A. D. 1865." He then vacatetl the 
chair and retired from the chamber. Senator Underwood was 
called to the chair. In the afternoon 13 senators were present — 
57 



898 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

the 12 Republican members bavins left. lu the bouse 44 mem- 
bers were present; a maiority in either house, but not euoufih to 
do business, the constitution requiring- the presence of two-thirds 
of the members iu each house to constitute a quorum. Regarding 
the prorogation as illegal both houses continued the session. 

It is probable the absconding- members knew of the governor's 
purpose, judging- from the promptness with which they and the 
lieutenant-governor took their departure. Yet upon the other 
hand, in the senate, Mr. Vandeveer, a Democrat, made the motion 
to adjourn, on which the disagreement occurred. 

Prior to the prorogation in the house a motion had been adop- 
ted for a conference committee to reconcile the differences upon 
the soldiers' $100,000 relief bill. This was, in the present strait, 
proffered to be accommodated by the house agreeing to the senate 
amendment to insert the names of the governor and treasurer 
with the other commissioners. A joint resolution was thereupon 
adopted, inviting the co-operation of enough Republican members 
to help pass this much needed measure. If a quorum had been 
obtainecl and the bill regularly passed, it would have been void 
because of the legality of the prorogation, as subsequeutly decided 
by the supreme court. But the Republicans showed no disposi- 
tion to acceed to this request, although the legality of the adjourn- 
ment was then generaly doubted by both parties. The hat had 
gone forth, political capital was a stake, to' retract was to prove 
vacillating and contemptible, and they braved it through. 

The sincerity of the Democrats — who believed the bill might be 
leg-all}' passed if a quorum could be obtained — in making this 
proi)ositiou, has been doubted, as inferred from the fact that there 
had been ample time to pass the bill. True, they had showed no 
haste, but after the disagreement, there was at stake the pride of 
consistency with either house, for which some allowance should be 
made. It cannot be possible that such trilling was intended; that 
the olive branch was held out only as a lure and deceitful snare. 
It may also be safely asserted, that the bill would have passed had 
more time been allowed and the prorogaiion not been interposed. 
But for the sake of gratifying the vanity of partisan tri- 
umph, the law-makers were dispersed, and this beneficent measure 
failed. Besides this measure, which appealed directly to one's 
sympathy and humanity, there were others pending of great pub- 
lic utility, which were thus also defeated; the bill for the sale of 
coin and the payment of interest in treasury notes ; an appropria- 
tion to the State Normal University ; the general appropriation 
bill ; an appropriation for the erection of a monument to Douglas, 
and some needed local measures, all in an advanced state of ma- 
turity. 

Immediately after the prorogation the Democrats prepared a 
protest, setting forth in detail the injurious consequences to the 
public of the governor's "monstrous usurpation" of power, signed 
by 5Q representatives and 13 senators. A counterblast to this, 
addressed to the people of lUinois, was published by 3 Republi- 
cans of the senate, and 6 of the house, acting as a committee for 
this purpose, in defense of the Republican members and the act 
of the governor. Both were extreme partisan documents, full of 
accusations of corruption, and devoid of neither errors of fact noi 
intemperate language. 



YATES' AD^nNISTRATION. SDO 



After the proroiiJitioD, the "rump," or moot ]e<;islature, as it 
was varionsly called, still kept up the session teehnieally. The 
roll call was studiously avoided so as not to have it appear from 
the journals that a quorum was not present, and tlnis tlie le<iality 
of their acts would turn upon the validity of the prorogation 
alone, which was to be tested in the Supreme Court. On the 23d 
and 24th of June business was transacted. The governor was in- 
formed that they were about to close, asking if he had any Jur- 
ther communication to lay before them. He replied that he had 
not, and did not recognize their legal existence. A joint resolu- 
tion was thereupon passed, taking a recess until Tuesday after 
the tirst Monday in January, 1804. 

Before the close of the year a decision Avas obtained from the 
Supreme Court, sustaining the validity of the prorogation. Tliis 
was the tirst political question that had been before the Supreme 
Court since the aben case in 1840. A portion of the Democratic 
press assailed the court (which was Democratic in political senti- 
ment) with great virulence, charging that the 

"Decision was not only ^vholly wi-onfr, but had been made from un^YOl•tby motives. 
It was time tliat jvidges wlio made wroag decisions, to avoid the lasli and propitiate 
the impending aiiger of their political opponents, sliould be made to feel the indigna- 
tion of their former friends whom they had thus betrayed. The Democratic 
party had asked, and would asli for nothing but impartial fairness at the liands of the 
judges, and no considei-ation of delicacy would impel it to silence, if it felt that nnwor- 
thv personal motives had moved them to deal unfairly with it. We had fondly hoped 
that in Illinois there wasa State court in whom the people could confidently repose as 
a biirrier to fri<rhtful Invasions of executive power. This hope is dispelled, and we are 
overwhelmed with sorrow and mortilicationin view of it.''* 

The deep chagrin of the Democrats at the dispersion of the 
legislature by the governor is eloquently portrayed by a member, 
before the Su[)reme Court, in his capacity as attorney in one of 
the cases involving the validity of the prorogation. He exclaims : 
••^lalignant partizanship could go no farther. The annals of 
political warfare display no grosser infraction of the dignities 
and amenities of private oroflicial life. * * Snice the members 
of the long parliament were driven from their seats with oppro- 
brious epithets by Cromwell, there has been no such exhibition of 
virtuperative lawlessness."- 

We will carry this parallel further by adding the concluding 
part of CromwelFs address to the commons, and see where it leads : 
"But now I say, your time liath come. The Liu'd hath disowned 
you. The Got! of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, hath 
done with you. He hath no need of you any more. So, he hath 
judged you and cast you forth and chosen litter instruments to 
Hiiii to execute that work in which you have dishouiued Him."' 
History repeats itself. The chronicler of the scene adds: '•Sullen, 
humiliated and unpitied, for they had lost the respect of honest 
men of all denominations, the members of that parliament now 
sneaked away to lind a miserable refuge in the disi)ised obscurity 
of private life, deserted by the people in their turn, whom they 
Hist deserted at the dictates of a depraved and poor ambition." 

The Great Democratic Mass Convention of June 11th, 1803. — The 
Democratic State committee had issued a call on the 2Sth of May 
for a mass convention to assemble at Springfield, eJune 17th, 1803, 
being the anniversary of the battle of Bunker Hill, for the pur- 
pose*^of consultation and deliberation upon the state of the coun- 

* From the Chicago Times. 
*SeeM. AV. Fuller's brief. 



900 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

try, and to give expression in an authoritative form to the views 
of public policy entertained by the Illinois Democracy. Prom- 
inent democratic orators from foreign States were advertised to 
be present to speak, confer and counsel with the Illinois Democracy. 
The result was the most extraordinary gathering, in respect of 
numbers, fine personal appearance, high character of the men in 
attendance and the spirit which pervaded them, that ever 
assembled in Illinois. Not less than 40,000 men were present, 
representing all parts of the State. It was not a gala day assem- 
blage of men, women and children, but of solid looking, well 
attired men, whose countenances betokened thought, earnestness 
and determination. They were evidently political leaders of more 
or less influence in whatever sections they belonged. Their out- 
ward appearance indicated not only this, but also that the great 
body of them were men of means. While all classes were more or 
less represented, the solid element greatly predominated, giving 
tone and character to the whole. No drunkenness, brawling or 
semblance of unseemly conduct marred the occasion. No taunt- 
ing acts of disloyalty by the display of secession liags, shouting 
for Jeft' Davis, or like conduct calculated to provoke a breach of 
the peace, was manifested. A disturbance of the peace while this 
immense crowd was in the capital city, leading to a serious out 
break, perhaps a collision with the soldiers, was greatly feared by 
some prominent of&cials. Gen. Ammen, commandant of Camp 
Butler, took the precaution to order that no soldier be allowed to 
leave camp during the whole of that day. But this crowd, though 
large, was not a mob. It was composed rather of respectable*, 
well-to-do and reflective citizens who — whatever their opinion 
regarding the war, and that was for peace — would not pre- 
cipitate a collision voluntarily. Yet it may be well considered, 
had it been forced upon them they were not the men to quail ; 
doubtless mau,y were well prepared for such a contingency. They 
had come, not for an excursion to seek relief from and var;y the 
monotony of home life, but, moved by a feeling of deep earnest- 
ness, to compare views and take counsel of one another, and 
repledge their devotion to that democratic faith that was in them, 
which stood steadfast for the "Union as it was and the constitu- 
tion as it is ;" to condemn the aggressions of arbitrary power both 
State and National, and denounce the "abolitionizing" of the con- 
duct of the war. Prominent republicans had themselves asserted 
that "the problem would be [when the war was past] to com- 
bine the forms of republican government with the powers of a 
monarchical government."* They met to place their ban upon the war 
at a time when many earnest hearts were trembling for the cause of 
the Union, and when discouragement might be doubly effective. 
In the west, A'^icksburg was invested, it is true, but it had not 
fallen. In the east the victorious legions of Lee, fresh from the 
blundering contests on the Eappahannock, and inspired by a 
contempt for the Union forces under Hooker, with the utmost 
audacity moved clear around him, boldly crossed into Maryland 
and deliberately pushed forward to Pennsylvania, while the coun- 
try stood amazed, and the deepest anxiety pervaded every breast. 
Gettysburg, though not far in the future, was not foreseen. 

'See Forney's Press. 



YATES' ADMINISTRATION. 901 

The meeting- was held at the old Fair Ground or Cam}) Yates, 
about oue mile due west of the old State House. The day was 
oppressively warm. To give au idea of some of the leading par- 
ticipants w^e will append a few names : 

Senator W. A. Kichardson. president ; vice presidents ; Hons. (Jhas. A. Constable, 
Wm. McMurtry, Peter Sweat, J. M. Young, Aaron Shaw, O. B. Ficklin, Wm. F. Tiiorn- 
ton, J. W. Merritt, H. M. Vandeveer. B. F. Prettyman, Chas. D. Hodges, John S. 
McDonald, James Rolib, W H. Gilnian. Virgil Hiekox, James E. Ewing, B. D. Tay- 
lor, A. D. Wright, l.P Rogers, John V. Ayer, A. Withers, David A. Gage, Sargent 
Gobble, John Cunningham, Noah Johnson, M. Y. Johnson, B. S. Edwards, S. Staats 
Taylor, John Pierson. C. L. Higbee, R. L.- Merrick, S. S. Hays, Cyrus Epler, R. M. B. 
Wilson, JohnD. Wood, S. A. Buckmaster, Jacob Bowman, S. J. Cross, J. M. Epler, 
Robert Halloway, Henry Dresser, J. L. D. Morrison, J. K.Stitt, JamesC. Robinson, 
W. A. J. Sparks, F. C. Sherman, J. S. Bogan, John C. Champlin, C. A. Walker, and 
Dr. N. S. Davis. Among the spcakei'S in attendance from abroad we notice the names of 
Daniel Voorhees, of Indiana, 8. S Cox of Ohio, and Chris. Kribben and Gen. MeKini- 
Btry, of St. Louis, and from our own State, Kichardson, S S. Marshall, J. K. Eden, 
Jas. C.Allen. Ex Gov. Jolm Kcynokis, J. C. Robinson, Greathous, Bryan, Connolly, 
Wescott, Chas T. E. Merritt, M. Y. Johnson, J. L. D. Morrison, W. M. Springer, 
and a host of others. Speaking was constantly had from six different stands, enthusias- 
tic crowds thronging about each.* 

The i)osition of the Democracy of Illinois was declared at 
length in 24 separate paragra[)hs, which we summarize, except the 
two last. They declared the supremacy of the constitution 
of the United States, as well in time of war as peace, 
wliieh they were ready and willing to obey, as also all laws nmde 
in pursuance thereof, so long as they remained upon the statute 
books, claiming the right to constitutionally change them; they 
quoted the bill of rights, and upon it arraigned the federal admin- 
istration for violating ueaily every one of its guarantees to the 
citizen ; they condemned the arrest and banishment of Vallandig- 
liam, demanding his restoration ; denounced the arrest of Judge 
Constable and the imprisonment of Hon. W. H. Oarlin and other 
citizens of the State, demanding their release; condemned the 
suppression of the Chicago Times; declared their determination 
to exercise the right of electing public officers ui defiance of the 
demands of power ; adhered to the doctrine of State sovereignty ; 
denounced martial law in this State ; condemned the recent act of 
prorogation of the legislature by Gov. Yates as a highhanded 
usurpation by one department of governnient of the rights of 
another ; charged the governor with not only not protecting the 
citizen in his constitutional rights, but violating them himself; 
denounced secession as a ruinous heresy, and offered their cordial 
co-operation in securing to the seceded States equal rights if they 
Avould return to their allegiance. 

"23. That the further offensive prosecution of this war tends to subvert the consti- 
tution and the go\'erument, and entail upon this nation all the disastrous consequences 
ot misrule and anarchy. That we are in favor of peace upon the basis of a restoration 
of the Union, and for the accomplishment of which we propose a national convention 
to settle upon terms of peace, which siiall have in view the restoration of the Union 
as it was and the securing, by constitutional amendments, such righs to the several 
Stares and the people thereof, as honor and justice demand. 

"•Zi. That we denounce as libellers of the Democratic party, and willful Instigators 
of mischief, those fanatics who are engaged in representing the democracy as wanting 
in svmpathy for our soldiers in the field. Those soldiers are our kindred, our friends 
and'our neighbors, whose interests are identilled with our own ; whose prosperity is 
our pleasure ; whose suffering is our pain : and whoso brilliant achievements are our 
pride and admiration. Promptly rushing to arms as they did, in answer to the call of 
their country, they merit our warmest thanks, our sympathy and our support ; and 
we carnestlv request the President of the United States to withdraw the " Proclama- 
tion of Emancipation," and permit the brave sous of Illinois to fight only for the 
"Union, the constitution and the enfor-cemeutof the laws." 

The assembled multitude testified their faith in the last of these 
declarations by their works on the spot, in contributing the muni- 
ficent fund of $47,4:00 for the sick and wounded Illinois soldiers. 
This very liberal response was one of the noblest and most touch- 



"See Illinois Register, June 18th, 1863. 



903 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



iiig' scenes ever wituessed. Wlieu the call of tlie couimittee for 
tills purpose was aDuoiiuced, wallets Hew out of i)Ockets thick aud 
fast, and thousands of upraised hands held Avaiving aloft innumer- 
able greenbacks, inscribed with the interesting $ hgures of 5's, 
lO's, liO's, oO's, &c., impatiently waiting for the passing hats to 
come round to gather them in. The hats were filled and crammed, 
passed to the committee, emptied, passed back again and as 
quickly refilled. Some individual subscriptions were as high as 
$500. And thus the errand of mercy prospered; the glorious con- 
tagion of a philanthropic entluisiasm spreadiiig the while, en- 
couraged with inspiring cheers, while many a thoughtful eye, set 
perhaps iu a stern countenance, droi)ped a silent tear in sym[)a- 
thy with this beautiful manifestation of a grateful patriotism. 
Thus were wrought up those tender emotions of love of country, 
which transported the fond recollections of affectionate hearts 
after the absent ones, gallantly defending the union and our 
homes against the cohorts of treason. The Marm hearts of these 
contributors pulsated in unison witli a genuine patriotism, albeit 
their unyielding heads, influenced by partisan feelings, 
enunciated what we now know to have been a wrongful stand 
against the further prosecution of the war for the Union. Doubt- 
less they were thoroughly honest in their belief at the time, but 
its results upon tliis nation, if carried out, must have been attended 
with unnumbered woes. 

In this munificent oifering " the soldier's friend " and his 
goading backers, who, rather than forego the opportunity of 
wreaking a partisan triumph by the prorogation of the legisla- 
ture in defeating the appropriation of $100,000 for tlie sick 
sick and wounded Illinois soldiers, doubtless discovered a merited 
rebuke. It has been asserted that this feeling prompted the large 
contribution rather than the dictates of a generous i»hilanthropy. 
But a good deed should Jiot be attributed to bad motives; to do 
good to those that despitefully use you, is of the highest christian 
spirit. Crowds of men are not likely to seek revenge in such 
noble and generous actions; neither was this assemblage the legis- 
hiture which had been affronted. Col. W. li. Morrison was selected 
to disburse the fund raised at this meeting, for the relief of the 
sick and wounded Illinois soldiers. 

While this meeting was "called" to give authoritative expres- 
sion to the views of i)ublic policy entertained by the Illinois demo- 
cracy, the position here assigned to them in the 23tl declaration, 
was but the position of those who framed it, or of that assemblage, 
not that of the great mass of the party. It was not a delegate 
but a mass convention, each attendant representing himself and 
no one else. By this declaration it was proposed precisely to do 
all the rebels had ever asked — to be let alone. It did not express 
the sentiments of the Democracy of Illinois. The Democracy had 
ever been the war party of the country, in all the wars it ever l^ad. 
The great body of the rank and file were loyal to the core and 
unconditionally for the war, conteiuling, with rare exceptions, that 
there was no other honorable alternative but to prosecute it until 
tlie authority of tlie government was acknowledged and respe(;ted 
over all the broad domain of our country. The leading spirits of 
this meeting forsook the exalted loyal stand of the party as cor- 
rectly defined by Mr. Douglas, and placed themselves iu perfect 



YATES' ADMINISTRATION. 903 

antagonism witli liis patriotic utterances, that wliile the war lasted 
there could be but two parties in the country — " jiatriots and 
traitors." They assumed to speak for the Democracy of Illinois, 
witliout delegated authority so to do, and assign to them a posi- 
tion before the country which they abhorred. Their uuAvorthy 
efforts met with a withering rebuke from the people and they dealt 
the party a last blow, from which it has not recovered. If not iu 
articuJo morfis, it has been i)aralized ever since in the State. 

The first fruit of these legislative and convention pi'oceedings 
was exhibited in the elections of November, 1803, for county 
oflicers, which resulted in fiivor of the Eepublicans by an aggre- 
gate majority of 30,0(H) votes. A full vote was not polled, it is 
true, yet there was an actual Union gain t)f 5,0(10, and a compar- 
ative gain of 40,000 votes over the preceding year.* 

On September 3d,lS<;;3 — the country having been in the mean time 
encouraged by the \ictory of Gettysburg and the fall of Vicksburg — 
the meeting of the 17th of June was offset by an immense Union 
gathering at Springfield. lions. Henry S. Lane, J. E. Doolittle, 
Zacliary Chandler, Gov. Yates, Gens. E. J. Oglesby, John A. 
McClernand, I. ]Sl. Haynie, B. M. Prentiss and many others, 
addressed the vast assemblage. Mr. Lincoln sent a long and 
l)atriotic letter, addressed to the chairman, J. C. Conkling, which 
was read. Many other patriotic letters from prominent gentle- 
men in various parts of the country were likewise read. A vigor- 
ous prosecution of the war for the Union was urged by all the 
speakers, and in all the letters — that that was the only true way 
to an honorable peace.* 

The peace eff'orts of a faction of the Illinois Democracy nuiy 
be said to have culmiuiited in 1803. With the api)roacli of 
the election contest of 1861 we discover a manifest weakening in 
the wonted unanimity of their demands for peace. The desire for 
party success was stronger than any other political sentiment. 
The leaders, not unmindful of the expression of the people of 
Illinois at the polls in Novend)er, 1803, were inclined to greater 
caution in taking advanced unconditional peace grouiul. Indeed 
many were the other way. ^l(;Clellen had loonu'd up as the most 
available Democratic candidate for the presidency. It could not be 
expected that the hero of Antietam, who it was sui)posed would 
carry the soldiers' vote to aiiian, could consistantly be run as an 
unconditional peace man. Accordingly when the first State Dem- 
ocratic Convention of 1864 met at Springfield, June 15th, they 
contented themselves with appointing delegates to the national 
convention, and State presidential electors, withoutputting a ticket 
in the field,or adopting a platform, deferringthat matter by an over- 
whelming mnjtuity to the action of the national convention shortly 
to meet at Chicago. A bunu^omb resolution was adopted tostiind 
by Yallandiuhani (who had just returned from exile), and the de- 
mocracy of Ohio (then, also, "assembled in convention) in the preser- 

*Oiitofthe resolutions of the ITth of June sprunt? a curious quarrel between the 
T)eac(> policy and no policy factions of that meeting, led respectiyely by Col. 
Kiehardsonand Gen. Sinsrlcion. The "declarations." it seems, were prepared and 
passed upon the day before by a self constituted committee of confen-essmen, .ludfics, 
officeholders and office seekcr.s, whose retreat, the latter as he a.sserted for ^ Ion? 
time, could not discoyer. He claimed the paternity of the ~Md "declaration with 
only the word "offensive" in the lirst line added by the committee. Doubtless honors 
are epsy upon that point by this time. 

♦Sec Illinois State Journal, Sept. 9lh, 1863. 



904 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

vatiou of their liberty, but the reiteration of the former bold stand 
for peace, for which the masses in Illinois in their expression at 
the polls liad shown no relish, was shrewdly avoided. This was 
regarded as a McClellen triumph, and a rebuke to the i)eace-ou- 
auy-term's party. But the peace faction against which the tide 
was thus strongly setting, M-as not to be squelched without making 
an eflbrt. With tjie view to influeuce the approaching State con- 
vention, a mass meeting to the number of perhaps 20,000 assem- 
bled at Peoria, August the 3d, under the management of the lead- 
ing peace men of the State. The meeting was also said to have 
been called by "a secret organization whose members acted with 
the Democratic party. "*General Singleton, author of the 23d dec- 
laration of the 17th of June, 18G3, presided; and Amos Green, 
GrandCommander of the Order of American Knights in Illinois, 
who, subsequently, in the trial of the Camp Douglas conspirators 
at Cincinnati, turned state's evidence, H. M. Vandeveer, W. W. 
O'Brien and others, reported a series of resolutions, in the 2d 
of which they "declare that the coercion and subjugation of sov- 
ereign States was never contemplated as possible or authorized 
by the constitution, but was pronounced by its makers an act of 
suicidal folly. But whatever may be the theory of constitutional 
power, war, as a means of restoring the Union, has proved a fail- 
ure and a delusion," etc. ; and in the 3d, "that the repeal and 
revocation of all unconstitutional edicts and pretended laws, an 
armistice, and a national convention for the peaceful adjustment of 
our troubles, are the ouly means of saving our nation from unlim- 
ited calamity and ruin."* 

In the meantime another Democratic mass convention had 
been called to assemble at the capital. The Peoria meeting, 
doubtless fearing that the i)olicy to harmonize all the discordant 
elements manifest in the party would there prevail, now resolved 
to then re-as^emble at Springfield, being the ISth of August fol- 
lowing, and stamp that meeting, also, with their character. Accord- 
ingly, upon that occasion. General Singleton claimed that the 
Springfield meeting, which was very largely attended, was but a 
continuation of the Peoria meeting ; that the officers were already 
chosen, and nothing remained to he done but for him as president 
to call the multitude to order, listen to the speaking, and pass the 
Peoria peace resolutions. But his assumptions met with earnest 
protest; however, for the sake of harmony, it was agreed in cau- 
cus that Singleton should preside, that the Peoria resolutions 
should be reported stripped of two objectionable clauses, and in 
addition to pledge the party to the Chicago nominees. This was 
strenuously o})posed by the ultra peace faction, who declared they 
would appeal to the people. Tlie meeting was forthAvith called to 
order. General Singleton became chairman and addressed the 
masses in a forcible and able speech. He was followed by Henry 
Clay Dean, of Iowa, in an eloquent effort. The Peoria resolutions 
unchanged were then offered for adoption, as also those of June 
17th, 1863, and by the chair declared passed. The caucus resolu- 
tion pledging the efficient support of the Illinois Democracy to the 
Chicago nominee for j)resident, whoever he might be, was then 

*See correspondence Chicago Times. 
*See Illinois Register, Aug. 5th, 1864 



YATES' ADMINISTRATION. 905 

offered. It was sharply attacked and laid on tlie table. Next 
the Peoria and 17th of June resolutions were offered for adoption 
at stand No. 2, and there, also, declared passed. The resolution 
pledging unconditional support to the Chicago nominees was 
now again offered. A bitter debate, not unmixed with gross per- 
sonalities, was instantly aroused, resulting this time in the adoj)- 
tion of the resolution. And now the cloven foot luiving been 
revealed to the multitude, when the latter resolution was again 
moved at stand No. 1, amidst much confusion and op])osition it 
was there, also, vociferously adopted. The presiding oflicer, who 
had been assailed as a disorganizer, thereui)on retired from the 
meeting in disgust.* 

Thus this meeting, after adopting the Peoria and 17th of June 
resolutions, demanding an armistice, i>rououncing the war for 
the Union a failure and Unconstitutional, and proposing an almost 
unconditional peace with defiant rebels, in the next breath pledged 
themselves in advance to sui)port a war Democrat for the presi- 
dency. But this glaring inconsistency only indicated after all that 
many of the democratic leaders, in their ardent and ultra opposi- 
tion to the war for the Union, had been really less disloyal in their 
true feelings and sentiments than i^artisan and factious. They were 
anti-war men because it was not, as they thought, the war of their 
party. They did not love the Union less, but ofilce more. The 
partisan strife for place, power and position is a terrible thing in 
our country, and not at all on the wane. 

Nor was this meeting more inconsistent than the Chicago Dem- 
ocratic national convention of 18G4, which met a few days later, 
in the adoption of their platform and the choice of a candi- 
date to be placed upon it. 

The 2d resolution declared it as the sense of the American people "that after four 
years of failure to restore the Union by the experiment of war, duringr which, under 
the pretense of military necessity or power hi<rher than the constitution, the consti- 
tution itself has been disregarded in every part, and the puV)lic liberty and [irivate rights 
alike trodden down, and the material prosperity of the country essentially impaired ; 
justice, humanity, liberty and the public welfare demand that immediate otlorts be 
made for the cessation of hostilities, with a view to an ultimate convention of the States 
or other peaceable means to the end that at the earliest practicable moment peace 
may be restored on the basis of the Federal Union of the States. 

To which the distinguised military chieftain, Gen. McClellen, a 
strong war Democra't, who had dispersed the Maryland Democratic 
legislature at the point of the bayonet, replied in his letter of 
accepance : 

"But the Union must be preservec? at all hazards. I could not look in the face of my 
gallant comrades of the armv and navy, who survived so many bloody battles, and tell 
them that their labors aud the sacrifice of so manyofour slain and wounded bretbrea 
have been in vain." 



CHICAGO CONSPIRACY. 



During the autumn of '64 a (vmspiracy was detected at Chicago, which had for its object 
the liberation of the prisoners at Camp Douglas, the burnmg of the city, and the in- 
au'^uration of rebellion in the north. Gen. Sweet, who had charge of the camp at 
the time flr^t had his suspicions of danger aroused by a number ot enigmatically 
worded letters which passed through the Cump postoffice. ;„f „„*;„„ «f tho 

From subsequent developments he became convinced it %vas the intention of the 
conspirators to carrv out their nefarious designs during the session ot the National 
Democratic Convention in August, but before the time arrived defensive measures 
were in«t'tuted, and the leaders deemed it best tn postpone the consummation ol tlicir 
obiect till the presi.icntial election. They were, however, again destined to be loi ed. 
Onthe2 of November, a citizen of St. Louis, an avowed seees.'^.omst but in reality 
q^"overnment detective, followed a criminal from that city to Sprin-field, and th<-nce to 
Chica-o. Here, while on the alert for the fugitive, he met^a lormer ac.,UH,ntance, a 
memberofthe order of American Knights, from who m he learned that the rebel 

*See Illinois Kegister, Aug. 19th, 1864. 



906 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



Marraaduke was in the city. After a short interview he met Dr. Edwards, a citizen of 
Chicago and a rebel sympathizer, who asked him if he knew Southern soldiers were in 
town Ihe detective answering in the nesative, his interlocutor further inlornied 
him that xMarmaduke was sto^lping at his house under the assumed name of Burling, 
and mentioned asa "good joke ' that he had a British passport made out under the same 
cognomen by the American Consul. The detective, in his report to the Provost Mar- 
shal tTcneral of Mo., says: "The same evening I again met with Dr. Edwards on the 
streetgoing to my liotel. He said Marmaduke desired to see me and 1 accompanied 
nim to his house. There in the course of a long conversation Marmaduke told me that 
he and several officers were in Chicago to operate with other parties in releasing 
the prisoners of Camp Douglas, and in inaugurating a rebellion in the north. He said 
the movement Avas under the auspices of the American Knights, and was to begin ope- 
rations on the day of the election. The detective immediately called on Col. Sweet and 
communicated to him the startling intelligence, and ihe latter telegraphed for troops. 
J here were in the camp 8,000 prisoners, among whom were Morgan's freebooters, 
Texas Hangers and others precocious, daring and ready for reckless adventure. To 
guard the large force there were only 700 etfective men, and the commandant felt 
as though there was a mine beneath him, and only TO hours remained in which to pre- 
vent its being sprung with disastrous consequences to the garrison and adjacent citv. 
Disclosures soon reached him from other sources whereby he learned the full partic- 
ulars of the gigantic scheme. The blow was to be struck on the 8th of November, 
and Camp Douglas was the first objective point. The 8.000 prisoners when liberated 
were to be joined by the 5,000 knights of Chicago, making a nucleus of 13,000about which 
wonid gather Canadian refugees, bushwhackers from Mo., prisoners from otherCamps, 
and members of the same' order in other localities. The city of Chicago was first to be 
sacked and burned., after which a similar fate was to be meted out to the other cities 
of the north. A general uprising of the traasonable element in the loyal States was to 
follow, and simultaneously Hood was to move on Nashville, Buckner on Louisville, and 
Price on St. Louis. 

It must not be supposed these seemingly extravagant arrangements were without 
some prospect of success. Investigations before military commissions in diflerent 
partsof the west indicated the existent e of treasonable societiesof almost fabulous ex- 
tent. A report of the Judge Advocate General of the U.S. disclosed "the existence 
of a military or!.:;nnzatii)n having its commander-in-chief, general and subordinate 
officers, and .500,000 ciirnllfd membei-s, all bound by a blind obedience to their superiors, 
and pledtied to take \)]> anus against any power found waging war against a people 
endeavoring to establish a government of their own choice." 

Col. Sweet duly apprised the police of Chicago of the presence of the conspirators, 
and at 2 o'clock in the morning preceding the election, made a descent on their respec- 
tive places of lodging. Among the arrests were the rebel officers Grenfell, Morgan, 
Adjutant General Marmaduke. brother of thegeneral, Cantrell, of Morgan's command, 
Buckner Morris, treasurer of the Sons of Liberty, Charles Walsh, a member of the order 
were also arrested. In the house of the latter were found two cart-loads of loaded 
pistols, and in another iiart of the city two boxes of guns. The startling intelligence 
of the arrests spread with lightning rapidity, and as the sun rose up from the bosom 
of the lake and looked down on the milesof palatial residences, stores and well-filled 
houses marked out for rapine and burning,their inhabitants were inarms, patrols were 
marching and countermarching through the entire city which presented the appearance 
of an extended military encampment. Thus in one short hour the scheme which was 
to transfer the theatre of the war to the free states, and apply the torch to northern 
cities, collapsed and its reckless projectors were in the custody of the officers in the 
narrow cells of a prison. 

Early in January, 1865, Gen. Hooker, commandant of the Northwestern Depariment, 
convened a court martial in Cincinnati to trj- the leaders of the conspiracy. They were 
charged with violating the laws of war by attempting to release the prisoners confined 
at Curap Douglas, and conspiring to lay waste the city of Chicago. 'The trial lasted till 
April, when Walsh was sentenced to three years' imprisonment in the penitentiary, 
Grenfell to be hung, Rafael Semmes, captured after the first arrests, to two years im- 
prisonment. Of the other prisoners one committed suicide by shooting himself, one 
escaped from custody and the remainder were acquitted. After remaininig in prison 9 
months all the convicts except Grenfell, whose sentence was commuted to imprison- 
ment for life, were pardoned. 



Chapter LYI. 
18G5—1SG9— ADMINISTRATION OF GOV. OGLESBY. 



Repuhlican and I)cmocratlc IState Conventions of 18G4: — Lives and 
Character of Oglcshy and Bross — Prosperity and Condition of the 
tState during the liehellion — Legislation, Politieal and >S/«'e/((/, in 
1865--7 — Board of Equalization established — I^oeation of Agricul- 
tural College — Lllinois Capitals and their removals — History of 
the Penitentiary. 



The liepublican, or Union State Convention of 1.SG4, ^yas lield 
at S[>i'ingtiel(l, May 2oth. A. J. Knykendall, of Jolmson, was 
clio.sen to preside. For Goveriior fonr names were proposed. On 
the tirst or informal ballot, Allen C. Fnller, of Boone, received 220 
votes; liiehard J. Oglesby, of 3Iaeon, 283 ; Jesse K. Dubois, of 
Sangamon, 103 ; and John M. Palmer, of JMacoupin, 75. On the 
next ballot Oglesby was nominated, receiving 358 out of 081 
votes cast. William Bross, of Cook, was nominated for lieuten- 
ant governor J Sliaron Tyndale, of St. Clair, for Secretary of State; 
O. II. Miner, of Sangamon, for Auditor; James H. Beveridge, of 
Delvalb, for Treasurer; Newton Bateman, of Morgan, for Sui)er- 
intendent of Public Instruction ; S. W. Moulton, of Shelby, for 
Congressman for the State-at-large. Thus far all was harmony, 
but now came trouble. The committee on platform gave the na- 
tional admini>strati()n but a quasi endorsement, saying that the 
president's "war measures were planned with an honest purpose; 
that it was not necessary to approve of every act of the adminis- 
tration to enable them to say Mr. Lincoln was an honest man and 
Xnnident statesman ; and that in the main the acts of the admin- 
istration had been highly conducive in sui)pressing the existing 
rebellion, and .should Mr. Lincoln receive the nomination of the 
Baltimore convention thev would give him their earnest sup- 
port."* 

This resolution excited intense opposition and was laid on the 
table. Anew committee was appointed and in the evening a new- 
set of re:-oluti()ns were reportecl and adopted after a ])rotracted 
sitting. The administration was strongly indorsed, and the dele- 
gates to the Baltimore convention instructed to use all honorable 

•See Illinois State Register, May 28th, 1864. 

907 



908 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

means to secure the re-iiomhiation of Mr. Lincoln for tlie })re.si- 
dency; a determination was expressed to prosecute tLe war until 
the cause of the Union triumphed; slav^ery was charged as the cause 
of the rebellion ; they breathed the sentiments of a genuine patriot- 
ism and noble sympathy for the soldiers ; extended thanks to the 
governor and all the State officials ; indorsed the 13th amend- 
ment abolishing slavery ; aud asserted the Monroe doctrine — that 
it was the duty of the U. S. to reinstate republican institutions 
on the continent of America, which looked to the French ojiera- 
tions in Mexico. 

The Democratic State Convention of 1864 also met at Spring- 
field, but not till September 6th. The Hon. S. S. Hayes, of Cook, 
presided. The Chicago national democratic platform was adopted. 
James C. Kobinson, of Clark, was nominated for Governor; S. 
Corning Judd, of Fulton, for Lieutenant Governor; John Hise, of 
LaSalle, for Auditor ; Alexander Starne, of Pike, for Treasurer ; 
William A. Turuey, of Morgan, for Secretary of State; John P. 
Brooks, for Superintendent of Public Instruction, and James C. 
Allen, of Crawford, for Congressman for the State-at-large. 

The election in November, 1864, resulted in favor of the repub- 
licans on the State ticket by an average majority exceeding 31,- 
000 votes. The estimated gain of the republican vote on 1862 
was over 69,000. The Legislature was republican, as follows : 
Senate 14 republicans to 11 democrats; House 51 republicans to 
34 democrats ; Union majority on joint ballot 20. Eleven out of 
the 14 congressmen elected were also republicans. 

Eichard J. Oglesby was born July 2oth, 1824, in Oldham county, 
Kentucky. Bereft of parents at the tender age of eight, his 
early education was neglected. When 12 years old be removed 
with an uncle to Decatur. He was subsequently apprenticed to 
the carpenter's trade, worked occasionally at farming, studied law, 
essayed to practice it at Sullivan, this State, returned to Decatur, 
volunteered in the Mexican war, was elected 1st Lieut. Co. "C," 
4th Illinois regiment, aud participated in the battle of Cerro 
Gordo. On his return he sought to perfect bis law studies by at- 
tending the lectures at Louisville, took the gold fever then raging 
and crossed the plains to California, returned, and, in 1852, first 
appeared in politics as a Scott elector. Later he visited Europe 
and the Holy Land, returned, and, in 1858, offered for congress, 
but was beaten by the same competitor he had for governor in 
1864. In 1860 he was elected a State Senator, but the following 
spring when the rebellion broke out, his ardent nature quickly re- 
sponded to the demands of patriotism, and, as colonel of the 8th 
regiment, he tendered it as the second raised by the State for that 
confiict. He was shortly entrusted with important commands, and 
for a time stationed at Bird's Point and Cairo. At Fort Donelson his 
brigade was in the van, and, on the morning of the last day, the 
first to be attacked by the enemy, resulting in the loss of 500 
men before reinforcements came to his support. At Corinth his 
and Hackleman's brigades held the rebels at bay during a large 
jjart of the afternoon; but in a daring charge the latter was 
killed, and Oglesby dangerously wounded in tlieleft lung was borne 
from the field in expectation of immediate dissolution. On his re- 
covery he was promoted for gallantry to a major generalship, 



OGLESBY'S ADIVnNTSTRATION. 909 



autl ill the spring of 1863 assigned to the command of the loth 
army corps, but owing to the trouble of liis wound, (he carried 
the rebel lead iu his person) he relinquished active service withiu 
three mouths after. 

Governor Oglesby is a line appearing affable man, with regu- 
lar, well defined features and rotund face. In stature he is a little 
above medium height, large frame and somewhat fleshy. His 
pliysical appearance is striking and prepossessing, while his 
straight-out, not to say bluff, manner and speech are well calcula- 
ted to favorably impress the average masses. Ardent in feeling 
and strong in party bias, he inspires deep i)artisan prejudices 
iu others. He is quite an effective stump orator. With a vehem- 
ent, passionate and scornful tone and gestures, tremendous phys- 
ical power, which, in speaking, he exercises to the utmost ; with 
frequent descents to the grotesque, and with abundant homely 
comparisons or frontier figures, expressed in the broadest vernacu- 
lar and enforced with stentorian emphasis, he delights a i)romis- 
cuous audience beyond measure; while his bitter invective, be- 
stowed without stint upon the opposition must gratify the 
extremest feeling of i^artisan hatred and animosity. 

Lieut. Gov. Bross was born in Sussex county, New Jersey. 
His youth was mostly spent in the wilds of Pennsylvania, aiding 
his father in the hard toil of a lumberman and rafting on the JDel- 
eware. He acquired, however, a classical education, and after- 
wards, for many years, taught school. In 1SI8 he removed to 
Chicago and became a partner in the publishing house of Griggs, 
Bross & Co. But iu Illinois he ischiefly known by his career as 
an editor. In 1852 he united with John L. Scripps and started the 
Democratic Press, a political and commercial newsi)aper. He was 
originally a democrat, but with the repeal of the Missouri com- 
promise this paper forsook the democracy and aided in forming 
the republican party. In 1858 it was "consolidated" with the 
Tribune, and in 1860 the name of "Press" was dropped. Xo 
jiaper has perhaps exercised a larger influence upon the politics 
of Illinois, while at an early day it Avas the leadhig commercial 
medium of the northwest. Mr. Bross is a man of sound piac- 
tical sense, varied and extensive information, exact, thorough, 
and untiring in effort. He had shown himself an able statistical, 
commercial and political writer. Energy and resoluteness are of 
the essence of his nature, and with wonderful rapidity of utter- 
ance, as presiding ofiicer of the senate, he was ca|)able of dis- 
patching a large amount of business in those days of omnibus legis- 
lation. He is of medium height and robust frame, with angular 
features, high forehead, and ruddy complexion. Honest himself, 
lie despises the tricks and arts of the i)olitician ; and his own 
achievements being the result of industry, he entertains little rev- 
erance for genius.* 

Governor Oglesby was duly inaugurated January the 17th, 
lS65,*butbefore proceeding with his administration it is properthat 
we take a short retrospect at our material prosperity during the 
rebellion. 

*Sfce Ward's speech in senate Jan. 11, '69, and Western Monthly, June, '69. 

•The day before the time first set for Gov. Oglesby to assume the duties of his office, 
death visited his home at Decatur, and took therefrom his only son, an intellijrent and 
sprigrhtly lad of 6 years, a great favorite with the bereaved parents. This caused the 
inauguration to be postponed for one week. 



910 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

Xotwitlistaiuling tbedeiiiaiids ofrhe war had diawii u})oii Illi- 
nois to tlie extent of near 200,000 men — bale, vi<iorons and witli- 
ont pbysical blemisb, taken from the most active producing 
classes — the great industries of tbe State bad not only speedily 
recovered from thisenormous draft, but ber material prosperity, 
retarded tbe first one or two years, was unparalleled by any other 
State. Tbe census of 1805 revealed ai^opnlation of 2,111,510, be- 
ing ?.n increase of 429,559, or near 25 i)er cent, since 1S60 ; and 
nearly every department of production and industry exhibited a 
like ratio in advancement, as evidenced by the area of land under 
cultivation, and its yield of agricultural wealth, the triumph of 
invention and substitution of machinery for manual labor, the aug- 
mentation of skilled laborers and mechanical production, the rapid 
growth of our cities, villages and increase of fixed capital, the 
excellent remuneration f(ir all em})loyment, the high prices for all 
X^roducts, and above all the abundance of money which stimulated 
all manner of business to unusual activity. 

While this material prosperity prevailed with the close of the 
war, and for some time before, the times were hard with us during 
the first two years of the civil conflict. The writer saw corn, our 
great staple, sell in 1SG2, in Central Illinois, as low as 9 cents a 
bushel. Tbe failure of our local banks, which in a manner left us 
Avitbouta currency, contributed not a little to the condition of tbe 
times. Pros[»erity during the war was first experienced in the 
Eastern States, where the lavisli expenditures of the government for 
clothing and numitions of war caused nu)ney to be profusely scat- 
tered from the outset. With us, beef and pork, ami the products 
of the soil, were the first to experience an advance in prices. 

Corn, our most unfailing crop, made its first great bound up- 
ward immediately after the severe frost of August 29th, 1803. 
Lands remained lor a long rime a drug. This class of proi)erty 
the experience of centuries has shown to ever be the last to rise 
in juice, but once starting it excels all other, as it affords the 
safest and surest investment, and not nnfrequently tbe largest 
speculative return. Finally the tide of abundant money set into 
Illinois and began to influence realty. jSTow, to many of our })eo- 
ple, was heard abroad in the land the pleasant voice of the stran- 
ger inquiring the price of lands, and seeking to invest his abund- 
ant and daily cheapening money in lots, lands and farms. Popu- 
lation, with a renewed current, was pouring over our borders ; 
houses in cities and towns became scarce ; rents rose beyond pre- 
cedent, and the prices of lauds passed tbe most sanguine expecta- 
tion. An enhancement of 100 per cent was not unusual ; many 
of our people never dreamed of such prices, and that all in cash 
too. Many transfers were made, tbe proceeds le-invested to bet- 
ter advantage, and comparative independence acquired b^' owners. 
Tbe abundance and cheapness of money, and high prices of prop- 
erty enabled others of ourpeoi)le to extinguish mortgages, which 
had hung like a pall over their homes ; and thus thousands of 
families were ])laced in comfortable circumstances and rendered 
hajjpy. While an intestine war i)iled a debt on tbe nation by the 
billion, upon tbe individual were conferred benefits and unexi)ect- 
ed indepemlence. But, while some, for years dissatisfied, now that 
they could get perhaps double their prices, were content to hold 
their property and neither loose nor profit by tbe times, others, 



OCrLESBY'S ADjVnNISTRATION. 911 

it is sad to relate, \^lio liad never hoped to realize old values, eager- 
ly sold with the tirst advance of prices, failed or neglected to rein- 
vest, easily spent or s(inandered the proceeds, and are to-day 
renters. It was generally l)ctter to bu\' than sell — to be in debt 
for lands purchased than hold credits for property sold. Debts 
did not increase excei)t by accruing interest, while the money 
wherewith to pay them, cheapened sometimes in a few days 2o to 
50 percent, taking gold for a standard. 

The permanent debt of the State, funded and unfunded in 
1805, was -$11,178,564, being an increase since 1800 of oidy about 
$1,000,000, notwithstanding our heavy war appropriations and 
expenditures. But the general government, it may be remarked 
I)arenthetically, largely refunded to the States their advances on 
account of the war. From ])ecember, 1801, to December, 1808, 
our bonded debt was reduced $7,051,790, leaving a balance of 
$5,989,158. The total taxable property of the State in 1801 was 
$356,878,837 ; in 1808, $175,379,191. The total number of acres in 
cultivation for 1808, was 8,003,599, of which 5,193,717 were in corn. 

Legislative. — After 1801 our field is barren of interesting or im- 
portant political or party events. Peace came to tlie Union in the 
following spring ; and the results of elections in the State have 
since been uniformly the same, and generally so overwhelmingly 
republican as to not only afford little show for equal party con- 
tests over aiiy question, but to well nigh crush all hope in the 
democratic bosom. That party has made in consequence several 
ineffectual flank movements and taken new de|)artures, until, in a 
manner, its time-honored tenets are abandoned, and it seems to be 
in the throes of dissolution. Gov. Oglesby, in his inaugural mes- 
sage, commenting upon the majority of the preceding election, said: 
" So marked, indeed, has been the expression of the popular will, 

1 do not fail to recognize in it the absence of mere party triumph." 
The political events of the legislative session of 1805 were the 

election of Ex-Gov. Yates to the U. S. Senate, and the ratification 
of the 13th amendment to the constitution of the United States 
abolishing slavery. Early in the session a joint resolution was 
passed, instructing our delegation in congress to vote for this 
amendment. On the 1st of February, a telegram was received by 
the legislature tiom Senator Trumbull, announcing its passage in 
congress. The utmost precipitation now obtained in both houses 
to ratify the measure so immediately as to place Illinois in the 
van of prompt loyal States, and it was passed the same day. 

This legislature also signalized itself by repealing the notorious 
" bliick laws," part of which, although a dead letter, had held 
their i)lace upon the statute books since 1819, to the disgrace of 
this free State, in the opinion of many of our citizens. In oppo- 
sition it was earnestly argued by the democrats that these laws 
were a positive requirement under the amendment to the State 
constitution adopted by an overwhelming majority of the people 
in 1802. The governor had urged the repeal in his message, 
petitions numerously signed by colored men of the State and sent 
in, prayed for the same. Another partisan measure was the cut- 
ting down of the 4th judicial circuit, Judge Constable's, from to 

2 counties, to punish that functionary for his decision in the 
Clark county deserter-kidnapping case, some 2 years previously. 
This was done in the face of the remonstrance of the people of the 



912 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

circuit. Aucl iu the very opening the honse, it seems, passed a 
resolution, inviting only " the loyal clergy of Springfield to open 
each day's session with prayer." The law requiring the regis- 
tration of electors was also enacted at this session. The imjtosi- 
tion of this restriction upon the elective franchise has ever l)een 
most distasteful to democrats ; and they opi^osed its passage by 
all the arts known to parliamentary rules. By recent modili- 
cation it now applies only to cities of 5,000 inhabitants and over. 

But it was this legislature wliich, oAving to the increasing demands 
of activity throughout the State, first gave itself up ahuost 
wholly to the enactment of special, local and private laws. The 
pressure of an insatiate lobby was extraordinary all winter long. 
Now was entered upon in full plenitude, that pernicious legisla- 
tion, continued afterwards with a njost prodigal hand, of granting 
special privileges and protection, by charter, for every conceivable 
object of association or business, without reserving a check or 
right of subsequent control in case of oppression. And to-da}-, in 
answer to the loud demands of the people to curb and repress one 
class of these corporations in their exorbitant and ruinous charges 
for freight and passage, they defiantly set up their vested rights 
and chartered franchises, and it is the great question whether or 
not the legislature is powerless in the premises. 

Among the measures of general interest, not political or parti- 
san, were the increased fees allowed to county officers. To com- 
pass this, a systematic pressure was brought to bear upon the 
legislature. Conventions of sheriffs, circuit clerks, county clerks, 
and prosecuting attorneys were held at the capital. These re- 
spectfully deliberated upon their schedules of fees and pre])ared 
their bills to be enacted into laws, and as to the demands of these 
county officials, who are a power in elections, what could the 
august legislature of the State of Illinois do but to yield to them. 
The raising of the fees, which were already ample, has cost the 
people many millions. To wind up for instance a small estate by 
passing through all the various stages of the courts and the hands 
of these officers, it would be found at the end to be wound up in- 
deed! And the most difficult feat of legislation is the reduction 
of fees or the abolishment of an office, however oppressive the one 
or useless the other. 

■Gov. Oglesby interposed his veto to but one bill during the ses- 
sioD, which was an amendment to a charter for a Chicago horse rail- 
way, granted in 1859 for 25 years and now sought to be extended 
99 years. This long period of time was an insuperable objection 
"with his excellency, which he elaborated at length, but as the 
measure was promptly passed over his veto by both houses, he 
doubtless deemed it useless to further attempt to check their head- 
long career. 

The various appropriations made at this session amounted to 
$1,120,000. The constitution limited the expenditures of the legis- 
lature to 1^ mills on the dollar of assessed value of the real and 
personal property- of the State, then aggregating about $333,000,000 
and yielding, at this rate, $759,000, which made an excess in the 
appropriations of $36^,000, and which was regarded as invalid and 
denounced by the Democrats as prodigal. 

The members, finding there was gold in the State treasury, that 
commodity being then at a high premium in market, coveted it in 
payment of their mileage and per diem. But in this enterprise 



OGLESBT'S ADMHSriSTRATION. 913 

they were baulked. The auditor possessed no authority to issue to 
them warrants different in cliaracter from those for any other iiur- 
pose and Avithouta specification to that effect thetreasurer could not 
pay out the gold; thus tbis precious little scheme was nipped in 
the bud, which gave very general satisfaction to the people. iSTo 
law of a general useful character or public interest was perfected 
at the session of 1805, if we except the turning over of the canal 
to Chicago to be deepened. 

1867. — The session of 1867 was still more productive of private 
and special acts than Jthe preceding. Indeed this class of legisla- 
tion now reached perhaps its culminating point in successful 
audacity. The omnibus* was very active throughout the session, 
and tbat vehicle, by which laws were passed by the wholesale, was 
time and again freighted with bills, exceeding 200 in number. The 
occasion was most propitious for every axe i)resented to receive ready 
grinding. The contests over the location of the Industrial College, 
the Capital, the Southern Penitentiary, and the canal enlargement 
and Illinois river improvement, dominated everything else. For 
these engrossing measures members yielded a ready assent to all 
others. It was a long and arduous session of 53 days, during 
which an unprecedented amount of work was accomplished. The 
monopolists and corporation kings, in faultless attire and Avith 
amiable manner, were out in full force. The lobbyists, which fairly 
swarmed the halls and toyed with the "rings," gloated in the 
magnitude and numl)er of their successes. The senate, as a par- 
tial i^rotection against the wiles of this ubiquitous and cheeky 
race, adopted a resolution, forbidding any one but senators and 
clerks of committees demanding the i)erusal of bills in the custody 
of the secretary. 

There were also a number of very important public laws passed. 
Among these may be mentioned the act establishing the State 
Board of Equalization. This measure was advocated by the gov- 
ernor in his message. The great need of it may be inferred from 
the varying assessments of the same kinds of projierty in differ- 
ent portions of the State. Horses, in Kane county, Avere valued 
at $15 52 per head— in Franklin, at $6008 ; cattle, in Piatt, $24 04 
— in Jo DaA'iess and Putnam, $4 36; mules, in Madison, $129 S6 
— in Hamilton, $10 69 ; swine, in Douglas, $3 50 — in Jelferson, 50 
cents. The burdens of taxation ought ever to be distributed 
with the utmost uniformity. 

There was also x>a'Ssed the imjjortant law enabling parties to 
suits or civil actions to testify as witnesses, which worked a rad- 
ical change in the time-honored rule of the common law. And 
there was the law, adopted at the instance of the philantbropic 
Mr. Bovee, which, in a manner, abolished capital punishment — 
or rather which alloAVS the jury in case of murder to fix the punish- 
ment either by hanging, or imprisonment in the penitentiary not 
less than 14 years. 

But the question of most absorbing sectional interest, not ex- 
cepting that of the capital removal, the canal enlargement, or the 
Southern penitentiary, was the location of the Agricultural or In- 
dustrial College. This had been a disturbing element two years 
before. Under the terms of the land grant the question liad now 

• This was the term applied to the passage of bills by the bundle, practiced under 
the constitution of 1S48. 



914 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

to be met. Congress, by act of July 2, 18G2, donated to the sev- 
eral States and territories, wliicli should, Avithin fiveyears from the 
date thereof, provide colleges for the benefit of agriculture and 
the mechanic arts, land, or its eqnivalent in scrip, at the rate of 
30,000 acres for each senator and representative in Congress. The 
amount apportioned to Illinois was 480,000 acres. The legislature 
in 1863 had signified to the Secretary of the Interior the accep- 
tance of the grant, and the government land scrip was now in the 
hands of the governor. If one such college at least was not pro- 
vided by July 2d, the State should return the scrip or pay for it. 

To this munificent grant from Congress many places in the 
State were eager to add further donations, in some instances ex- 
ceeding that of Congress, to secure the location of the college. 
In the bidding for that object, invited by the legislature, there was 
a generous competition. Jacksonville, Lincoln, Pekin, Blooming- 
ton and Champaign, particii)ated in it. The best offer was that 
of the last named place, and consisted of 970 acres of farm land, 
a large college building (completed with special reference to this 
object) and its site of 10 acres of ground in the city, and $100,- 
000 ten per cent, interest-bearing Champaign county bonds, the 
whole estimated at $555,400. The Bloomington bid, estimated at 
$470,000, was the next best. A legislative committee was charged 
with the duty of visiting the various points contending, and of 
inspecting the property proffered to be donated. It was also a 
season of luimerous legislative visits, and the enterprise of the 
friends of Champaign caused one to be made to that place. 

Champaign being the highest bidder, it was next sought to 
stave off the location and refer it to a commission. But this fin- 
esse did not succeed. Having invited competition the legislature 
could not consistently do otherwise than accept the best bid and 
make the locatiou accordingly; and it was but proper and emi- 
nently just that Champaign was selected as the Industrial Uni- 
versity seat. 

Little time of this long and laborious session was wasted in par- 
tisan debates, a circumstance as unusual as it was praiseworthy. 
The political events were the re-election of Lyman Trumbull to the 
U. S. Senate, and the adoption of the 14th amendment to the 
constitution of the U. S. conferring citizenshii) upon the blacks, 
which was resisted, on the part of the democrats, by ail the known 
rules of parliamentary warfare. A set of resolutions was adopted 
by the House, 43 to 15, against rebels settling in Illinois, and ex- 
ercising the elective franchise which none but the truly loyal 
should exercise, and that a bill should be framed forever exclud- 
ing from office all traitors voluntarily taking the oath of allegi- 
ance to the rebel coufederac}', and those who left home to escape 
the draft, encouraged or concealed deserters, or by force of arms 
opposed the draft. The feelings here manifested are by this time 
greatly mitigated. 

Illinois^ Capitals — Our Several Seats of Government. — The loca- 
tion of the Caj^ital of any country has ever been a subject of 
prime importance ; and it is no less so with the States of this 
Union than it has been with the empires of the old world. It is 
a subject Avhich, for obvious reasons, has ever been attended with 
bitter disputations, jealousies and rivalries between contending 
points for the honors or fancied benefits to be derived from it. 



OGLESBY'S ADIMINISTRATION. 915 



County seat questions are notoriously acrimonious, and often for 
a considerable time work a blight upon the prosperity of the sec- 
tions contending-. In some States the seat of government ques- 
tion has only found a quietus by the establishment of two capitals, 
while in others, particularly in the growing West, the flow of pop- 
ulation, or possibly the desire of legislators to serve the interests 
or caprices of their constituents, has prevailed to keep the sub- 
ject in a ferment, causing frequent changes. Illinois, in her short 
career as a State, has had three locations for her capital, and 
more agitations for its removal. The first seat of government iu 
Illinois was at Kaskaskia, where it remained during the years 
of our territorial existence and for two years afterward. It was 
then removed to Vandalia, where it remained for 20 years, since 
when it has been at Springfield. 

When Congress, in 1809, erected Illinois into a separate terri- 
torj', it was provided that Kaskaskia should be and remain the 
seat of government until the legislature should otherwise direct. 

"The sessions of this august body were held in a largo, rougrh building-, in the centre 
of a square, iu ibe village of Kaskaskia. the body of it being of uncut limestone, the 
gables an 1 roofs, \Thich was of the f;r,iiibrel style, of unpaintcd boards and shinurles, 
■with dormer windows. The lower tioor..a larfre and cheerless room, was fitted up for 
the House, whilst the council satin a small chamber above, around a circular table, 
and, it is said, when the labors of the day were over, the interestin<? (itune of "Loo"' 
at once succeeded. This venerable siructure was, during- the time of the Frencli oc- 
cupancy or the country, prior to 1763, the headquarters of the military commandant, 
and doubtless within it, many an arbitrary edict was framed, to be executed with all 
the severity attendant upon the administration of military law l)y military men."* 

The Convention which framed the first State Constitution also 
met in this "old stone house." 

'•It was provided by this instrument that the seat of government should remain at 
Kaskaskia until the general assembly should otherwise direct; and that body was re- 
quired, at its til St session, to petition Congress to grant to the State a quantity of land 
of not more than four and not loss than one section, or to give to the State the right 
of pre-emption in the purchase of that quantit.y, the land to be situated on the Kaskas- 
kia river, and as near as might be, east of the third principal meridian, on that river. 
Should the petition be granted, the general assemblj-, at their next session, were re- 
quired to appoint five commissioners to make the selection of the land, and provide 
for laying out a town upon it; which town, it was declared, should be the seat of gov- 
crnnient for the torin of 20 years. * When the question was before the conven- 
tion two points were in contemplation by the niembors and outsiders; one was Car- 
]yl",.iust then located on the Kaskaskia river by two Virginia gentlemen, and an ele- 
vated site, higher up the river, known as 'Pope's Bluff,' the property of Nathaniel 
Pope. He and his friends were of course very desirous the seat of government should 
be located there, while the iiroprietors of Carlyle had no less desire that the latter 
place should ho the favored spot. While tlie subject was under discussion in doors 
and out, there come to look in upon tliat body a noted hunter and trapper, one 
lieeves bj' name, who had hisfcabin still higher up the river, and near where the third 
prineiparmeridan crossed the stream. He spoke in glowing terms of the beauties of 
Keeves' Blulf ; "that Pope's Biuff nor Carlyle, wasn't a primin' to his bluff,' &c. Such 
was the force of his representation, that the language 'on tlie Kaskaskia river, as 
near as might be east of the third principal meridian,' was adopted by tiie convention; 
and when the legislature, at the session of 1S19, appointed the commissioners to select 
tfjc hind granted by congress, they fixed upon the old hunter's home, 'Reeves' Blutf.' 
It proved to be a rnost beautiful S!)ot, a heavily wooded tract, covered by gigantic 
trees under whose shades the former lords of tlie soil might have held grave council. 
A town was laid out with a handsome public square and broad streets, and christened 
'Vandalia.' but these vandals did notsuffer one of these forest kings to remain on the 
square, but cut them down to theground, leaving not one to sigh in tlie summer wind 
or bend to the blast.'' 

Gov. Ford, page 35 says : 

"After the place had been selected, it became a matter of great interest to 
give it a good sounding name, one which would please the ear, and at the same 
time have the classic merit of perpetuating the memory of the ancient race of 
Indians by whom the country had first been inhabited. Tradition say3 that a wag 
vvho was present, suggested to the commissioners that the 'Vandals' were a;)owerfiil na- 
tion of Indians who onoe inhabited the banks of the Kaskaskia river, and that 'Van- 
dalia,' [firmed from their name, would peri,>etuate the memory of that extinct but 
renowned people. The sugcestion pleased the cfimmissioners, the name was adopted, 
and they thus proved that the name of their new city (if the.v were fit representatives of 
their constituents) would belter illustrate the character of the modern than the an- 
cient in habitants of the country." 

•.Judge Oaton's address at the laying of the corner stone of the new State House, 
Oct. 5, 1868, using .Tudge Breeso's language. The headqutirtersof the French military 
commandants were at Fort Chartres. ''the centre of life and fashion in the West." 
Monette's Val. of the Miss. Vol. 1, 164-2 Ibid. 



916 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



The location was iu the midst of the wilderness, northeast of 

the settlements. 

"Lots were sold at public auction on credit, at fabulous prices, few of which were 
paid for in full. The enterprising' and scheming' came to it, some from the old world, and 
soon the nucleus of a town was formed. Measures were inaugurated for the erection 
of a State House which culminated in a plain two-story frame building', of rude archi- 
tecture, set upon a rough stone foundation and placed in the centre of the S(iuare, the 
lower floor of which was devoted to a passa<?e and stair-way to the upper story, and a 
large, plain room, devoid of ornament, (for the accommodation of the House;) the up- 
per floor was divided into two rooms, the largest for the accommodation of the Senate 
and the smallerone for the office of Secretary of State, the Auditor and Treasurer oc- 
cupyintr detached buildings, hired for that purpose. Noceretionies were observed in 
laying the corner-stone of this unsightly structure; no music disturbed the solitude 
of the forest, then in its primeval beauty; no crowd in pageantry lent excitement to 
the scene ; no sound was heard save the rap of the mason's hammer and the sharp 
click of the trowel."* 

The archives of State were removed from Kaskaskia to Vanda- 
lia early in December, 1820, at one load in a small wagon. They 
were in the care of Sidney Breese, then clerk to the Secretary of 
State, Mr. Kane, and the route being quite difficult, the driver 
and he had to cut a road through the woods at sever.al points. 
The Auditor, Elijah C. Berry, with his family, occupied the new 
State House at the time, but soon moved out into a cabin. The 
day on which the session of the legislature opened in Yandalia, 
was most beautiful. "The sun shone in cloudless splendor and the 
temperature of the air was autumnal ; all was excitement and all 
seemed pleased." This structure was destroyed by fire about 2 
o'clock iu the night December 9, 1823. So rajudly did the flames 
spread that not a single article of furniture was saved. The U. 
S. Laud Eeceiver's office was kept in one of its rooms, and the 
books, papers and everj' article pertaining to the office was con- 
sumed. The cause of the fire was not ascertained. The house 
had been occupied the day preceding for the sale of non-resident 
lands for State taxes. A subscription paper was immediately 
started by the citizens of Yandalia to rebuild it. In three days 
$3,000 was raised. " It was succeeded by a commodious brick 
building, of sufficient dimensions, built in part at the expense of 
the citizens of Vandalia. The corner-stone was laid without any 
public display ; it still stands, renovated and embellished by the 
people of Fayette county, and is now devoted to the administra- 
tion of justice and the various public offices of the county."* 

Eight years before the expiration of the 20 years' term 
for which the capital was to remain at Yandalia, the question 
of removal was already agitated in the legislature. The initiative 
came from Greene county, strongly seconded by the delegation from 
Sangamon. The house passed a bill providing for the appoint- 
ment of commissioners to permanently locate the seat of govern- 
ment; but the senate amended it by striking out all after the 
enacting clause and submitting the following places to be voted 
for by the people at the next election for the legislature : The 
geographical centre of the State, Jacksonville, Springfield, Alton, 
Yandalia, and Peoria, the point or place receiving the highest 
number of votes to be the permanent seat of government. The 
house, at the instance of Cyrus Edwards, sought to further amend 
this by having the two places receiving the highest number of 
votes voted for again at the succeeding general election. The 

•Caton's address— Breese's words. 
*Caton s address— Breese's words. 



OGLESBY'S ADjnNISTKATlON. 917 

senate ameudinent, after some reluctauce by the house, Mas fiually 
agreed to. As the time for taking the vote approached, the places 
ambitious for this high and honorable distinction in the State be 
stirred themselves to obtain concert of action. Spirited addresses 
were iKssued to the peojile, ably setting forth the many excellen- 
cies and great adv^antages of the respective places contending. 
The election took jjlace in August, 1834. Alton received 7,511 
votes; Vandalia, 7,148; Springfield, 7,044; the geographical cen- 
tre (Illiopolis), 744; Peoria, 486; and Jacksonville, 272.- 

Alton was thus designated as the seat of government after the 
20 years at Vandalia should expire. But it requires something 
besides votes to erect capitol buildings. Ko api>ropriation was 
made or further steps taken by the legislature to second this choice 
and nothing came of it. Still the removal question would not 
down ; it continued to be canvassed by the press at the various 
points whose expectations had been raised by the election and in- 
fluenced the local elections in many parts to no inconsiderable de- 
gree. Springfield, particularly-, felt greatly encouraged by the 
vote of 1834. By the apportionment of 1835 Sangamon county 
was accorded 2 senators and 7 representatives in the legislature. 
That county, in the incredibly short space of 15 years, had become 
the most populous in the State. The tide of emigration had begun 
to set into the north part of the State with a steadily augmenting 
current, and it became apparent that the seat of government could 
not be long retained at Vandalia, so far from the centre of popu- 
lation. It was a period before we had railroads, and travel to and 
from the capital, conducted in the same primitive manner it had 
been all over the world since its earliest dawn, made distance no 
inconsiderable object. 

In the summer of 1836, the great fever of land and town lot 
speculation of that peiiod spread from Chicago, like an epidemic, 
all over the State, and the legislature at the session of 1836-7 
fully embarked in the disastrous policy of the State internal im- 
provement system. And now the opportunity for the actual re- 
moval of the capital had come. In the general rage for de^'elop- 
ing the infant resources of the State, the delegations from almost 
every county had improvement axes to grind, and to attain their 
objects hesitated not to lend their aid in grinding those of all the 
rest. What we call in modern parlance " rings," were thus 
readily formed, and every bill of importance was passed without 
inquiry, until everybody was satisfied, including that for the re- 
moval of the seat of goNcrnment. The Sangamon delegation of 9, 
known as •' the long nine," because they averaged 6 feet in hight, 
some more and some less — there being precisely 54 feet in the 
stature of them — were able, persistent and dextrous manipulators, 
acting upon all questions as a unit, and exercising thus a most 
potent influence. They gave it doubtless, a long pull, a strong 
pull, and a pull altogether. They were: Senators — A. G. Hern- 
don and Job Fletcher; Eepresentatives — Abraham Lincoln, 
Xinian W. Edwards, Dan Stone, John Dawson, W. F. Elkin, An- 
drew McOormick and Eobert L. Wilson. 

Tlie act required that the two houses meet in Eepresentatives 
Hall on the 28th of February, 1837, at 10 o'clock, A. M., and pro- 
ceed to select a suitable point or place for the pernuiuent location 
of the seat of go\ernment, after the expiration of the coustitu- 



918 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

tioual term at Vaiidaliii. The. election was to be coudueted iirncli 
after the niauiier of choosing- a U. S. Senator. During the balhjt- 
ings, 29 places were voted for, of which we will oidy giv^e the 
highest. Springfield started with 35, and on the 4th received 73, 
a majority; Vandalia started with, and continued to receive 
throughout the 4 ballotings, 10 votes ; Alton started with 15 and 
ran down to 6; the highest Jacksonville received was 15, and the 
lowest 10; Peoria came in on the 2d ballot with 8, increased to 11, 
but on the 4tli was down to 8; Illiopolis started with 3, increased 
to 10 and fell back to 3. No other place received a higher num- 
ber than 4 votes. $50,000 was appropriated for the purpose 6f 
erecting a state house, but the act vras to be null and void unless 
$50,000 more was donated by individuals secured by their bond, })ay- 
able to the treasurer by the 1st of May following, to be api)roved 
by the governor, and to become due as he should direct; and also, 
unless not less than 2 acres of ground, upon which to erect the 
State House, be donated and conveyed without expense to the 
State. The donation of $50,000 was to be exclusively ap})lied 
toward the erection of the building. The act of February 5, 1833, 
was repealed. By a supplemental act of March 3d, 1837 the 
county commissioners of Sanganjon county were authorize'd to 
convey to the State, for the use of the people, the public square at 
Springfield. Archibald Job of Morgan, and A. G. Henry and 
Thomas Houghton, of Sangamon, were appointed commissioneis 
to superintend the erection of the State House at Springiield. 
They gave bonds in $10,000, and received a per diem couii>ensLi- 
tion of $3 each. The legislature first met at Springfield (in ex- 
traordinary session), December 9, 1839; but as the new capitol 
was not then completed, the house was accommodated in the 2d 
Presbyterian church, the senate in the 1st Methodist (an old frame 
structure) and the supreme court in the Episcopal.* 

As early as during the war of 1812, the troops and rangers, in 
their various expeditions against the hostile Indians on the Peoria 
Lake, noted the country of the Sangamon as one of surpassing- 
attraction. The Indians well ai)preciated this fertile region, for 
in the Potawatamie tongue the word Sangamo meant "the coun- 
try where there is plenty to eat," in our phrase " the land flowing 
with milk and honey." It was not, however, until some years 
after the close of that war that the hardy pioneer pressed into it. 
Then, with little delay, along the borders of the timber, the log- 
cabin of the adventurous settler begau to rear its humble walls, 
and the smoke from its ample chimney went curling heavenward. 
The " St. Gamo Kedentry," as it was pronounced in the vernacu- 
lar, so:;n became famous, and emigration set freely in that direc- 
tion. In the autumn of 1819, a weary emigrant family, originally 
from North Carolina, with its teams, encamped on the right bank 
of Spring Creek, in the west part of the i)resent city of Spring- 
field. This was the end of their journey. Soon the camp Ibvs 
were lighted, and parents and children gathered about the homely 

* Spi-ingfleld afterwards paid off ouc-tbird of her 5550,000 bonus withthe evidences of 
State indebtedness, which after the failure of the internal improvement system, at oi.e 
time, as wo have seen, touched 14 cents on the dollar in market But this transactioii, 
which has been occasionally animadverted, was perfectly lej^itimate. The last install- 
ment of $16,666 67 was obtained from the State Bank on one year's time, at 6 per cent , 
101 of the best citizens exccutins- their promissory note to the bank ; and it was this 
note that v/as afterwards paid olT with internal improvement scrip, which the State 
has ultimately redeemed dollar for dollar. 



OGLESBTS' ADINISTRATION. 919 



su})per-board for the first time on the spot of their home in the 
wilderness. In the morning- the echoing ring of the ax resounded 
in the adjacent forest, and in a few days a rough cabin home shel- 
tered John Kelly and family, the first white settlers of the site 
since become the capital of this great State. The connty of San- 
gamon was organized in 1S21. On the 10th of April, the same 
year, the temporary county seat was fixed at Kelly's, the stake for 
a court house being set at the northwest corner of the present 2d 
and Jefferson streets, and in honor Spring Creek and Kelly's field, 
was christened Springfield. On May Ist, a term of court was 
held at Kelly's cabin. In 1823 the public lands having been pre- 
viously surveyed, were offered for sale by government. A town 
had been laid off and plotted under the name of Calhoun, but as 
settlers came in, the name of Calhoun was gradually dropped and 
that of Springfield revived. In the name of Springfield for the 
capital of this State, there is nothing suggestive of meaning or of 
origin— nothing to perpetuate any aboriginal race, deed, or histori- 
cal name. Besides it is so common that in using it the name of 
the State has ever to be added to give it definiteness. When you 
spea!-: of Kaskaskia,Vanda]ia, Peoria, LaSalle, Chicago, or lUiopo- 
lis — the last best of all — your reference is clear, without adding 
Illinois. iS^ot so when you mention Springfield, for there are 
jjlaces of that name in many States.* 

Springfield, at the time of the location of the seat of govern- 
ment, contained some 1,100 inhabitants. The corner stone of the 
Capitol was laid July Itli, 1837. The brilliant orator, E. 1). Baker, 
then a resident of the place, ])ronounced a beautiful and thrilling 
address on the occasion. The estimated cost of the structure was 
$130,000, but this, as usual, in such cases, proved too low by 
nearly 100 percent. 

When the Capitol was first reared it was the wonder of the 
country round. It was admired by the people as a model of arch- 
itectural beauty, and supposed to be ample enough to answer 
the purposes of the State for all time. But such has been the 
march of Illinois to empire that in less than a quarter of a cen- 
tury the public demand became rife for a new structure commen- 
surate with our growth, our pride and pretensions. Our popula- 
tion in that time has been more than quadrupled, being, in 1840, 
470,183, and in 1805,2,141,510. If, under the restrictions of the 
constitutions of 1848 in the number of our legislators, we did not 
actually lack for room to accommodate the two houses, our pride 
as a State was touched whenever we cast a glance at the squat 

* The present eapitiil gave early promise of rare capacity for legislative finesse. 
The county seat of Sangamon was permanently located at Springfield in 1825. Prior 
to that an election for the legislature turned upon the question of location. One of 
the candidates, W. S. Hamilton, favored Sangamo Town, a beautiful elevated bluff oa 
the river, T miles northwest from the city, a most charming town site. .Jonathan H. 
Puu-li was the Springfield candidate. Hamilton, son of the great Alexander Hamilton 
of Uovolutionary fame, was elected, and the aspirations of Springfield seemed crushed. 
But unwilling to yield, she raised a fund and sent her defeated candidate, a man of 
considf^rable ability, to Vandalia as a lobby member. His tact and skill in the manage- 
ment of h'-norablu members made him more than a match for his competitor on the 
fiooi-. HaniilLon failed of having an act passed, fixing the county seat at Sangamo 
Town; Pugh did succeed in having special connnissioners appointed to make tlie loca- 
tion. These came to Springfield to examine the sites. Conveyance was prepared to 
take them over to Sangamo Town. On the way they passed over somuch low and wet 
ground, and through so many sloughs and mud holes, partieularl.y as they approached 
the proposed site, that their minds were made up. Thej' decided in disausl that it 
would never do to fix a county seat at a point so surrounded by swamps. Whether the 
route was chosen by accident or design does not appear, but it has been shrewdly sus- 
pected that so much good luck for Spriagfleld wasnot wholly accidental.— Taken from 
a volume of the Springfield City Ordinances. 



920 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

and unshapely pile representing the Capitol of the fourth State 
of the Union, Public edifices in all ages and countries have been 
t^pes, or marked the greatness and dignity of the rulers or peo- 
pie who have reared them. This seems to be a law of man's civi- 
lization. 

In 1865 Senator Lindsey introduced a bill into the legislature to 
remove the seat of government to Peoria. This was the first renewal 
of the agitation. Chicago, Jacksonville and Decatur, (the latter 
probably dreaming of benefits because one of her burghers 
occui)ied the gubernatorial chair), were also clamorous for the 
capitol. The Chicago Tribune, in an elaborate leader, favored 
removal, and so did many other paj^ers. Springfield was much 
faulted for its inferior hotel accommodations and their exorbi- 
tant charges. The senate special committee, to which the ques- 
tion had been referred, reported in favor of removal to Peoria, 
and no little alarm was experienced in Springfield. Later the 
Chicago bill was laid upon the table in the house by 61 to 16, and 
the star of capital removal, erst so refulgent, waxed dim, and 
gradually dipped its bright disk below the horizon. But it was 
apparent that the question must be again confroiited with the 
dawn of another legislature. The building of a new State House 
could not be much longer delayed. 

Intimations from various parts of the State began to be early 
thrown out that powerful intiuences would be brought to bear in 
favor of removal at the next session of the legislature. To the 
various objections brought against Springfield as the capital, 
that city, keenly appreciating the consequences which might en- 
sue to her prosperity, did away with the chief one, the want of 
hotel accommodations, by building the Lelaud, than which, except 
perhaps in size, there is not a more elegant and commodious hotel 
in all its appointments, in all the State. Slie further resolved to 
take the threatening question by the forelock, and in November, 
1866 one of her most capable public-si)irited citizens, the Hon. 
J. C. Conkling, was elected to the lower house of the legislature. 
All the tact and address of her i>rominent citizens were besides 
brought into requisition. The county board agreed to take the 
old State House and square for a court house at $200,000; the 
city council offered to furnish the Mather lot, some six or eight 
acres, which cost $62,000, and cause it to be conveyed free to the 
State as a site for the new capitol — which was to be so elegant 
and ornate in architecture, so grand and ample in its i)roportions, 
as to control by its cost and magnificence the seat of government 
question for a long time. Upon the assembling of the legislature, 
the honorable members became the objects of nuich polite atten- 
tion. The ladies, with all the agreeable arts of the sex, lent the 
charm of their presence in attendance upon the sittings of the 
two houses. Invitations to pleasant social gatherings, to parties 
and receptions at elegant private mansions, were frequent. The 
Lelaud, just finished with the commencement of the session, was 
opened with a grand ball and supper, to which the members and 
high dignitaries from various parts of the State present in the 
city, with their ladies, received free tickets of invitation. And 
now, with the assemblj* in a proi)er frame of mind, the bill pro- 
viding for the erection of a new State House at Springfield, was 



oglesby's administration. 921 

iiitiodaced. It appropriated $450,000, as a commencement, $200,- 
000 of which were to be tlie proceeds of the sale of the old State 
House to the county of Sangamon, its use being reserved until 
the new one should be completed.* 

The bill Avas not free from opposition in the legislature ; 
but from many other local measures pending, such was the high 
expectation of benefits in various parts of the State, that, Avhile 
each section looked to its own interest, little was done toward 
forming combinations for the defeat of this. One of the very ear- 
liest to be introduced was the location of the Industrial Univer- 
sity. It was the general understanding of the people that the 
legislature at that session would take steps to secure the congres- 
sional grant for that school. A number of places were bidding 
high for its location. Jacksonville, Pekin, Lincoln, Bloomingtou ; 
and Chicago wanted to divide the fund ; but in the eastern por- 
tion of the State the Champaign interest was all-absorbing and 
dominated everything else. The south was moving for the South- 
ern penitentiary, while Chicago was engrossed with her park bills 
and the canal extension and enlargement, in which Peoria and 
the Eock River country were also deeply interested. The imme- 
diate opposition to the State House bill was therefore in the main 
narrowed down to the efforts of Decatur, which ]>resented the 
very munificent offer for its location of a fine 10-acre lot of 
ground, and $1,000,000 in money from Macon county, whose entire 
taxable wealth on realty amounted to only $2,422,000. The proposi- 
tion was said to be backed by the Illniois Central K.R. Much indig- 
nation was vented upon this effort to huckster or hawk the loca- 
tion of theseatof government. Thenames of seven commissioners to 
superintend the erection of the building and disburse the funds 
ai)propriated, were also so judiciously chosen and distributed as 
to impart to the measure much strength.f Besides, it was urged 
that the present capital had become historic ground ; that it was 
illustrated by the life and residence of the best, the purest, and 
the noblest of American statesmen, Abraham Lincoln, and sacti- 
fied by his grave.l 

The bill became a law February 25, 1867. This was the senate 
bill of Mr, Cohr's ; it limited the total cost of the new capitol 
to $3,000,000. 

The commissioners, in March, advertised for plans and specifi- 
cations to be submitted by July 15, offering $3,000 for the success- 
ful design. But, while the act for the new State House met gen- 
erally with approval, some leading Chicago newspapers,* chagrined 
probably over the canal legislation, continued their assaults ui)Oii 
the measure, bitterly charging it to he a fraud and swindle upon 
the people. The. aspiring city of Decatur, too, illy brooked her 
disappointment in not becoming the Capital. And now, May 13, 
18G7, at her instigation and cost, a writ of quotcarranfo — an in- 
quiry into the right or power to act — was granted against Philip 
Wadsworthand the other commissioners, impleaded by Judge Wil- 
soTi of the Superior Court of Chicago, and judgment of ouster en- 
tered. The legal objection urged, was that the commissioners 

'For a copv of Voris' humorous bill to dislocate the Capitol, see the Til. State 
Register, Feb. 23, 1807. It provided tor a peri;?Tinating leg'islatiire by railroad, to Stop at 
every pliice vrhcre a notice appeared that legislation was wanted. 

tSee Bailey's speech. 

ijrHurlbut's speech. 

ilTimes and Tribune. 



1J22 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

Avere officers, whose appointment under the constitution should 
have been made by the governor and confirmed by the senate, 
and who could not be designated in the bill as had been done. 
Oil appeal to the Supreme Court, that body, at the September 
term tollo^Ying, reversed the decision of Judge Wilson, holding 
that the Commissioners were not officers, and therefore rightfully 
entitled to carry out the law. 

From the great number of designs submitted by architects from 
various parts of the Union, that of J. 0. Cochrane, of Chicago, 
was chosen and adopted. Its style does not exclusively follow any 
one of the ancient or classic orders of architecture, but harmo- 
niously blends these with modern art, imparting massiveness, 
strength and durability, while preserving external grace and airy- 
ness. The ground plan is in the form of a great cross or 4 wings, 
whose grand outlines are 359 feet north and south by 266 east and 
west, exclusive of the porticos. The basement story, excavated 
to the depth of 10 feet, will contain the boilers for the heating- 
apparatus and the elevators, storage room for fuel, and other 
weighty articles. Next above is the first stor^', 19 feet high, on 
which are located the adjutant-general's office and museum, the 
geological museum of specimens, and artists' rooms, &c. The floor 
is to be laid in mosaic marble, imbedded in cement, the whole sup- 
ported by brick arches. That part of the ceiling constituting the 
floor of the rotunda, is to be of glass. Next above is the princi- 
pal story, 22 feet in bight. The grand corridors, running the 
wliole length and breadth of the building, crossing each other at 
right angles on the glass floor of the rotunda, will be beautifully 
finished with variegated marble pilasters projecting from the walls, 
forming panels, aiul opening from them on this floor are located 
all the rooms of the different State departments, including the Su- 
preme Court-room and Clerk's office, and the state geologist's 
office. "S^'ith the Treasurer's office are connected 4 massive stone 
fire proof vaults. The floors are supported by wrought iron beams 
imported from Belgium. The next, or 2d principal story, is 45 
feet in altitude. Here is the great hall of the house of repre- 
sentatives, in the southern arm of the cross, 66 by 100 feet, and 
the senate chamber, 62 by 75, in the northern wing. Here too, on 
the main floor, are rooms for the speaker, clerks, sergeants-at- 
arms, post-office, State library, &c., &c. On three sides of each 
of the grand legislative halls, half way up, are to be magnificent 
galleries, from which will extend back floors, divided up into com- 
mittee rooms. The means of communication between the differ- 
ent stories are by grand marble stairway's and two steam eleva- 
tors. The roofs over each wing are to be of the mansard style, 
slated on the sides and covered with copper. Through the centre 
of these will rise the stately dome 320 feet from the ground, sur- 
mounted by a lantern 16 by 25 feet, crowned with ball and pinna- 
cle. An iron stairway will ascend inside the dome to the floor of 
the lantern. The rotunda is to be 76 feet in diameter, and from 
its glass floor to the fresco painting on its ceiling, will present a 
clear, dizzy view of 217 feet. The north, south, and east wings 
are to have porticos of ten stone columns, each 45 feet in eleva- 
tion. The east wing is to be the principal front, and here, from 
each corner of the i)ortico, 90 feet wide, Avill rise a turret 13L* feet 
in altitude. The north i^ortico will be surmounted by a statute of 



oglesby's administration. 923 

Lincoln, aiultliaton the south by cue of Douglas. The outside 
■walls of the structure are of cut stoue, taking" 750,000 cubic feet, 
and tlieir linings, together with the partitions, will take 20 inillions 
of biick; 1,200 tons of -wrought iron and 1,800 tons of cast iron 
-sviil l)e consumed in its buiUling. Such is but an imperfect out- 
line of the new capitol, which, in its massiveness, durability, sym- 
metry, beauty and grandeur, will symbolize the extent, the re- 
sources, the power and pride of our young giant State. 

Owing to the litigation, the year 1SG7 was little fruitful of re- 
sults in building. The next year the foundation, 8 feet thick, was 
■well brought under -^vay, and the <'orner stone laid, October oth. 
In 18G'J the legislature approi»riated $050,000, to be expended oulv 
after ascertaining that tlie work could be brought "witli in the origi- 
nal maximum limitation of $3,000,000, and reduced the number of 
commissioners from 7 to 3. Tlie stone work was to be procured 
from the penitentiary at Joliet. The constitutional convention, 
intiuenced by the constant cry of a portion of our State press, 
forbade the legislature expending more than $3,500,000 on the 
groun<ls, construction and furnishing of the new State house, with- 
out tirst submitting the question to the voters of the State. 

In 1871 a further appropriation of $000,000 was asked. Bills 
for this purpose were early introduced, and that in the senate 
readily passed. But in the house opjiosition was developed. The 
canal and Illinois river improvement project was again on foot. 
Tlie Chicago press, perhaps with a view to making it a lever for 
the river imi)rovement measure, attacked the State house appro- 
priation bill with exceeding virulence. Startling developments 
in regard to the building contracts, the character of the work, &c., 
were threatened. The removal of the capital was advocated. 
Peoria caiJie forward with a proposition to reind)urse the State to 
the lull amount ($805,303 08) already expended on the new struc- 
ture, donate a beautiful ten acre lot as a site, and furnish free of 
rciir, tor 5 years, accommodations for the meetings of the general 
as.sembly,- in consideration of the location of the capital there. 
An offer so muuiticent was well calculated to arrest attention. 
This, with her other indebtedness, would have x>laced Peoria 
under obligations to about half of all her taxable Avealth. To 
a\ oid the constitutional objection which forbids the creation of a 
dcli)t exceeding 5 percent, on assessed values, her ])rivate citizens 
of undoubted cliaracter and am])le means tendered their bond for 
the amount. The capital removal question now ran up to fever 
heat all over the State. A large committee from Peoria, duly em- 
powered, visited Springtield, and for a time creature comforts 
lacked in neither style nor abundance. The two houses accepted 
an invitation of a free excursion to Peoria. The occasion proved 
one of unusual enjoyment to the mend)ers, who were treated with 
distinguished consideration. Upon arrival thei'e (,'arriages were 
l)ro\ided and the visitors taken to view the site for the ca})itol on 
the bluff, than which there is not a more charming and command- 
ing spot in all the State. A steamboat trip past the city and a 
few miles up the lovely lake was next in order^ followed by a ban- 
quet at the hotel, and a grand ball at night. On their return the 
ujembers were accompanied l»y a large lobby force. 

These movements were of a character and magnitude to fairly 
alarm the capital city. Its council hastened to pass an ordinance, 
tendering a guaranty of additional ground for the capitol. The 



924 HISTORY OF LLLINOIS. 

gallery of the bouse aud the lobby were daily thronged by her 
anxious citizens, deeply intent on its proceedings. To remove the 
capital it was necessary fii'st to defeat the aijpropriation bill. This 
was the test. The bouse was a large, unwieldy body of 177 mem- 
bers, and its rules were such that by dilatory motions — parliamen- 
tary " fillibustering" — time could easily be consumed so as on no 
day to reach the order of business in which the bill stood on the 
calendar. All manner of parliamentary tactics were practiced to 
kill time and tire out the bouse. Quantities of weary memorials 
on the capital question found their way in and were diligently' in- 
sisted upon to be read at length, and when this was refused 
speeches were made on the right of petition. Thus the time of 
adjournment for the recess, AprU 17th, was reached without action 
on the bill, notwithstanding a majority of the house were for it. 

The feeling of depression at Springfield was very great. Gov. 
Palmer next convened the legislature on the 24th of May, and re- 
quired, iamong many other important measures omitted, action on 
the State bouse appropriation. Bills for this puri)ose were again 
introduced and pressed duly forward under the rules. The pre- 
vious scenes were re-enaeted by the opposition ; but the calendar 
was not so full. And now the move was to tack on a submission 
clause. The Peoria lobby, reinforced from other parts of the State, 
was again on hand. Day by day the beauty and fashion of 
Springfield thronged the galleries of the bouse like a bright gal- 
axy, as they were, and patiently set out the weary hours with the 
punctuality of members, eagerly and anxiously watching the dili- 
tory movements below. Gradually but slowly the measure was 
pressed along in its order Finally, when every parliamentary re- 
sistance was under the rules exhausted, a vote was reached at 10 
o'clock at night, June 7th, and the bill passed by 100 yeas to 74 
nays. Peoria's ajiple of hope was turned to ashes. The senate 
the next day substituted the bouse bill and passed it. It provided 
for a bond of the citizens in the penal sum of $500,000, condi- 
tioned that the obligors procure such additional ground as the 
State might require, not exceeding 4 acres, to be demanded within 
two years after the building is ready for use. Thus ended the 
last eftbrt to remove the capital. The agitation of the question 
bad a most depressing eftect upon the building business aud the 
price of real estate at Springfield for a full year or more. 

The Penitentiary — A Resume of its History. — In June 1867, Gov- 
ernor Oglesby convened the Legislature in extraordinary session, 
inviting action upon ten subjects, chief of which was to provide 
for the taxation of the shares of banks, State and National. The 
assembly, however, acted ui^on but five. But before the session 
was two days gone another occasion arose to again convene that 
body, which was done for the 14th inst. This was the abandon- 
ment of the penitentiary by the lessees, w^hich threw upon the 
bands of the State 1,058 convicts to be immediately provided for, 
fed, clothed and put to work. 

To go back 40 years, the first step taken toward the estab- 
lishment of a i^eniteiitiary in this State was at the legislative 
session in 1826-27. The need of a State's prison had been greatly 
felt for some time. The jails of the country v/ere very iiifciior, 
and the breaking of them by the more energetic and desperate 



oglesby's administration. 925 

offenders was of frequent occurrence. The State was poor and 
oppressed by the broken currency of the First State Bank. There 
was, however, at the time a project on hand for the legishiture to 
memorialize congress to allow the State to sell 30,000 acres of the 
Ohio and 10,000 acres of the Vermillion Saline lands. The Saline 
reserves, which had been granted to the State in 1818 on condi- 
tion that they be never sold, had become useless for the manufac- 
ture of salt, but they retarded the settlement of the country. 
Congress readily made the concession, the laiuls were sold, and 
the proceeds, according to previous arrangements, were divided 
between the eastern and western sections of the State — the former 
applying its share toward the improvement of the Great Wabash, 
the draining of Purgatory Swamp opposite Vincennes, and of the 
Cache river Hats ; the latter devoting its share toward the building 
of a iieniteutiary. Governor Edwards opposed the measure, and 
great efforts were made to further divide the fund for the benefit 
of local river improvements, but all failed. 

Ex-Gov. Bond, Dr. Gersham Jane and W. P. M'Kee were ap- 
pointed the first penitentiary commissioners. They selected the 
site at Alton, for which ten acres of ground were donated. Be- 
sides the proceeds of the Saline land sales, the legislature, in 1831, 
api)ropriated $10,000 toward the completion of the penitentiary. 
The first building, which was a neat stone structure, contained 24 
cells, and was ready for occupation in 1833. The system of State 
prison confinement in Illinois has ever been (except in the case 
of some special sentences) what is known as the congregated iu 
contiadistinction of the dreadful solitary plan, in vogue in Penn- 
sylvania and elsewhere. 

The criminal code had been adapted the preceding legislative 
session to the penitentiary system by abolishing the barbarons pun- 
ishment of whipping, the stocks and pillory, and substituting con- 
finement and hard labor. A close observer of the effects of this 
change (Gov. Ford) states that the increase of crime for 15 years 
following greatly exceeded the relative increase of the population 
in Illinois. 

For the first 5 years the State conducted the prison herself. A 
warden was biennially elected by the legislature, who received a 
salary of $600, and 3 inspectors were also elected, whose powers 
and duties were much the same as those of our present i)eniten- 
tiary commissioners. They received $2 a day each for the time 
actually employed, not to exceed $100 each annually, however. 
Whether candidates for this position were numerous or not we are 
unable to say. 

Under the law of 1837 the inspectors were authorized, in their 
discretion, to farm out the convicts and give a bonus of $800 
annually besides. Accordingly, on the 10th of June, 1838, the 
penitentiary, then containing 38 convicts, passed from the control 
of the State into the hands of a lessee, Mr. S. A. Buckmaster. 
Thence forward the lease system was continued for 29 years — from 
1838 to 1867. In 1812 it was leased to Isaac Greathouse and JST. 
Buckmaster, but without a bonus from or expense to the State. 
In 1815 it was re-leased to S. A. Buckmaster for a term of 8 years, 
the bonus— $5,000 annually— -now coming to the State; besides 
which he agreed to feed, bed and guard the prisoners, pay physi- 



926 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

ciaiis' bills, fees of the inspectors, and save the State L armless from 
all expense. The lease was subsequently extended 5 years on the 
same terms. Under the lease system the lessee was vested with 
the powers of a wiirdeu. 

As the number of convicts increased additional cells were built 
from time to time, and other buildings, such as the warden's resi- 
dence, etc., for all of which the State paid. In 1847 there were DO 
cells authorized to be constructed. By 1857 the cells numbered 
250, and the convicts, averaging two to a cell, far exceeded the 
capacity of the institution. At this time the penitentiary was 
leased to S. K. Casey for 5 years, ou the same terms as tbe Buck- 
master lease of 1815. The legislature at the same session pro- 
vided for the building of a new prison with 1,000 cells, which, it 
was thought, would be ample for generations to come; but the 
limits of its capacity were reached in less than 7 years. The old 
l^risou Avas to be sold. The inspectors were discontinued, a 
superintendent provided, and 3 commissioners charged with the 
supervision of the new structure. They Avere instructed to con- 
tract with the lessee and employ the convict labor in the build- 
ing of it. The new prison was located at Joliet on a tract of 
72 19-100 acres of laud. Its construction was commenced the same 
year, temperary structures for the worknjeu being provided, lu 
May, 1859, prisoners were forwarded in batches of 40 or 50, and 
in June, 1800, the Alton penitentiary was linally abandoned. An 
area of 10 acres is at present inclosed within the main walls of tiie 
Joliet prison, which are feet thick and 25 high. The i)ri,s()n 
proper contains 900 congregate cells, 100 separate, and 100 for 
females. 

In 1863 a 6 year lease was given by the State to J. M. Pitman, 
who was to keep, provide and work the convicts, and save the 
State harmless and free of all expense. No bonus was to be paid 
either way. Three others, Boyer, Buck and Buckmaster, each a 
one-fourth interest, bought in under Pitman. Owing to disagree- 
ment between them, Buckmaster, in April, 1864, bought out all 
his partners and received an assignment of the lease to himself, 
Pitman surrendering his charge as warden to Gov. Yates. Buck- 
master took in a number of partners, the two Mitchells, Acres, Job 
and Judd, he retaining a one-third interest. 

At this time, 400 cells were completed, but 500 in the west Aving 
still remained unlinished. The commissioners, under the pressure 
for room (the nmiiber of i)risoners being A-ery great and steadily ou 
the increase), authorized the new firm to finish these cells, Avhich, 
together with repairs and other changes, made a claim against 
the State by January, 1807, considerably exceeding $100,000. 

It now became apparent that State appropriations beyond a lim- 
ited amount of a few thousand dollars could no longer be looked 
forward to, and the firm having found purchasers, on the 28th of 
January, 1867, in consideration of $200,000, transferred the slock, 
fixtures and lease to Messrs. Burns and Hatch. The latter ad- 
mitted to the partnershii) three others— -Bane, Osburn and Dus- 
tin— and sanguine in their new vocation, the firm obtained from 
the legislature an extension, or rather a ncAv lease for 8 years from 
and after the expiration of their assigned lease in 1869, upon the 
same terms. They Avere thus the less'ees till 1877. 



oglesby's adbonistration. 927 



Up to this time, owing to tlie State's expenditures for work done, 
which was well paid fur, as puldic corporations always pay, the 
leasing of the convict labor had proved more or less protitable to 
the lessees, notwithstanding the high prices of i)rovisions and 
clothing, and the constantly augmenting number of convi(ds dar- 
ing the war and immediately after, many of whom were physically 
disabled. But now, with the speedy completion of the building, 
State appropriations must cease, and the lessees were thrown upon 
their own business enterprise for manufacturing contracts and 
outside jobs. These things had been for a long time of secondary 
consideration. The penitentiary work had consequently suffered 
in character and it could illy comj^ete in price with other like man- 
ufactured articles. 

The new lessees in a short time apprehended the situation, but 
instead of attempting to improve the management of the concern, 
the discipline of its inmates and character of the work like busi- 
ness men of energy and pluck, they were appalled by the prospect. 
They saw nothing but utter ruin before them, as they alleged, 
and threw upon the State their threatening losses. They notitied 
the governor they should abandon the institution on tlie oOtli day 
of June, 18G7. It is ever thus in contracts between States and 
individuals ; the former are bouiul, but the latter will find methods 
to either secure profits to themselves, or if loss threatens, to cast 
it upon the State. 

In this emergency the governor, as we stated in the outset, (!on- 
vened the legislature to take action in the premises, either by again 
leasing the peiutentiary, or to provide for the State taki]ig control 
of it. The policy of State control had been mooted before upon 
humanitarian grounds. It was ugred as the duty of the State to 
retain custody and control of its convicts, provide them employ- 
ment, look after their welfare, and seek to reform them ; and that 
the hiring of them out for private gain was unchristian and in 
conllict with public morals. The governor advocated an 
abandonment of the lease system, believing that the pen- 
itentiary could be made self-sustaining. A committee was 
appointed to make a thorough investigation of the conduct and 
workings of the prison during the recess, which the leigislatnre 
took until the 2oth of June, ensuing. At this time it was deter- 
mined that the State retain control of the penitentiary. Three 
commissioners were provided for (to be then appointed but made 
elective at the next regular election), a warden, chaplain, physi- 
cian, matron, &c., and thus, on the 1st day July, 18G7, the i)eni- 
tentiar}' passed again into the control of the State, the tirst time 
for 29 years. At this time 900 cells and the warden's reiiidence 
Avere comi)leted ; $175,000 had been expended thereon, the orig- 
inal estimate of the entire cost being but $5oO,000. It is how- 
ever, a superb structure, complete in all its appointments and 
fully equal to any in the United States. The convicts numbered 
1,000. It proved a grievous burden to the State at tirst. Large 
sums of money were demanded and obtained. Everything was to 
buy almost — machinery, sto(;k and tools. The sum of $300,000 was 
appropriated. In 18G9, $350,000 more were ai)propriated to de- 
' fray its expenses, $50,000 going to pay the late lessees for stock, 
machinery &c. In 1871 $175,000 more were required to pay de- 
ficits. 



928 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

The choice of commissioners by the people, rendering them in- 
dependent of executive supervision, did not tend to promote that 
harmony and unity of action among them requisite to the attain- 
ment of success. In the spring of 1869, they were found to dif- 
fer widely upon imi^ortaut points in the management of the es- 
tablishment, and in 1871 tlie legislature thoroughly revised the 
law for the government of the penitentiary. The appointment 
of commissioners was vested in the governor after the expiration 
of the terms of the then incumbents, and they were to be subject to 
removal by him at his discretion. It was also made the executive's 
duty to semi-annually visit the penitentiary and examine its af- 
fairs thoroughly. The commissioners were empowered to hire out 
the labor of the convicts on sealed bids, a special or semi lease 
system which seems to be the secret of its present success. Since 
then its management has steadily improved, the discipline is of 
the highest order, and under the last year of Gov. Palmer's ad- 
ministration the penitentiary has become self-sustaining and in 
future will probably yield a surplus. 



Chapter LXVII. 

1869-1873— ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR PALMER. 

Bepublican and Democratic State Conventions — Life and Character 
of Governor Palmer — Legislation^ the Tax Grabbing Laiv, LaJte 
Front Bill, Land Companies, etc. — The Constitution of 1870 — 
The Great Chicago Fire. 



When, iu 18G7, Geu. Palmer failed to obtain tlie Republican 
caucus nomination for U. S. senator, the feeling in his party be- 
came very general to reward him for his eminent services with the 
governorship, and he was thence tacitly looked forward to as the 
liei)ublican candidate for that office in 1868. But the object of 
this high distinction was far from seeking it. In March, 1865, he 
wrote that the invalid condition of one of his children would com- 
pel his absence from the State duriug the ensuing campaign, and as 
he would consequently be unable to do his full share of labor in 
tlie canvass it was not proper that he should become the head of 
the ticket. Aspirants enough now sprang up for the exalted posi- 
tion, but they had no desire to embarrass Gen. Palmer. The Hon. 
R. G. Ingersoll, under date of Chicago, April 3d, asked him to 
state exidicitly whether he was a candidate or Avould accept the 
nomination. He answered by telegraph, "I am not, and do not in- 
tend to be a candidate for governor." But his objections, it was 
thought by some of the Republican press, might be overcome, and 
the Carlinville Free Democrat, his former home organ, thought 
that ''for some time past it had observed strenuous efforts made in 
certain quarters to compel Gen. Palmer to announce a priori that 
he would not serve the Republican party if nominated for gover- 
nor j" that the party had not asked him to take the position ; that 
while he was not thrusting himself forward, it spoke with assur- 
ance, he would not decline the nomination if tendered him by the 
Peoria convention. To this the Illinois State Journal replied : 
" We are requested to state that this is not the position which 
Gen. Palmer occupies." Still it was thought he was iu tlie hands 
of his friends ; that if the nomination was pressed upon him he 
would regard the voice of the convention as a summons to duty 
which nuist be obeyed.* 

The Republican State convention of 1868 met at Peoria, May 
6th. Franklin Corwin presided. An informal ballot to select a 
candidate for governor resulted: For John M. Palmer, 263 votes ; 
Robert G. Ingersoll, 117; S. W. Moulton, 82; J. K. Dubois, 12. 

• Chicago Post. 

59 



930 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

The friends of Aiisou S. Miller refused to submit liis name against 
Gen. Palmer. After a spirited debate with reference to Palmer's 
candidature, Gen. Rowett from Macoupin telegraphed to him : "It 
is asserted that you will be nominated for governor. Will you 
accept f He replied promi)tly, " Do not permit me to be nomi- 
nated. I cannot accept." Whereupon he was immediately nomi- 
nated ; the first formal ballot being, for Palmer, 317; Ingersoll, 
118; Moulton, 52; Dubois, 17. Pz-evious to this, however, a let- 
ter from him to Horace White had been read, stating that if nomi- 
nated he would be governed by the duty of the hour. But for 
Gen. Palmer's repeated objections, he would undoubtedly have 
been selected by acclamation. He more than came within the 
Jeffersonian rule, neither to seek nor refuse office. 

The remainder of the ticket was made up, either on the first bal- 
lot, or by acclamation, of John Dougherty of Uiuon, for lieuten- 
ant-governor ; Edward Eummel of Peoria, secretary of state; 
Charles E. Lippincott of Cass, auditor ; B. N. Bates of Marion, 
treasurer; Washington Bushnell of LaSalle, attornej'-geueral ; 
and for penitentiary commissioners, after some delay and discus- 
sion, the old board, Andrew Shuman of Cook, Kobert E. Logan, 
of W^hiteside, and John Reid of Will, were re-nominated. Gen. 
John A. Logan was nominated for congress from the State at 
large. 

The platform reannounced the Republican doctrine; condemned 
the i)olic3' of President Johnson ; denounced all forms of repudia- 
tion, and affirmed that the indebtedness of the United States 
should be paid according to the letter and spirit of the law under 
which it was contracted; that the principal of the debt should be 
a heritage of the future ; instructed in favor of U. S. Grant as 
the Republican nominee for president and the natural successor 
of Abraham Lincoln ; and oddly enough declared in favor of " the 
most efficient means to raise the moral standard of the people." 

The Democratic State Convention met at Springfield, April 15, 
1868. Hon. A. L. Thornton, of Shelby, presided. The i)roceed- 
ings were not harmonious. The disturbing question was that of 
paying the national debt in " greenbacks," as proposed by Mr. 
Pendleton of Ohio. The committee on resolutions brought in 
majority and minority reports, the former, (which Avas adopted), 
made by eight, favoring payment of the 5-L*0 bonds, the vast bulk 
of the national debt, in legal tender notes, but where the faith of 
the government was pledged to pay gold, to so fulfill the obliga- 
tion ; favored the abolition of the national bank system ; and in- 
structed the delegates to the national convention to vote as a unit 
for the nomination of George H. Pendleton as a candidate for 
president. The minority report, made by five members, insisted 
upon paying the 5-20 bonds in "the lawful money of the country," 
gold; and opposed trammeling our delegates to the national con- 
vention by instruction in favor of Pendleton. For a candidate for 
governor, the names of S. A. Buckmaster and John R. Eden were 
presented. On the first ballot, when it was found that Eden was 
largely in the lead, the name of Buckmaster was withdrawn and 
Eden was nominated by acclamation. The remainder of 
the ticket was made up of William Van Epps of Lee for lieuten- 
ant-governor; Gustavus Van Hoorbecke of Clinton, secretary 



PALIVIER'S ADMINISTRATION. 931 



of state; Jesse J. Pliillips of Montgomery, treasurer; Johu R. 
Shaiuion of Kaiulolph, auditor; W. W. O'Brien, of Peoria, con- 
gressmau at large; and for penitentiary commissioners, John 
W. (Jonnett of Cook, W. W. Garrord of Edgar, Calnev Zarlev 
of Will. 

Tbe canvass of 1868 Avas unattended by interesting events, and 
the election in November resulted in favor of the Republicans by 
large majorities, that for governor being 41,707. 

John McAuley Palmer was born on Eagle Creek, Scott county, 
Kentucky, September 13th, 1817. During his infancy his fatlier, 
who had been a soldier in tlie war of 1812, removed" to Christian 
county in Western Kentucky, wliere lands were cheap. Here the 
future governor of Illinois spent liis childliood and received such 
meagre schooling as the new and sjKirscly settled country aflbrded, 
to which he added materially by diligent reading, for' which he 
evinced an early aptitude. The father, an ardent Jackson man, 
was also noted for his anti-slavery sentiments, which he thoroughly 
im])ressed upon his children. In 1831 he emigrated to Illinois and 
settled in Madison county. Here the labor of improving a farm 
was pursued for about two years, when the death of the mother 
broke up the family. About this time Alton College was opened 
on the " manual labor system," and in the spring of 1831 young 
Palmer with his elder brother, Elihu, afterward a minister of the 
gospel and noted for his learning and eccentricities, entered this 
school and remained 18 months, ^^ext, for over three years, he 
tried variously coopering, peddling and school teaching. 

During the summer of 1838 he formed the acquaintance of 
Douglas, then making his first canvass for congress, who, young, 
eloquent and in political accord, won his confidence, fired his am- 
bition, and hxed his purpose. The following winter, while teach- 
ing near Canton, he began to devote his spare time to a desultory 
reading of law, ami in spring entered a law oflice at Carlinville, 
nmking his home at his brother Elihu's, stationed at that place in 
the ministry. On the next nu'cting of the Supreme Court he was 
admitted to the bar, Douglas, who took a lively interest in 
him. being one of his examiners. He was not immediately 
successful in his profession, and would have located elsewhere 
than Carlinville, but for the want of means. Thus his early 
poverty was a blessing in disguise, for to it he now attributes the 
success of his life. From 1839 on, while he diligently pursued the 
practice of his })rofession, he was more or less involved in local 
l)olitics. In 1843 he became probate judge; in 1847 he was 
ele<;ted to the (;onstitutional <'on\eiition, where he took a leading 
l)arr. In 1852 he was elected to the State Senate, and at the 
s[)ecial session of February, 1854, tine to the anti-sla\'ery senti- 
ments bred in him, took a firm stand in opposition to the repeal 
of the Missouri com{)romise on two sets of resolutions then 
before the legislature; and when the ISTebraska question was made 
a i)arty issue he refused to receive a renomination for senator at 
tlie hands of the Democracy, issuing a circular to this effect. Still, 
as if hesitating to break with his party, a few weeks later he i)ar- 
ticipated in the congressional con\('ntion which nominated T. L. 
Harris against Richard Yates, and which ai)i)roved unqualitiedly 
the principles of the Kansas-Nebraska act. hut later in the cam- 



932 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

paigii he made the plunge, and running for the senate as an anti- 
Nebraska democrat, was elected. The following winter he put in 
nomination for the United States Senate Mr. Trumbull, and was 
one of the five steadfast men who voted for him until all the whigs 
came to their support. In 1856 he was made chairman of the 
Republican State Convention at Bloomington. In 1859 he was 
defeated for congress. In 1860 he was a republican elector for the 
State at hirge. In 1861 he was appointed one of the five delegates 
(all republicans) sent by Illinois to the peace congress at Wash- 
ington. In that body he advocated the call of a national conven- 
tion for an adjustment of the country's difficulties, and that 
proposition failing, he favored the measures of compromise finally 
recommended.* 

When the civil conflict broke out, he oflered his services to his 
country and was elected colonel of the 14th regiment. Of the 
engagements in which he participated may be mentioned the cap- 
ture of Island No. IO5 Farmington, where he skillfully extricated 
his command from a dangerous position ; Stone Eiver, where his 
division for several hours, on the 31st of December, held the 
advance and stood like a rock, and for his gallantry here he was 
made Major General of volunteers ; Chicamauga, where his and 
Van Cleve's divisions, for two hours, maintained their position, 
■when, by overpowering numbers, they were cut off. Under Sher- 
man ]\Iajor General Palmer was assigned to the command of the 
14th army corps, and participated in the Atlanta campaign. At 
Peach Tree Creek his prudence did much to avert disaster. When 
Gen. McPherson fell, and Gen. Howard, a junior ollicer, was pro- 
moted to the command of the army of the Tennessee, both Generals 
Hooker and Palmer asked to be relieved. 

In February, 1865, Gen. Palmer was assigned to the military 
administration of Kentucky. This was a delicate post. Ken- 
tucky was about half rebel and half union, the latter daily 
fretted by the loss of their slaves. He, who had been bred 
to the rules of the common law, he has said, trembled at the con- 
templation of his extraordinary power over the i)ersons and pro- 
perty of his fellowmen, with which he was vested in the capacity 
of military Governor. But it is not our province to detail his 
administration in Kentucky. Suffice it, notwithstanding the many 
objections urged against him, it is now conceded that he blended 
a conspicuous respect for municipal law consistent with his func- 
tions as a militarj^ commander. 

The business of Gov. Palmer's life has been the pursuit of the 
law. Few excel him in an accurate appreciation of the depth and 
scope of its ]ninciples. The great number of his able veto mes- 
sages abundantly testify not only this but also a rare capacity to 
point them out. He is a logical and cogent reasoner, and an inter- 
esting, forcible and convincing, though not fluent nor ornate, 
speaker. Without brilliancy, his dealings are rather with facts 
and ideas, which he marshals in solid phalanx and leads to invin- 
cible conclusions. And while he ever betrays the hedgings of legal 
rules, he is a statesman of a very high order. Physically, he is 
above the medium hight, of robust frame, ruddy complexion and 
sanguine-nervous temperament. Nature has endowed him with a 

' Taken from "Annals of the Army of the Cumberland," a volume of biographical 
tketchos. 



palmer's administration. 933 



large cranial developmeut. He is social in disposition, easy of 
approach, unostentatious in bis Labits of life, correct in deport- 
ment, democratic in bis manners, and as a man of tlie people, be 
bas a large sympathy for his chiss. He has been indifferent to the 
acquisition of wealth. 

On the meeting of the legislature, in January, 1869, the first 
thing to arrest public attention was that portion of Gov. Palmer's 
inaugural message which took broad State's rights ground. In 
discussing the rights of railroads, their oppressive chaiges, and 
the remedies, he called attention to the proposition in some quar- 
ters to enlist the national government in the creation of rail- 
road corporations to construct railways in this and other 
States and operate them, Avhich be deprecated : "Already the au- 
thority of the State is in a measure paralyzed by a growing con- 
viction that all their powers are in some sense derivative and sub- 
ordinate, and not original and independent ;" he asserted that " one 
of the best established and most distinctly recognized [principles 
which underlie our system of government, was] that the federal 
government is one of enumerated powers ;" that it was " the clear 
duty of the national government to decline the exercise of all 
doubtful powers when tbe neglect to do so Avould bring it into 
fields of legislation already occupied by tbe States;" and that "a 
frequent recurrence to the fundamental i>rinciples of government 
[was] essential to civil liberty." 

Such old democratic doctrine was distasteful to many re})ubli- 
cans, who, with a portion of their press, took ground in opi)osi- 
tion to it. The democrats, on tbe other band, M'ere heartily 
pleased with it, and it was moved by them in tbe house that 35,- 
{)()() copies of the message be printed, which i)assed with consid- 
erable reluctance. In the senate the republicans moved to cut 
down this number to 2,000, and here also the democrats became 
the champions of the republican governor in a debate whit^h fol- 
lowed, characterized by no little acrimony. Indeed, the cordiality 
in the dominant partj , between the legislative and executive de- 
partments, was for a time threatened with interruption. Finally 
the senate concurred with the house, only to reconsider its vote; 
after the lapse of near two weeks, and the intliction of many 
speeches, tbe resolution was agreed to. 

The session of 18(59, the last under the flexible constitution of 
1848. a revision of which had then been authorized by the people, 
was moved upon by the monopolists, the k)bl)yists and the "rings" 
with a thirst for advantages and spoils, unprecedented in the his- 
tory of legislati(»n in this State. Their action was characterized 
by an audacity, a prodigality, and an abandon never before ex- 
hibited. Their remarkable success in 18G7 had but whetted the 
appetites of the cormorants. Notwithstanding Gov. Palmei',in his 
message, characterized special legislation as anti-republican and 
dangerous to the lil)erties of the people, saying: "i\Iany of the 
most important functions of government are now claimed and ex- 
ercised by incorporations by si)ecial laws ; they take i)rivate i)i()p- 
ertv and irai)Ose and collect taxes; they consn-uct railroads and 
canals, and, in many instances, by tbe exercise of their vast pow- 
ers, control the course of trade, and distract the business of the 
whole country" — notwithstandingthis warning, bills to thenumber 
of 2,178 were introduced, covering every conceivable object for 



934 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 



corporate purposes, uearlj^ all of which sought some advantage 
over the general laws of the State or the people. The then lead- 
ing organ of the dominant party was constrained to .say that '' no 
previous legislative body has exhibited such unblushing disregard 
of all the requirements ot common decency as the legislature now 
in session," — that it was " reckless beyond precedent."* 

But it was early found there was anincumbentof the executive 
office with both the will and industry to look intotheirlittleschemes 
before they became laws, and with the courage and capacity to 
exx)ose their many machinations. Perhaps this exercised some 
restraining influence. In obedience to his determination to care- 
fully overhaul every bill before signing it, and to give him time to 
do so, the legislature took a recess from March 8th to Aprill 7th. 
Of the 2,478 bills introduced nearly 1,700 were passed, an im- 
mense mass of dry legal verbiage, but none escaped his patient 
scrutiny — a labor and investigation never before bestowed uj)on 
the acts of a legislature. He sifted from the mass a large number 
which he deemed inimical to the constitution, or to public policy, 
and at great pains reduced his objections to writing, in terms re- 
spectful and indicating the ripe jurist and forcible reasoner. But 
his vetoes in nearly every important instance were overridden by 
a determined bodj-, unwilling to brook what they were pleased to 
characterze an arrogance of both legislative and judicial functions 
by the executive. The veto under the constitutiou of 1848 was of 
little value further than as a short stay of proceedings to induce 
the legislature to pause and reflect upon their action. Its free 
use by the executive was not without an interpretation as being 
only a gTeater exhibition of insubordination to partisan require- 
ments, after his first avowal of State's rights doctrines. With a short 
session of three days, the veto messages were disposed of; and 
after voting each member |40 in addition to the $300 previously 
A oted to each for room rent, fuel and contingencies, over and above 
his ]:)erdiem, in utter violation of the constitution, the general as- 
sembly of 18G9, on the 20th of April, adjourned sine die. 

Among the acts of general interest passed at this session, was 
one limiting railroad charges for passenger travel to a maximum 
rate of 3 cents per mile. The governor fulminated his veto against 
it, liolding that when a charter is once accepted by those to whom 
it is made, it '^in all essential circumstances, takes upon itself the 
qualities of a contract, and at that instant passes from legislative 
and becomes subject to judicial control. Such a contract upon 
well settled principles of constitutional law, cannot be impaired." 
It was passed over the veto, but has been a dead letter ever since. 
If law grows out of the necessities of a people, then it is high time 
that our courts overruled the Dartmouth College case, or revolu- 
tion will do it for them. 

AVhatis known as the "tax grabbing law" to pay railroad sub- 
scriptions, passed at this session, is such a reprehensible specimen 
of legislation as to well merit consideration. It provided tliat all 
counties, townships, cities or towns having contracted bonded 
debts in aid of the construction of railroads through any of them, 
were entitled to register such bonds with the State Auditor, where- 
upon it became the duty of the treasurer to set apart to their 

*ChicafeO Tribune. 



palmer's administration. 935 

credits, to be applied toward tke payment of their railroad in- 
debtedness, aiinnally, for 10 years, (1) all tli<3 taxes for any purpose 
whatsoever, ari.sing from the property of a railroad so aided and 
situate within such municipality }. (2) so much of the State tax as 
miyht be collected upon an increased assessment on all the i)rop- 
erty of any such municii)ality oxer and above the year 1868, ex- 
cepting in both cases the li mill and State school taxes. It was a 
question whether this was an appropriation of public money, which 
the Supreme Court had decided to ii)e within the province of the 
legislature under the power to appropriate money, or whether it 
was violative of the principle of equality of taxation recognized 
by the constitution. The governor took the latter view, and in a 
very able message vetoed the bill; but it was passed over his veto. 
The act is very ingeniously drawn with reference to these two 
views and by its terms, really only diverts the taxes paid upon 
the proi>ert3' concerned, the same as other property, however the 
proceeds may return to the corporation or nninicipality. The late 
S. K. Casey, senator from Jefterson, championed it, but it is said 
to have been framed by a Mr. Cassells. It was designed for the 
benefit of Southern Illinois, which had fallen behind in the race 
of railroad developement, and met with violent opposition from the 
north, being denounced as wrong and unjust by every prin- 
ciple of law and honesty. It i)layed an important part in the 
combinations, rings, and manouveriug generally, during that re- 
markable session, and became a law. The bonds registered under 
the act anu^unt to about $13,000,000, and the tax annually di- 
verted by it amounts to over $(30,000, which will probably be 
largely increased under the revenue act of 1873. This was not the 
first and only time that a portion of the State tax has been di- 
verted for the benefit of the localities which yield it. In 1867 a 
law of that kind was passed for the benefit of Mound City, and at 
this session another to relieve Alexander county for her support 
of negro paupers. 

LalxC Front Bill. — Chicago, like a modern Briareus, besides many 
private measures, now grasped for four parks; parks the north, 
south, west and east of her; the three first named to be connected 
by a grand boulevard or avenue, 400 feet wide. These 3 parks 
were to embraee hundreds of acres of land, much of which would 
have to be acquired by process of condemnation, ami which, un- 
less duly guarded by just and proper legislation, was liable to be 
converted into a business whereby to dis})ose of unsaleable lands 
at high i)rices, and to acquire the i)oor man's lot without due com- 
pensation, by setting oft" benefits against damages. 

But of these park measures wliat was known as the Lake Front 
bill was by far the most important. To raise a park fund it was 
pro[)osed to confer upon the city council of Chicago power to 
sell all the right, title, and interest of the State to a strip of canal 
laud, 310 feet wide, lying east of Michigan avenue, and extending" 
from Bark Bow north to Monroe street, containing 32 acres, land 
and water; to confirm the Illinois Central railroad in its rii)arian 
ownership to, and further for the State to nndie a grant to it of 
the submerged lands constituting the bed of Lake Michigan, east 
of its railroad track, extending north and south nearly two miles 
in front of the city, and covering an area of 1,050 acres, over 



936 HISTORY OF ELLINOIS. 

wliich tlie navigable waters of the lake rolled to a depth of from 
10 to 25 feet. This, of itself was regarded as an imperial grant; 
but it was further proposed that the State transfer to the three 
railroad companies centering there, her 3 blocks of ground north 
of Monroe street and east of Michigan avenue, in consideration 
of $800,000, paj'able to the city of Chicago, for park purposes, in 
four equal installments — a ijrice so ridiculously low as to fall short 
of its actual market value by $1,800,000. And, as if anticiiiating 
objections from Chicago, which claimed title by dedication, it was 
provided that if the city council did not quit claim to the raihoad 
companies within 4 months, being prior to the maturing of the 
second installment, they should be released from further i)aynient 
and yet hold the property by fee simple title from the State for 
one-fourth the sum offered. These lands, except the bed of the 
lake, had been dedicated for public use, but while the State had 
l^arted with her beneficial proprietory title, they were still regarded 
as subject to her paramount authority and might control or dis- 
pose of them as would best promote the puri)oses of dedication.* 

The bill was passed contrary- to the wishes of a large majuriry 
of the })eople of Chicago and her representatives. The governor 
vetoed it on account of the inadequacy of price to be paid for the 
3 blocks of ground ; of there being no limitation fixed for the coiu- 
mencemetof the outside harbor improvements; of the State having 
reserved no right to limit charges for the relief of commerce, and 
because the property was not to be subject to taxation, lint it 
was promptly repassed over the veto. It was one of the measures 
in the charmed circle of legislation, ordained to become a law.t 
Steps under the law, however, have been arrested by injunction, 
issuHig from the U. S. Circuit Court at Chicago. 

Of the Hood of local and private acts pernicious in principle aiul 
contrary to i)ublic policy, we can only cite a t'aw from the many 
that iiicurred the governor's veto. A number of localities — 
Bloomington, Joliet, Canton, Bond county, &c. — sought franchises 
to enable them to employ the taxing power of the State to raise 
money to be expended for mere private speculative or fanciful 
objects, such as to induce railroad comi)anies to locate their ma- 
chine shops and erect depots; to start private manufacturing 
establishments; build hotels, &c., all supposed to be of general 
value to the place securing them, and toward which those most 
deeply interested sought to coni])ell all the helpless, voiceless and 
reluctant, to contribute alike of their [)roperty. 

Then there were acts for the incor})oration of land coini>anies 
(already numerous), whose sole aim was to create huge land mono})- 
olies, escape the embarrassments attaching to personal ownership; 
the casualities incident to trade and business ; distribution after 
death ; and keep out of market for a long term of years, with the 
speculative intent of enhancing its value, i)roperty needed for 
homes for the people, which in the hands of private parties would 
be improved and rendered more valuable to the State.| A nota- 
ble instan(;e was the "Illinois Land Coini)any," which owned some 
1,200 acres in East St. Louis, sought to be controlled as above, for 

♦ Gov. Palmer's Message. 

+ There is a not a very secret scandalous history connected with the passage of this 
measure which we do not care to revive here. 
$ Gov. Palmer's Message. 



palmer's administration. 937 

a period of 25 years. But the most presiiinptuons of these cor- 
porations, niider a title at the same time the most seductive, not 
excepting that of the " Illinois Benevolent Loan Company" for 
a pawn -broker's establishment, was that of the " Southern Emi- 
grant Aid Society," a title, as the governor said, which " suggests 
ideas of weary strangers, feeble and poor, on the one hand, and of 
benevolent men on the other, ministering to their wants, feeding 
the hungry and clothing the naked;" but which really established 
oflices in about 30 counties of this State, (the prin(;iple one at 
Cairo), to speculate in lands that emigrants would be likely to 
need, and receive their money and other valuables on depost, buy 
and sell exchange, and by means of a captivating title, win their 
confidence. * Not one provision of this act contemplated the aid 
or relief which its title imported. 

An important event of this session was the ratification of the 
15th amendment to the constitution of the United States, giving 
suflrage to the blacks. 

Our Neiv Constitution. — The year of grace, 1870, will be distin- 
guished in the annals of Illinois for the peaceful revolution of her 
organic law. It is a grand feature in the governments composing 
this Great Eepublic that they frequently undergo most radical 
and important transformations without tumult or outbreak from 
the populace, showing that their will is the source of power. The 
constitution of 1818 had tor years been systematically violated in 
its plain and positive provisions by nearly every department of 
State. The last executive under it, himself records that " The 
history of American States presented no example of a government 
more defective than that of Illinois." Officers received or took 
compensation for their services under authority of laws known to 
be inconsistent with the constitution ; and what was designed by 
its framers to be a most economical government, became, in fact, 
extravagantly expensive. The clear limitation upon the powers 
of the general assembly was overborne, and legislation was 
often hasty, imprudent and depraved until the people felt 
that their public and private rights were' unsafe ; that the oflicers 
charged by the constitution with the enactment, the interpreta- 
tion, and the enforcement of the laws were alike unworthy of their 
full confidence, t The notorious evasions of the plain requirements 
of the constitution, and tlie i)ernicious practices thus indulged, 
tended to sap the integrity of the public service generally, while it 
uuist have also contributed to lessen the respect if it did not beget 
the contempt of the peoi)le for all law. A popular reverence for 
law is the most essential guaranty for the stability of the State, the 
peace and good order of society, and the protection to life, liberty 
and property of of the citizen. 

It was therefore high time to erect new limitations upon the 
jiowers of the several departments, instead of those persistently 
disregarded, and viewed as obsolete. Upon the question being 
submitted to a vote of the people, at the election of November, 
1S()8, the revision of the old constitution was by them ordered. 
The succeeding legislature authorized the election of delegates, 



* Gov. Palmer's Veto Message. 
+ Palmer's Message, 18T1. 



938 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

(apportioned to the districts and corresponding in number to tlie 
representatives in tbe lower house of the general assembly.) who 
were to meet at Springfield, December 13, 18C9, to alter, revise, 
or amend the constitution. Of the 85 members returned, 44 were 
set down as republican in politics, and 41 as democratic. But 15 
■were elected on independent tickets, all in republican districts, of 
whom 8 were democrats and 7 republicans. Thus neitner party 
had a majority in the convention, and the "independents" held 
the balance of i^ower, of which they made the most. Its members 
were composed of learned jurists, experienced statesmen, and pro- 
found thinkers, whose work, prepared with much care, has been 
very generally pronounced the best and wisest in its limitations 
and restrictions that the union affords. Whether time will approve 
this high encomiun] remains to be seen. We can allude to only a 
few of the prominent features wherein it difters from the old, and 
"Which are regarded as salutory reforms. 

The change from the fee system to that of fixed salaries, fair 
and ample in their amounts, will tend more perhaps to eradicate 
the vice of evading the law and elevating the standard of 
the public service than anything else. The salary system, 
in the option of county boards, may also be extended to county 
oflficers, and if settlements with these are properly enforced, 
will both save and increase materially the revenue.— Special 
legislation has been very greatly circumscribed, and iiTevocable, 
private franchises and immunities are prohibited. This does 
away with a most fruitful source of corrui>tion in that de])artnient 
of government. It breaks, in a measure, legislative rings and 
destroys the business of the professional lobbyist, and the result is 
the halls and corridors of the capitol and hotels are thronged no 
more by this shrewd, genial and elegantly attired class, ever on 
the alert and ready with a hint to this member and a whisper to 
that, and an adroit suggestion to another. — While the number of 
members of the general assembly lias been about double, the steps 
to be pursued in the euactment of laws are retarded and hedged 
by wise provisions ; the former practices of reading bills by their 
titles only, and their j)assage by the bundle, known as the omnibus 
system, are prevented ; and while the per diem compensation of 
members is allowed to be raised, being now |5, the reprehensible 
practices of entering into speculative contracts or "commutations" 
with State ofificials or others, for stationary, fuel, etc., voted to 
themselves, which at the last session under the old constitution 
a\eraged $500 for each member, and aggregated $54,000, besides 
their pay of $2 a day, and charges for committee rooms, often 
neither occupied nor perhaps rented, are all efiectnally squelched, 
and instead members are allowed but $50 each. — To the go^•ernor, 
who lieretofore as part of the law-making power, was a mere ad- 
visory agent and for want of power destitute of influence, has 
been given a qualified veto for the first time in the history of the 
State, with good results so far as exercised. Prior to this a bare 
majority of the legislative dejiartment of government was practi- 
cally the supreme power in the State. — One of the grossest wrongs 
to individuals heretofore was the taking of private property 
by municipal and other corporations for public use, as it was 
called, without compensation, by setting oil' fancied benefits, no 
matter how general to the vicinity, against the damages of the 



palmer's administration. 939 

owner. This cannot now be done, Neither can a majority (often 
representing- little or no property) of any municipality, now vote 
to lend its credit or impose a debt upon the property of the min- 
ority for th(! benetit of some corporation or improvement. — The 
general assembly is prohibited from discharging- any county, city 
or town from its proportionate share of taxes, the commutation of 
such taxes, or the diverting of them from the treasury, as timkr the 
railroad tax-grabbing law of 1869. — The revenue aiticle of the old 
constitution has been rendered more eftlcient, and with late legis- 
lation will bear more evenly upon the property of the State. — The 
two-mile tax was abolished, — Minority representation in the legis- 
lature, by means of cumulative voting, is a new but promising 
feature in the organic act, adopte<l for the first time by any State 
in the union. — Our judiciary system has been rendered uniform, 
and greatl}' modified, whether for good requires to be ascertained. 
To county courts, as supplemented by a late law, have been given 
exteu<led civil jurisdiction, and they are authorized to try minor 
criminal cases with a view of sa^"ing to counties large expenditures 
for boarding prisoners while awaiting the terms of the circuit 
courts. — But the provision which seeks to control the railroads of 
the State, prohibiting parallel or competing lines from consolida- 
tion, and which declares all railroads public highways, requiring 
the general assend»ly to establish reasonable maximum rates of 
charges, and to prevent unjust dircriminations and extortions, is 
one which, if sustained by the courts, promises to be one of the 
most important in its beneficial results to the people, as it is one 
]U)w eliciting the greatest i)ublic interest. The question whether 
a power has grown up in the State greater than the State itself is 
now in process of solution. 

The Great Chieago Fire. — Chicago was first laid off in 1830, at 
the mouth of the river of that name. Prior to that the point was 
kuowu as Fort Dearborn, built by the government in 1804. By 
an unprecedented growth and prosperity, Chicago had by 1871 
attained to a city of 300,000 souls. As the radiating centre of 
nun-e than a dozen trunk lines of railroads, reaching far into the 
interior, with their iniuimerable branches and connections, she is 
enabled to grasp with Briarian hands, as it were, the products of 
a vast and fertile region ; possessed of an extended lake, canal, 
and river commerce, and a large manufacturing interest, and ani- 
mated by enterprising and sagacious capitalists, eneigetic mer- 
chants and pushing business men generally, she was truly, not 
only the chief city of Illinois, but the emporium of the great 
northwest — the pride of her State and the wonder of the civilized 
Avorld. While slie had miles upon miles of structures of the most 
combustible nature, being wood, her large business centre was 
built up of brick, stone and iron blocks, massive in size and of 
rare architectural beauty ; her palatial residences, profusely scat- 
tered through many parts of the city, but particidarly toward the 
lake front, were the admiration of every visitor, besides hernumy 
well built, superb, and costly church edifices and various elegant 
public institutions, all these were solid, non -combustible struc- 
tures, regarded as tire proof. But in the great contlagration, 
which, like death, knew no distinction, the stately block and most 
onuite column, as well as the lowliest wooden shanty of the poor, 
fouiul a common leveler. 



940 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

It was on the iiigbt of October Stli and 9tli, 1871, that the ocean 
of tlame burst upon the doomed city. For eighteen consecutive 
hours, borne by a inarched and stroug southwesterly gale, the Fire 
Fiend, gathering strength and volume as he marched, strode 
through the fated city. The fire broke out in a poor quarter 1^ 
miles southwest from the business centre, which uas closely built 
up of inferior structures that kindled like tinder and blazed like 
a bon fire. The flame, fanned by the gale, was so intense that the 
fire department was powerless before it. At midnight, having 
devoured 500 buildings, and burnt over an area of 175 acres, 
reaching the southern limits of the burnt district of the fire of the 
night proceeding, which was of no incousiderable magnitude ordi- 
narily, and Avhich it was expected would arrest it, the licking 
column, casting a shower of kindling brands far in advance, easily 
leaped the south branch of the river, lighting where several blocks 
of wooden rookeries, the abodes of squalor and vice, aflbrded it 
vivifying food. Sending off flanking columns to the right and 
left, it pursued a due northeast course before the driving wind to- 
ward the court house, the lai'ge stone, brick and iron structures in 
its way, commonly called fire-proof, many of them among Chica- 
go's handsomest blocks, crumbling and melting down by its su- 
X)er-heated breath as completely, if not so speedily, as those of 
wood. All hope of staying its progress was now abandoned, and 
the eftbrts suspended. The court house, from whose basement, 
(the common jail) 150 prisoners were released to save their lives, 
was built of large blocks of stone, and though standing isolated 
in the middle of a square, succumbed, its great bell falling from 
the dome with a last dying peal. At this time, as if instinct with 
a deadly strategy, the fire disabled the pumping engines a mile 
in advance at the waterworks, which cut ofl' the supply of water. 
Buildings now would suddenly ignite all over, and the danger to 
human life became exceedingly great. 

The left flanking column of flame, gathering volume as it pro- 
ceeded, swept all that part of the city in the angle made by the 
south branch and the main river. The right also gathering head- 
way as it went, took a detour almost due east from the south 
branch toward the lake and northward, nmking a wide swath and 
rioting in the destruction of the most superb hotels, splendid bus- 
iness blocks, and elegant dwellings in the city. Here, in the south 
di\ision, the fairest and most ornate portion of Chicago, and the 
great centre of her wealth and commerce, 460 acres were swei)t over 
by the terrible flames and 3,050 buildings laid in ashes. But aside 
fronj the great value and beauty of this portion of the city, less 
than one-third in territory, or the number of houses, was as yet 
swei)t over, or cunsumed. The three colums of flame, toward noon 
on the 9th, (Monday) intensified by their union, now vaulted across 
the river, and, marching in solid i)halanx at double-quick, licked 
up everything in the way; the ocean of flame with a terrible 
crackling roar as it advanced, in a few hours burnt over an area 
of 1,470 acres of the 2,533 in the north division, leaving only 500 
buildings standing out of the 13,800 which it contained, and ren- 
dering homeless 75,000 people. 

As a spectacle the conflagration was at the same time the sub- 
limest and most api);dling — terrifying to the weak and unnerv- 
ing the strong. The roaring flame and crackling wood, the crash 



palmer's administration. 941 

of falling buildings, the detonations of explosive material in 
tlieni, and the maddened Babel of hnman voices, all intermingled, 
were awful and terrific in the last degree. 

The scenes in the streets of the burning city beggar description. 
All the baser attributes of the human heart found manifestation. 
Fear, precipitancy, profanity, insults, obscenity, rapacity, tlieft, 
robbery, arson and assassination, all wrought to the highest pitch, 
witli intoxication, and amid the noise, confusion and turmoil, found 
A^ent and ran riot. Great crowds, fascinated by a mingled feeling 
of horror and admiration at the grandeur of the terrible spectacle, 
moved with the dazzling columns of fire as it proceeded. Now and 
then the crash of a wall near at hand, the report of explosive oils, 
or the rumor that thej' were surrounded by the fire, or that a 
bridge was burnt to cut off their retreat would scatter them in 
precipitate ilight, panic stricken. In many cases, people were 
driven into the lake for refuge against the scorching flames. Capi- 
talists, rushing to their vaults to save their valuables, were over- 
powered by the suftbcating heat, and never seen again ; others, 
loaded with treasure, were stricken down by assassins and robbed. 
The speed of the conflagration and its great heat were such that 
it was impossible to save much property. Besides, owners of ve- 
hicles, taking advantage of the occasion, charged enormous prices 
for taking loads; $10 to $50 was common and $1,000 is recorded. 
Stores were opened and the crowds invited to help themselves to 
goods, as they must all go at any rate, while others were entered 
by hordes of plunderers unasked ; and goods piled up in the streets 
to be carted away, were seized and freely borne off. The torch of 
the incendiary, for purposes of plundering, was added to the gen- 
eral conflagration. Saloons were thrown open, and under a free 
invitation, their contents flowed unchecked, maddening the vicious 
and stimulating to ruttianism. Amid.st the turmoil of the crack- 
ling and roaring fire, falling walls, dazed animals dashing about, 
streets gorged by passing vehicles and crowds of peoi)le, and the 
shouting and uproar of men, families became separated, children 
cried for parents, wives and mothers wailed and became distracted 
and husbands and fathers, skurrying hither and thither in vain 
searchings for the lost ones, were frantic with agony and despair. 
It was a night of unspeakable horrors. Many incidents of tenants 
occupying rooms in the upper stories of high busiuess blocks wrapt 
in flames, suddenly appearing at their windows begging for assis- 
tance from the frantic crowd below and some of whom found succor 
and others that perished, are related with thrilling effect in the 
papers of the time. 

The loss of human life, which can never be accurately ascertained, 
lias been estimated at 250. During the first two weeks following, the 
remains of 107 persons, consisting often of but fragments, or so 
charred that few could be identified, were collected by the coroner 
and inten-ed. It is sui)])osed that the intensity of the heat in 
many cases wholly consumed the bodies, leaving no vestige be- 
hind. The whole area burnt over, including streets, Avas 2.124 
acres; number of buildings destroyed, 17,500; sidewalks burnt, 
121 miles; total Arabic of property swallowed up by the devouring 
element, $195,000,000, on which there was an insurance of some 
$45,000,000, leaving a net loss $150,000,000— these figures being 
approximate.* ^ 

• See History of Chicago and the Great Conflagration. 



942 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

About 98,500 people were bereft, not only of homes, business, 
and iHoperty, but even shelter. These collected at points on the 
beach of the lake, in the ohl cemetery south of Lincoln Park, but 
mostly on the bleak prairie back of the city. Many were blinded 
from smoke and blistered with heat. Not less than one hundred 
women were thrown into premature parturion from fright and the 
excitement caused by the terrible scene. All, the sick and help- 
less, the young and old, the vile and vicious, the beggar and mil- 
lionaire, were here promiscuously huddled together. Without suf- 
Hcient clothing in the chill October rain, which set in during the 
night of Monday; destitute of food since Sunday, and all more or 
less, exhausted from hunger, the sufferings of the smitten ones 
was exceedingly great. 

And now Avas manifested on the part of the people of this broad 
land and the civilized portions of Europe, whither the shock had 
thrilled, a noble sympathy and i)ractical benevolence, attesting 
the brotherhood of man. First the peoi)le for hundreds of miles 
in every direction, in prompt response to the click of the telegraph 
(and but for this modern handmaid to the business of the world, 
many must have perished), sent in hundreds of car loads of cooked 
food and provisions of all kinds and raiment of every description, 
in quantities more than sufiicient to relieve the wants of the suf- 
ferers. Bureaus, to systematically distribute the donations, were 
organized. Next, and almost simultaneously, followed most liberal 
contributions of money in large sums by nearly all our great and 
many small cities and some from Europe, aggregating some 
$7,000,000. Governor Palmer, deeming it a proper occasion, con- 
vened the general assembly in extraordinary session on the 4th 
day after the lire, and that body donated virtually to the stricken 
city, $2,955,340 from the treasury of the State — tinding in the 
great emergency a way to evade the strict provisions of the new 
constitution for this purpose by redeemiug the canal from the lieu 
of its deepening by Chicago, which, though a valuable improve- 
ment to that city, is dead and unyielding capital to the State ; but 
no one will blame the legislature for this benevolent act so neces- 
sary under the circumstances. Six per centum bonds, payable in 
10 years, were to be issued for that amount. Not less than one- 
fifth nor more than one-third of the proceeds were to be used in 
restoring the bridges and public buildings on the old sites, and 
the residue in payment of the bonded debt of the city, and to 
maintain its fire and police departments. 

Immediately succeding the tire, stories of incendiarism for i)ur- 
poses of plunder became rife; that theft, robberies, and arson 
were the order in the unburnt i)ortionsof the city, and that hordes 
of "roughs" fronj other large cities were on the point of invasion. 
The ignorant, desperate from their losses, were represented as 
possessed bj- a nmnia for further destruction ; others in great 
masses, together with the police, as taking the law into their own 
hands, shooting down, beating to death, or hanging to lamp-iio.sts, 
numerous alleged offenders, without close sciutiny as to their 
guilt or innocence. These stories which were utterly untrue, 
gained credence in the city at the time and a considerable panic 
prevailed. Telegiams disseminating them were sent broad cast 
over the land, and the flying fugitives from the city, whose exodus 
by the IGth, amounted to 00^000, iuipressed with these stories. 



palmer's adxMINIstration. 943 

sj>read reports of seeiug blackened corpses of robbers and incen- 
diaries liauging to gibbets. Gen. Anson Stager, a prominent cit- 
izen, telegraplied Gov. Pahner on tlie lOtli that great consterna- 
tion and anxiety existed on acconnt of tbe presence of ^'rouglis" 
and thieves, plundering in all directions, and that two incendia- 
ries were shot the mght preceding while in the act of firing build- 
ings. 

Under the apprehensions i)re vailing, the police force was largely 
increased, 1,500 being sworn in on the west side, aiul 500 on the 
south. Indeed, on Monday morning, Major Alstruf had tendered 
the services of a battalion of three militia companies to the su- 
perintendent aiul were accepted. Gov. Palmer, in answer to Gen. 
Stager's dispatch, proffered a military force to tlie city, to preserve 
property and enforce order, which, in the reply by telegra})h, was 
immediately requested by the mayor, to be sent by special train, 
and later on the same day, 1,000 nuiskets and amunition was also 
asked. Adjutant Gen. H. Dilger, at once, by telegraph, ordered to 
Chicago, the "Bloomington National Guards," "Champaign 
Cadets," "Sterling City ^Guards," Rock Fall Zouaves," "Eock 
Island Light Artillery" with four pieces; and under his immediate 
charge, the "Springfield Zouaves," "O'Mara Guards," and Capt. 
Donigan's colored company, 200 num, the latter arriving there 
early the next day, the 11th, and before evening the other militia 
companies also arrived, making a military force of 510 men, well 
armed and equiped to protect the property, maintain order, and 
enforce the laws in the city. But Gen. Dilger now found the wild 
rumors of lawlessness to have been greatly exaggerated, and the 
nuiyor, professing no knowledge of the dispatches calling for 
State troops and, at the time, confiding in the strong arm of the 
military power of the U. S., was ready to issue his proclamation 
entrusting the peace of the city to Lieut. Gen. Phil. H. Sheridan, 
of the U. S. army, who was stationed there. The State authority 
being thus superceded by that of the U. S., Gen. Dilger, with a 
jjortion of his force, after some three days time, returned. Some 
of the police authorities, jealous of the military occupation thus 
assumed, protested against it for the reason thatpolicenuiin were 
acqainted with the people and possessed large discretioiuiry pow- 
ers in the arrest of parties, the prevention of breaches of the 
I)eace, ami the commission of crimes; while a soldier was the rig- 
id instrument of orders, regardless of consequences. The city, 
however, was surrendered to the military, U. S. regulars being 
ordered thither from Omaha, Forts Leavenworth and Scott, and 
from Louisville. The police were ordered to act in conjunction 
with the military, good order was maintained throughout, and, 
what was perhaps of more importance than all else, confidence 
was restored. 

At the time that the city was thus turned over to military 
rule, Gen. Sheridan directed a citizen of Chicago, Gen. Frank T. 
Sherman, to enlist and organize a regiment of infantry lor 20 
days, to serve as guards in protecting the ])roperty of the city. 
They swore allegiance to the U. S. and obedience to the oflicers ap- 
pointed over them; they were to arrest all citizens who, in their 
judgment, might be suspicious i)ersons, and fire upon, woiuid or 
kill any one refusing to obey their commands to halt, after a cer- 
tain hour in the night. In the regiment was a company of cadets 



944 HISTORY OF ILLINOIS. 

— students from tlie University of Chicago, mostly young and 
non-residents. To this regiment, asserted by high authority to 
have beeu illegally called into being, Gen. Thomas W. Gros- 
veuor, a citizen of Chicago, who had earned his title by mereto- 
rious conduct in the late war and was maimed for life, became a 
martyr. About 12 o'clock in the night of the 20th of October, 
while quietly i:)roceeding to hiis home, he was ordered by a young 
cadet to halt and give the countersign or pass-word, and, disre- 
garding the order, was deliberately shot down, expiring in a few 
hours after. 

The Governor, who it seems was not advised until about the 
ITthof the full extent of the military occupation of Chicago, which 
he deemed a violation of law, both State and uatioiuil, had in the 
meantime, written a letter to the mayor, couched in no ambiguous 
terms, vigorously' protesting against that functionary's virtual ab- 
dication of his office and turning the city over to the military 
control of the U. S. soldiery, asserting the adequacy of the State 
to furnish all needed protection to the smitten city. The mayor, 
stung by the lecturing epistle, replied that when the lives and 
property of the people, the i)eace and good order of a large city, 
were in danger, it was not the time to stop and consider ques- 
tions of policy. But the killing of Grosvenor was a circumstance 
to awaken reflection upon the anmalous posture of affairs, and 2 
days after, at the request of the mayor, the occupation was discon- 
tinued. 

His excellency, however, did not allow the matter to drop here. 
He Avrote and urged the State's Attorney of Cook county to bring 
the murderer of Grosvenor before the grand jnrj, and to advise 
that body to include in the indictments, besides the party doing 
the act, R. B. Mason, the mayor. Lieutenant General Sheridan, 
and Frank T. Sherman, colonel of the 20 day regiment, as being 
equally guilty. A sharp and not very elegant correspondence 
followed, and the matter getting into the public press, much criti- 
cism was evoked. Later General Sheridan was again appealed to 
by prominent citizens, to cause 4 companies of U. S. soldiers to be 
stationed at Chicago for the protection of the immense amount 
of stores in charge of the lielief fund and Aid Society, and upon 
his request at Washihgtou they were granted. This still further 
intensified the matter, and the governor, in a letter to President 
Grant, protested against this step, asserting the abundant ability 
of the State to protect every interest of the people dependant 
upon its internal peace and good order. The letter was referred 
to Gen. Sheridan with instructions to rescind all orders in conflict 
with the laws or constitution of this State. Protesting now against 
an officer of the army passing upon a matter so grave and impor- 
tant, Gov. Palmer brought the whole subject before the legisla- 
ture and that body, after a thorough investigation by a commit- 
tee, who brought in majority and minority reports, on the 25th of 
January, 1872, sustained the former, declaring "as unlawful, and 
an infraction of the constitution, both of this State and the tJ. S., 
the so-called military occupation of Chicago ;" but the federal au- 
thorities Avere exonerated from intent to wilfully trespass upon 
the constitutional rights of this State, or to interfere with its 
properly constituted authorities during the emergency of the 
great fire. 



H147 7h 

LBJL '06 





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